MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. I will call the House into session at this time. The agenda begins with the daily routine.
PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Inverness.
MR. CHARLES MACARTHUR: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to present a petition on behalf of the residents of Whycocomagh and surrounding area. They are requesting that traffic lights be installed at the intersection of Highway No. 105 and Route 252 which leads to Mabou. They have been requesting this for a number of years and they asked me to present this petition. It is approximately 450-odd names and I have signed the petition. I so table and I ask the Clerk if he would get me a copy.
MR. SPEAKER: The petition is tabled.
PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Hants East.
MR. ROBERT CARRUTHERS: Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of the Committee on Private and Local Bills, I am directed to report that the committee has met and considered the following bills:
Bill No. 125 - St. Mary's Municipal Holiday Act.
Bill No. 141 - Halifax Superannuation Act.
and the committee recommends these bills to the favourable consideration of the House, each without amendment.
MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that these bills be referred to the Committee of the Whole House on Bills.
TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS
STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Community Services.
HON. JAMES SMITH: Mr. Speaker, when I released the report of the ministerial committee which reviewed operations of the Dartmouth and Sydney Children's Training Centres, I advised the parents that the Department of Community Services would work to improve communications and to involve them more fully in the development of care plans for their children. Since then, we have established an implementation committee that includes five parent representatives. (Interruption)
One-half hour ago it was sent to the caucus offices of both Parties, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, while this has been received very positively, I have received representations from a number of parents who have requested the ongoing involvement of members of the review committee. Parents believe this will ensure greater consistency and continuity as we move into the implementation phase.
Mr. Speaker, I will interrupt my comments. I do have a couple of extra copies but there were copies sent to each caucus office, if the Pages would give them to both Parties.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to advise you and the honourable members of the House that the Department of Community Services is responding favourably to this request. After contacting the review committee members, Mr. Bob Matergio, a review committee member and former supervisor with responsibilities for special services with the Colchester-East Hants District School Board, has agreed to a one year contract where he will serve as a primary contact for the parents and guardians of children at the centres.
Mr. Matergio will also work with parents in developing care plans for their child's integration into the community and assist with the development of staff training programs.
Parent representatives on the implementation committee have welcomed Mr. Matergio's involvement saying he will be an important resource and help gain the confidence of parents of children at the two centres.
Mr. Matergio has had extensive involvement in the field of special education and community-based services for children and adults with mental handicaps. In addition to serving on a number of provincial task forces and committees, he has been associated with such organizations as the Atlantic Child Guidance Centre, the Colchester Community Workshop and the Association for Exceptional Children.
His knowledge and extensive experience as a special education teacher/supervisor and consultant will be particularly invaluable as we work with local school boards in addressing the educational needs of children at the centres.
Moreover, his experience as a review committee member should reassure parents of our commitment to work more closely with them in addressing the concerns outlined in the Children's Training Centre Report. I thank you, Mr. Speaker.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Opposition.
MR. TERENCE DONAHOE: Mr. Speaker, my thanks to the minister for sending over a copy. We had a glitch on our end, I guess, because I had not seen it but I understand he sent it over to our caucus office one-half hour ago or so.
I would simply say, Mr. Speaker, that I am comforted to a considerable extent when I read the statement and hear the minister's statement, because I happen to have personal knowledge of the gentleman to whom he makes reference in the report to Mr. Bob Matergio, and I have known him for many years, and when the minister says, as he has, that he is well regarded in the area of special education and community-based services for children and adults with mental handicaps, I can attest from personal work with Mr. Matergio over the years, that that is so.
Having said that though, what I, just quickly looking at the report, do not see is that there will be a reporting back to the House through the minister after the work that Mr. Matergio will undertake, will be made. I would hope that the minister would be prepared to ensure, and I have just gotten a little bit of nod from him now, which may be an indication that he would be prepared to do that, that after Mr. Matergio's work is done that it would, in fact, be tabled here or made available to us.
The most significant element, I think, Mr. Speaker, of the statement made by the minister here today is that the implementation committee includes five parent representatives. That is an element or a form of process which I know from speaking with a number of them, the parents had been most anxious to ensure would be effected. I compliment the minister, Mr. Matergio and others that the process will involve as many parents as possible.
I take it from my final comment and perhaps a question which the minister and I could perhaps pursue privately, the statement deals with the fall-out and the next stage is the implementation stage as following the review of operations at the Dartmouth and Sydney Children's Training Centres. It makes no mention of Truro and I assume that Truro is to be handled otherwise as the minister has already said, this will not in any way, shape or form impact on the closure or the changes that will be effected in Truro? (Interruption) Okay.
Well, that encourages me then because I think our caucus has received a number of contacts from people who are concerned about the circumstances in Truro and if this is, I won't call it a pilot project but if information is gleaned from this process that can be adequately used to effect placements of young people in the Truro centre, then, of course, it will have a double-barrelled important impact.
So, on balance, and forgive the disjointed nature of these remarks but in sum and substance, my compliments to the minister and I think the person chosen is an appropriate one and one who has a background that is well suited to this work. If the minister at some point, not necessarily at this moment but at some point, would make a commitment that we would hear further back after the implementation process has been underway then I think that would complete the picture and we look forward to the report of the implementation process.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Fairview.
MS. ALEXA MCDONOUGH: Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the Minister of Community Services for his ministerial statement and for making it available a few minutes in advance of delivering it in the House.
I have to say, Mr. Speaker, that any efforts the government can make to increase and enhance the meaningful participation of parents in helping to plan for the care and responsibility of their own children is always welcome. I think this is no exception.
However, Mr. Speaker, I have to say that I am disappointed that the minister has not taken the opportunity to address some of the issues, I think, of very real concern that have arisen around the report itself, the review of the Children's Training Centres in Nova Scotia, and I refer to specifically to two sets of issues, really. One is the really quite unbelievable and unprecedented attack that was contained within the review of the Children's Training Centres Report itself on the background report of the Roeher Institute.
The minister will be very aware of a November 7th letter that was directed to his deputy minister from the Executive Director of the Roeher Institute in which she outlined very major concerns about the process whereby a quite devastating critique was contained in this report of the Roeher Institute's involvement in that whole review process without there having been any consultation with the Roeher Institute personnel themselves, when the minister applauded when he appointed them to play a meaningful role in that review process.
Mr. Speaker, I want to table that letter of November 7th. I know the minister will be aware of it, but it may be that not all other members of the House and certainly not all members of the general public would be aware of how many very serious issues have not been addressed, to my knowledge, that were raised in that report.
The second is that I think the concerns of parents that have certainly been brought to my attention go far beyond just the issue of more parental involvement in the implementation process itself. Their concerns have to do with what they perceive, and I think with considerable clarity and accuracy, to be an erosion, not an enhancement and an increasing, but an erosion of many of the community-based support services that are desperately needed in the community if, in fact, the so-called normalization, the returning, the deinstitutionalization of their children to the community is going to be carried out in the manner that is necessary and with both the supports and the dignity that those families and those children deserve, they deserve nothing less.
[2:15 p.m.]
Secondly, I want to say that I have no knowledge of the individual himself that the minister has named. I think it is appropriate to recognize the incredible burden of responsibility that is carried by these families in helping to work out arrangements for children to be cared for in their own homes or in their community, is really beyond anything that most of us could fully appreciate. There is some concern and this committee itself has not fully reflected it, the review committee and I say this with no aspersions intended to be directed at the gentleman, Robert Matergio, because I know nothing of his background but there was concern that the committee in its entirety did not fully address the urgent issues of reported abuse, allegations of abuse or address the desperate need for the community-based services. I hope that Robert Matergio will listen very carefully to the critique that has been directed at the government's inadequate response to this whole matter to date. Thank you.
GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
NOTICES OF MOTION
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Opposition.
MR. TERENCE DONAHOE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the member for Antigonish and Deputy Premier while in Opposition said on May 13, 1991, ". . . the citizens of Nova Scotia believe in parliamentary democracy and . . . must have the fullest opportunity to debate the policies of the . . . ," government; and
Whereas the member for Richmond and Government House Leader said in this Legislature on May 13, 1991, members of this Legislature are being unilaterally denied the privilege to represent the concerns of Nova Scotians in the Speech from the Throne; and
Whereas the members for Antigonish and Richmond were part of the Opposition who during second reading on the bill to privatize Nova Scotia Power consumed five days of legislative time, before consuming another 30 to 40 hours on the same legislation in Committee of the Whole House on Bills;
Therefore be it resolved that the members for Antigonish and Richmond explain to Nova Scotians today their entitlement to speak from one side of their mouth while in Opposition and from the other side while in government.
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
The honourable Leader of the New Democratic Party.
MR. JOHN HOLM: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas when Liberals were in Opposition, facing a dictatorial Conservative Government imposing harsh measures without a public mandate, their stated aim was to bring that government down; and
Whereas Nova Scotians now endure a dictatorial Liberal Government which is imposing harsh measures without a public mandate; and
Whereas the same Liberals now suggest that Nova Scotians be denied even the opportunity to have the legislative Opposition dig in to obtain improvements and frustrate the worst aspects of government plans;
Therefore be it resolved that it would be an unjustifiable insult to equatorial countries for anyone to describe the present Government of Nova Scotia as having a banana republic mentality.
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Hants West.
MR. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas a group of Hants County woodlot owners are seeking to become Nova Scotia's 19th forestry cooperative; and
Whereas forestry cooperatives are important economic stimulators and job creators for counties across Nova Scotia; and
Whereas the creation of a forestry cooperative in Hants County has been put on hold until the Government of Nova Scotia learns whether the federal-provincial forestry agreement will be renewed;
Therefore be it resolved that the Premier and the Minister of Natural Resources stop repeating themselves over and over and make it abundantly clear today to the Nova Scotia forest industry, the status of discussions on a new forestry agreement between Ottawa and the provincial government.
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley.
MR. BROOKE TAYLOR: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the United States Trotting Association saluted the top Maritime harness racers during a banquet in Truro on Saturday evening; and
Whereas well-known harness racing driver Clayton MacLeod was congratulated and presented with an award by fellow driver Frankie Daniels for his five decades of involvement in the industry; and
Whereas Glace Bay native Tom MacPherson was also recognized by his peers for his devotion to the underprivileged youth of the Maritimes, which earned him a feature in the New York Times;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this Legislature commend the Maritime harness racing industry and their drivers for providing so many years of excitement and wish them every success in the future.
Mr. Speaker, I would ask for waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Halifax Atlantic.
MR. ROBERT CHISHOLM: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Liberal predictions that participation in the save-Savage commission had been utterly discouraged were proved wrong when 113 of the many hundreds of South West Nova Liberals went to Sunday's closed door meeting in Saulnierville; and
Whereas Commission Chair Bill Wade told reporters that these Liberals do not want to see the provincial government shoot itself in the foot every day; and
Whereas the government's predictable solution is to shut down any opportunity for significant opposition to its policies to be expressed in this House and to discourage freedom of information;
Therefore be it resolved that Liberal Government marksmen should consider giving their trigger fingers a rest, instead of simply trying to impose the cone of silence on the next three and one-half years.
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Kings North.
MR. GEORGE ARCHIBALD: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas 20 individuals infected with AIDS, 10 in Vancouver and 10 in Halifax, will be hoping for a miracle as they take part in the trial of a new drug developed in Kentville at Efamol Research Laboratories; and
Whereas Efamol, which is part of Scotia Pharmaceuticals, has on many occasions, from its Valley office, offered to the world examples of its innovative pharmaceutical technology; and
Whereas this most recent breakthrough, after years of work, is significant in the search to find a cure for the effects of AIDS as the Lithium GLA is able to destroy virus-infected cells without harming normal cells;
Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate the exciting news from the laboratories of Efamol and hope for favourable results in the trial use of Lithium GLA in Canada in the search to find a cure for AIDS.
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
MS. ALEXA MCDONOUGH: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas few areas of the health care system have received as much attention as mental health, including a comprehensive report completed in 1992; and
Whereas the Canadian Mental Health Association has recently concluded that it must launch a campaign in favour of the plans that are essential to deliver needed mental health services in this province; and
Whereas Friday's horrifying shooting incident at Dalhousie has presented Nova Scotians once again with the unfortunate consequences that arise when mental health services are neglected by successive governments;
Therefore be it resolved that this House urges the government to wake up and take urgent action, as recommended by the Canadian Mental Health Association, to reform the health care system so that mental health services are available and accessible to those who need them.
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
The honourable Leader of the New Democratic Party.
MR. JOHN HOLM: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Premier is today meeting Charlotte Gordon in Province House to sign the petition against drunk driving, an effort driven by the tragic killing of her daughter by a driver with a history of drunk driving; and
Whereas many provinces, including both Manitoba and British Columbia, have banned all alcohol from casino premises due to the cross-addiction problems and to avoid promoting heavy drinking at facilities to which people drive; and
Whereas in Nova Scotia, ITT Sheraton is lobbying for drinking and gambling, with plans for extensive casino bars;
Therefore be it resolved that a regulation banning alcohol from casinos would lend even further credibility to the Premier's support of Charlotte Gordon's campaign for tougher efforts against drunk driving.
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley.
MR. BROOKE TAYLOR: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Liberals from western Nova Scotia appeared before the Party's constitutional review commission in Saulnierville yesterday afternoon pushing for a review of John Savage's leadership; and
Whereas it is individual Liberal Party members who elect their Leader, in turn giving that person the right to become Premier, if so desired by Nova Scotians; and
Whereas members of the Cabinet and the government caucus are stuck in a thick blanket of fog as to who actually puts forth an individual enabling them to become Premier;
Therefore be it resolved that despite taking a united stand on circumventing the Liberal leadership, members of the Cabinet and caucus understand that it is members of the Liberal Party who gave John Savage the right to seek the Premier's job of Nova Scotia.
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Halifax Fairview.
MS. ALEXA MCDONOUGH: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Yvon Deveau of Cheticamp exemplified the survival, stamina, and success of the Acadians, providing dedicated leadership to his community, his co-workers, his students, his church, the cooperative movement, the fishing industry, his province and his country; and
Whereas Yvon Deveau devoted his life to the true economic and social development of his community and province, to enhancing the bicultural and bilingual reality of his beloved region and country and, most recently, to ensuring the survival of Cheticamp's crucial fishing and fish processing industries through cooperative, community-based models pioneered in eastern Nova Scotia and proven over time; and
Whereas the survival of coastal communities like Cheticamp, of the province we know as Nova Scotia and of Acadia depends upon the selfless contribution of hardworking visionaries like Yvon Deveau;
Therefore be it resolved that this House expresses to his wife, his four children, many friends and associates its great regret and deepest sympathy upon the sudden, tragic and untimely death of Yvon Deveau.
Qu'il soit résolu que cette Legislature exprime à sa femme, ses quatres enfants, ses nombreaux amis, et ses collègues ses profonds regrets et sincères condoléances à l'occasion de la mort prématurée, subitte et tragique, d'Yvon Deveaux.
Mr. Speaker, I would ask for waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request that notice be waived.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
Are there any further notices of motion? Is there any other business to come before the House under the heading of the daily routine?
We will now move to Orders of the Day.
ORDERS OF THE DAY
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Municipal Affairs.
HON. SANDRA JOLLY: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the House Leader, I move that you do now leave the Chair and the House resolve itself into Committee of the Whole House on Bills.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is that the House do now resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole House on Bills.
The motion is carried.
[2:29 p.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Bills with Deputy Speaker, Mr. Gerald O'Malley in the Chair.]
[9:59 p.m. CWH on Bills rose and the House reconvened. Mr. Speaker, Hon. Paul MacEwan, resumed the Chair.]
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House on Bills reports:
THE CLERK: That the committee has met and made considerable progress and begs leave to sit again.
MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. RICHARD MANN: Mr. Speaker, we will be sitting tomorrow from the hours of 12:00 noon until 8:00 p.m. The order of business following the daily routine and Question Period will be Committee of the Whole House on Bills and we will start with Bill No. 120.
I move that we adjourn until 12:00 noon tomorrow.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is that the House do now rise to meet again tomorrow afternoon at the hour of 12:00 noon.
The motion is carried.
[The House rose at 10:00 p.m.]
