| TABLE OF CONTENTS | PAGE | |||
| PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: | ||||
| Law Amendments Committee, Hon. R. Russell | 6999 | |||
| NOTICES OF MOTION: | ||||
| Res. 2548, Kings Co. MLAs (PC [3]) - Party Line: Importance - | ||||
| Reveal, Mr. R. MacKinnon | 7000 | |||
| Res. 2549, Environ. - Five Island Lake: Commun. Liaison Comm. - | ||||
| Congrats., Mr. W. Estabrooks | 7000 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7001 | |||
| Res. 2550, Health - ALS Soc. (N.S.): Efforts - Thank, Mr. D. Hendsbee | 7001 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7002 | |||
| Res. 2551, Health - CBR Hosp. System: Emergency Doctors - | ||||
| Pay Equity Enforce, Mr. P. MacEwan | 7002 | |||
| Res. 2552, Health - Gov't. Restructuring Fund Use: Advice | ||||
| (Min. [Educ.]) - Take, Mr. J. Holm | 7003 | |||
| Res. 2553, PC Party (N.S.) - Annual Dinner (2000): Organizers - | ||||
| Recognize, Mr. T. Olive | 7003 | |||
| Res. 2554, Econ. Dev. - Atl. Superstore (Glace Bay): Opening - | ||||
| Congrats., Mr. D. Wilson | 7004 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7005 | |||
| Res. 2555, Health - IWK-Grace Hosp.: Paediatric Nutrition | ||||
| Support Prog. - Fund, Mr. F. Corbett | 7005 | |||
| Res. 2556, NDP Caucus (N.S.): Rick Clarke (Pres. [N.S. Fed. of Lbr.]) - | ||||
| Remove, Mr. R. MacKinnon | 7005 | |||
| Res. 2557, Devco: Privatization Hearings - Support, Mr. D. Dexter | 7006 | |||
| Res. 2558, Health - Charity: Commencement - Ex-Prov., | ||||
| (By Mr. K. Deveaux) Mr. J. Pye | 7007 | |||
| Res. 2559, Econ. Dev. - Silver's Garage (Bridgewater): Anniv. 85th - | ||||
| Congrats., Mr. D. Downe | 7008 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7008 | |||
| Res. 2560, Transport. & Pub. Wks. - Billboards: Control - Support, | ||||
| Mr. W. Estabrooks | 7008 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7009 | |||
| Res. 2561, GG (Can.) Caring Award: Annette Comeau (Church Point) - | ||||
| Congrats., Mr. W. Gaudet | 7009 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7010 | |||
| Res. 2562, Fin. - Debt (1978-1993): Tory Amnesia Day - Declare, | ||||
| Mr. H. Epstein | 7010 | |||
| Res. 2563, Econ. Dev. - Grand Narrows Waterfront Dev. Soc.: | ||||
| Promotion - Congrats., Mr. B. Boudreau | 7011 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7011 | |||
| Res. 2564, Kings South MLA - Legislature Costs Concern: | ||||
| Obstructionists (Exco) - Stop, Mr. J. Holm | 7012 | |||
| Res. 2565, Health: Min. - Blame-Stop/Charity-Show, Dr. J. Smith | 7012 | |||
| Res. 2566, Health - Cuts: Alleviate - Gov't. Restructuring Fund Use, | ||||
| Mr. F. Corbett | 7013 | |||
| Res. 2567, Educ. - Literacy: Concern Identification (Chester) - | ||||
| Cue Take, Mr. D. Downe | 7014 | |||
| Res. 2568, Annapolis MLA - E-Mail Reply: Return to Sender - | ||||
| Function Use, Mr. D. Dexter | 7015 | |||
| Res. 2569, Transport. & Pub. Wks. - Privatization: Info. - | ||||
| Absence Regret, Mr. P. MacEwan | 7015 | |||
| Res. 2570, Health - Sick Children Formula: Funding - Provide, | ||||
| Mr. K. Deveaux | 7016 | |||
| Res. 2571, Health - CB Reg. Hosp.: Cuts - Unconcern Condemn, | ||||
| Mr. D. Wilson | 7017 | |||
| Res. 2572, Commun. Serv. - Poverty (17/08/99 on): Deficit - | ||||
| Address, (By Mr. W. Estabrooks) Mr. J. Pye | 7017 | |||
| Res. 2573, Hants West MLA - Hants Commun. Hosp.: Budget - | ||||
| Consequences Reveal, Dr. J. Smith | 7018 | |||
| Res. 2574, Health - IWK-Grace Hosp.: Cuts - Unimaginable | ||||
| (Pre-Election), Mr. H. Epstein | 7019 | |||
| Res. 2575, Justice - Family Violence: Eradication - Seek, | ||||
| (By Mr. F. Corbett) Ms. E. O'Connell | 7019 | |||
| Res. 2576, Health - IWK-Grace Hosp. Cut (Children Serv.) - | ||||
| Alternative Reveal, (By Mr. D. Dexter) Ms. Maureen MacDonald | 7020 | |||
| Res. 2577, Health - Princess of Qatar: Provinces (Health Care Valued) - | ||||
| Visit, Mr. K. Deveaux | 7021 | |||
| Res. 2578, Environ. - Stellarton Strip Mine: Regs. - Weakness Admit, | ||||
| (By Mr. H. Epstein) Mr. John MacDonell | 7022 | |||
| Res. 2579, Educ. - Visa Olympics Contest: Cory Isenor (Enfield) - | ||||
| Winner Congrats., (By Mr. W. Estabrooks) Mr. John MacDonell | 7022 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7023 | |||
| Res. 2580, Health - IWK-Grace Hosp.: Cuts - Revelation Philosophy | ||||
| (PC Party [N.S.]), (By Mr. H. Epstein) Ms. Maureen MacDonald | 7023 | |||
| HOUSE RESOLVED INTO CWH ON BILLS AT 8:38 A.M. | 7024 | |||
| HOUSE RECONVENED AT 4:35 P.M. | 7024 | |||
| CWH REPORTS | 7024 | |||
| ADJOURNMENT, House rose to meet again on Mon., June 5th at 12:00 p.m. | 7025 | |||
| NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3): | ||||
| Res. 2581, Educ. - Cuts: Restoration Sought - Meet (Min.), | ||||
| Ms. E. O'Connell | 7026 | |||
| Res. 2582, Econ. Dev. - Pictou Co. C of C: Oil & Gas Industry Info. | ||||
| Session - Congrats., Mr. J. DeWolfe | 7026 | |||
| Res. 2583, Educ. - Acadia Univ. (Hon. DCL): Dr. Stan Spicer | ||||
| (Spencer's Is.) - Congrats., The Speaker | 7027 | |||
| Res. 2584, Lions Club (Internat.) - Elmer Ling (Parrsboro): | ||||
| Lifetime Member - Congrats., The Speaker | 7027 | |||
| Res. 2585, Sports - Trans Can. Trail (N. Col. Co.): Opening - | ||||
| Recognize, Mr. W. Langille | 7028 | |||
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. We will begin the daily routine.
PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS
PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the honourable Minister of Justice, as Chairman of the Committee on Law Amendments, I am directed to report that the committee had met and considered the following bill:
Bill No. 47 - Education Act.
and the committee recommends this bill to the favourable consideration of the House, with certain amendments.
MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that this bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole House on Bills.
TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS
STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS
GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
NOTICES OF MOTION
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cape Breton West.
MR. RUSSELL MACKINNON: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas employees of Perry Rand Limited bus company in New Minas, Nova Scotia, are receiving upwards of a 50 per cent cut in pay; and
Whereas these proposed cuts can be directly linked to funding cuts in the Department of Education's budget; and
Whereas to date there has been nothing but absolute silence from the MLAs for Kings North, Kings South and Kings West on this issue;
Therefore be it resolved that the three silent MLAs from Kings County please explain why toeing the Progressive Conservative's Party line is more important than fighting for their constituents.
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect.
MR. WILLIAM ESTABROOKS: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the final phase of the environmental clean-up of the north bay at Five Island Lake is slated to start; and
Whereas the PCB contamination of this lake has been a major concern for the surrounding communities for years; and
Whereas this work has proceeded because of the relentless efforts of the community liaison committee;
Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate Chairman John Hoyt and the many volunteers who make up the Five Island Lake Community Liaison Committee for their commitment to this project.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
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 Preston, on an introduction.
MR. DAVID HENDSBEE: In the Speaker's Gallery today, we have Mr. Brian Smith, President of the ALS Society of Nova Scotia. Also, as to the cornflowers on each of the member's desks, this is just to alert you that June is known as ALS Awareness Month. This is the purpose of this resolution. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Preston.
MR. DAVID HENDSBEE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas June is ALS Awareness Month; and
Whereas ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a disorder involving the loss of the use and control of muscles, and the cure of this disease is still unknown; and
Whereas the ALS Society of Nova Scotia is made up of a group of dedicated individuals committed to finding a cure or an effective treatment for this devastating disease;
Therefore be it resolved that this House take the opportunity to thank the members of the ALS Society of Nova Scotia for their contributions and efforts in supporting Nova Scotians with ALS, and their families, and for helping to find a cure for ALS.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
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 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 MSI pays, and the Department of Health sanctions, a discriminatory salary scale to doctors within the Cape Breton Regional Hospital; and
Whereas under this scale for overnight assignment to emergency duty at the outpatient's departments, doctors at the New Waterford site are paid $55 an hour versus $75 an hour at Glace Bay or Northside and $125 an hour at the main site in Sydney; and
Whereas this discrimination is unjustified, considering that all four sites are supposed to be part of one hospital operating at four different locations within one area, and the discriminatory wage scale inhibits doctors from coming to or serving at New Waterford;
Therefore be it resolved that the Minister of Health should enforce equal pay for work of equal value, paying the same scale for work at one site as at the other, as well as topping up the pay for work at the New Waterford, Glace Bay and Northside sites to the Sydney level.
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Sackville-Cobequid.
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 beleaguered and berated Minister of Health looked to the Minister of Education for help in answering questions in this House yesterday; and
Whereas we all know that the Minister of Education has difficulty answering her own questions and could offer no assistance to the Minister of Health; and
Whereas as we have witnessed, whenever the Minister of Education is confronted with a new problem in the education system, she reaches under the magic cushion and finds more money;
Therefore be it resolved that perhaps the only piece of advice the Minister of Health should take from the Minister of Education would be to dip into the government slush fund and drop some of that money into the health care system.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
I hear several Noes.
The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Dartmouth South.
MR. TIMOTHY OLIVE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas this weekend the Progressive Conservative Party of Nova Scotia will host its 2000 Annual Dinner; and
Whereas the event will feature speakers the Honourable Finlay MacDonald, Dalton Camp and our Premier; and
Whereas the event will recognize six patrons including Robert L. Stanfield, a former Premier of this great province and friend to Nova Scotia;
Therefore be it resolved that this House recognize the hard work involved in the organizing of this important event for the Party and recognize the honoured patrons whose contributions to the Party are significant, especially that of one former member of this Legislature and the federal Parliament, sometimes referred to as the best Prime Minister Canada never had.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
It is agreed?
I hear several Noes.
The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Cape Breton East.
MR. DAVID WILSON: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Atlantic Superstore has officially opened its new superstore in Glace Bay; and
Whereas Atlantic Superstore's investment in Glace Bay shows confidence in the local economy; and
Whereas much-needed employment will be created with this new facility;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Manager Fred Bougois and staff, and congratulate Atlantic Superstores on this morning's official store opening.
Mr. Speaker, I ask for waiver of notice.
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 Cape Breton Centre.
MR. FRANK CORBETT: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas it was learned on Wednesday of this week that the Paediatric Nutrition Support Program at the IWK-Grace Hospital is in serious jeopardy because of budget cuts to health; and
Whereas the Minister of Health, in a flippant fashion outside this House of Assembly, referred to this critical nutritional support as part of the five-star program; and
Whereas the only association Nova Scotians make between five-star and this government is the five-star luxury hotel where the Finance Minister stayed, at taxpayers' expense, during his sojourn to New York;
Therefore be it resolved that all members condemn the callous comments of the Minister of Health and call on him to show he really does have a sensitive and sensible side by committing enough funds to fund the Paediatric Nutrition Support Program at the IWK-Grace.
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Cape Breton West.
MR. RUSSELL MACKINNON: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the NDP are sulking because their attempts to further their relationship with organized labour failed at the Law Amendments Committee on Thursday, June 1, 2000; and
Whereas such actions were only to be expected, given the tens of thousands of dollars donated to the NDP in the last several provincial elections; and
Whereas the NDP must broaden its scope of thinking if it ever hopes to form power in Nova Scotia, although that would certainly be a long shot;
Therefore be it resolved that the NDP may wish to remove Mr. Rick Clarke, President of the Federation of Labour, from NDP caucus meetings in an attempt to provide independent, clear thinking on matters of public policy.
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 Dartmouth-Cole Harbour.
MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas on Tuesday, Devco miners found out just exactly what kind of treatment they can expect to receive from the Liberals; and
Whereas it is becoming increasingly clear that the Liberals have broken faith with Cape Bretoners and abandoned coal miners in their senseless rush to privatize Devco; and
Whereas Michelle Dockrill and Peter Mancini were rightfully incensed after the Liberal-dominated Natural Resources Committee of the House of Commons refused to hold public hearings in Cape Breton;
Therefore be it resolved that the Liberals in this House should support MPs Mancini and Dockrill and demand hearings on the privatization of Devco in Cape Breton.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver.
[8:15 a.m.]
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
I hear several Noes.
The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage.
MR. KEVIN DEVEAUX: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the member for Dartmouth North, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Minister of Health continues to tell us that cuts to health care are all about choices; and
Whereas the minister should be reminded that a sick child who requires special formula will no longer have a choice in this province, although they will continue to have a choice if they are from New Brunswick or P.E.I.; and
Whereas the Minister of Health suggested that needy families who need special formula for sick infants should go to local charity groups for assistance rather than looking to the government;
Therefore be it resolved that under a Tory Government in the Province of Nova Scotia, charity does not start at home.
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 Lunenburg West.
RESOLUTION NO. 2559
MR. DONALD DOWNE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Silvers's Garage Limited in Bridgewater is celebrating its 85th Anniversary this year; and
Whereas on June 17th, Silver's will be celebrating this milestone with a customer appreciation day that will be open to all with fun-filled activities for the public to enjoy; and
Whereas Silver's Garage has been serving the Town of Bridgewater and surrounding area's transportation industry since 1915;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the staff of Silver's Garage on their 85th Anniversary of doing business in the Town of Bridgewater.
Mr. Speaker, I request 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 Timberlea-Prospect.
MR. WILLIAM ESTABROOKS: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Minister of Transportation has circulated draft signage rules for public comment; and
Whereas the draft rules will provide for stricter regulation of billboards along the side of highways; and
Whereas as Ogden Nash has written, "I think that I shall never see a billboard lovely as a tree. In fact, unless the billboards fall I think I shall never see a tree at all";
Therefore be it resolved that this House support the Minister of Transportation in his quest for stricter control of billboards.
Mr. Speaker, I request 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 Clare.
MR. WAYNE GAUDET: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas on February 18, 2000, Annette Comeau, a native of Church Point, was the recipient of a Governor General's Caring Canadian Award presented by Adrienne Clarkson; and
Whereas Comeau received the award for her community involvement, her volunteer work with Juniper House and the care she has given her family; and
Whereas the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award is given to individuals who have given extraordinary help to others, supported community service or humanitarian causes;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House join me in congratulating Annette Comeau for her outstanding contributions to her community.
Mr. Speaker, I request 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 Halifax Chebucto.
MR. HOWARD EPSTEIN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas unfortunately, due to the government's procedural manoeuvres on May 31st, the late debate resolution by the member for Sackville-Beaver Bank did not come forward for debate; and (Interruptions)
AN HON. MEMBER: Can he start again?
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. (Interruptions) Order, please. There is too much noise in the Chamber. The honourable member for Halifax Chebucto has the floor. Would you start over please.
MR. EPSTEIN: Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas unfortunately, due to the government's procedural manoeuvres on May 31st, the late debate resolution by the member for Sackville-Beaver Bank did not come forward for debate; and
Whereas the thrust of the resolution was to recognize the problem presented for governance in Nova Scotia due to the costs of debt servicing; and
Whereas the bulk of that debt - $6 billion of it - is Tory debt, the legacy of 15 years of wild Buchanan overspending from 1978 to 1993, in which the Government House Leader and the Minister of Finance had a substantial hand;
Therefore be it resolved that since the present Tory Government likes to pretend that this problem magically appeared and they had nothing to do with it, we declare today Tory Amnesia Day and indeed look forward to the day when we can forget the Tories altogether.
Mr. Speaker, I seek 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 The Lakes.
MR. BRIAN BOUDREAU: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Grand Narrows is one of the gateways to the beautiful Bras d'Or Lakes; and
Whereas the Grand Narrows Waterfront Development Society is installing a sewage treatment facility for their marina; and
Whereas this facility will be good for boating tourism as well as keeping the Bras d'Or Lakes clean;
Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate the Grand Narrows Waterfront Development Society for their hard work in promoting and developing their local area.
Mr. Speaker, I request 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 Sackville-Cobequid.
MR. JOHN HOLM: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas one of the purposes of this Legislature is to allow elected representatives to ask questions of the government of the day and to hold them accountable to the people of Nova Scotia; and
Whereas the member for Kings South feels this Legislature is not necessary and his government should be allowed to operate with absolute impunity and no accountability to the people of Nova Scotia; and
Whereas perhaps if this government had been open and honest with Nova Scotians, instead of hiding details of their budget, then maybe this Legislature would not still be in session;
Therefore be it resolved that since the member for Kings South is so concerned about the cost of operating this Legislature then maybe he should instruct his Premier and Cabinet to stop being obstructionists and start some cooperation with Opposition Parties who just want to make this Legislature better for Nova Scotians.
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 Dartmouth East.
DR. JAMES SMITH: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas yesterday the Health Minister said the slack created by cuts to children's nutrition and other health programs could be picked up by charities and service clubs; and
Whereas last fall this Tory Government cancelled a plan that would allow charities and non-profit groups to benefit from $2 million; and
Whereas after abandoning charities last fall, the Tories are now calling on them to bail the government out of a jam of their own making;
Therefore be it resolved that the Health Minister show a little charity of his own and stop trying to blame others or put the burden on others for his own misguided policies.
Mr. Speaker, I ask for waiver of notice.
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 Centre.
MR. FRANK CORBETT: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Minister of Health wants us to believe that the ideas for horrific cuts at the IWK-Grace are not his fault; and
Whereas the Minister of Health said hospitals were fat with administration that could be cut without affecting health care services; and
Whereas it is now obvious that the IWK-Grace, a hospital that caters specifically to children, women and families, does not have the fatty administration the Minister of Health thought they did;
Therefore be it resolved now that the Minister of Health has been made aware of the grave cuts that will occur as a result of his budget, he will now reconsider and, like the Minister of Education, dip into the government's slush fund to help the IWK-Grace.
Mr. Speaker, I seek waiver.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
I hear a No.
The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Lunenburg West.
MR. DONALD DOWNE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the services of the Prince Edward Island-based Spell Read Phonemic Analysis Training Program is coming to Chester this summer; and
Whereas this program provides training in literacy skills to people with reading and writing difficulties due to a deficit in auditory processing; and
Whereas those with reading and writing difficulties suffer enormously because they cannot contribute fully to our society through no fault of their own;
Therefore be it resolved that the Minister of Education take a cue from the people of Chester who have identified that literacy is a growing concern to Nova Scotians and take steps to implement similar programs for the countless others who are in need of literacy skills.
Mr. Speaker, I ask for waiver.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
I hear a No.
The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour.
MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas yesterday in this House the member for Annapolis rose on a point of personal privilege to tell the House that he was answering his e-mail; and
Whereas this member proudly displayed copies of those letters for my perusal; and
Whereas unfortunately for the member for Annapolis, I can, in fact, confirm that Cathy Thomas did not receive those e-mails, and the reason she didn't receive the e-mails is because the member sent them to the wrong e-mail address, and perhaps he should check for undeliverable mail when he next turns on his computer;
Therefore be it resolved that the next time the member for Annapolis replies to an e-mail, he should use the return-to-sender function, as that is what the people of his riding will be doing in the next election.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver.
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 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 Minister of Transportation and Public Works is clearly intent on privatizing large parts of his department, just as this government is clearly interested in privatizing wherever possible, such as with the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission; and
Whereas the minister has failed to be candid or communicative with this House on his privatization plans for his department, although he has unburdened himself at length on this topic in the press; and
Whereas it is reaching a sorry state when elected members of this House have to refer to The Halifax Chronicle-Herald or the minister's column in the Windsor Hants Journal to ferret out what they can of this government's privatization plans;
Therefore be it resolved that this House regrets and deplores the failure of the minister to lay out clearly and openly his privatization plans so that employees affected and the general public can formulate their response.
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage.
MR. KEVIN DEVEAUX: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas in a media scrum yesterday, the Minister of Health indicated that cutting a program to provide formula to sick children of needy families is just one of many choices that have to be made in health care; and
Whereas the media was quick to point out to the Minister of Health that cutting this program was not a cut to administration; and
Whereas the Minister of Health suggested needy families in dire need of this formula might want to contact their local charity, like maybe the Kiwanis, for assistance;
Therefore be it resolved that providing nutrition to sick, poor children is not the responsibility of the Kiwanis but rather the responsibility and duty of any government that still has its moral compass.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver.
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 East.
MR. DAVID WILSON: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Minister of Health is suddenly aware that budget cutbacks mean bed closures and staff lay-offs in all regions, including Cape Breton; and
Whereas it is about time, considering the budget was introduced 12 months ago; and
Whereas, unfortunately, recognizing the detrimental effects of his Health budget does not make the pain go away;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House condemn the Minister of Health for his demonstrated lack of concern for cuts to health care, especially those taking place at the Cape Breton Regional Health Care Complex.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
I hear a No.
The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect.
MR. WILLIAM ESTABROOKS: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the honourable member for Dartmouth North, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas every day in the Province of Nova Scotia six more children are born into poverty; and
Whereas since August 17th, this Tory Government's first full day in office, 1,718 children have been born into poverty; and
Whereas this heartless Tory Government would prefer to talk about only one kind of deficit, a budget deficit;
Therefore be it resolved that this Tory Government start waking up to the health, education and social deficits faced by the 1,718 children born into poverty under this Tory Regime.
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Dartmouth East.
DR. JAMES SMITH: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas in a recent letter to the Hants Journal, the MLA for Hants West complained that concerns over cuts to the local hospital were nothing more than rumour and innuendo; and
Whereas the Hants West MLA also said his time was better spent in the Legislature, rather than responding to constituents' concerns over health cuts; and (Interruptions)
No, there are no quotation marks on that part, Mr. Speaker, that is paraphrasing what the letter said. (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The honourable member for Dartmouth East has the floor. Continue, please.
DR. SMITH: Whereas the Hants West MLA said he even had trouble - and this is a quote - "finding the time to be Minister of Transportation";
Therefore be it resolved that the Hants West MLA can easily prevent rumours about health care by taking time to provide actual information to his constituents instead of keeping the true impact of his budget cuts a secret.
Mr. Speaker, I ask for waiver of notice.
[8:30 a.m.]
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
I hear a No.
The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Halifax Chebucto.
MR. HOWARD EPSTEIN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas in the greatest of ironies, yesterday the Minister of Community Services declared June as Child Care Awareness Days in Nova Scotia; and
Whereas in the minister's press release it states, "A person's early years are important as research shows quality care is important for a child to become a healthy, productive and confident adult"; and
Whereas the minister's own government has so severely cut funding at the IWK-Grace that sick children needing formula and children needing transportation money to mental health clinics can no longer get funding;
Therefore be it resolved that this government has truly sunk to a new all-time low that none of us could ever have imagined when listening to the Tories' 243 promises during the last election.
Mr. Speaker, I seek waiver of notice.
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 Centre.
MR. FRANK CORBETT: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the honourable member for Halifax Fairview, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas a new United Nations report states that violence against women and girls continues to be a global epidemic that kills, tortures and maims physically, psychologically, sexually and economically; and
Whereas this report also points out that the domestic violence is most pernicious because it is carried out by people in positions of trust; and
Whereas violence against women and girls is often viewed by authorities as a private matter in which they are unwilling to get involved;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the problem of violence against women and girls, even in our own country and province, and agree to work toward eradicating it wherever it is found.
Mr. Speaker, I seek 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 Dartmouth-Cole Harbour.
MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the honourable member for Halifax Needham, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas we learned yesterday in this House that the IWK-Grace will, due to budget cuts, be eliminating the transportation allowance given to children to attend the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Day Treatment Program; and
Whereas this allowance allowed children from needy families who use this program to make sure their children would have a way to get to the hospital for the necessary treatment; and
Whereas the children who attend this program suffer from behavioural disorders, depression and severe acting-out behaviours;
Therefore be it resolved that the Minister of Health explain to this House and to Nova Scotians how these children will get to this valuable program without financial assistance.
Mr. Speaker, I request 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 Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage.
MR. KEVIN DEVEAUX: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas yesterday the Princess of Qatar was a guest in the gallery and is here on a fact-finding trip on health care; and
Whereas we can suggest to the princess this is not the province to come to to see how to do things but rather how not to run a health care system; and
Whereas despite some of the best doctors in the country, despite wonderful nurses, despite excellent health care professionals, the health care system in this province has fallen victim to a government that believes that everyone is fudging their numbers in order to get more money out of the government;
Therefore be it resolved that this House encourage the Princess of Qatar to travel to other provinces in Canada where provincial governments value health care and keep their promises.
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 Halifax Chebucto.
MR. HOWARD EPSTEIN: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the honourable member for Hants East, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Acting Minister of the Environment said yesterday he was unaware of any alleged environmental violations at the Stellarton strip mine; and
Whereas the acting minister said he believes the Department of the Environment does not give advance notice of inspections; and
Whereas the acting minister responded to a point made that the mine inspector involved with the strip mine may be in a conflict of interest by defending the mine owner and operator as if he was above the withering eye of the Opposition in this House;
Therefore be it resolved that the Acting Minister of the Environment should admit that there is simply no bite and precious little bark in the department's regulation of the operation of the Stellarton strip mine, which is just as John Chisholm wants it.
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect.
MR. WILLIAM ESTABROOKS: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the honourable member for Hants East, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Visa "Olympics of the Imagination" Contest encouraged students to show, by way of a painting or a drawing, what the Olympics motto, "Faster, Higher, Stronger", means to them; and
Whereas the contest drew 5,400 entries from across Canada with four regional grand prize winners to enjoy first prize of a trip to the Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia in September; and
Whereas the Atlantic Region produced 481 contestants with the winner being 13 year old Cory Isenor of Enfield who was also runner-up in the 1998 contest;
Therefore be it resolved that this House recognize Cory Isenor for his tenacity and artistry, and congratulate him on a job well done, with best wishes for him as he embarks on his monumental experience.
Mr. Speaker, I request 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 Halifax Chebucto.
MR. HOWARD EPSTEIN: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the honourable member for Halifax Needham, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas education program assistants have been cut as a result of this Tory budget and, in fact, in the Halifax region alone there will be a shortage in the schools of 102 program assistants; and
Whereas the Paediatric Nutrition Support Program and the transportation allowance for children to attend the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Day Treatment Program at the IWK-Grace have been victims of Tory cost cutting; and
Whereas the Well Woman Clinic at the IWK-Grace, as well as eight victim support services at the Family Violence Prevention Initiative have all been axed by this vicious Tory budget;
Therefore be it resolved that now all Nova Scotians understand exactly what Tories are all about, and that is attacking women, children, and the needy while the Tories' financial backers continue to get sweetheart deals on coal royalties.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
I hear a No.
The notice is tabled.
ORDERS OF THE DAY
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, I move that you do now leave the Chair and the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole House on Bills.
MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
The motion is carried.
[8:38 a.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Bills with Deputy Speaker Mr. Brooke Taylor in the Chair.]
[4:35 p.m. CWH on Bills rose and the House reconvened. Mr. Speaker, Hon. Murray Scott, 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 considered the following bill:
Bill No. 34 - Health Authorities Act.
and the chairman has been instructed to recommend this bill to the favourable consideration of the House, without amendment, and begs leave to sit again.
MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Ordered that this bill be read for a third time on a future day.
The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now rise to meet again on Monday, at the hour of 12:00 noon. The House will sit until 12:00 midnight. The order of business will be Committee of the Whole House on Bills and we will be commencing with Bill No. 47, the Education Act; and if time permits, we will go on to other bills for second reading that are on the order paper.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is that the House do now rise until 12:00 noon on Monday and sit until 12:00 midnight.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
We stand adjourned until Monday at 12:00 noon.
[The House rose at 4:37 p.m.]
NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)
RESOLUTION NO. 2581
By: Ms. Eileen O'Connell (Halifax Fairview)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Minister of Education looked under another Tory cushion and found an additional $88,500 in funding for the Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority; and
Whereas it now appears that any parent of a child in the education system needs only to appear at this House and the Minister of Education will quickly find a few more dollars to bail herself and her disastrous budget out; and
Whereas we all know now that the Minister of Education's budget is incorrect by some $33 million in slush fund funding;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House tell parents to "come on down" to the House and the Minister of Education will find a few more dollars to repair the very system she is in the process of destroying.
By: Mr. James DeWolfe (Pictou East)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce played host to an extremely successful Oil and Gas Industry Information Session last week in Stellarton; and
Whereas a number of participants involved in Nova Scotia's offshore, including the Nova Scotia Petroleum Directorate, participated in this information session; and
Whereas the session hosted by the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce was the sixth in a series of information sessions being held across the province;
Therefore be it resolved that MLAs congratulate the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce for hosting this important initiative, which is a positive opportunity for Nova Scotians wishing to be informed on this significant economic opportunity for the province.
By: Hon. Murray Scott (Mr. Speaker)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Stan Spicer, of Spencer's Island, is well known for his pioneering work in physical education and for his efforts to preserve the history of the Maritimes' Age of Sail through books and magazine articles; and
Whereas Mr. Spicer was recently honoured for his many contributions when he received an Honorary Doctor of Civil Law degree during the spring convocation at Acadia University; and
Whereas more than 300 education, kinesiology, recreation management and business administration graduates were treated to a convocation address from Mr. Spicer;
Therefore be it resolved that all members congratulate Dr. Spicer on his many accomplishments in the community and on his newly bestowed degree, and wish him well in all his future endeavours.
By: Hon. Murray Scott (Mr. Speaker)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Elmer Ling of Parrsboro, Nova Scotia, has been a faithful member of the Lions Club for 34 years; and
Whereas Mr. Ling will be made a Life Member of the Lions Club International at the annual meeting of the Parrsboro and area Lions Club on Saturday, June 10, 2000; and
Whereas Mr. Ling has served the Lions Club as president, secretary, district zone chairman and district governor for Nova Scotia;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Legislature congratulate Mr. Elmer Ling on his appointment as a lifetime member of the Lions Club International and wish him all the best in the future.
By: Mr. William Langille (Colchester North)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas ceremonies are scheduled at the old train station in Tatamagouche tomorrow evening for the official launching of the Trans Canada Trail in northern Colchester County; and
Whereas the Trans Canada Trail is a community-based project and will be owned and maintained by local organizations as well as local municipal units, provincial authorities, local organizations and national agencies; and
Whereas approximately 1.5 million Canadians have volunteered their time to help with the construction of this trail;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this Legislature recognize the national significance of this initiative as the opening of the Trans Canada Trail in northern Colchester County is celebrated tomorrow evening.
