| TABLE OF CONTENTS | PAGE | |||
| PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS: | ||||
| Transport. & Pub. Wks. - Thorburn: MacDonald Road - Upgrade, | ||||
| Mr. J. DeWolfe | 9407 | |||
| TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS: | ||||
| Anl. Rept. of the Fire Marshal, Hon. A. MacIsaac | 9408 | |||
| GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION: | ||||
| Res. 3600, Election (Cdn.) - Chretien, Rt. Hon. Jean: Victory - Congrats., | ||||
| The Premier | 9408 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 9409 | |||
| INTRODUCTION OF BILLS: | ||||
| No. 83, Employment Equity Act, Mr. H. Epstein | 9409 | |||
| TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS: | ||||
| Anl. Rept. of the Standing Committee on Economic Development, | ||||
| Mr. B. Taylor | 9409 | |||
| NOTICES OF MOTION: | ||||
| Res. 3601, Election (Cdn.) - Chretien, Rt. Hon. Jean: Victory - Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. W. Gaudet | 9410 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 9410 | |||
| Res. 3602, Election (Cdn.) - Candidates/MPs(N.S.): Best Wishes - | ||||
| Extend, Mr. J. Holm | 9410 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 9411 | |||
| Res. 3603, Konchalski, Steve - Basketball St. F.X.: Victory (500th) - | ||||
| Congrats., Hon. A. MacIsaac | 9411 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 9412 | |||
| Res. 3604, Eyking, Mark - Sydney-Victoria: MP - Election Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. Manning MacDonald | 9412 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 9412 | |||
| Res. 3605, Agric. - 4-H: Hfx. Kiwanis Club - Contribution Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. John MacDonell | 9413 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 9413 | |||
| Res. 3606, Educ. - Five Islands Elem. Sch.: Commun. - | ||||
| Dedication Commend, (by Mr. W. Langille) Hon. J. Purves | 9413 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 9414 | |||
| Res. 3607, Women: Purple Ribbon Campaign (25/11/00-10/12/00) - | ||||
| Support, Dr. J. Smith | 9414 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 9415 | |||
| Res. 3608, Educ. - Adult Literacy: School Children - Prog. Begin, | ||||
| Ms. Maureen MacDonald | 9415 | |||
| Res. 3609, Election (Cdn.): Candidates - Commend, Mr. F. Chipman | 9416 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 9416 | |||
| Res. 3610, Collier, Josh - Electric Wheelchair: Fund-Raising - | ||||
| Participate, Mr. K. MacAskill | 9416 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 9417 | |||
| Res. 3611, Volunteers: Involvement - Commend, Mr. K. Deveaux | 9417 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 9418 | |||
| Res. 3612, Election (Cdn.) - Chretien, Rt. Hon. Jean: Team - | ||||
| Efforts Recognize, Mr. D. Downe | 9418 | |||
| Res. 3613, Election (Cdn.) - Chretien, Rt. Hon. Jean: Achievement - | ||||
| Congrats., Mr. P. MacEwan | 9419 | |||
| Res. 3614, Educ. - Sir John A. Macdonald HS: Deterioration - | ||||
| Explain, Mr. W. Estabrooks | 9419 | |||
| Res. 3615, Recovery House - Fund-Raising: Fitt, Art/Campbell, Ansel - | ||||
| Support, Mr. B. Boudreau | 9420 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 9420 | |||
| Res. 3616, Victory Cred. Union - Kennetcook: Opening - Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. John MacDonell | 9421 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 9421 | |||
| Res. 3617, UCCB/C.B. Reg. Police - Commun. Serv. Prog.: | ||||
| Development - Congrats., Mr. R. MacKinnon | 9421 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 9422 | |||
| Res. 3618, Transport. & Pub. Wks. - Hwy. No. 103: Twinning - | ||||
| Time-Frame, Mr. W. Estabrooks | 9422 | |||
| Res. 3619, Cuzner, Roger - Bras d'Or-Cape Breton: MP - | ||||
| Election Congrats., Mr. D. Wilson | 9423 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 9423 | |||
| Res. 3620, Cuzner, Roger/Eyking, Mark - MPs: Election - Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. P. MacEwan | 9424 | |||
| Res. 3621, Thibault, Robert - West Nova: MP - Election Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. W. Gaudet | 9424 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 9425 | |||
| Res. 3622, Regan, Geoff - Halifax West: MP - Election Congrats., | ||||
| Dr. J. Smith | 9425 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 9425 | |||
| ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS: | ||||
| No. 1140, Health - EMC Dispatchers: Strike - Plan, Mr. W. Gaudet | 9426 | |||
| No. 1141, Fin. - Fuel Prices: Seniors - Effects, Mr. J. Pye | 9427 | |||
| No. 1142, Health - Col. Reg. Hosp.: CEO - Transition, Dr. J. Smith | 9428 | |||
| No. 1143, Health - Col. Reg. Hosp.: CEO - Appt. Explain, | ||||
| Mr. D. Dexter | 9429 | |||
| No. 1144, Health - LPN Legislation: Delay - Explain, Dr. J. Smith | 9430 | |||
| No. 1145, Environ. - Cape Breton: Remediation - Action, | ||||
| Mr. F. Corbett | 9432 | |||
| No. 1146, Health - Cuts: Information - Accuracy, Mr. D. Wilson | 9433 | |||
| No. 1147, Health: Lillian Fraser Mem. Hosp. - Cuts, Mr. D. Dexter | 9434 | |||
| No. 1148, Environ. - Martock (Hants Co.): Development - | ||||
| Investigate, Mr. W. Gaudet | 9435 | |||
| No. 1149, Educ.: Sir John A. Macdonald HS - Plan, Mr. W. Estabrooks | 9436 | |||
| No. 1150, Justice: Sunday Shopping - Address, Mr. D. Downe | 9437 | |||
| No. 1151, Nat. Res. - Crown Lands: Industrial Holdings - | ||||
| Sustainability, Mr. John MacDonell | 9439 | |||
| No. 1152, Health - In-Home Support: Prog. Review - Status, | ||||
| Mr. M. Samson | 9440 | |||
| No. 1153, Commun. Serv.: Childcare - Funding, Mr. K. Deveaux | 9441 | |||
| No. 1154, Transport. & Pub. Wks. - Prog. Review: Audit - | ||||
| Results, Mr. P. MacEwan | 9442 | |||
| No. 1155, Nat. Res. - Deer Kill: Tags - Quality Improve,^^ | ||||
| Mr. W. Estabrooks | 9443 | |||
| HOUSE RESOLVED INTO CWH ON BILLS AT 1:30 P.M. | 9445 | |||
| HOUSE RECONVENED AT 6:27 P.M. | 9445 | |||
| ADJOURNMENT: | ||||
| MOTION UNDER RULE (5): | ||||
| NDP Leader (N.S.) - Seat: Non-Cape Breton - Seek: | ||||
| Mr. R. MacKinnon | 9445 | |||
| Mr. M. Parent | 9446 | |||
| Mr. K. Deveaux | 9446 | |||
| HOUSE RESOLVED INTO CWH ON BILLS AT 6:31 P.M. | 9447 | |||
| HOUSE RECONVENED AT 7:56 P.M. | 9447 | |||
| CWH REPORTS | 9447 | |||
| ADJOURNMENT, House rose to meet again on Wed., Nov. 22nd at 2:00 p.m. | 9448 | |||
| NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3): | ||||
| Res. 3623, Graham, Bruce - N.S. (Rural): Support - Praise, | ||||
| The Speaker | 9449 | |||
| Res. 3624, Jain, June - Educ./Research: Efforts - Thank, Mr. M. Parent | 9449 | |||
| Res. 3625, Trites, John: Geographic Literacy Award - Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. M. Parent | 9450 | |||
| Res. 3626, Halls Hbr. Vol. Fire Dept. - Anniv. (10th)/Don Millett: | ||||
| Firefighter of the Year - Congrats., Mr. M. Parent | 9450 | |||
| Res. 3627, Kingstec - Cafeteria & Lounge: Opening - Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. M. Parent | 9451 | |||
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The subject for this evening's late debate was submitted by the honourable member for Cape Breton Nova:
Therefore be it resolved that the NDP Leader, Helen MacDonald, will have to seek a seat outside Cape Breton as demonstrated by the elimination of the NDP in the area after last night's federal election.
That will be heard this evening at 6:00 p.m.
We will begin the daily routine.
PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Pictou East.
MR. JAMES DEWOLFE: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table the following petition from the residents of MacDonald Road in Thorburn. The operative clause is, "Something needs to be done immediately . . .", with regard to the horrible conditions on MacDonald Road (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. Would you read the final portion there, please.
MR. DEWOLFE: The operative clause is, "Something needs to be done immediately . . ." with regard to the horrible conditions on MacDonald Road, Thorburn. It is signed by 30 residents of that area and I have affixed my signature to it.
MR. SPEAKER: The petition is tabled.
PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Acting Minister of Environment and Labour.
HON. ANGUS MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table the Annual Report of the Fire Marshal for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999.
MR. SPEAKER: The report is tabled.
STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS
GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Premier.
HON. JOHN HAMM (The Premier): Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas millions of Canadians exercised their democratic right to vote in yesterday's federal election; and
Whereas those men and women from all Parties who stood for office possess a rare and enviable combination of determination, courage and love of country; and
Whereas this great democratic exercise was accomplished because of the hard work and sacrifice of thousands of volunteers and Elections Canada workers;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Legislature congratulate Prime Minister Jean Chretien on his election victory as well as the thousands of Canadians who continued this country's proud tradition of vibrant democracy.
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. (Applause)
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
Bill No. 83 - Entitled An Act to Establish An Employment Equity and Affirmative Action Policy for the Legal Services Division of the Department of Justice and Crown Law Agents. (Mr. Howard Epstein)
MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that this bill be read for a second time on a future day.
The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, with the consent of the House, could we revert to the order of business, Tabling Reports, Regulations and Other Papers?
MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley.
MR. BROOKE TAYLOR: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table the Annual Report of the Standing Committee on Economic Development.
MR. SPEAKER: The report is tabled.
NOTICES OF MOTION
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Liberal Party.
MR. WAYNE GAUDET: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas yesterday, under the outstanding leadership of Prime Minister Jean Chretien, the Liberal Party of Canada was elected to once again form the Government of Canada; and
Whereas the Liberals won 173 out of a total of 301 seats in the House of Commons, giving them, once again, an absolute majority; and
Whereas this victory is an example of the Canadian public's faith and confidence in the policies put forth by the Liberal Party on behalf of the citizens of Canada;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the Prime Minister on his Party's victory and extend to all Party Leaders and candidates a sincere vote of appreciation for participating in the democratic process and making it work.
Mr. Speaker, I would 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 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 democracy depends on the ideals, commitment, volunteer effort and sheer hard work from members of all political Parties; and
Whereas on November 27th, the people of Nova Scotia and Canada spoke and determined the political configuration of our country for another term of government; and
Whereas Nova Scotians elected the most balanced team of MPs to the House of Commons of any province, providing results that gave each political Party reason to celebrate and goals for the next election;
Therefore be it resolved that this House thank all those who sought election to the Parliament, and wish the 11 MPs well as they set about the task of representing our province in the new Parliament.
Mr. Speaker, I would 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 Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.
HON. ANGUS MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas for the past 26 years, Steve Konchalski has been the head coach of the St. Francis Xavier men's basketball team; and
Whereas this past Sunday, Coach K won his 500th career game; and
Whereas while the Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union does not keep official records of all-time coaching victories, this milestone places Coach K in an elite category in the minds of players and fans;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Coach Steve Konchalski on his 500th career coaching victory, and extend to him our appreciation for his 26 years of leadership in developing student athletes, both on and off the court.
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 Cape Breton South.
MR. MANNING MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas last night, Cape Bretoners painted the Island Liberal red; and
Whereas in Sydney-Victoria, Mark Eyking beat New Democrat Peter Mancini with over 5,000 votes; and
Whereas the Liberals won four seats in this province, proving that Nova Scotians feel it is crucial to be on the winning side of strong majority government;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Mark Eyking as the new Liberal Member of Parliament for the riding of Sydney-Victoria.
Mr. Speaker, I would 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 Leader in the House of the New Democratic Party.
MR. JOHN MACDONELL: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the 4-H movement is an important part of many young rural Nova Scotians' lives; and
Whereas this year, the Halifax-East Hants 4-Hers held their own awards banquet for the first time; and
Whereas the recently dissolved Halifax Kiwanis Club has been a steadfast supporter of 4-H in the past, in many vital ways;
Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate the members of the former Kiwanis Club for their contribution to the growth and development of the 4-H organization in Halifax and East Hants.
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 Colchester North.
MR. WILLIAM LANGILLE: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the honourable Minister of Education, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Five Islands Elementary School is the oldest school presently operating in Nova Scotia, and has been for the past 123 years; and
Whereas the present school was constructed in 1877, after a fire destroyed the old school in 1870; and
Whereas Angie Willigar teaches school on a daily basis to 12 students who are in Grades Primary to Grade 2;
Therefore be it resolved that the Legislature commend the local community of Five Islands and teacher Angie Willigar for their dedication and support in making the daily learning process such an enjoyable experience for these small children.
Mr. Speaker, I would 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 honorable member for Dartmouth East.
[12:15 p.m.]
Whereas the purple ribbon campaign to raise the public's awareness of violence against women takes place from November 25th to December 10th; and
Whereas this campaign is also in remembrance of the 14 women who died in Montreal on December 6, 1989, as well as all women who died violently; and
Whereas the funds raised by this campaign go towards the elimination of the widespread violence against women that exists in our society;
Therefore be it resolved that this House encourage and support the campaign that has as its goal the elimination of violence and abuse against women in our society.
Mr. Speaker, I would 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 Halifax Needham.
Whereas the Minister of Education talked about adult literacy at an international conference here in Halifax earlier this week; and
Whereas while the minister was discussing adult literacy, schools are falling down around our students at Sir John A. Macdonald and at Halifax West; and
Whereas in order for our children to learn they must be in a healthy environment, one that does not have to close due to air quality problems or to bursting pipes;
Therefore be it resolved that if the Minister of Education is serious about adult literacy she start with children while they are still in school thus preventing problems later in life.
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 Annapolis.
RESOLUTION NO. 3609
Whereas the will of millions of Canadians was exercised yesterday, providing the federal Liberals with another majority government; and
Whereas throughout the campaign all candidates spoke in great detail, but must now respect the Canadian public who spoke yesterday and provided a decision of their own; and
Whereas it is now exceptionally important that partisan bickering is put on the back burner and that all 301 MPs return to the nation's capital and do what is best for their constituents and all Canadians;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this Legislature commend the winners and losers of yesterday's vote for letting their name stand for public office and wish them the very best in all future endeavours.
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 Victoria.
Whereas Branch 53 Royal Canadian Legion in Baddeck has joined the fund-raising team whose objective is to raise enough money to purchase an electric wheelchair and specialized computer system for Josh Collier; and
Whereas Collier, who suffers from cerebral palsy, is a Grade 5 student at Baddeck Academy; and
Whereas the fund-raising goal is to raise $25,000 by early spring;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House be encouraged to participate in this fund-raising effort in order to purchase an electric wheelchair and specialized computer system for Josh Collier.
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 Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage.
Whereas the year 2001 has been designated the International Year of Volunteers; and
Whereas the kick-off will take place on Tuesday, December 5th, with a flag-raising here at Province House, followed by the national launch from Ottawa; and
Whereas volunteers form the cornerstone of our communities, selflessly giving of themselves and their time;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House acknowledge and commend volunteers for all they give.
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 honorable member for Lunenburg West.
Whereas last night the Liberal Party of Canada won its third straight electoral victory despite the howls of many naysayers and armchair quarterbacks; and
Whereas for the first time in 55 years the Liberal Party received its third straight majority, even larger than in 1993; and
Whereas Nova Scotians have also sent four Liberals to Ottawa, sending three NDPers and one Tory packing;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House recognize the stellar efforts of the Jean Chretien Liberal team as they trounced their opponents in what can only be described as the first of many great Liberal victories in the new millennium.
Mr. Speaker, I ask for 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 Liberal Party under Prime Minister Jean Chretien has achieved an historical victory; and
Whereas the election results have endorsed the programs, policies and actions of the Prime Minister and his government, and especially have sustained the judgement of Prime Minister Chretien; and
Whereas Jean Chretien has re-established the Liberal Party as the predominate force in Atlantic Canada, has bested the Bloc in Quebec, and has established once again that the Liberal Party is the only Party with significant support in all parts of this country;
Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate Prime Minister Chretien on his outstanding achievement.
Mr. Speaker, I would 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 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 today in my riding of Timberlea-Prospect, students from Sir John A. Macdonald High School are once again staying home from school, the second day in a row; and
Whereas students are unable to attend classes because of flooding caused by bursting pipes; and
Whereas badly needed renovations to Sir John A. Macdonald High School continue to be put off by this government;
Therefore be it resolved that this Tory Government explain to the parents, students and teachers at Sir John A. Macdonald High School why they are allowing this school to fall apart around students without taking any corrective measures.
MR. SPEAKER: 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 Stellarton Mayor Art Fitt, who is also the Executive Director of Recovery House, and Stellarton Councillor Ansel Campbell will be involved in a fund-raising event for Recovery House; and
Whereas both Mr. Fitt and Mr. Campbell will collect donations to shave their heads in mid-January in support of Recovery House; and
Whereas Recovery House is a 28 day treatment facility for individuals with alcohol, drug or gaming addictions;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House be encouraged to support Mr. Fitt and Mr. Campbell in their fund-raising goals to raise $80,000 for Recovery House.
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 Leader in the House of the New Democratic Party.
MR. JOHN MACDONELL: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas rural bank closures are a regrettable and deplorable reality; and
Whereas rural banking services are as needed as they ever were to service rural Nova Scotians and to help facilitate local business and personal loans; and
Whereas Victory Credit Union has decided to open up a branch in Kennetcook to fill the gap left by the retreating Bank of Nova Scotia, pending regulatory approval;
Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate the Victory Credit Union for stepping into the breach left by the large chartered bank.
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 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 University College of Cape Breton and the Cape Breton Regional Police signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a community service program tailored to police work; and
Whereas the two groups are working to develop better police officers; and
Whereas this cooperative effort is an example of what can be accomplished when the best interests of the community are placed in the forefront by organizations whose primary aim is to serve the community;
Therefore be it resolved that this House extend congratulations and best wishes to the University College of Cape Breton and the Cape Breton Regional Police for their cooperative effort on behalf of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Mr. Speaker, I would 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 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 our busiest highways must be the safest of our safe roads; and
Whereas Highway No. 103 handles more and more traffic each day from the Hammonds Plains Road to the Timberlea connector; and
Whereas residents of this growing area continue to ask the Minister of Transportation when he will meet his department's commitment to twin Highway No. 103 from Exit 3 to Exit 5;
Therefore be it resolved that the Minister of Transportation inform these residents when this project will continue.
I ask for waiver of notice, Mr. Speaker.
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 last night, Roger Cuzner snatched the riding of Bras d' Or-Cape Breton from NDP Michelle Dockrill; and
Whereas Cuzner had 20,814 votes, 13,000 more than Dockrill who finished in third place; and
Whereas the Liberals won four seats in this province, proving that Nova Scotians believe it is vital to be on the winning side of a strong majority government;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Roger Cuzner as the new Liberal Member of Parliament for the riding of Bras d' Or-Cape Breton.
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 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 - especially for the Minister of Justice:
Whereas Roger Cuzner and Mark Eyking have successfully regained the two seats on Cape Breton Island for the Liberal Party, with decisive majorities; and
Whereas the election results in Cape Breton demonstrate the clear wish of our people to have done with the NDP nonsense, and to never again be denied effective representation by splinter Parties; and
Whereas there is great rejoicing in Cape Breton today on account of the election of government members for the Island, which will translate into better opportunities for growth after the impotence of the NDP experience;
Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate Roger Cuzner and Mark Eyking, and wish them every success in their new endeavours as Members of Parliament for Cape Breton Island.
Mr. Speaker, I hear several Noes, the notice is tabled.
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
The honourable Leader of the Liberal Party.
MR. WAYNE GAUDET: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Robert Thibault was declared the winner last night in the riding of West Nova, defeating Tory Mark Muise; and
Whereas last night's election was a historic victory for all Liberals across Canada; and
Whereas four Liberal MPs were elected from Nova Scotia, reinstating the belief that Nova Scotians want to be on the winning side of a Liberal majority government;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Robert Thibault and wish him success as the new Liberal Member of Parliament for the riding of West Nova.
Mr. Speaker, I would 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 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 last night's election was a historic victory for Prime Minister Jean Chretien and all Liberals across Canada; and
Whereas in Halifax West, Liberal Geoff Regan reclaimed the seat he lost to New Democrat Gordon Earle in 1997 with a 3,000 vote lead; and
Whereas Nova Scotians proved that they want to be on the winning side of a majority government by electing four MPs from Nova Scotia;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Geoff Regan as the new Liberal Member of Parliament for the riding of Halifax West, and wish him continued success.
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.
ORDERS OF THE DAY
ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS
MR. SPEAKER: Question Period will begin at 12:29 p.m. and will end at 1:29 p.m.
The honourable Leader of the Liberal Party.
MR. WAYNE GAUDET: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health. Two weeks ago the minister was asked about his back-up plan in the event of a strike by EMC dispatchers. The dispatchers can walk off the job as of midnight tomorrow. My question to the minister is, does the minister plan to legislate the dispatchers back to work like he did with the paramedics one year ago?
HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I thank the honourable member for that question but in light of their history with negotiations in the medical field, I am not sure I would have the nerve to raise it. (Interruptions)
[12:30 p.m.]
Mr. Speaker, they are still talking, the collective bargaining is ongoing, and I am optimistic that both sides will be able to come to a resolution of that first contract.
MR. GAUDET: Mr. Speaker, it is believed that the employer is no longer interested in negotiating, because they are waiting - they are waiting for the government to step in. My question is, what leadership role is the minister taking to make sure that professional dispatchers continue to provide their services?
MR. MUIR: Mr. Speaker, as the honourable member knows, to settle a first contract is a difficult time. Things have not moved as quickly as, certainly I, as the Minister of Health, or, I am sure, either the union or the employer, EMC, would have liked. I can tell you that the sides are still talking. I have been told that there has been some movement, and I am optimistic that the two sides will get together and resolve this thing in short order.
MR. GAUDET: Mr. Speaker, we are 24 hours away from a possible strike. Dispatchers only want to do their jobs, but they have heard that EMC may threaten a lock-out. My final question to the minister is, since this is not an acceptable plan, what back-up plan does the minister have to make sure trained dispatchers do not walk off the job tomorrow at midnight?
MR. MUIR: Mr. Speaker, the employer in this case is EMC, and they do have a contingency plan. I would hope that the contingency plan will not have to ever be put in place.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Dartmouth North.
MR. JERRY PYE: Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Finance. Last week, I raised in this House the effects on seniors of high fuel prices. In the answer to my question about whether this government would bring in a tax rebate or a credit to help with fuel costs, the Minister of Health said, "I will be pleased to bring his question to the attention of the Minister of Finance when he returns on Monday." My question to the Minister of Finance is, did the Minister of Health bring this question to your attention yesterday, and, if so, what did you tell him?
HON. NEIL LEBLANC: Mr. Speaker, my colleague, the honourable Minister of Health, did not bring this to my attention yesterday. However, he was in the process of doing so as you were asking the question.
MR. PYE: Mr. Speaker, this is a very serious issue, with respect to the seniors of Nova Scotia and with respect to the Group of Nine as well. In fact, the NDP has been bringing this issue to the government's attention for weeks now. I have here - and I will table it - a letter from the Group of Nine, which is a coalition of seniors organizations in Nova Scotia. It confirms what I said last week, that seniors are cutting back on medications to pay for fuel, as well as on groceries and activities which will promote their healthy living. My question is to the Premier. This letter from the Group of Nine is addressed to you, Mr. Premier, what did you say in reply to their letter?
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, the member opposite will be reminded that last year, when there was no federal program by way of a fuel tax rebate, the government, despite its very limited resources, did make a program available. The Minister of Finance has already reported to this House that when the federal government announced its program, which will result in a $250 rebate to families right across this country, that he immediately asked the federal government for details as to when citizens can expect to receive this money. I am not aware if in fact the Minister of Finance has yet had a reply from the federal government, because that reply may have been interrupted by the activities of the election.
MR. PYE: Mr. Speaker, I would remind the Premier that he is in charge of Nova Scotia, and that Nova Scotians rely upon his government to address the seniors' issues. Some seniors are going cold, hungry and without medication while this government dithers over our fuel tax. This letter is proof that this government should be ashamed. My question is to
the Premier once again. When will you direct the Minister of Finance to announce the fuel tax rebate from this huge windfall of HST revenues?
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, the member opposite made reference to a huge windfall in revenues and I would ask the Minister of Finance to set the member straight.
MR. LEBLANC: Mr. Speaker, I think this is a very serious issue, I don't dispute that for a second. However, when the member for Dartmouth North says there is a huge windfall in HST because of this, that is inaccurate. We have had many debates in this House by members opposite asking questions on this one. However, in regard to the issue of the seniors, we will make a decision as a government when we have that information from the federal government.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Dartmouth East.
DR. JAMES SMITH: Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Health. The new district health authorities are finally being rolled out several months late. Like every other decision announced by the minister, the appointment of Peter MacKinnon as CEO of the District Health Authority No. 4 is causing local concern. It is felt that the new CEO has been appointed under a cloud because of the controversial administrative decisions made at the Colchester Regional Hospital. My question to the minister is, does the minister feel that Mr. MacKinnon can devote necessary attention to the transition process since the difficulties at Colchester Regional Hospital are still unresolved?
HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, we have been moving right along appointing CEOs for the district health authorities. To this point, there have been six of the nine which have been announced. Mr. MacKinnon indeed was selected by a committee that included the board chairman of that authority as well as a representative of the medical staff and other people as well. I have every confidence that Mr. MacKinnon was a good selection and will do a very competent job as the CEO of that authority.
DR. SMITH: Mr. Speaker, I wonder if the board chairman of the authority No. 4 is Garry Pye, a friend of the minister and a contributor to the Tory Party, perhaps? (Interruptions) Garry Pye. (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The honourable member for Dartmouth East has the floor.
DR. SMITH: Mr. Speaker, there seems to be a release of tension after a very strenuous evening for the troops next door. (Laughter)
Mr. Speaker, seriously, there is currently a review of the paediatric and obstetric unit at the Colchester Regional Hospital. Also, cuts at Tatamagouche have resulted in the resignation of the medical chief of staff there. My question to the minister is, with all the difficulties, is the appointment of Mr. MacKinnon being rushed through because the minister's timetable for district health authorities is now several months behind schedule?
MR. MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I know that the practice of a government trying to do something right would be, again, probably not something that group would be used to. I can tell you that the process followed in the selection of the CEO was the same process that was followed across the rest of the province. I believe we have so far been very fortunate with the calibre of the individuals who have been selected. They will do an excellent job as we revitalize the health system in this province and I would be remiss to say that the appointment of Garry Pye as the board chairman there is one of the very positive steps for the health system in Nova Scotia which is recognized by people of all Parties. I am really distressed that such a comment would come on the floor of this House.
DR. SMITH: Mr. Speaker, I was just merely pointing out that the gentleman happened to be a contributor to the Tory Party. There is no connection that he would be appointed as chairman, Heaven forbid. (Interruptions) The Colchester Regional Hospital is going to be the major health care centre for District 4, and is the minister prepared to postpone the appointment of CEO MacKinnon until the recommendations of the reproductive care program report is fully analysed?
MR. MUIR: The short answer to that is no. The clarification is, for the members of the House, there has been considerable talk about that reproductive care group report. It has now been presented to the officials on that board and is being dealt with in an appropriate fashion.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour.
MR. DARRELL DEXTER: My question is for the Minister of Health. Last Thursday, Peter MacKinnon was hired as the new CEO of the Colchester East Hants District Health Authority. Putting Mr. MacKinnon's qualifications aside for a moment, I want to remind the House that this is a man who recently had doctors prepared to resign over a decision he was forcing through, the reduction of nursing staff in Colchester Regional. Will the minister explain why this individual now holds a key decision-making post when a review had to be held on a decision that he approved?
HON. JAMES MUIR: To go back again, it was our intent to get the district health authorities up and running. There was an open competition for the CEOs of these authorities. Mr. MacKinnon was an applicant and he was selected as being the best candidate, and I have every confidence that he will be an excellent administrator in that district.
MR. DEXTER: The minister knows that the recommendations of the review shed an unfavourable light on that decision to reduce nursing staff, that it was being done too hastily, that patient safety was being compromised in an effort to reduce budgets. The same individual's decision-making ability has been openly criticized by medical staff at the Lillian Fraser Memorial Hospital, acute care beds have been reduced when we clearly see now that the evidence is that should not have been done. Why is the minister approving the hiring of someone for a key leadership position when that person lacked sufficient confidence from the members of the medical community?
MR. MUIR: In his preamble, the honourable member for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour indicated that the reproductive care report indicated that it was not a good decision, and I would ask him to table that please for the House so I can see it, as all other members.
Secondly, as the honourable member knows, there was a representative of the medical staff from the Colchester Regional Hospital on that case, or a person who has privileges there who was part of the selection committee, and I happen to know that individual very well and I do not think his competence or his reputation among his peers is at all questionable.
MR. DEXTER: Nova Scotians must have complete confidence in those who will lead under the new district health authorities. This minister has just gone and approved the hiring of a CEO, who in the past two months alone, has been shown to make decisions that compromise patient safety. When will the Minister of Health put this hiring on hold, until all reviews in the Northern Regional Health Board are complete?
MR. MUIR: It is very interesting that the honourable member has now become a physician, where he can speak with authority on issues of patient safety in acute care facilities. As I said, Mr. MacKinnon was selected by an appropriate process and I have every confidence that he will provide superb leadership as that district health authority gets up and running.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Dartmouth East.
DR. JAMES SMITH: My question is to the Minister of Health. We have seen evidence of disrespect by the Tories towards licensed practical nurses. This disrespect has also been shown by the lack of consultation over important changes to the LPN legislation that is now being drafted. Licensed practical nurses were led to believe their legislation
would be brought forward this fall. My question to the minister is, what is the delay in bringing this legislation forward?
[12:45 p.m.]
HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I would have liked to have been able to table that legislation this fall. Unfortunately or fortunately, perhaps depending on your perspective, the licensing board and the association - there were some amendments, it hadn't been all worked out with the groups that would like changes and that's why the delay occurred.
DR. SMITH: One of the changes this minister is trying to make to the new LPN legislation regards not granting a mandatory membership in the association. The association does not understand why and neither does the board. Why is the minister trying to make changes to the draft LPN bill without first consulting with the licensed practical nurses or their association?
MR. MUIR: Mr. Speaker, this legislation was developed in consultation with both those groups. Right now, I understand the issue the honourable member is raising, and it has been raised with me by the president of the Licensed Practical Nurses Association. I wrote to her today indicating a meeting would take place. But I want to tell you that this legislation was developed in consultation with those groups and in some way it is a disagreement among professional groups.
DR. SMITH: Mr. Speaker, this legislation deals with one group, the professional group, the LPNs. If other professional groups have problems with it that's another issue. The minister admitted he does not remember the promises his Party made during the election, he has admitted that in the House, but I will remind him that one of the Tory promises was that they would consult with the LPNs. My question to the minister is, will the minister commit to start consulting with the LPNs again so any changes in their new legislation will not negatively impact on their professional association?
MR. MUIR: Mr. Speaker, this legislation has been developed with a lot of consultation. It was not something that was on the agenda of the government as a government initiative, it was on the government agenda at the initiative of the licensed practical nurses. We have been working with them to try and provide legislation that will meet their needs and meet the health needs of Nova Scotians. That's our interest in this, to meet the health needs of Nova Scotians.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cape Breton Centre.
MR. FRANK CORBETT: Mr. Speaker, during the last provincial election the Premier's big plans for jobs in Cape Breton was environmental remediation. Since then nothing has happened. My question to the Premier is, what steps is your government taking to put words into action about environmental remediation or was it all just election talk?
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, the member opposite brings a commitment of this government to the floor of the House. The government is working its way through, first of all, the Sysco sale and has not forgotten its commitment to the people of Cape Breton, and steelworkers in particular, relative to environmental remediation.
MR. CORBETT: Mr. Speaker, we saw the sale of Sysco and how it is going to impact on the Environment Act. Last week, Mr. Premier, the Prime Minister blew into Cape Breton and agreed that somebody really ought to do something about cleaning up the tar ponds. This is the same Prime Minister who spent seven years talking big and doing nothing about the tar ponds. So I ask you, Mr. Premier, now that we finally have the Prime Minister onside what concrete steps is this government taking to collaborate with the federal government on remediation work? What concrete steps are you taking, Mr. Premier?
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, I can assure the member opposite and the people who he represents that we have noted the commitments that were made by the federal government during the last election, and in the days and weeks to come we will be calling upon the federal government to stand behind those commitments.
MR. CORBETT: Mr. Speaker, it was unfortunate that the Premier lobbed himself in the middle of the federal Tory campaign. He went as far as hosting his counterparts from P.E.I. and New Brunswick and the federal Tory Leader last week. It seems the Premier forgot that he represents all Nova Scotia, not just the Tory Party. My question to you, Mr. Premier, can you explain how his partisan participation in the federal campaign is going to help this province get a reluctant federal Liberal Government to actually do something about tar pond remediation?
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, I believe all Canadians have a right to participate in the very healthy democratic process that we have in this country. As a follow-up to that, we will be looking at engaging members of the three Parties that represent Nova Scotians to represent the Nova Scotia interest in the new Parliament of Canada. I would hope that, as we urge those who represent the Party that I represent to do that, that you will do the same for the members who represent the Party that you represent.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cape Breton East.
MR. DAVID WILSON: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health. During last Thursday's late debate the minister again accused the Liberals of releasing information about health cuts that was not correct. The minister said in Hansard, "They got a bunch of draft documents that were not accepted and they were presented as fact."
Mr. Speaker, in this hand I have the documents that were ferreted out by the Liberals and revealed on June 30th. This is the information that the minister says is incorrect. In this hand I have documents obtained from the Health Department through a freedom of information request dated November 24th. Can the minister please tell me what is the difference between these two sets of documents?
HON. NEIL LEBLANC: One is in the right. I am trying to be helpful. (Interruptions)
HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, my colleague, the Minister of Finance, says that I should tell the honourable member that one is in his right hand and one is in the left. I do not know what is in his hands.
MR. WILSON: Mr. Speaker, that is a great answer from the minister because I did not know if they knew their left from the right to begin with. The truth is that there is no difference. They are exactly the same. So if the minister is telling the truth about the information being wrong, then his deputy must have released the wrong information under the Freedom of Information Act. Will the minister either admit that he has been deliberately misleading this House or discipline his deputy for violating the Freedom of Information Act? (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. Order, please. The honourable member for Cape Breton East would know full well, I understand the question, that it would be wrong in this House to accuse somebody of deliberately misleading the House. So I would ask you to rephrase that question, please.
MR. WILSON: Mr. Speaker, yes, I will rephrase the question. Perhaps then could the minister simply clarify this whole matter for the House?
MR. MUIR: Mr. Speaker, what I said in the House is that last spring, whenever it was, the Liberal Party had put information into public domain which was not accurate, and indeed it was not.
MR. WILSON: Mr. Speaker, as I have already proved here today, it is accurate. It is the same as the documents that the Minister of Health was talking about. If the information released by the Liberals on June 30th is indeed incorrect, then table the current correct and updated business plans for all regional health boards and further you might want to do the honourable thing, if that is not correct, then the minister should resign. (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. I do not believe it was a question, but if the honourable Minister of Health would like to answer in regard to the tabling of documents.
MR. MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I did not get any question from that last rambling.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour.
MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, today the chaos continues at the Lillian Fraser Hospital in Tatamagouche. The Health Minister has known that there are problems there for weeks. He refuses to do anything. Yesterday, another patient, an 80 year old war veteran with emphysema who did not want to leave his community, had to be transferred to New Glasgow. That is the sixth transfer. My question to the minister is, what will it take for you to see that your cuts to this hospital are too deep?
HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I don't know, it could have been that this transfer was medically necessary and indeed it could be from what you have told me. I really don't know but I can tell the honourable member that over the last period of time, the average occupancy rate at the Lillian Fraser Memorial Hospital did not reach 70 per cent.
MR. DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, perhaps the minister needs more evidence for his evidence-based decision making. Yesterday, Dr. Michael Glasgow had to send home an elderly, diabetic, obese smoker who had hypertension and chest pain. Dr. Glasgow said the patient should have been admitted to hospital but the beds were full and the patient refused to be transferred out of her community. My question to the minister is, how much evidence do you need before you will reinstate the five beds that you cut from the Lillian Fraser Memorial Hospital?
MR. MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I guess what I should be saying to the honourable member is that when there are only two or three people in that hospital, we should have cut the beds then.
MR. DEXTER: The minister just continues with these glib answers and it is unfortunate that he doesn't take the concerns of the people of that area seriously. The last three times Dr. Glasgow was on call, he had to transfer patients. This directly contradicts the minister's statement that patient transfers would be rare. Would the minister, in light of the
evidence coming forth, ensure that a full, external review of the bed cuts will take place three months after the date of implementation?
MR. MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I know that the honourable member is not used to making decisions based on evidence. We are trying to move our department in that way. As I have said on the floor of this House, I do know that he is in direct contact, as was the member for Dartmouth East, with a physician over there who is unhappy about the changes. I know as well that there are peaks and valleys for beds. The decision that was made regarding the beds in that hospital was looking at patient admission data, occupancy rates and other information. I have said, if the data changes and it indicates that those numbers are not appropriate, this is what it is all about is making decisions based on evidence, not on what the honourable member for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour says or simply because one physician doesn't like what was done.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Liberal Party.
MR. WAYNE GAUDET: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. Last week we raised the issue of development in the Martock marsh area near Windsor. We have yet to get satisfactory answers on this side of the House. The government has given no indication that it is reviewing the matter, no indication that it is considering this matter serious. Five development permits were issued just last week by the Municipality of West Hants. My question for the Premier is, is the Premier going to investigate this matter before a development on the marshland reaches the point of no return?
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, yes the government has brought forward a Marshlands Protection Act, which I believe is the appropriate thing to do but again, the member opposite is bringing allegations to the House that if the member opposite has detailed information that would substantiate the tone of his question, we are prepared to look into it. What is happening is a process that is clearly laid down by law and regulation that the government is following to issue these permits. If something has gone wrong, provide us with the evidence and we will look at it.
[1:00 p.m.]
MR. GAUDET: Mr. Speaker, the Premier certainly knows, he just needs to talk to his minister right behind him, and that information will be made available to him. We don't need a public inquiry or a Royal Commission, all we want is for the Premier to go talk to the Minister of Environment - whoever he is - the Minister of Municipal Relations, and the Minister of Agriculture, and ask them to report back to the House with a full accounting of
how many homes they are going to allow to be built in this area. Will the Premier commit to this small step?
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, I will do even better than that. I will ask the Minister of Environment to respond to the question.
HON. ANGUS MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, the permits issued by the department are permits that were issued according to the normal operations of the department. The number of homes that are to be built in the area is a matter for the municipal units to regulate.
MR. GAUDET: Mr. Speaker, my final question. I hope the answer is that zero housing development permits will be issued, but I am afraid the development will continue, and then the minister will say there is nothing we can do. The developer already has spent too much money, so then of course the permits will go ahead and be approved. Will the Premier, or his ministers, or his staff . . .
AN HON. MEMBER: Somebody.
MR. GAUDET: Yes, someone, will they inform this House exactly what has been going on through this whole process?
MR. MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, perhaps the honourable member is referring to a second group of permits that were applied for and, with respect to those, they are being reviewed. We will be very happy, when the review is complete, to make that known to all members of the House and to the people in the area.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect.
MR. WILLIAM ESTABROOKS: Mr. Speaker, my question through you is to the Premier. Older high schools across this province continue to need immediate attention and assistance; we no longer can apply duct tape when major renovations are necessary. This 35 year old high school in my growing constituency, Sir John A. Macdonald High School, is closed again today due to broken pipes and water damage to the gymnasium, the cafeteria and the art room. My question to the Premier is, what is your government prepared to do to help out Sir John A. Macdonald High School?
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, the government does apologize to the students and staff of Sir John A. Macdonald High School for the interruption in the school year. My understanding is that the mopping-up process is proceeding and the pipes have been repaired. As you travel around this province and visit the infrastructure of the 470 schools we have from one end of this province to the other, there are many old schools, there are many
schools that require renovations, and there are many schools that require replacement. The Minister of Education is priorizing these on the advice of the school boards. We will be addressing the issues on a priority basis, one after another after another.
MR. ESTABROOKS: Mr. Speaker, we don't need apologies, and I don't want to hear about priorities. I want to hear some answers, as do the parents who never seem to be consulted when these sorts of decisions are made. We don't need stop-gap solutions. Students, staff and parents need answers that reflect a well-thought-out plan. I have heard about the priorities. Can that Premier tell me where Sir John A. Macdonald High School is on the Department of Education's priority list for improvements and renovations?
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, the difference between that side and this side is that we will not apologize because we have to initiate priorities, because the solutions that are continually being brought from that caucus to this government never talk about priorities, all they talk about is spending more and more. In reality, that is the kind of situation, that is the kind of advice that previous governments have listened to, and that is why we are in the mess that we are today, financially.
MR. ESTABROOKS: Mr. Speaker, I am trying to be patient. Sir John A. Macdonald is a number one priority. It has been identified by the Halifax Regional School Board. It has been at the top of the list for renovations as the number one priority. I ask this Premier to give parents, to give students, to give the community a time line, a guideline when these problems will be addressed. When will these problems be addressed at this historic old high school?
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, the member opposite indicated that Sir John A. Macdonald is at the head of the list. It is interesting because it would appear, last week, that the number one priority of that caucus was Halifax West High School. The difficulty with that caucus is that they never really can get their priorities straight.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Lunenburg West.
MR. DONALD DOWNE: Mr. Speaker, last week you will recall that I tabled and discussed in the House information from two companies in Bridgewater, one from Ron Anaka and Peter Gow, both competitors in small businesses, one is Canadian Tire and one is the Home Hardware. Today I am also going to table in the House a letter from Canadian Tire, a letter from Carlo Weickert, the Chairman of the Nova Scotia Canadian Tire Dealer Association, directed to the Premier. His group employs some 1,500 employees in Nova Scotia, and he too is firmly against Sunday shopping. Will the Premier tell this House and all Nova Scotians if he will listen to the ever-growing number of voices on this matter, and
address Sunday shopping at the provincial level, instead of hiding behind his man-made, red tape task force?
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, I too have received communications from Canadian Tire owner-operators, who have indicated that their preference is not for Sunday shopping. It would appear there is now a very intense debate going on among the business community members, as to whether or not Sunday shopping would be advantageous to the business community. Other communities, outside of the business community, are also debating this issue. This government will look at the evidence when the time comes, and it will make the appropriate decision.
MR. DOWNE: Mr. Speaker, allowing municipalities across this province to decide whether or not to open on a Sunday will simply cause friction between municipal units. Bridgewater stores will be fighting and battling with the Town of Lunenburg. We have other communities in this province that will be pitting one area versus the other. My question to the Premier is simple, why is this Premier prepared to pit community against community, pit business against business, instead of showing leadership and uniting Nova Scotians on this single issue, and making a leadership decision here in the House of Assembly instead of pitting communities against communities?
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, the member brings, in a rather oblique fashion, a very serious issue to the attention of the government. It is not one that we will consider lightly. We will look at the evidence, and we will look at all of the evidence. We will make what we then determine as being the right decision. We will make that decision based on what is best for Nova Scotians in general, not what is best for that particular Party, that particular member or certain business interests. We will make the decision that is based on what we understand, as government, will be in the best interests of all Nova Scotians.
MR. DOWNE: Mr. Speaker, last week the Premier said that the Red Tape Reduction Task Force was going to decide. The reality is not going to be a task force decision because nobody recommended the task force to make that decision. The Premier and his Cabinet have to make the decision. The reality is, Premier, you are now pitting one end of this province against another, businesses against businesses, communities against communities. You have a responsibility to do one thing and that is stand up and make a leadership decision on Sunday shopping and I hope you will make it soon before this House closes. Will you or will you not support Sunday shopping? It is simple.
THE PREMIER: I have already indicated my personal preference. I have not heard the member opposite indicate his personal preference. On the other hand, what the government has undertaken to do is listen to what Nova Scotians think about the issue. Unlike that member, this member has indicated where he stands on the issue. Where does that member stand on the issue?
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader in the House of the New Democratic Party.
MR. JOHN MACDONELL: I will be directing my question to the Minister of Natural Resources. On October 26th of this year, I wrote a letter to the Minister of Natural Resources about how Crown lands are allocated to the forestry companies. The minister has not yet favoured me with a reply so I am going to raise the same questions here in the House.
Recently, over 4,000 hectares of Crown land were allocated to Stora Enso. This allocation seems to fly in the face of statements from the department and from the minister that harvesting on Crown land is sustainable as are large industrial land holdings. If so, then Stora should not have needed this allocation. My question to the minister is either large industrial land holdings are sustainable or they are not, which is it?
HON. ERNEST FAGE: I thank the honourable member for the question. Clearly, the study last year indicated that Crown lands were in a sustainable position.
MR. JOHN MACDONELL: I think the minister missed my question. I asked about large industrial.
Stora Enso is not the only forest giant to be favoured with a sweetheart deal for Crown land. MacTara Ltd. wants to renew the licence for an area of Crown land in Stanley in Hants County. The licence gave MacTara Ltd. sole rights to the Stanley block with a cut rate for stumpage and rows provided. What makes this sadder is that they did not even have to provide silviculture work there. My question to the minister is what steps is the minister taking to ensure the licence for the Stanley block is given or renewed on terms that will ensure sustainability?
MR. FAGE: Certainly any block of Crown land is in a sustainable position. The study last spring that we tabled here in the House clearly indicates that. There is an obligation with any of the large industrial contracts to ensure that silviculture does occur on those lands.
MR. JOHN MACDONELL: I will really look forward to the answer to my letter that I sent to the minister.
The flip side of the sweetheart deal for Crown land is that other businesses are shut out. A mill in Enfield in the riding of the honourable member for Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, Ledwidge Lumber Limited has been trying for nearly seven years to get a Crown lease and cannot get one. The deputy minister always says the application is right here on his desk, but nothing seems to happen. My question to the minister is when will this government
stop cutting sweetheart deals for forest giants and start awarding licences for Crown land on a principled and sustainable basis?
MR. FAGE: Obviously the member opposite has a problem with equating the two sides of the equation. Firstly, he asked a question and then demands and makes a statement that Crown lands are not sustainable. Now he is making accusations that we should be over cutting Crown lands. He has to have it one way or the other, he should decide himself.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Richmond.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: My question is for the Minister of Health. The in-home support program is very important for families who want to take care of their loved ones in their own home. Caring for someone in-home has tremendous cost benefits for the Health Department, which is constantly faced with financial difficulties. Despite the obvious benefits, this program has been on hold since last spring, a completely unacceptable delay. My question to the Minister of Health is, can the minister tell us the status of the review of the in-home support program?
[1:15 p.m.]
HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I thank the honourable member for that question, indeed it is a good one. The situation which we found ourselves in last spring when we took over all in-home support was that there was a wide discrepancy in just about every municipality and whoever had been offering that. There was no consistency across the province. What we did at that time was basically stop and try to get together a consistent guideline so home support can be provided consistently across the province. I cannot give you a concrete answer to that today to the honourable member, but I will find that out. I have a note on it and I just can't get my hands on it.
MR. SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the minister's answer, but like the Minister of Justice looking for a Director of Public Prosecutions we have had time to watch five missions to outer space since this minister and his department started the review of the in-home support program. It is just becoming absolutely silly. When the program was put on hold there were over 40 applications alone on the waiting list from Richmond County. The number of people wanting to enter this program grows longer each day. This is a big issue in Richmond County and all across Nova Scotia. Families are now being faced with having to place loved ones outside of their home because of this delay. My first supplementary to the Minister of Health is, when will the minister lift the moratorium on the in-home support program so families can get on with properly caring for their loved ones?
MR. MUIR: Mr. Speaker, as I said when we got into this, we found there was a great discrepancy. That program is about $11.6 million. We are attempting to deal with the individuals who need help, and we will continue to do that. I will attempt to get a concrete or specific answer to the honourable member's question.
MR. SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, the fact is, since last spring, while this department has been trying to review the program, every application has been put on hold and families throughout this province are being denied benefits while the minister continues to drag his feet on this most important issue. Home Care Nova Scotia can't even tell the clients on their waiting list whether the program will even be continued "as is". My final supplementary to the minister is, will the minister admit that this program is being reviewed, and are delays being caused solely so his department can save money? Will he commit today that the in-home support program will remain intact?
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Health, there were two questions, if you would like to answer one.
MR. MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I wish it was as simple as to say it was being delayed for money reasons, but it isn't. The fact was when we did take over this program there was a great deal of inconsistency throughout the province, and we are trying to develop a policy that will provide for consistent application to everybody. Our case coordinators are reviewing things on an individual basis. We clearly think independence at home and in the community is important. That is certainly part of our plans.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage.
MR. KEVIN DEVEAUX: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Community Services. The federal government is committed to providing, I believe it is $39.1 million over the next three years to this province and this government for early childhood development. The minister, last week, committed himself to reviewing low salaries for childcare workers. The lowest salaries for childcare workers are in the private sector. So my question is a simple one to the Minister of Community Services. Is the minister planning on investing federal public dollars in private sector childcare services?
HON. PETER CHRISTIE: Mr. Speaker, as I indicated to the honourable member last week, he is correct that the programs are coming from the federal government. We are in the process and, as I indicated last week, we are meeting with the private sector and the non-profit sector to work out the details of how we are going to go forward. Our commitment is to early childhood development. We see the private day-care sector as being a major player in that.
MR. DEVEAUX: Then the answer is yes. My next question is to the same minister, Mr. Speaker. To improve childcare salaries in the private sector would require increased government monitoring to ensure some accountability in the private sector for-profit centres. The non-profit sector is governed by a board of directors who are clearly based in the community and this accountability structure is absent in the private sector. So my question to the minister is, what accountability will be in place to ensure that the public dollars are going to be spent properly and based on community needs in for-profit centres?
MR. CHRISTIE: Mr. Speaker, I can assure the House and the honourable member that as we go forward with the program and as we develop the early childhood development initiatives, the accessibility and the affordability of day care that we will be working with those sectors, and as we get the plans in place, we will be making those known to all members.
MR. DEVEAUX: It is interesting, Mr. Speaker, that when a child turns five years old we would be appalled if we talked about investing in private schools, that those are things that individuals can do but our money goes into the public sector. Yet when a child is between the age of 0 and 5, very important years in their development, we see no problem, or at least this government sees no problem, with allowing profits to be made when providing services to those same children. So my question to this minister is, when will the minister commit to developing community-based, non-profit child development services that are accessible for communities in this province?
MR. CHRISTIE: Mr. Speaker, a couple of Saturdays ago, the childcare deliverers had a session over in Dartmouth. I had the opportunity to be there with the member for Dartmouth North and the member for Dartmouth East. All of the members at that time indicated that they would work with both sectors of childcare in helping them come up with plans and go forward. We will continue to do that.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cape Breton Nova.
MR. PAUL MACEWAN: Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Transportation and Public Works. In the last day of the spring session of the House, the government released results of a program review under the heading of Strong Leadership . . . a clear course One Year Later. In that document, under the heading of Commitment, it referred to the initiation of, ". . . a review of all government buildings, with a view to reducing costs by eliminating surplus office space and conduct a comprehensive energy audit." That was at Page 19 of the original blue book. Action, "Phase one of energy audit to be completed by fall of 2000." Now, I wonder in view of that, would the minister inform us
as to the results of the audit? I will table the document, because I think the minister wants to see that.
HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Yes, Mr. Speaker, we are doing a complete audit of rental space and self-owned space that the government occupies. As part of that review, we are also doing an energy audit.
MR. MACEWAN: I take it from the minister's answer then that the audit is currently under way but is not yet completed. Mr. Speaker, at a time when the price of fuel could seriously impact on the bottom line, you would hope that the minister would be eager to get on with that work and to reveal the results and the findings towards cutting down power and fuel usage. Would the minister commit to releasing the energy audit and to indicating the actions the government will take to ensure better energy efficiency at the earliest opportunity?
MR. RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, as part of our energy conservation program, we have been religiously over this past year examining, in particular, our Department of Transportation garages and other facilities because, as all members are aware, those buildings are quite difficult to heat because of the fact that you have doors opening and closing on a continuous basis. (Laughter) Well, that's not particularly funny. It is a serious problem. It is one that we are actively pursuing, finding a solution to the problems encountered by vehicles transiting in and out of the garages and subsequent large losses of heat.
MR. MACEWAN: Mr. Speaker, the commitment given by Strong Leadership . . . a clear course One Year Later, was that this energy audit would be completed - and I stress the word completed - by the fall of 2000. Now, I think the fall would be completed 20 or 25 days hence and I wonder if the minister could indicate to the House, as a final supplementary, when will the minister be releasing the energy audit results?
MR. RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, I will endeavour to determine from the department what that date is. I shall try and get it for the honourable member this afternoon and I will pass it on to him.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect.
MR. WILLIAM ESTABROOKS: Mr. Speaker, my question through you is to the Minister of Natural Resources. We are into the final few days of the hunting season and I want you to know that this year's tags are absolutely embarrassing. The poor quality of tags that are put on the deer kill in this province is inexcusable. In fact, I would like to ask the minister, what is going to happen to a hunter who is dragging his or her deer out of the woods and those ridiculously poor tags that basically are of inferior quality are not there
when they arrive at their vehicle, is somebody going to make sure that those tags next year will be of much better quality?
HON. ERNEST FAGE: Mr. Speaker, obviously it is a great opportunity to pass the buck, but there have been numerous complaints about the quality of the tags this year and certainly the department will endeavour to ensure that there is a solution to that before next season.
MR. ESTABROOKS: In making sure that we control the deer herd in this province, Mr. Speaker, and monitor it, there is a practice in which the jawbone can be returned for a patch which many hunters across this province consider a real badge that is important to them in the next hunting season. Now, I want to know, and I would like to have the minister explain, why have none of these badges been available at the Waverley depot all hunting season? Not one has been available all hunting season. (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please.
MR. FAGE: Mr. Speaker, I will endeavour to look into getting a patch for the honourable member.
MR. ESTABROOKS: It is funny, there are members over there who represent rural Nova Scotia, have they heard from their constituents on this? If I have one of my constituents charged for coming out of the woods when they do not have the proper deer tag on because they have lost it, I want the minister to assure me, and assure my constituent, that that particular deer hunter will not be charged. (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The time allotted for the Oral Question Period has expired.
The honourable Premier on an introduction.
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, I wish to draw the attention of the House to two visitors in the Speaker's Gallery. We have with us today, the former Speaker and the present Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training for Saskatchewan. Minister Glenn Hagel as well serves as the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Education in Canada, and why he is in Halifax with us this week is he also serves as Chairman of the 14th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers. The minister is also accompanied here today by his ministerial assistant, Mr. Brian Keith. I would ask our two visitors to rise and receive the welcome of the House. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: Certainly we welcome our friends from the West to this House.
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: Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
[1:30 p.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Bills with Deputy Speaker Mr. Brooke Taylor in the Chair.]
[6:27 p.m. CWH on Bills rose and the House reconvened. Mr. Speaker, Hon. Murray Scott, resumed the Chair.]
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please.
[Therefore be it resolved that the NDP Leader, Helen MacDonald, will have to seek a seat outside Cape Breton as demonstrated by the elimination of the NDP in the area after last night's federal election.]
MR. JOHN HOLM: Mr. Speaker, on a point of order. We have a little over three minutes left. I am wondering if you could tell us, is that a minute and 10 seconds per caucus in the debate or . . .
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. There will be, if the honourable member sits down. (Laughter) Yes, approximately one minute and 10 seconds each.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION UNDER RULE 5(5)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cape Breton West.
MR. RUSSELL MACKINNON: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise and speak on this particular resolution. The evidence speaks for itself. The day of the N-dipper is just about over in Cape Breton; that is fact number one. The people of Cape Breton have come to the realization that there is nothing to be gained by sending N-dippers to Ottawa. There is an old
saying: Hickory, dickory, dock, the mouse went up the clock. This election: Hickory, dickory, dock, the mouse went down the clock. That is what happened.
When the honourable member for Dartmouth North issued the challenge, hey, if our Leader, Helen MacDonald wins in Cape Breton North, I want the member for Cape Breton The Lakes to resign, if she loses, then I will resign. Then, when he was put to the challenge, he said, no, I, Jerry Pye am a mouse, I will not take up the challenge. That is how much confidence the N-dippers have in their Leader. Not very much and we have . . .
MR. JERRY PYE: Mr. Speaker, on a point of order. The honourable member for Eastern Shore can attest that that is not the appropriate and correct answer at all. It was a challenge from the member for Cape Breton The Lakes, who in fact made the challenge which I declined.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Kings North.
MR. MARK PARENT: Mr. Speaker, it is no secret that I have concerns about the paucity of intellectual, political discussion that takes place in this Chamber. So, when we have the occasion to discuss issues of concern to Nova Scotians, it distresses me that we have such a trivial, indeed may I call it such an asinine resolution as this one. (Interruptions) I refuse to discuss it any further, because it doesn't deserve it.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage.
MR. KEVIN DEVEAUX: Mr. Speaker, I just want to say, in the brief time I have, that back in 1997 the Liberals were wiped out federally because they were smug and they were arrogant. In the last three and one-half years, maybe the federal Liberals learned something, but it is pretty clear that the provincial Liberals still have the same level of smugness, the same level of arrogance, and that is going to get them the same way it did the federal Liberals in 1997. That is something we must think about, because that is exactly what the problem is here. Smugness and arrogance is what was the downfall of the federal Liberals in Nova Scotia, and it will be the downfall of the provincial Liberals. I would hope, if anything, they would have learned from history. If they haven't, then I definitely know that is something they are going to learn in the future.
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The time allotted to the Adjournment debate has expired. I would like to thank the honourable members for taking part in this interesting debate.
The honourable member for Preston, on an introduction.
MR. DAVID HENDSBEE: Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring the attention of the House to a very special guest we have in the Speaker's Gallery. At this time I would like to introduce to the House an Olympian bronze medalist from the Sydney 2000 Games, from the C-1 1000 metre event, Mr. Steve Giles. (Standing ovation.)
Thank you for that brief interruption, but it is well-deserving. I would like to just add that Mr. Giles hails from the community of Lake Echo, in the constituency of Preston, and paddles at a small canoe club, Orenda Canoe Club. He now resides as a neighbour, down the street, in Porters Lake, and is now a constituent of the member for Eastern Shore. I would like to thank you very much, Mr. Giles, for coming to the House today. We had him sign the ceremonial guest book as a dignitary of this province. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The House will now revert back to the Committee of the Whole House on Bills.
[6:31 p.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Bills with Deputy Speaker Mr. Kevin Deveaux in the Chair.]
[7:56 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 bills:
Bill No. 70 - Sydney Steel Corporation Sale Act.
Bill No. 74 - Probate Act.
Bill No. 75 - Law Reform (2000) Act.
Bill No. 78 - Nova Scotia Business Incorporated Act.
Bill No. 60 - Members and Public Employees Disclosure Act.
Bill No. 67 - Crane Operators and Power Engineers Act.
and the chairman has been instructed to recommend these bills to the favourable consideration of the House, each without amendment.
MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that these bills be read for a third time on a future day.
The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, before I move the motion for adjournment, I wonder if the House Leader of the New Democratic Party can advise the House on the hours and the business of the day tomorrow.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Sackville-Cobequid.
MR. JOHN HOLM: Mr. Speaker, the hours, of course, will be from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. The two items that we hope to deal with are Bill No. 83 and Resolution No. 3578. (Interruption) I expect probably we will be doing the bill first, that is why I put them in that order. That is the anticipated order.
With that, Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now rise to meet tomorrow at the hour of 2:00 p.m.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is to adjourn.
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 House rose at 7:57 p.m.]
NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)
RESOLUTION NO. 3623
By: Hon. Murray Scott (The Premier)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas well-known and respected former broadcast journalist Bruce Graham recently completed the writing of his first book entitled The Parrsboro Boxing Club; and
Whereas Bruce, who finished his career in journalism last June with Global Television, is hoping his book will have possible adaptations for both screen and radio; and
Whereas with the completion of book number one, Bruce is now working on his second book which is set in the late 1860's in the shipbuilding and seafaring world of Economy, Colchester County;
Therefore be it resolved that MLAs praise writer and former television journalist Bruce Graham for his interest and support of rural Nova Scotia while providing some historical background and insight both for us and future generations on the way of life in rural Nova Scotia so many years ago.
By: Mr. Mark Parent (Kings North)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Ms. June Jain, an educator at the Kentville Elementary School, was 1 of 6 women recently honoured for outstanding achievement in their specialized fields; and
Whereas Ms. Jain has worked as an educator in Kings County for more than 39 years garnering many honours in the field of education and research; and
Whereas Ms. Jain was recognized for her many achievements at the 11th Annual Halifax Cornwallis Canadian Progress Women of Excellence dinner at the World Trade and Convention Centre;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in thanking Ms. June Jain for her hard work in the field of education and research, and congratulate her on receipt of this very deserving award.
By: Mr. Mark Parent (Kings North)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Mr. John Trites is a teacher at the Horton High School; and
Whereas Mr. Trites received this year's Geographic Literacy Award from the Canadian Council for Geographic Education; and
Whereas this is one of the most prestigious national geography awards in the country, providing funds to help Mr. Trites in further research as well as providing a $2,500 grant to Horton High School;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in congratulating Mr. John Trites and in wishing him well in his teaching career.
By: Mr. Mark Parent (Kings North)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Halls Harbour Volunteer Fire Department celebrated its 10th Anniversary on Saturday, November 25, 2000; and
Whereas Don Millett was honoured at this event as Firefighter of the Year; and
Whereas Don richly deserves such recognition due to his hard work, caring spirit and commitment to the work of firefighting;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in congratulating the Halls Harbour Volunteer Fire Department on its 10th Anniversary, and in particular congratulate Mr. Don Millett on his recognition as Firefighter of the Year.
By: Mr. Mark Parent (Kings North)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas both students, faculty and administration of the Kingstec Campus of the Nova Scotia Community College have worked hard to raise funds for a new cafeteria and student lounge; and
Whereas the new cafeteria and lounge will be a valuable addition to Kingstec, providing a well-designed and constructed place to meet and eat; and
Whereas the opening of the new cafeteria and lounge was celebrated on November 21st with academic, community and political participants;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in congratulating those who worked so hard to make this lounge and cafeteria a reality, and wish the Kingstec community best wishes in the important work of education.
