| TABLE OF CONTENTS | PAGE | |||
| STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS: | ||||
| Nat. Res. - Antlerless Deer Draw Program, Hon. K. MacAskill | 1575 | |||
| GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION: | ||||
| Res. 795, Health - Air Ambulance Service: Work - Recognize, | ||||
| Hon. J. Smith | 1577 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1578 | |||
| NOTICES OF MOTION: | ||||
| Res. 796, Transport (Can.) - Hfx. Internat. Airport: Response Positive - | ||||
| Support, Mr. R. Chisholm [By Mr. J. Holm] | 1578 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1579 | |||
| Res. 797, Health - Hepatitis C: Compensation - Expand, Mr. G. Moody | 1579 | |||
| Res. 798, NDP (N.S.) - Gov't. Future: Charitable Organizations - | ||||
| Beware, Hon. R. MacKinnon | 1579 | |||
| Res. 799, NDP (N.S.) Leader - Workers' Comp.: Workers' (N.S.) | ||||
| Changes - Support, Hon. R. MacKinnon | 1580 | |||
| Res. 800, Educ. - Antigonish Co.: School Bd. Amalgamation - Review, | ||||
| Ms. E. O'Connell | 1581 | |||
| Res. 801, Transport. & Pub. Wks. - Car Seats (Children): | ||||
| N.S. Safety Council Initiative - Applaud, Hon. C. Huskilson | 1581 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1582 | |||
| Res. 802, Transport. & Pub. Wks. - Hwy. No. 101: Twinning - | ||||
| Continue, Mr. G. Archibald | 1582 | |||
| Res. 803, Educ. - Univ.: Tuition Fees - Promises Unfulfilled Apologize, | ||||
| Ms. Helen MacDonald | 1582 | |||
| Res. 804, Educ. - Whycocomagh Cons. School: Environ. Award (N.S.) - | ||||
| Congrats., Mr. Charles MacDonald | 1583 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1584 | |||
| Res. 805, Justice - Correctional Serv.: Letter (Exec. Dir.) Circulation- | ||||
| Cease, Mr. M. Scott | 1584 | |||
| Res. 806, Commun. Serv. - Dartmouth Seniors' Centre: Connie Wenaus - | ||||
| Service Congrats., Mr. D. Chard | 1585 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1585 | |||
| Res. 807, Dartmouth-Cole Hbr. MLA - Casino Comments | ||||
| (PAC [17/06/98]): Evidence - Table, Mr. M. Samson | 1585 | |||
| Res. 808, Transport. (Can.) - Hfx. Port Bd.: Gt. Hfx. C of C - | ||||
| Rep. Ensure, Dr. J. Hamm | 1586 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1587 | |||
| Res. 809, DFO - TAGS: Replacement Fairness - Premiers (Eastern [4]) | ||||
| Cooperation Urge, Mr. John Deveau | 1587 | |||
| Res. 810, NDP (N.S.) - Leader Real: Stand Up - Request, Mr. H. Fraser | 1588 | |||
| Res. 811, Lbr. - Westray Employees (Former): Severance - Pay, | ||||
| Dr. J. Hamm | 1588 | |||
| Res. 812, RCL (Freeport Branch No. 92) - Members: Appreciation - | ||||
| Extend, Mr. G. Balser | 1589 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1589 | |||
| Res. 813, NDP (N.S.) Leader - Judgment Lacking: Disappointment - | ||||
| Express, Mr. M. Samson | 1590 | |||
| Res. 814, Saskatchewan Gov't. [NDP]: Pharmacare (Seniors) - | ||||
| Inferior, Mr. P. MacEwan | 1590 | |||
| Res. 815, Bill No. 1 (HRM): Passage - Urge, Mr. D. Chard | 1591 | |||
| Res. 816, NDP (N.S.) - Gov't. Future: Seniors/Health Care (Sask.) - | ||||
| Use, Mr. P. MacEwan | 1591 | |||
| GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION: | ||||
| Res. 817, Aboriginal Affs. - Aboriginal Day (Can.) [21/06/98]: | ||||
| Success - Wish, The Premier | 1592 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1593 | |||
| STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS: | ||||
| Fish.: TAGS - Replacement, The Premier | 1593 | |||
| HOUSE RESOLVED INTO CWH ON SUPPLY AT 10:30 A.M. | 1601 | |||
| HOUSE RECONVENED AT 1:58 P.M. | 1601 | |||
| ADJOURNMENT, House rose to meet again on Mon., June 22nd at 5:00 p.m. | 1602 | |||
| NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3): | ||||
| Res. 818, Transport (Can.) - Hfx. Internat. Airport: | ||||
| Control Transfer Call - HRM Join, Mr. W. Estabrooks | 1603 | |||
| Res. 819, Justice - Correctional Officers: Honsberger Memo - | ||||
| Circulation Stop, Mr. Kevin Deveaux | 1603 | |||
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. We will commence with the daily routine.
PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS
PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS
STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Natural Resources.
HON. KENNETH MACASKILL: Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to announce that Nova Scotians will be permitted to hunt antlerless deer in the fall of 1998 through a limited entry hunt. Thanks to sound management practices employed by the Department of Natural Resources, as well as recent mild winters, we can now allow hunters to take antlerless deer. The herd size has grown to 67,000 deer, an increase of 59 per cent compared to the spring of 1995 when the herd was around 42,000.
Last year we introduced deer management zones. This allows more deer to be hunted where numbers are high, while offering protection in areas where the deer population is low. Five of the seven zones are open to hunting antlerless deer this year. Zones 3 and 7 remain closed for 1998 because deer numbers are still low and will benefit from one more year of protection.
Mr. Speaker, I am also pleased to launch the province's new Antlerless Deer Draw Program, a first for Nova Scotia; 8,150 stamps for hunting antlerless deer will be available for the 1998 hunting season through this new program. Target Call Centre of Halifax will handle the application process and computerized random draw system on behalf of the province. To apply, eligible Nova Scotian hunters call 1-900-565-DEER. (Laughter) (Interruptions)
Mr. Speaker, a non-refundable application fee of $6.00 plus HST (Interruptions) will be charged to the phone bill to cover the cost of operating and administering the new program. Individuals can only apply once. The application lines open tomorrow, June 20th, at 7:00 a.m. and run until midnight Friday, September 4th. A toll-free results line will be available from September 12th to 16th for applicants to check their success. Winners will receive their antlerless deer hunting stamp in the mail.
Mr. Speaker, the bag limit remains at one deer per hunter. Those who win an antlerless deer stamp can hunt antlered bucks (Laughter) throughout the province (Interruptions) - in other words, anything with horns - and antlerless deer only in the zone indicated on their particular stamp.
Mr. Speaker, this is an additional opportunity for hunters. Those who don't win a stamp or don't apply can continue to hunt bucks throughout the province. This new management approach will help ensure a healthy and more stable deer population in Nova Scotia. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Pictou West.
MR. CHARLES PARKER: Well, the buck stops here, I like that, that is good. I think, Mr. Speaker, looking over this, it looks like an additional opportunity so I commend the minister and the department for their management practices. It has been five years now since they had a chance to hunt both sexes of deer in the province and I know certainly the herd has been increasing, there is no question. You see a lot more road kills and just a lot more deer in the fields and woods of the province. It looks to me like a good management practice and I would commend the minister for taking this step. I guess the important thing is that hunters will still be able to hunt and this antlerless deer is giving them an additional opportunity. I think it is good news. Thank you.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cumberland North.
MR. ERNEST FAGE: Mr. Speaker, Mr. Minister, I take it that antlerless deer are as opposed to does or bucks or opposed to does. Is that what I was hearing in your statement?
AN HON. MEMBER: Do-si-do.
MR. FAGE: The do-si-do. Mr. Speaker, to the minister, I think this is certainly a commendable action on behalf of the minister and his department. There is no question that we have received a number of calls from constituents in my area, and other areas of Nova Scotia, where the deer population has indeed grown. They are causing economic damage to agricultural crops and hazards to motorists on the roadways of this province, and it is a good and proper move. Also, I don't think we can discount the economic benefit that the hunters and the outfitting and recreational industry provide to this province. Any additional numbers of animals that can be harvested, certainly will help that industry and encourage licence sales in this province. It is a commendable move, Mr. Minister, and we look forward to seeing it implemented. Thank you.
GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Health.
HON. JAMES SMITH: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Emergency Health Services is celebrating the 2nd Anniversary of the air-ambulance service today; and
Whereas this service has flown more than 600 missions across the Maritimes; and
Whereas this vital service provides Nova Scotians with a safety net in medical emergencies;
Therefore be it resolved that the House take this opportunity to recognize the work of the air medical flight crew, pilots and all the other health care professionals who make this program work.
Mr. Speaker, I ask for waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver of notice.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
The motion is carried.
NOTICES OF MOTION
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Sackville-Cobequid.
MR. JOHN HOLM: Mr. Speaker, this resolution I am introducing on behalf of the Leader of the Official Opposition and I will be requesting waiver of notice.
Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas a viable international airport is vital to the economic future of Halifax and of all Nova Scotia; and
Whereas the Halifax International Airport Authority is meeting with the community at Province House today as part of the campaign for fairness for Halifax Airport; and
Whereas this consultation is in response to the failure of the federal government to respond to the airport authority's proposal of fair terms for the transfer of the airport to the local community;
Therefore be it resolved that this House support the efforts of the airport authority and call on the federal government to respond positively to the authority's proposal for fair terms for the transfer of the airport.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice and passage without debate.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
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 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 Government of Canada and the Government of Nova Scotia have consistently refused to do what is right, fair, and compassionate and expand the hepatitis C compensation program to cover all victims of tainted blood; and
Whereas the Minister of Health has repeatedly used the excuse that expanding the program would require the province to take millions of dollars out of existing health programs; and
Whereas it is now clear that the federal government and the Province of Nova Scotia grossly overestimated the number of people who contracted tainted blood through Canada's blood system and, therefore, the number of people eligible for compensation;
Therefore be it resolved that the Minister of Health immediately do what is right by agreeing to expand the compensation package to those who contracted tainted blood before 1986 and after 1990.
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
I will recognize the honourable Minister of Labour for two resolutions in a row because he has to go to a meeting.
The honourable Minister of Labour.
[9:45 a.m.]
HON. RUSSELL MACKINNON: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas an article in the Vancouver Sun dated June 16, 1998 states, "The B.C. Gaming Commission is so swamped with casino applications under the government's gambling expansion policy that it's refusing to consider new fund raising proposals from charities"; and
Whereas this backlog of casino applications is a result of the B.C. socialist NDP Government's expanded gambling policy announced in March 1997, which includes four new destination casinos, 5,000 slot machines and expanding the 17 existing casinos around the province; and
Whereas the commission blamed the volume of outstanding casino applications for its denial of a permit to Chilliwack's Mount Cheam Rotary Club to hold its annual car raffle which funds recreational programs for underprivileged children, an epilepsy support program and community policing;
Therefore be it resolved that this House make the citizens of Nova Scotia aware that the same fate awaits Nova Scotian charitable organizations should the socialist NDP Government come into existence.
MR. SPEAKER: The notice of motion is much too long.
However, the notice is tabled.
The honourable Minister of Labour.
HON. RUSSELL MACKINNON: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas presently non-Nova Scotian companies are exempt for six months from paying workers' compensation premiums upon commencement of working in Nova Scotia; and
Whereas on May 13, 1998, this Minister of Labour announced a plan to put Nova Scotia on an even playing field with non-Nova Scotian employees who presently enjoy special privileges while working in Nova Scotia; and
Whereas the Leader of the NDP socialist Party publicly scoffed at this idea of trying to protect Nova Scotian workers;
Therefore be it resolved that in the opinion of this House the Leader of the NDP socialist Party be assured a book is judged by its content, not by its cover, and he should reconsider and support Nova Scotian workers.
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Halifax Fairview.
MS. EILEEN O'CONNELL: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas this Liberal Government promised that school board amalgamation would increase resources for the classroom; and
Whereas the warden and councillors of Antigonish County are urging the Education Minister to study the effects of the amalgamation on Antigonish County because "Council has seen what they feel is a deterioration of the overall education system"; and
Whereas while there has been no evaluation of amalgamation's effect on the quality of education, resources for the classroom were slashed;
Therefore be it resolved that this House urge an independent review of school board amalgamation in response to widespread concerns like those expressed by Antigonish County.
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
The honourable Minister of Transportation and Public Works.
HON. CLIFFORD HUSKILSON: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas it has been proven that car seats when used properly are a lifesaver for children in car accidents; and
Whereas it is necessary for parents to be aware that children need to be correctly buckled in a car seat appropriate for their child's size and age; and
Whereas the Nova Scotia Safety Council has taken the lead in educating the public about car seats with a free inspection clinic this Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 2786 Agricola Street, in Halifax;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House offer their support of this worthwhile initiative and applaud the Nova Scotia Safety Council for its efforts in increasing road safety for Nova Scotia's future leaders.
Mr. Speaker, I would ask for waiver.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
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 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 Highway No. 101 has over 12,000 vehicles travelling per day; and
Whereas the benchmark for twinning, according to the Department of Transportation and Public Works, is 10,000 vehicles per day; and
Whereas there are too many deaths each year on Highway No. 101;
Therefore be it resolved that the Department of Transportation and Public Works immediately set forth a program to continue twinning Highway No. 101.
Mr. Speaker, I ask for waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
I hear a No.
The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Cape Breton The Lakes.
MS. HELEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas during the 1993 election campaign the Liberals promised to set a ceiling on tuition fee increases; and
Whereas instead of setting a ceiling, the Liberals cut millions of dollars from university grants allowing tuition fees to rise and student debt to skyrocket by 89 per cent; and
Whereas during the 1998 election campaign, the Liberals again promised to freeze tuition fee increases, but have already allowed them to rise by 5 per cent at Saint Francis Xavier and 10 per cent at Dalhousie;
Therefore be it resolved that this Liberal Government apologize for breaking their promises to students of the province not once, but twice.
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Inverness.
MR. CHARLES MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Minister of the Environment and the Nova Scotia Environmental Assessment Board presented the Nova Scotia Environmental Awards on Friday, June 12th; and
Whereas the Whycocomagh Consolidated School staff were the recipients of a plaque at that ceremony; and
Whereas the staff of the Whycocomagh Consolidated School has been committed to improving its curriculum by more fully integrating environmental education into all disciplines and units;
Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate the staff of the Whycocomagh Consolidated School for their excellent efforts to promote respect for the environment among their students.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver of notice.
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 Cumberland South.
MR. MURRAY SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Premier said this week that the letter to the members of the Correctional Officers Union from the executive director of Correctional Services was done without his knowledge; and
Whereas since that time the letter is still being sent out through Priority Post, at a cost of $4.50 per letter, to members; and
Whereas the Premier had assured the president of the Correctional Officers Union of Nova Scotia that in his commitment the government was attempting to seek a fair agreement and that the executive director's threats about possible strike action and its ramifications should never have been sent;
Therefore be it resolved the Premier speak today directly to the executive director of Correctional Services for the province and ask that he immediately cease circulation of this letter, which is damaging to relations between the two sides, and ask that he take a more agreeable approach to the situation.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver of notice.
Is it agreed?
I hear a No.
The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Dartmouth South.
RESOLUTION NO. 806
MR. DONALD CHARD: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Dartmouth Seniors Centre has been the long-time home of the Dartmouth Meals On Wheels program; and
Whereas Connie Wenaus, the Executive Director of the program, is retiring after 22 years of service;
Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate the Dartmouth Seniors Centre and Connie Wenaus on their noteworthy service to their community, and express best wishes to Connie Wenaus on her retirement.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver of notice.
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 Richmond.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the socialist New Democratic Party member for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour stated at the Public Accounts Committee on Wednesday that the MacLellan Government is now embroiled in a Casinogate; and
Whereas the socialist NDP member stated further, "It has all of the really classic questions about who knows what and when they knew it, who was involved right from the very beginning"; and
Whereas the socialist NDP member has failed to substantiate his allegations of improper actions or wrongdoing;
Therefore be is resolved that this House request that the socialist NDP member for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour table any evidence that he has of any wrongdoing and, should he fail to do so, apologize for his inappropriate comments to the members of this House.
The notice is tabled.
The honourable Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party.
DR. JOHN HAMM: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas to date the federal Minister of Transport has turned a deaf ear to both this provincial Liberal Government and the Halifax Regional Municipality when it comes to dealing with critical issues such as infrastructure for the Port of Halifax; and
Whereas the Metropolitan Halifax Chamber of Commerce represents over 1,400 corporate and 2,300 individual members, who have a direct commercial interest in the Port of Halifax; and
Whereas the Metropolitan Halifax Chamber of Commerce is urging the federal Minister of Transport to appoint a representative from the board to sit on the new Halifax Port Authority Board, enabling the chamber to have a voice in the transition process to the new Port Authority;
Therefore be it resolved that the Speaker, on behalf of all members of this House of Assembly, immediately write the federal Minister of Transport urging him to ensure a representative from the Greater Halifax Chamber of Commerce is appointed to the new Port Authority Board or any such interim board being designed to facilitate the change-over from the present status quo.
Mr. Speaker, I would ask for waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver of notice.
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 Yarmouth.
MR. JOHN DEVEAU: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the replacement of TAGS announced today, June 19th, provides no support or transition from those in Nova Scotia and elsewhere cut off prematurely on May 9th and earlier; and
Whereas the TAGS replacement offers early retirement for those 55 and older, despite recommendations by the Commons Committee and by Ottawa's own adviser, that eligibility start at age 50; and
Whereas the TAGS announcement demonstrates no involvement by the industry or by coastal communities, and proposes that ACOA controls transition from fishing rather than the communities themselves;
Therefore be it resolved that this House urge the Premier to work with his colleagues from the other four eastern provinces to rally public support for replacing TAGS in a fair manner that gives communities real, new opportunities to replace the many thousands of lost groundfish fishery jobs.
Mr. Speaker, I would ask for waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver of notice.
Is it agreed?
I hear several Noes.
The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Antigonish.
RESOLUTION NO. 810
MR. HYLAND FRASER: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Cape Breton East NDP Association, at its annual general meeting on June 16th, unanimously passed a resolution calling for the immediate resignation of the member for Cape Breton East; and
Whereas Ms. Alexa McDonough, Leader of the federal socialist NDP has fully supported the Cape Breton East NDP riding executive's decision; and
Whereas the Leader of the Nova Scotia socialist NDP has failed to come forward and state unequivocally where he stands on the issue;
Therefore be it resolved that this House request the real Leader of the socialist NDP Party of Nova Scotia to please stand up.
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
The honourable Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party.
DR. JOHN HAMM: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Minister of Labour should be congratulated for finally recognizing that the non-unionized former Westray employees should be granted severance, saving the time and cost of another Labour Standards Tribunal; and
Whereas unfortunately, except for finally recognizing the obvious, this government and this minister have still ignored one of the most important factors, granting the severance before the sale of assets is ever completed; and
Whereas this minister, in announcing this week's decision regarding non-unionized former Westray employees said, it comes down to an issue of fairness and flexibility;
Therefore be it resolved that this government and minister immediately recognize that a wait of six years is not fair, and in order to provide a fair solution, this government should be flexible and pay out severance to former employees now and await sale of assets and recoup the funds later.
Mr. Speaker, I would ask for waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver of notice.
Is it agreed?
I hear several Noes.
The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Digby-Annapolis.
MR. GORDON BALSER: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Freeport Legion Branch No. 92 is known as the Carpiquet Legion; and
Whereas the Legion branch is so named in honour of Private Lloyd Outhouse who was killed in action during the battle to liberate the Town of Carpiquet; and
Whereas Canada's stature as a nation has long been associated with the heroic efforts of her soldiers during times of conflict;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly extend their appreciation to the members of the Freeport Legion Branch No. 92 as they honour the memory of their fallen comrades.
Mr. Speaker, I would ask for waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver of notice.
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 Richmond.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas in yesterday's Halifax Daily News, Ernest Cadegan's column sported the headline, "Chisholm's Lack of Judgement"; and
Whereas in his column, Mr. Cadegan commended the national Leader of the socialist NDP, Ms. Alexa McDonough, for her strong stand in asking for the resignation of the member for Cape Breton East; and
Whereas Mr. Cadegan chastised the Leader of the provincial socialist NDP, for not following the lead of his federal Leader, but instead the provincial leader "continues to dance around the problem";
Therefore be it resolved that this House express its disappointment in the provincial socialist NDP Leader's lack of judgment in putting political opportunism ahead of integrity and principle.
[10:00 a.m.]
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Cape Breton Nova.
MR. PAUL MACEWAN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas an analysis of costs of the Pharmacare Program operated by the NDP Government of Saskatchewan demonstrates its inferiority to that operated by this Liberal Government here in Nova Scotia; and
Whereas since March 19, 1993, there has not been any special Pharmacare Program for seniors at all in Saskatchewan, but rather their drug plan focuses exclusively on the low-income category, of which there are relatively few in Saskatchewan; and
Whereas Saskatchewan families not eligible for the low-income special support program pay 100 per cent of their total prescription costs until they meet a deductible which for most families in $850, beyond which they still have to pay a 35 per cent co-payment;
Therefore be it resolved that these rudimentary arrangements masquerading as a Pharmacare plan in Saskatchewan bear no resemblance to the infinitely superior coverage awarded our Nova Scotia senior citizens under the Liberal plan set up by this Liberal Government.
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Dartmouth South.
MR. DONALD CHARD: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Bill No. 1, which would empower the Halifax Regional Municipality to regulate pesticide spraying has been before this House for several weeks; and
Whereas concerned citizens have been waiting for the passage of this legislation for more than a year; and
Whereas these citizens have come to the House today to urge the Parties in this place to work together to bring about passage of Bill No. 1;
Therefore be it resolved that the House Leaders from the three Parties arrange the affairs of this House so that Bill No. 1 may be given immediate consideration and quick passage.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
I hear several Noes.
The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Cape Breton Nova.
MR. PAUL MACEWAN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the NDP say that if in power they would do things here the same way as they are done in NDP Saskatchewan; and
Whereas the hospital closures of Roy Romanow's Government in Saskatchewan are notorious, and if such closures were applied here, would certainly condemn a smaller hospital such as the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital; and
Whereas in Saskatchewan, senior citizens have no Pharmacare coverage at all, unless they spend over $850 on drugs per year, after which they still have to pay a 35 per cent co-payment;
Therefore be it resolved that considering the shameful way the NDP has treated seniors and health care delivery in Saskatchewan, Nova Scotians are entitled to ask, is this how the NDP would treat Nova Scotians?
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
ORDERS OF THE DAY
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. MANNING MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, would you please revert to the order of business, Statements by Ministers.
MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed that we go back to Statements by Ministers?
It is agreed.
[GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION]
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Premier.
HON. RUSSELL MACLELLAN, Q.C. (The Premier): Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Sunday, June 21, 1998, is National Aboriginal Day; and
Whereas festivities for this occasion will be taking place not only in Nova Scotia but country-wide; and
Whereas this is a day to celebrate traditional culture, sample traditional food, experience native music, dance, storytelling and language;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank the organizers of these events for the efforts that they have made and wish them good luck for a successful day.
Mr. Speaker, I also have a second statement.
MR. SPEAKER: That is a notice of motion. Do you wish for waiver?
THE PREMIER: Yes, please.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Premier.
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, today the federal government announced a plan to replace TAGS, The Atlantic Groundfish Strategy. That plan, although not perfect and not all we wanted, offers fishermen and their families hope for a better economic future, provided we make every dollar count.
The Government of Nova Scotia worked hard and we worked effectively. Without fanfare, we impressed upon Ottawa the needs of those Nova Scotians who are economic victims of the collapse of the groundfish stocks. Two weeks ago, the package proposed by the federal government was unacceptable to Nova Scotia, so we redoubled our efforts and got Nova Scotians a better deal. (Applause)
From the beginning of this long process, many months ago, Nova Scotia argued strenuously for a package with five elements. These elements are:
an early retirement package for older workers;a licence retirement or buy-back program;
[Page 1594]additional economic development support for those Nova Scotian communities devastated by the groundfishery collapse and, as a result, dependent on TAGS;income support that provides fishermen and other affected workers with a reasonable bridge to new opportunities; andemployment assistance, in the form of retraining, to help displaced fishermen prepare for those new opportunities.
The package the federal government unveiled today includes all of these elements. Did we get everything we wanted? No, Mr. Speaker, we did not, but if every dollar finds its mark, if every dollar is used wisely, if we get every dollar to someone who needs it, this program can make a real lasting difference for those Nova Scotian families in those Nova Scotian communities.
Mr. Speaker, two weeks ago, the federal government came to Nova Scotia with a package which we estimate would have provided some $70 million in aid to Nova Scotians, excluding license buy-back. The package announced today will provide total assistance over three years in the order of $153 million. This represents a significant improvement to Nova Scotians. It is a package that will allow many people to exit the fishing industry with hope for the future and a measure of financial support.
In all, Mr. Speaker, some 5,200 Nova Scotians are dependent on TAGS for some or all of their income. They represent just less than 20 per cent of the TAGS recipients on Canada's East Coast. The total adjustment package for eastern Canada is $730 million, of which roughly 20 per cent will come to Nova Scotia.
Briefly, details of the new program, which Ottawa is calling fisheries restructuring and adjustment, will include a license buy-back or license retirement initiative. We expect just more than $50 million will be made available to Nova Scotia under this part of the program. An early retirement plan for fishermen aged 55 to 65 will be available. The province has been asked to participate in the early retirement plan by providing 30 per cent of the funding. It is estimated 250 Nova Scotians will be eligible. The federal government has allocated about $12 million for this purpose.
An adjustment program to help workers train for new opportunities, to relocate, which offers fishermen and other affected workers greater employment insurance flexibility will be available. Some $29 million has been earmarked for this measure and one of the parts of the process, Mr. Speaker, has been that the fishermen be able to require 420 hours, as opposed to the 910 hours which they may have otherwise needed if they didn't have the proper requirements.
Mr. Speaker, some communities were devastated by the collapse of the groundfish stocks. Those communities are now virtually dependent on TAGS as a source of income. More than $20 million will be available to assist those communities create new economic
opportunities. Again, the province has been asked to participate in this part of the new program. The cash payment element of the package is a single payment which will be made to some 4,600 eligible Nova Scotian workers in September. They will receive between $7,000 and $14,000 each.
Mr. Speaker, I think that, as well, I will be checking to see if we can, where these workers want, have this payment made over a biweekly period. I am personally a little concerned that there may be tax implications on paying it as a lump sum in one year as opposed to putting it over two years. I think there may be some concern among some of the recipients and if they want the choice, I think I would support them being able to have that choice.
Mr. Speaker, this government wanted a longer term commitment to income support. The federal government wanted to end payments with a lump sum, and that is what they have done. We do not necessarily agree with this approach but, as I mentioned, we will work to see if an alternative can be provided if those fishermen want an alternative of a biweekly payment rather than a lump sum payment.
As I said, Mr. Speaker, this program is not perfect. It is not all we wanted for affected Nova Scotian fishermen. We intend to work hard to ensure that every penny hits the mark, and helps those in need. We will be vigilant in ensuring the federal government does the same. As for the federal invitation to participate financially, that will require, of course, further study, but we will do what we can to work with the federal government and offer everything we can to help the fishermen who need our assistance. However, if it can be accomplished within our financial network and with some flexibility from Ottawa, which we will inquire on, we will make that happen. We certainly expect to participate.
This package, indeed no government program, can give back the employment that they once had in the fishing industry. The best government can do is to offer the people affected hope and a real chance for a better future. That is possible today so long as both levels of government dedicate themselves to the task. With the flexibility we now have in the program, which I think is an improvement over the TAGS program itself as to the aspect of diversification, I think we can do a lot to get these people on with new careers and a very positive future.
In Nova Scotia $153 million can start 5,200 people on the road to a better future. Mr. Speaker, our pledge to them, and to all Nova Scotia today, is to make that happen. Thank you very much. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Opposition.
MR. ROBERT CHISHOLM: Mr. Speaker, the long-awaited TAGS 2, or the son-of-TAGS, has been released. There is no question, any replacement is worthwhile. The question is, is it enough?
Yesterday the Premier announced the province's position with respect to this package and one of the things that they certainly talked about was a much more generous continuation of income assistance, generous and long-lasting and, of course, that is not here. I must say with all respect, Mr. Speaker, that this morning the Premier, I think, has decided to adopt the role of salesperson for this federal program. I think it is at a time when the people in the industry and coastal communities need strong advocacy.
There are some serious weaknesses in this package that have been presented, Mr. Speaker. There is, first of all, no evidence that people in the industry and the communities were consulted. The cash buy-out only represents the kind of money that it would have taken to honour the original May 1999 expiry of TAGS. Also it is important to know that those lump sum payments will be taxable. The HRDC's Harrigan Report and the Standing Committee on Fisheries recommended that the qualifying age for early retirement for those with the demonstrated long-term attachment in the fishery would be 50. This plan says 55.
The economic development money will be controlled not by the communities, not by the industry, but by ACOA, an agency with a long record of approaching these matters with far too much political overtones. We are concerned about that.
[10:15 a.m.]
There are a number of issues that I think we need to deal with. The standing committee on fisheries recommended a total package in order to deal with the real issue here which is to give people in the industry and communities the opportunity to move beyond the crisis in the fishery. There is a need to increase this package and program in the area of 80 per cent to 100 per cent.
What about those people cut off in May, Mr. Speaker? There has been absolutely no indication from the statement or from the Premier's announcement here today that there is going to be any strategy here to deal with those. There is a statement in the minister's part there, that they will participate in the pension buy-out. A rough estimate would be, that is something that would represent something like $5 million to the provincial budget. I have not seen any indication in the budget itself that that has been accounted for, for this year.
I want to say to you, Mr. Speaker, and other members of this committee that we need to bring forward some very specific measures to deal with the crisis in the fishery. Above all, we need support from the federal government. People in the industry and communities need
support from the federal government, real concrete support with concrete strategies, working with the industry and working with the communities, in order to build a future and not to drive people in the industry, people in our communities out of those communities and out of this province.
I would like to see the province making the kind of commitments that have been advocated for so long, working with the inshore fishery, for example, dealing with issues of harvesting methods, a way to maximize employment, Mr. Speaker, which is so important to the sustainability of the coastal communities in the Province of Nova Scotia. I must say to you that at first blush, I am extremely concerned with the package. I am extremely concerned with the response by the provincial government. Once again, the feds have decided to give us something which is totally inadequate, does not address the problem, and what does the government do? The government says, well, that is the best we can do. We will have to live with it.
You know that is easy for the Premier to say, well, those people in the industry who have been cut off, those people in the industry who have been devastated by this crisis, Mr. Speaker, easy for him to say that, well, we are just going to have to live with it. Well, those people are having extreme difficulty dealing with it. That is the real crime here. That is the real crisis here, is that this province, once again, is taking its direction from the federal government when, of course, the federal government is continuing to wash its hands of the problems that have been created here in Atlantic Canada and here in Nova Scotia. I, for one, think that is shameful and I know Nova Scotians expect much more from their government, like strong advocacy on their behalf. Thank you. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: I wonder if before I recognize the honourable member for Argyle, we have a few introductions here.
The honourable Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs.
HON. WAYNE GAUDET: Mr. Speaker, to you and through you to all members of the House, I would like to introduce a group of 28 students from the Grade 6 class from the Joseph Dugas School which happens to be in my own community. They are accompanied here by their principal, Brian Comeau; their Grade 6 classroom teacher, Maria LeBlanc; parents, Celest Blinn, Gail Comeau, Donna Stuart, Jeya Flynn, Sylvia Deveau, Michelle Dugas, George Gavel and Richard Landry. I certainly would ask them to receive this warm welcome of the House and please stand. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Yarmouth, on an introduction.
MR. JOHN DEVEAU: Mr. Speaker, we have visitors in your gallery from the Hebron Elementary School. We have 49 Grade 6 students. Their leaders are Kent Bain, Ivan Dagley, Dave Bishara, Peter Moore, Aimee Leblanc, Audrey Nickerson, Debbie Goodwin, Joanne
Leblanc, Kathy Muise, Susan Surette and Marilyn Hodder. We have a visitor from Chernobyl and her name is Nina. I would like the House to welcome them in the usual manner. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Sackville-Beaver Bank.
MS. ROSEMARY GODIN: Mr. Speaker, I hope you can pick him out in the midst of all those other kids. I am very delighted to introduce, in the west gallery today, the honourable member for Halifax West, MP Gordon Earle. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Argyle.
MR. NEIL LEBLANC: Mr. Speaker, there have been so many introductions this morning, there must be someone in the gallery that I can welcome to the House. J'aimerais de souhaiter bienvenue à l'assemblé a la classe de Clare. J'espere que ils allons avoir un bon voyage à Halifax. I would also like to welcome the class from Hebron, I see my son's old hockey coach there, Kent Bain, a terrific hockey player and a great coach also.
With regard to the TAGS program, I stood in this House yesterday and I congratulated the Premier. I congratulated the Premier because he tabled in this House, a position paper with regard to TAGS. In my earlier deliberations on the estimates and with regard to the questions to the honourable Minister of Fisheries, I said that the Premier of this province had to take a proactive approach in regard to TAGS if we were going to get anything.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday the honourable Premier put forward the position paper, and I felt that was a good starting point for this House of Assembly to work in a bipartisan way, work together. I found out this morning that TAGS was already scheduled to be announced just a few hours later. I am very disappointed; if that was case, the honourable Premier should have said that when he got up yesterday in letting us share the position paper in regard to TAGS. I made my comments yesterday that I was appreciative. I still appreciate the fact that he tabled it in the House, but sharing a document with us in a position paper just hours before the announcement is supposed to be made is not what I thought was happening yesterday. In that regard, I am disappointed.
With regard to the announcement that came forward this morning, there are many components to it, and a lot of them will take time to judge. There are three or four major components, and I will try to address them one by one. One of which is in regard to the older workers' retirement proposal, that is part of this new TAGS program, and I believe that it is in the right direction. I have said that before, that many of the older workers in the fishery are finding it more and more difficult to partake in the fishery, to find employment, and also physically, very taxing on their bodies to do the work.
I am pleased that there is a package put forward, I am concerned that it starts at 55. It will also have some financial implications for the province which we will see as it unfolds what those are, and that will also have some consequences for the Department of Fisheries. I will be following this very closely in that regard. I tend to think that, especially for a lot of the fish plant workers, this component of the proposal is very important. I am not convinced that $12 million is sufficient. The province will have a part to play in this, supposedly they have been asked for a 30 per cent contribution. This has been done in the past for certain parts of the fishery which were hard hit by the downturn, and it will obviously play a part again.
In regard to training monies, I think that is an important component of any new ACOA program. The first one was a dismal failure, and one of the reasons that it failed is that they totally underestimated how many people would partake of the TAGS program. The training money that should have been there for people wishing to change the focus of their lives, and for their families and their children, the funds that were supposedly in place, were suddenly taken away and given to the income-supporting portion of TAGS. That was a great injustice to people who made changes in their lives and made commitments to go to school, only to find out that subsequent to that occurring the monies were not there to support them. I have talked to many in my riding who made commitments and who have suffered financial consequences because of that, and their families have suffered for it also.
Another component of this TAGS program was community development. I am very concerned that the funds are going to be administered through ACOA. I find that ACOA is no glowing success story for Canada and the Atlantic Provinces. Too many decisions have been ill-thought-out and perhaps a little to politicized, in my estimation. We will be standing guard as a Party to try to see that the monies are going to be well spent.
I will say that $20 million for an economic development program across the Province of Nova Scotia may sound like a lot of money to some people but, when you go from one tip of the province to the other, $20 million will not go very far. Many areas, whether they be Clare, Argyle, Yarmouth or Shelburne County, will find it very difficult to access this money when you spread it out across the whole province.
The other component is a cash payment and it says that people will qualify for $7,000 to $14,000 in a cash payment. The honourable Premier has said that there will be some tax consequences because of that; I agree. I also agree that the province should play a lead role in trying to belittle those tax consequences as much as they can. I am not really sure if I agree with the whole concept of a cash pay-out and I am not really sure why the federal government is taking that approach.
I will make the commitment today on behalf of people who are involved in the fishery that I am going to push this as much as I can to try to see what they want, what is their input and whether we, as a province, should be putting forward a position that differs from the
federal government and asking them to change it. It is a matter of dollars and if they put the dollars into the program and we say we do not want a cash pay-out and we want a pay-out over a period of time, then that is what we should do.
Many people, I have realized as an MLA, cannot manage money. Many of you, I am sure, as MLAs have had people come in who have made good money during the summer, only to find themselves virtually penniless during the fall. It is through no fault of their own if they cannot manage their money. To make a cash pay-out, I think is irresponsible. I do not understand whatsoever what the rationale was for that; I think it bears some re-examination and the province and all Parties should partake in that discussion.
There was one part of the announcement that I did like, and I have been a very strong proponent, and that is in regard to license buy-out. TAGS 1 was an extreme failure in this regard and I have said it over the last three of four days especially, we have had a lot of discussions on TAGS.
One of the problems that I had was that when the first TAGS program came out, what it did was say that for someone to sell his license he had to sell all of his licenses. Many people, especially in my area, are multi-license holders. What that meant was that they had groundfish licenses, lobster licenses and they may have a swordfish harpoon license and maybe even a gill net license. If they wanted to get out of the groundfish aspect of it, which would make the situation much better, they found that they could not do that. They had to sell all of their licenses and get out of the fishery altogether. It was ill-conceived and they did not have any input from anybody else. It was such a dismal failure that they took that money also and put it back into the income support.
So we find ourselves four to five years later basically in the same position where we started out. The licenses are still there, we still have an overcapacity and people who would have gotten out voluntarily and would have taken an early retirement with the financial means to do so are still there. We still have the same problems and the Government of Canada bears full responsibility for what happened in not showing any leadership. That does not mean that the province does not have a role, and we were not proactive during that time. That Premier was not here at that time, but many of the Cabinet colleagues that sit alongside him were. The province has a lead role to play in it. Newfoundland has been a very strong proponent. Nova Scotia has not shown leadership in this regard and that has been the case time and time again.
I said in my comments I don't know how many times, especially in the last two or three weeks, we have a $1.5 billion industry in the fishery in this province and we have a budget that goes from $5.88 million. Does that make any sense, when you have that much of the lifeblood of Nova Scotia being involved in the fishery and we have the minuscule amount of the budget promoting it? With a bit of vision and a bit of leadership from this province, we would have been much better positioned today to provide jobs for these people who are on
TAGS. If the province had shown the leadership, had some pride and some integrity then there would have been jobs in rural Nova Scotia when they had the opportunity to do so.
I will hold the government accountable for what happens in the months ahead, and as we have a chance to digest the announcement that came today and get feedback from our constituents. I do thank the Premier for bringing the announcement to the attention of the House and I do intend to be very vigilant in this matter. (Applause)
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. MANNING MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Government Motions.
GOVERNMENT MOTIONS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. MANNING MACDONALD: 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 Supply unto Her Majesty.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is carried.
[10:30 a.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Supply with Deputy Speaker Mr. Donald Chard in the Chair.]
[1:58 p.m. CWH on Supply rose and the House reconvened. Mr. Speaker, Hon. Ronald Russell, resumed the Chair.]
MR. SPEAKER: The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House on Supply reports:
THE CLERK: That the committee has met and made progress and begs leave to sit again.
MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
The honourable member for Antigonish on an introduction.
MR. HYLAND FRASER: Mr. Speaker, in the east gallery, I would like to introduce 21 Grade 6 students from the Rev. H.J. MacDonald Elementary School in Heatherton; their teacher, Colin MacGillivray; a retired teacher who is with them today, George Tellum; Barb MacDonald, who is a parent of one of the young ones who is here; and on the far right over here is my youngest son, Fraser number 11. So I would like them to stand and give them a nice welcome. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.
MR. RAYMOND WHITE: Mr. Speaker, on Monday, following the daily routine, we will resume the Estimates.
I move that the House do now rise and sit between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on Monday.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is to adjourn.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
[The House rose at 2:00 p.m.]
NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)
RESOLUTION NO. 818
By: Mr. William Estabrooks (Timberlea-Prospect)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Halifax International Airport is the last major airport in Canada to be transferred to the community under the National Airport Policy and the only international airport not to be modernized by the federal Department of Transport prior to transfer; and
Whereas after lengthy negotiations the federal government still refuses to accept its responsibility for upgrading the airport and wants those costs to be borne by Nova Scotians; and
Whereas councillors of Halifax Regional Municipality have added their voices to those urging the federal government to show fairness in the transfer of Halifax International Airport;
Therefore be it resolved that this House join with councillors of the Halifax Regional Municipality in calling on the federal government to transfer control of Halifax International Airport on terms that allow for a viable modern airport which serves the community and enhances the economy of Nova Scotia.
By: Mr. Kevin Deveaux (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Premier assured correctional officers that he personally disagrees with the tone and content of the June 15th Honsberger memo which threatens workers if they go on strike; and
Whereas despite the Premier's words this memo continues to be circulated to correctional officers at their workplace and even sent by Priority Post at $4.50 each; and
Whereas such aggressive tactics by management will do nothing to create a positive working relationship between this government and its correctional officers;
Therefore be it resolved that this House join with the correctional officers in urging the Premier to stop the circulation of the Honsberger memo and reach a fair agreement with those workers as quickly as possible.
