MR. SPEAKER: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I would like to welcome you all to this afternoon's sitting of the House and ask if there are any introductions of guests before we commence the daily routine of business.
The daily routine.
PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Community Services.
HON. JAMES SMITH: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table a petition from the Dartmouth Taxi Driver's Petition for Zones. The undersigned Dartmouth taxi drivers and/or owners fully support the fact that amalgamation of Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford and Halifax County will ruin the prospect of achieving viability in the taxi industry. The number of taxis in Dartmouth has been limited to 200. Therefore they urgently request that current boundaries of the four municipalities be maintained as four taxi zones to improve the quality of service to the public and to achieve viability for the taxi business.
Mr. Speaker, I have signed the front page and this petition includes four pages.
MR. SPEAKER: The petition is tabled.
The honourable member for Bedford-Fall River.
MRS. FRANCENE COSMAN: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table a petition on behalf of 3,300 residents of the Town of Bedford, I have in my hand today a petition which reads, We the undersigned citizens of the Town of Bedford respectfully petition the House of Assembly of Nova Scotia not to include the Town of Bedford in any amalgamation with the Cities of Halifax and Dartmouth and the Municipality of the County of Halifax unless so requested by the citizens of the town as determined by a properly conducted plebiscite. Our reasons for this request can be viewed on the page attached to this petition.
Mr. Speaker, this is the original petition. The two particular people that I would like to mention, Lyn Isnor and Dawn MacAleer are in the gallery and put a great amount of effort into gathering the signatures over the past month. I have affixed my signature on the back of this petition.
MR. SPEAKER: The petition is tabled.
The honourable member for Halifax Atlantic.
MR. ROBERT CHISHOLM: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table a petition signed by 462, actually 463 now that I have affixed my signature. The petition is with respect to current boundaries, ". . . request that current boundaries of the four municipalities be maintained as four taxi zones to improve the quality of service to the public and to achieve viability for the taxi business.".
I therefore table this petition.
MR. SPEAKER: The petition is tabled.
PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS
STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS
GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Health.
HON. RONALD STEWART: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas May 15th has been designated Sneaker Day, which marks the beginning of this year's Summer Active Campaign; and
Whereas the event is an ideal opportunity to get together with fellow Nova Scotians to have fun and to take action towards health; and
Whereas increased activity and fitness leads to improved health and wellness;
Therefore be it resolved that we recognize Sneaker Day in the Summer Active Campaign and that all Nova Scotians lace up and enjoy an active summer in our beautiful province.
Mr. Speaker, I 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 Minister of Natural Resources.
HON. DONALD DOWNE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum is conducting its annual general meeting in Halifax this week; and
Whereas this marks the first occasion that the CIM and held its annual meeting in Atlantic Canada; and
Whereas mining, metallurgy and petroleum industry representatives from across Canada, the United States and from overseas are attending this conference; and
Whereas the mining, mineral exploration and petroleum industries make a major contribution to the economy of Nova Scotia and indeed of all Atlantic Canada;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House endorse the good work of CIM and bid a warm welcome to 2,500 delegates and visitors attending this world-class event this week in our capital city.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed that notice be waived?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried. (Applause)
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
Bill No. 20 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 21 of the Acts of 1990, the Public Prosecutions Act, and Chapter 164 of the Revised Statutes, 1989, the Fatality Inquiries Act. (Ms. Alexa McDonough)
MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that this bill be read a second time on a future day.
NOTICES OF MOTION
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Pictou West.
MR. DONALD MCINNES: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas seven Nova Scotians will soon be inducted into the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame; and
Whereas Jim MacConnell, President of Scotsburn Cooperative Services Limited of Pictou County will be honoured along with Ernest and Delia Edwards, the late Norman H. Newman, the late Donald McInnes and the late William Henry Dennis; and
Whereas the induction of Jim MacConnell into the Business Hall of Fame will double the representation of Pictou County in this esteemed honour;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend our sincere congratulations to Jim MacConnell, Ernest and Delia Edwards and to the families of Mr. Newman, Mr. McInnes and Mr. Dennis on their induction to the Business Hall of Fame and on their contributions to the economic development of Nova Scotia.
Mr. Speaker, I would ask for waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed that notice be waived?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
MR. MCINNES: Mr. Speaker, would it be in order for you to recognize the members and write the members on behalf of our resolution?
MR. SPEAKER: My office is always willing to do that for any honourable member. There is a condition attached: contact my office with the address so that we can send the letter.
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 last October, the Liberals claimed widespread public support for metro amalgamation, as evidenced by one public opinion survey; and
Whereas the most recent poll, by ForceTen, finds a majority remains opposed despite all the time and money spent by the province to boost this Liberal scheme; and
Whereas only 17.5 per cent support the Liberal's timetable and a mere 15.5 per cent believe the Liberal's claim that taxes will go down;
Therefore be it resolved that metro residents, who voted overwhelmingly against a shotgun amalgamation when they soundly defeated the Conservatives two years ago, have demonstrated voters' memories are better and more reliable than Liberal promises.
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 the 63rd Annual Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival is scheduled from Thursday, May 25th, to Sunday, May 28th; and
Whereas the theme of this year's festival is the celebration of the Annapolis Valley's Military Heritage; and
Whereas Major General Lewis MacKenzie will crown Queen Annapolisa the 63rd on Friday evening, May 26th, at Acadia University Hall;
Therefore be it resolved that members of the Legislature acknowledge the significant impact the Apple Blossom Festival has on the Valley tourism industry and wish the festival organizers their best year ever.
I would like to table this beautiful poster indicating all the festivities that are going to be taking place during the festival. Each member will be receiving a little brochure so they can plan their holiday week. Thank you.
I would ask for waiver of notice, Mr. Speaker.
MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed that notice be waived?
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 Sackville-Beaverbank.
MR. WILLIAM MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas on Saturday a Special Olympics competition was held in Sackville; and
Whereas as MLA for Sackville-Beaverbank, I participated in the official opening ceremonies for this competition; and
Whereas the St. John Vianney Council No. 1077 Knights of Columbus, through the leadership of Ernest O'Toole, was responsible for organizing this most successful event for the residents of Sackville and area who are faced with challenges in coping with daily activities;
Therefore be it resolved that this House extend its congratulations to St. John Vianney Council No. 1077 Knights of Columbus for its significant contribution to the enhancement of life for the challenged citizens of the community of Sackville and its surroundings.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice and passage without debate.
[2:15 p.m.]
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 Pictou Centre.
DR. JOHN HAMM: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas on May 13th, the voters of industrial Cape Breton elected the first Mayor and Council of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality; and
Whereas close to 80 per cent of eligible voters cast their vote in a turnout which exceeds the record of most other Nova Scotia municipal elections; and
Whereas 110 candidates put their names forward for the positions of mayor and councillors;
Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate all members of the new council and all those who stood as candidates in this first election of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Mr. Speaker, I would ask for waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed that notice be waived?
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 the Halifax Police Department is dedicated to community-based policing and the proactive approach of crime prevention, referral, public education and public consultation; and
Whereas the Community Liaison Offices and programs, such as school liaison officers, community support teams and Police Venturers and Rovers build constructive links between the HPD and the public; and
Whereas these initiatives foster close relationships between officers, volunteers and the community they serve;
Therefore be it resolved that this House offers congratulations and acknowledges the contributions of the Halifax Police Department and their Community Liaison Offices during this, National Police Week.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to 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 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 a recent columnist in a Truro-based weekly newspaper remarked that the Liberal Government would have difficulty being straight with Nova Scotians, even if they were standing on top of a warehouse of bibles; and
Whereas an editorial in this morning's Halifax Chronicle-Herald stipulated that the Minister of Transportation is only getting more desperate in his defence of diverting Highway No. 104 funds and that he should admit his mistake and then retreat and lick his wounds; and
Whereas the member for Truro-Bible Hill should be more concerned about the diversion of Highway No. 104 funds to Cape Breton, instead of worrying about the issue becoming merely a "media circus";
Therefore be it resolved that the Premier immediately suspend hearings before the Legislature's Law Amendment Committee, so the issue of tolls on Highway No. 104 can be revisited and a more sensible approach taken towards the construction of a four lane highway between Masstown and Thomson Station.
MR. SPEAKER: Well, I feel that motion is out of order because the Premier, to my knowledge at least, cannot stop the hearings of the Law Amendments Committee. That would be up to the committee itself to decide and the Chairman of that Committee is not the Premier.
The honourable member for Kings West.
MR. GEORGE MOODY: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Annapolis District School Board has once again been honoured for providing a bus service that is second to none; and
Whereas the award recently announced at the Nova Scotia Pupil Transportation Conference marked the 10th consecutive year that the award was presented to the Annapolis Board in recognition of their extremely impressive pupil transportation safety record; and
Whereas the Annapolis District School Board has developed a mode of transportation to be envied by school boards across North America;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this Legislature commend members of the Annapolis District School Board for their dedication and commitment to the safe transportation of students to and from school in Annapolis County.
Mr. Speaker, I would ask for waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed that notice be waived on that?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
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 Liberal Government campaigned fervently on the promise that in its first year it would "review" and "correct" shortcomings of the Office of the Public Prosecutor to "ensure the true independence and effectiveness of the office"; and
Whereas the government sought such a review over a year ago and received recommendations to which the Justice Minister's response was that "it appears we are dealing more with a need for a reallocation of current resources than just spending more money"; and
Whereas the current legal staff with the prosecutor's office is so frustrated at the lack of resources, reallocated or new, that two of its lawyers are leaving for private practice;
Therefore be it resolved that this Liberal Government, elected almost two years ago on a promise of reviewing the Office of the Public Prosecutor based primarily on the record of the former director, act now on the Ghiz report recommendations before more of our experienced prosecutors head for greener pastures purely out of frustration.
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 two experienced Crown Prosecutors have announced that they are leaving the prosecution service due to the demoralization, poor working conditions and inadequate support for their efforts; and
Whereas prosecutors report that it is increasingly difficult for them to successfully prosecute those who have committed crimes, yet the government drags its feet on recommendations to ensure an effective, independent prosecution service; and
Whereas no government should undermine public safety and public confidence in our justice system;
Therefore be it resolved that this House urges a quick, positive response to the Ghiz recommendations for a truly independent public prosecution service with every reasonable means of bringing criminals and offenders to justice.
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 Liberal Government continues to single out seniors across Nova Scotia when it comes to increased taxes; and
Whereas a recent letter to the editor by a Halifax senior urged the government to become creative if they continue to insist on taking from seniors; and
Whereas one creative manner suggested was a special tax on anyone who speaks badly against the present excuse for a government because it would greatly assist the government in not having to hurt the most vulnerable seniors with uncalled for tax increases;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this government come to their senses and stop punishing seniors across Nova Scotia.
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 outspoken Liberal Party activist George Hawkins paved the way for the present Liberal Leader by attacking the secret trust funds and lack of Party democracy that came to characterize the previous Leader; and
Whereas those who came to praise the Premier now wish to bury him, since greater secrecy and even less Party democracy have now been deemed the only sure way to protect the Premier from the Liberal Party; and
Whereas the MLA for Colchester North has even had the courage to describe the Premier's new political clothes and the concept of a vote that is never counted;
Therefore be it resolved that this House suggests that money spent bringing Cirque du Soleil to Halifax in June could be saved if the Liberal leadership team is simply given centre stage during the entertainment portion of the G-7 festivities. (Laughter)
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Hants East.
MR. ROBERT CARRUTHERS: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas last week marked National Forestry Week with the theme, "Urban Forests - Everyone's Backyard"; and
Whereas 18 producers of lumber and box wood operate in Hants County, including two of the province's 12 largest sawmills, Elmsdale Lumber and Russell White's Lumber in Kennetcook, both located in East Hants; and
Whereas Hants County is the second largest supplier of saw logs in the province, producing approximately 40 million board feet each year;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House support every effort to promote a sustainable forest industry and recognize the significant role that forestry and its related industries play in the economy of East Hants.
Mr. Speaker, I would request waiver of notice and passage without debate.
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 Cabinet Ministers who gathered on May 11th to amend the terms of reference of the Westray Inquiry were in a position to know about the government's own withholding of key documents from the Westray trial; and
Whereas outside this House, the Labour Minister defended the government about the withholding of Westray documents which will, eventually, be subjected to the independent public inquiry; and
Whereas this behaviour is not consistent with the claim that ensuring a fair trial is the Liberals' primary objective;
Therefore be it resolved that this House regrets that the government seems willing to freely discuss its Westray role while acting in a manner that delays, as much as possible, the inquiry's independent advice on preventing such disasters.
MR. SPEAKER: Let me take a look at that if I might. I didn't quite hear all the words that were said.
Well, I will allow the motion to be tabled. It is an expression of opinion. All of these are simply expressions and opinions of the authors who submit them and I suppose that the remedy, if someone doesn't like them, unless they are clearly out of order, would be another resolution saying something else.
The honourable member for Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley.
MR. BROOKE TAYLOR: Mr. Speaker, I reworked this resolution based on your suggestion.
Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas a recent columnist in a Truro-based weekly newspaper remarked that the Liberal Government would have difficulty being straight with Nova Scotians, even if they were standing on top of a warehouse of bibles; and
MR. SPEAKER: Now, I just heard that; you had that in your last resolution.
MR. TAYLOR: I reworked the "therefore"; would you just want me to read that, Mr. Speaker.
Therefore be it resolved that the Chairman of the Law Amendments Committee immediately suspend hearings before the Legislature's Law Amendments Committee so the issue of tolls on Highway No. 104 can be revisited, and a more sensible approach taken towards the construction of a four-lane highway between Masstown and Thomson Station.
MR. SPEAKER: All right, the amended and corrected resolution is tabled.
The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. RICHARD MANN: Mr. Speaker, does the Chairman of the Law Amendments Committee have the authority to stop a bill from appearing before it, once the House gives the direction that the bill is to be referred to the committee?
MR. SPEAKER: I suggest it might create a constitutional crisis but I am not sure that the House is necessarily prepared to waive notice on that motion and pass it without debate now.
Are there any additional notices of motion? If not, that concludes the daily routine.
ORDERS OF THE DAY
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable the Government House Leader.
HON. RICHARD MANN: Mr. Speaker, I move that you do now leave the Chair and that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole House on Bills.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is carried.
[2:28 p.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Bills with Deputy Speaker Mrs. Francene Cosman 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: The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House on Bills reports:
THE CLERK: That the committee has met and made some 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, would you please revert to the order of business, Tabling Reports, Regulations and Other Papers.
TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister for the Economic Renewal Agency.
HON. ROBERT HARRISON: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table two documents in response to commitments made to the Opposition. The first is a list of G-7 Summit infrastructure projects, a detailed report of work being undertaken in this city and area.
MR. SPEAKER: The report is tabled.
The honourable Minister for the Economic Development Agency.
HON. ROBERT HARRISON: Mr. Speaker, the second report that I would beg leave to table is some detail with respect to Bluenose II, both the audited report of the Bluenose III Foundation 1994 and the contract with Preservation Trust.
MR. SPEAKER: The report is tabled.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. RICHARD MANN: Mr. Speaker, we will meet tomorrow from the hours of 12:00 noon until 8:00 p.m. Following the daily routine and Question Period, we will be in Committee of the Whole House on Bills; the Law Amendments Committee, I understand, will meet briefly; and the Subcommittee on Supply will also meet.
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 10:01 p.m.]
