| TABLE OF CONTENTS | PAGE | ||||||||
| NOTICES OF MOTION: | |||||||||
| Res. 1632, Health - Care Workers: Concerns - Min. Listen, Mr. D. Dexter | 4594 | ||||||||
| Res. 1633, Health - Nurses (Glace Bay Hosp.): Good Faith Negotiations - | |||||||||
| Ensure, Mr. D. Wilson | 4594 | ||||||||
| Res. 1634, Health - Care Workers: Contributions - Recognize, | |||||||||
| (by Mr. D. Dexter), Mr. J. Holm | 4595 | ||||||||
| Res. 1635, Health - Nurses (Roseway Hosp.): Good Faith Negotiations - | |||||||||
| Ensure, Mr. D. Wilson | 4596 | ||||||||
| Res. 1636, Blue Book: Promises - Outcome, Ms. Maureen MacDonald | 4596 | ||||||||
| Res. 1637, Health - Nurses (Sacred Heart Hosp.): Good Faith | |||||||||
| Negotiations - Ensure, Mr. M. Samson | 4597 | ||||||||
| Res. 1638, Gov't. (N.S.): Policies - Reruns, Mr. K. Deveaux | 4598 | ||||||||
| Res. 1639, Health - Nurses (Strait Richmond Hosp./St. Anns Ctr.): | |||||||||
| Good Faith Negotiations - Ensure, Mr. M. Samson | 4599 | ||||||||
| Res. 1640, Gov't. (N.S.) - Health Care Workers: Bargaining - Allow, | |||||||||
| Mr. F. Corbett | 4600 | ||||||||
| Res. 1641, Health - Nurses (Digby Gen. Hosp.): Good Faith | |||||||||
| Negotiations - Ensure, (by Mr. M. Samson), Mr. W. Gaudet | 4600 | ||||||||
| Res. 1642, Parent 'n Tot Meeting Place: Host/Sponsors/Staff - | |||||||||
| Congrats., Mr. G. Steele | 4602 | ||||||||
| Vote - Affirmative | 4602 | ||||||||
| Res. 1643, Health - Nurses (Yarmouth Reg. Hosp.): Good Faith | |||||||||
| Negotiations - Ensure, (by Mr. M. Samson), Mr. W. Gaudet | 4602 | ||||||||
| Res. 1644, Health - Care System: Min. - Actions Cease, | |||||||||
| Mr. Robert Chisholm | 4604 | ||||||||
| Res. 1645, Health - Nurses (Inverness Cons. Mem. Hosp.): Good Faith | |||||||||
| Negotiations - Ensure, (by Mr. M. Samson), | |||||||||
| Mr. Manning MacDonald | 4604 | ||||||||
| Res. 1646, Health - Back-to-work Legislation: Gov't. (N.S.) - | |||||||||
| Reconsider, (by Mr. G. Steele), Mr. H. Epstein | 4606 | ||||||||
| Res. 1647, Health - Nurses (C.B. Reg. Hosp.): Good Faith Negotiations - | |||||||||
| Ensure, (by Mr. M. Samson), Mr. Manning MacDonald | 4606 | ||||||||
| Res. 1648, Health - Care Workers: Number - Adequacy Ensure, | |||||||||
| Mr. D. Dexter | 4608 | ||||||||
| Res. 1649, Health - Nurses (Cobequid Multi-Service Ctr.): Good Faith | |||||||||
| Negotiations - Ensure, (by Mr. M. Samson), Mr. R. MacKinnon | 4609 | ||||||||
| Res. 1650, Health - Nurses: Gov't. (N.S.) - Ads Remove, | |||||||||
| (by Mr. D. Dexter), Mr. J. Holm | 4610 | ||||||||
| Res. 1651, Health - Nurses (Soldiers Mem. Hosp.): Good Faith | |||||||||
| Negotiations - Ensure, (by Mr. M. Samson), Mr. R. MacKinnon | 4611 | ||||||||
| Res. 1652, Health - Nurses (St. Martha's Hosp.): Good Faith | |||||||||
| Negotiations - Ensure, (by Mr. M. Samson), Mr. P. MacEwan | 4613 | ||||||||
| Res. 1653, Arsenault, Pvt. John - War Medal: Family Restoration -^ | |||||||||
| Participants Congrats., Mr. K. Deveaux | 4615 | ||||||||
| Vote - Affirmative | 4615 | ||||||||
| Res. 1654, Health - Nurses (New Waterford Cons. Hosp.): Good Faith | |||||||||
| Negotiations - Ensure, (by Mr. M. Samson), Mr. P. MacEwan | 4615 | ||||||||
| Res. 1655, Whitney Pier - Coke Ovens: Residents - Relocate, | |||||||||
| Mr. F. Corbett | 4617 | ||||||||
| Res. 1656, Health - Nurses (Victoria Co. Mem. Hosp.): Good Faith | |||||||||
| Negotiations - Ensure, (by Mr. M. Samson), Mr. K. MacAskill | 4618 | ||||||||
| Res. 1657, Sports - Diving: Kelly Gallagher - Accomplishments | |||||||||
| Congrats., (by Mr. G. Steele), Mr. W. Estabrooks | 4620 | ||||||||
| Vote - Affirmative | 4621 | ||||||||
| Res. 1658, Health - Nurses (Northside Gen. Hosp.): Good Faith | |||||||||
| Negotiations - Ensure, (by Mr. M. Samson), Mr. B. Boudreau | 4621 | ||||||||
| Res. 1659, Christie, Innis - Workers' Comp. Bd. Chairman: Service - | |||||||||
| Thank, Mr. G. Steele | 4623 | ||||||||
| Res. 1660, Health - Nurses (IWK Hosp.): Good Faith Negotiations - | |||||||||
| Ensure, (by Mr. M. Samson), Mr. B. Boudreau | 4624 | ||||||||
| Res. 1661, Health - Nurses: Gov't. (N.S.) - Ads Remove, | |||||||||
| (by Mr. D. Dexter), Mr. J. Pye | 4625 | ||||||||
| Res. 1662, Health - Nurses (South Shore Reg. Hosp.): Good Faith | |||||||||
| Negotiations - Ensure, (by Mr. M. Samson), Mr. D. Downe | 4626 | ||||||||
| Res. 1663, Transport. & Pub. Wks./Tourism - Tantramar Marsh: | |||||||||
| Road Condition - Apologies Offer, | |||||||||
| (by Ms. Maureen MacDonald), Mr. B. Estabrooks | 4627 | ||||||||
| Res. 1664, Health - Nurses (Buchanan Mem. Hosp.): Good Faith | |||||||||
| Negotiations - Ensure, (by Mr. D. Wilson), Mr. K. MacAskill | 4628 | ||||||||
| Res. 1665, Nat. Res. - Forestry: Bill No. 66 - Implement, | |||||||||
| (by Mr. Robert Chisholm), Mr. J. MacDonell | 4629 | ||||||||
| Res. 1666, Health - Nurses (Fishermen's Mem. Hosp.): Good Faith | |||||||||
| Negotiations - Ensure, (by Mr. M. Samson), Mr. D. Downe | 4630 | ||||||||
| Res. 1667, Gov't. (N.S.): Legislating/Cease - Listening/Start, | |||||||||
| (by Mr. D. Dexter), Mr. J. Pye | 4631 | ||||||||
| Res. 1668, Health - Nurses (QE II Health Sciences Ctr.): Good Faith | |||||||||
| Negotiations - Ensure, (by Mr. M. Samson), Dr. J. Smith | 4632 | ||||||||
| Res. 1669, Gov't. (N.S.): Polling Results - Heed, (by Mr. G. Steele), | |||||||||
| Mr. H. Epstein | 4633 | ||||||||
| Res. 1670, Health - Nurses (Dart. Gen. Hosp.): Good Faith | |||||||||
| Negotiations - Ensure, (by Mr. M. Samson), Dr. J. Smith | 4634 | ||||||||
| Res. 1671, Chambers, Catherine - Chebucto Boys & Girls Club: | |||||||||
| Presidency - Election Congrats., Mr. Robert Chisholm | 4635 | ||||||||
| Vote - Affirmative | 4636 | ||||||||
| Res. 1672, Moore, Don & Katy: Woodlot Owner of the Year Award - | |||||||||
| Congrats., (by Mr. Robert Chisholm), Mr. J. MacDonell | 4637 | ||||||||
| Vote - Affirmative | 4637 | ||||||||
| GOVERNMENT BUSINESS: | |||||||||
| PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING: | |||||||||
| No. 68, Healthcare Services Continuation (2001) Act | 4639 | ||||||||
| Hon. J. Muir | 4639 | ||||||||
| Mr. D. Dexter | 4639 | ||||||||
| Amendment moved "bill be read six months hence" | 4653 | ||||||||
| Mr. M. Samson | 4654 | ||||||||
| Mr. F. Corbett | 4672 | ||||||||
| Mr. D. Wilson | 4685 | ||||||||
| Mr. K. Deveaux | 4700 | ||||||||
| Mr. B. Boudreau | 4719 | ||||||||
| Mr. E. Estabrooks | 4731 | ||||||||
| Mr. Manning MacDonald | 4747 | ||||||||
| Mr. J. Holm | 4763 | ||||||||
| Mr. R. MacKinnon | 4776 | ||||||||
| Mr. H. Epstein | 4789 | ||||||||
| Dr. J. Smith | 4801 | ||||||||
| Mr. Robert Chisholm | 4814 | ||||||||
| Mr. W. Gaudet | 4825 | ||||||||
| Ms. Maureen MacDonald | 4833 | ||||||||
| Adjournment moved | 4844 | ||||||||
| Vote - Negative | 4845 | ||||||||
| Mr. D. Downe | 4846 | ||||||||
| Mr. J. Pye | 4861 | ||||||||
| Mr. G. Steele | 4876 | ||||||||
| Amendment - Vote - Negative | 4892 | ||||||||
| Hon. R. Russell | 4892 | ||||||||
| Previous Question Put | 4892 | ||||||||
| Dr. J. Smith | 4892 | ||||||||
| Amendment moved | 4908 | ||||||||
| Mr. G. Steele | 4909 | ||||||||
| Adjournment moved | 4924 | ||||||||
| HOUSE RECESSED AT 10:34 P.M. | 4924 | ||||||||
| HOUSE RECONVENED AT 10:36 P.M. | 4924 | ||||||||
| Vote - Affirmative | 4927 | ||||||||
| ADJOURNMENT, House rose to meet again on Mon., June 18th at 12:01 a.m. | 4927 | ||||||||
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. We will begin the daily routine.
PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS
PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS
STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS
GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
NOTICES OF MOTION
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Opposition.
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 June 14th the Premier's office issued a release titled Focusing on the Future: The New Atlantic Revolution; and
Whereas the Premier's office got it wrong, the New Atlantic Revolution is not happening between Premiers but rather the real revolution is happening in our hospitals and clinics where fed-up health care workers and nurses are refusing to be treated like second-class citizens anymore; and
Whereas the government has chosen to cover its ears all the while screaming, I can't hear you, over the voices of our health care workers;
Therefore be it resolved that this government sit down with health care workers and nurses, listen to their concerns and address them rather than trying to legislate their problems away.
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 Glace Bay.
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 Glace Bay hospital is staffed by some of the best nurses in North America; and
Whereas day in and day out the nurses selflessly work long hours because they care for Nova Scotians; and
Whereas this Tory Government, however, does not care for nurses;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House urge the government to negotiate in good faith with the nurses of the Glace Bay hospital instead of disrespecting them.
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 Leader of the Opposition.
MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the member for Sackville-Cobequid, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Tory blue book states, "A John Hamm government will restore stability in our health care system."; and
Whereas by threatening health care workers and nurses with draconian anti-strike legislation this Tory Government is in fact destabilizing an already fragile health care system; and
Whereas in typical Tory fashion workers are being attacked because this government considers them to be an expense as opposed to a valuable asset;
Therefore be it resolved that health care workers should not now or ever be viewed by this Hamm Government as expenses but as valuable contributors to a system that cannot funciton without them.
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 Glace Bay.
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 Roseway Hospital is staffed by some of the best nurses in North America; and
Whereas day in and day out the nurses selflessly work long hours because they care for Nova Scotians; and
Whereas this Tory Government, however, does not care for nurses;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House urge the government to negotiate in good faith with the nurses of the Roseway Hospital instead of disrespecting them.
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 Halifax Needham.
MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas in 1999 John Hamm rolled out his blue book health care promises like Bobby Vinton crooning Blue Velvet; and
Whereas the Premier rose to the top of the hit parade but, as the promises turned out to be so much dust, his star has been in decline ever since; and
Whereas just like Vinton's saccharine song, the Premier's health care promises, especially those to health care workers, have proven to be less than the real thing;
Therefore be it resolved that the only thing blue right now coming out of this Premier's promises is the morale of front-line health care workers, who face the most anti-labour legislation ever proposed in this province.
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Richmond.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I will be introducing this resolution in both languages.
Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Sacred Heart Hospital in Cheticamp is staffed by some of the best nurses in North America; and
Whereas day in and day out the nurses selflessly work long hours because they care for Nova Scotians; and
Whereas this Tory Government, however, does not care for nurses;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House urge the government to negotiate in good faith with the nurses of Sacred Heart Hospital in Cheticamp instead of disrespecting them.
M. le Président, par la présente, j'avise cette assemblée que je proposerai à une date ultérieure l'adoption de la résolution suivante:
Attendu que l'hopital de Sacred Heart à Cheticamp est équipé avec quelques-uns des meilleures infirmières en Amérique du Nord; et
Attendu que chaque jour et chaque nuit ses infirmières par altruisme travaille de longues heures parce qu'ils aimeient les citoyens de la Nouvelle-Ecosse; et
Attendu que cependent, ce gouvernement Conservateur ne respect pas les infirmières;
Qu'il soit donc réésolu que les membres de cette Chambre encouragent ce gouvernement de faire des negotiations en bonne fonne avec les infirmières de l'Hopital Sacred Heart à Cheticamp au lieu leur manque de respect.
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 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 this Tory Government is looking everywhere to blame someone for the financial disarray our province is in; and
Whereas Tories need look no further than to the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Transportation and Public Works who took part in the John Buchanan Government that caused most of our financial problems today in this province; and
Whereas the former Tory legacy of incompetent spending is now reflected in the inability of the Minister of Finance to provide enough money to the Minister of Health to operate our health care system in an effective manner;
Therefore be it resolved that this Tory Government appear to be nothing more than a bad rerun of old Tory missteps and miscues.
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Richmond.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I will be introducing this resolution in both official languages.
Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Strait Richmond Hospital and the St. Ann's Nursing Centre is staffed by some of the best nurses in North America; and
Whereas day in and day out the nurses selflessly work long hours because they care for Nova Scotians; and
Whereas this Tory Government, however, does not care for nurses;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House urge the government to negotiate in good faith with the nurses of the Strait Richmond Hospital and the St. Ann's Nursing Centre instead of disrespecting them.
M. le Président, par la présente, j'avise cette assemblée que je proposerai à une date ultérieure l'adoption de la résolution suivante:
Attendu que l'hopital de Strait Richmond et St. Ann's Nursing Centre est équipé avec quelques-uns des meilleures infirmières en Amérique du Nord; et
Attendu que chaque jour et chaque nuit ses infirmières par altruisme travaille de longues heures parce qu'ils aimeient les citoyens de la Nouvelle-Ecosse; et
Attendu que cependent, ce gouvernement Conservateur ne respect pas pour les infirmières;
Qu'il soit donc réésolu que les membres de cette Chambre encouragent ce gouvernement de faire des negotiations en bonne fonne avec les infirmières de l'Hopital Strait Richmond et St. Ann's Nursing Centre au lieu leur manque de respect.
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 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 in 1975, nurses in this province went on strike; and
Whereas then-Premier Gerald Regan said "they can stay out until their pantyhose freeze"; and
Whereas these nurses showed their commitment and their true professionalism by providing services to the users of health care facilities such as the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital;
Therefore be it resolved that this government should not be as draconian or flippant as the Regan Government and allow health care workers to bargain freely for a new collective agreement.
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 Richmond.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I will be introducing this resolution on behalf of my Leader, the MLA for Clare, in both official languages.
Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Digby General Hospital is staffed by some of the best nurses and health care workers in North America; and
Whereas day in and day out the nurses and health care workers selflessly work long hours because they care for Nova Scotians; and
Whereas this Tory Government, however, does not care for nurses or the health care workers;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House urge the government to negotiate in good faith with the nurses of the Digby General Hospital instead of disrespecting them.
[12:15 a.m.]
M. le Président, par la présente, j'avise cette assemblée que je proposerai à une date ultérieure l'adoption de la résolution suivante:
Attendu que l'hopital Digby General est équipé avec quelques-uns des meilleures infirmières en Amérique du Nord; et
Attendu que chaque jour et chaque nuit ses infirmières par altruisme travaille de longues heures parce qu'ils aimeient les citoyens de la Nouvelle Ecosse; et
Attendu que cependent, ce gouvernement Conservateur ne respect pas les infirmières;
Qu'il soit donc réésolu que les membres de cette Chambre encouragent ce gouvernement de faire des negotiations en bonne fonne avec les infirmières de l'Hopital de Digby au lieu leur manque de respect.
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 Halifax Fairview.
MR. GRAHAM STEELE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Parent 'n Tot Meeting Place was established 15 years ago under the auspices of Fairview United Church on Dutch Village Road in Halifax; and
Whereas the Parent 'n Tot Meeting Place provides a much-needed meeting place and learning resource for single parents in Fairview; and
Whereas the Parent 'n Tot Meeting Place has a wonderful and dedicated staff, namely Karla Firth-Tessier, program co-ordinator; Debbie Rawding, program assistant; Patsy Power, child care worker; and, Ruth Power-Byrne, child care worker;
Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate the Parent 'n Tot Meeting Place, its host Fairview United Church, its sponsors Fairview United Church, the United Church of Canada and the provincial and federal governments and its wonderful dedicated staff for providing an important and necessary service to the people of Fairview.
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 Richmond.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I will be introducing this resolution on behalf of my colleague, the Leader of our Party, the MLA for Clare in both official languages.
Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Yarmouth Regional Hospital is staffed by some of the best nurses and health care workers in North America; and
Whereas day in and day out the nurses and health care workers selflessly work long hours because they care for Nova Scotians; and
Whereas this Tory Government, however, does not care for nurses or the health care workers;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House urge the government to negotiate in good faith with the nurses and health care workers of the Yarmouth Regional Hospital instead of disrespecting them.
M. le Président, par la présente, j'avise cette assemblée que je proposerai à une date ultérieure l'adoption de la résolution suivante:
Attendu que l'hopital Yarmouth Regional est équipé avec quelques-uns des meilleures infirmières en Amérique du Nord; et
Attendu que chaque jour et chaque nuit ses infirmières par altruisme travaille de longues heures parce qu'ils aimirent les citoyens de la Nouvelle-Ecosse; et
Attendu que cependent, ce gouvernement Conservateur ne respect pas les infirmières;
Qu'il soit donc réésolu que les membres de cette Chambre encouragent ce gouvernement de faire des negotiations en bonne fonne avec les infirmières de l'Hopital de Yarmouth Regional au lieu leur manque de respect.
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 Halifax Atlantic.
MR. ROBERT CHISHOLM: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Minister of Health continues to blame others for his blundering of talks between nurses and health care workers; and
Whereas it is the Minister of Health's complete inability to see that his actions will cause irreparable damage to our health care system by driving nurses and health care workers out of this province; and
Whereas it appears Tory inability to deal with the workers of this province has led to labour upheaval and strife;
Therefore be it resolved that the Minister of Health do us all a favour, take a pill and calm down before he damages our health care system beyond repair.
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 Richmond.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I will be introducing this resolution in both languages on behalf of my colleague, the MLA for Cape Breton South.
Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital is staffed by some of the best nurses and health care workers in North America; and
Whereas day in and day out the nurses and health care workers selflessly work long hours because they care for Nova Scotians; and
Whereas this Tory Government, however, does not care for nurses or the health care workers;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House urge the government to negotiate in good faith with the nurses and health care workers of the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital instead of disrespecting them.
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.
Mr. Speaker, I am introducing this in both languages.
M. le Président, par la présente, j'avise cette assemblée que je proposerai à une date ultérieure l'adoption de la résolution suivante:
Attendu que l'hopital Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital est équipé avec quelques-uns des meilleures infirmières en Amérique du Nord; et
Attendu que chaque jour et chaque nuit ses infirmières par altruisme travaille de longues heures parce qu'ils aimeient les citoyens de la Nouvelle-Ecosse; et
Attendu que cependent, ce gouvernement Conservateur ne respect pas les infirmières;
Qu'il soit donc réésolu que les membres de cette Chambre encouragent ce gouvernement de faire des negotiations en bonne fonne avec les infirmières de l'Hopital Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital au lieu leur manque de respect.
Mr. Speaker, I ask for waiver.
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Halifax Fairview.
MR. GRAHAM STEELE: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my colleague, the member for Halifax Chebucto, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas government advertisements scream "emergency room closures, early patient discharges, bed closures, increased waiting lists, restriction of services to life and limb situation"; and
Whereas this just seems to be a continuation of how Tories and Liberals have been managing our health care system for years; and
Whereas instead of doing something about the problem this Tory Government is now driving health care workers and nurses out of our province;
Therefore be it resolved that this government reconsider its ill-advised anti-strike legislation and start hiring desperately-needed nurses and paying them and other health care workers a wage that reflects their true value.
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 Richmond.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I will be introducing this resolution in both official languages on behalf of my colleague, the member for Cape Breton South.
Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Cape Breton Regional Hospital is staffed by some of the best nurses and health care workers in North America; and
Whereas day in and day out the nurses selflessly work long hours because they care for Nova Scotians; and
Whereas this Tory Government, however, does not care for nurses or the health care workers;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House urge the government to negotiate in good faith with the nurses and health care workers of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital instead of disrespecting them.
M. le Président, par la présente, j'avise cette assemblée que je proposerai à une date ultérieure l'adoption de la résolution suivante:
Attendu que l'hopital Cape Breton Regional Hospital est équipé avec quelques-uns des meilleures infirmières en Amérique du Nord; et
Attendu que chaque jour et chaque nuit ses infirmières par altruisme travaille de longues heures parce qu'ils aimeient les citoyens de la Nouvelle-Ecosse; et
Attendu que cependent, ce gouvernement Conservateur ne respect pas les infirmières;
Qu'il soit donc réésolu que les membres de cette Chambre encouragent ce gouvernement de faire des negotiations en bonne fonne avec les infirmières de l'Hopital Cape Breton Regional Hospital au lieu leur manque de respect.
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 on an introduction.
MR. KEVIN DEVEAUX: Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to take a moment to introduce someone who is in the, I always get these mixed up . . .
AN HON. MEMBER: East gallery.
MR. DEVEAUX: East gallery, I should know that coming from Eastern Passage. Darlene Pentz, P-e-n-t-z for Hansard's record. She is an RN at the QE II Health Sciences Centre. She is a nurse with 33 years of service. I guess, on her behalf, just to say that time to respect the caring profession who make the health care system really function, and please respect us, we totally respect our patients and will always provide care for them. I hope that Darlene can stand up and be recognized by the House. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Opposition.
MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, if I may, before I begin my resolution, I would like to make an introduction. I would like to introduce to you and to the House, in the east gallery, Janice Nicholson. She is a staff nurse at the cardiovascular intensive care unit, Bargaining Unit No. 97, with 17 years of service. If she would stand and be welcomed by the House. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Opposition.
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 Minister Muir told a news conference that the government is "acting responsibly and decisively to protect the health and safety of Nova Scotians"; and
Whereas Minister Russell told the same news conference that because "we have to protect the welfare of the people of Nova Scotia" the government plans to take away the right to strike of nearly 10,000 health care workers and give Cabinet the power to impose wage settlements; and
Whereas the union leader's response to the minister's statement was that "this is going to drive nurses out of the province", a sentiment being echoed by others afraid of a mass exodus of health care workers in the province;
Therefore be it resolved that this government put real efforts into protecting the health and safety of Nova Scotians by ensuring that the province has enough trained professional health care workers to provide the standard of health care Nova Scotians deserve rather than drive them to other provinces and beyond to be fairly compensated for their skills and dedication.
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 Richmond.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I will be introducing this resolution in both official languages on behalf of my colleague, the member for Cape Breton West.
Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Cobequid Multi-Service Centre is staffed by some of the best nurses and health care workers in North America; and
Whereas day in and day out the nurses and health care workers selflessly work long hours because they care for Nova Scotians; and
Whereas this Tory Government, however, does not care for our nurses or our health care workers;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House urge the government to negotiate in good faith with the nurses of the Cobequid Multi-Service Centre instead of disrespecting them.
M. le Président, par la présente, j'avise cette assemblée que je proposerai à une date ultérieure l'adoption de la résolution suivante:
Attendu que l'hopital de Cobequid Multi-Service Centre est équipé avec quelques-uns des meilleures infirmières en Amérique du Nord; et
Attendu que chaque jour et chaque nuit ses infirmières par altruisme travaille de longues heures parce qu'ils aimeient les citoyens de la Nouvelle-Ecosse; et
Attendu que cependent, ce gouvernement Conservateur ne respect pas les infirmières;
Qu'il soit donc réésolu que les membres de cette Chambre encouragent ce gouvernement de faire des negotiations en bonne fonne avec les infirmières de l'Hopital de Cobequid Multi-Service Centre au lieu leur manque de respect.
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 Leader of the Opposition.
MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the member for Sackville-Cobequid, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Capital District Health Authority has begun to implement its contingency plan in the event of a labour dispute erupting in the near future; and
Whereas this contingency plan includes the closure of beds at various facilities throughout metro and a freeze on operating room procedures; and
Whereas each summer brings a reduction of services of 20 per cent to 30 per cent at metro health care facilities due to, among other things, staff vacations which means bed closures and reduced OR times, yet none of this is mentioned in the gloom and doom advertisements by the Capital District Health Authority and the Department of Health;
Therefore be it resolved that the Minister of Health stop this ungracious and misleading advertising about the perils of a strike by health care staff in metro Halifax and stop the Capital District Health Authority from cloaking its summer slowdown as a necessary response to an anticipated work stoppage.
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 Glace Bay.
MR. DAVID WILSON: If I may, Mr. Speaker, an introduction. It gives me a great deal of pleasure, being the brother of two nurses and also the brother of an inhalation technologist, but most importantly, the son of a nurse, to introduce in our gallery today Jill MacKenzie, who is an RN at the QE II Health Sciences Centre and has been there for 26 years. She wanted me to pass on that she is here this morning looking for a reasonable offer and a little bit of respect. If she would stand and the House would please welcome her. Thank you. (Applause)
[12:30 a.m.]
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Richmond.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I will be introducing this resolution in both official languages on behalf of my colleague, the member for Cape Breton West.
Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Soldiers Memorial Hospital is staffed by some of the best nurses and health care workers in North America; and
Whereas day in and day out the nurses and health care workers selflessly work long hours because they care for Nova Scotians; and
Whereas this Tory Government, however, does not show the same care for nurses or health care workers;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House urge the Tory Government to negotiate in good faith with the nurses and health care workers of Soldiers Memorial Hospital instead of disrespecting them.
M. le Président, par la présente, j'avise cette assemblée que je proposerai à une date ultérieure l'adoption de la résolution suivante:
Attendu que l'hopital Soldiers Memorial est equipé avec quelques-uns des meilleures infirmières en Amérique du Nord; et
Attendu que chaque jour et chaque nuit ses infirmières par altruisme travaille de longues heures parce qu'ils aimeient les citoyens de la Nouvelle-Ecosse; et
Attendu que cependent, ce gouvernement Conservateur ne respect pas les infirmières;
Qu'il soit donc réésolu que les membres de ce Chambre encouragent ce gouvernement de faire des negotiations en bonne fonne avec les infirmières de l'Hopital Soldiers Memorial au lieu leur manque de respect.
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 Halifax Needham.
MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, before I do my resolution I would like to take a moment to make an introduction, please, if I may. In our east gallery this morning, we have Diane Bentley, who is a charge nurse in the OR at the Halifax Infirmary site on the 3:00 to 11:00 shift. Diane is a member of the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union. She has 34 years working as a nurse. She has worked in four countries around the world, three provinces of Canada, many hospitals in Nova Scotia. Diane would like members in this House to know that she has spent many hours teaching the public CPR and first aid, free of charge. She has taken many courses at her own expense, so many that she couldn't count.
Diane Bentley says she loves her work and she would never allow patients to suffer, and she resents the suggestion that she would do so, made by the Minister of Health. I would ask Diane Bentley to stand and receive the warm welcome of the members of the House. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Needham.
MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas in a poem written by nurses it states "As I roll out of bed, this must be a dream, another twelve hour shift and it's now five-fifteen, my lunch is all packed and my uniform pressed, brush my teeth, grab a shower and lastly get dressed"; and
Whereas the poem continues on "By tired worn faces I don't ask how the night went, just look at the book and write down my assignment, they're crazy, I can't do all this in one day! I've only two hands, I must start right away; and
Whereas the poem continues "answer phones, restock charts - no ward clerk to boot, there's no way in this world that I make enough loot, with despair and frustration my heart goes Lub Dub, And how would I know? Can't read my pay stub";
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the outstanding service and sacrifice nurses make for Nova Scotians each and every day.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. I would question the format of the resolution, and I would rule it out of order.
The honourable member for Richmond.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: It sounded fine to me.
Mr. Speaker, I will be introducing this resolution in both official languages on behalf of my colleague, the member for Cape Breton Nova.
Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas St. Martha's Hospital in Antigonish is staffed by some of the best nurses and health care workers in North America; and
Whereas day in and day out these nurses and health care workers selflessly work long hours because they care for Nova Scotians; and
Whereas this Tory Government, however, does not show the same care for the nurses or the health care workers;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House urge the government to negotiate in good faith with the nurses and health care workers of St. Martha's Hospital in Antigonish instead of disrespecting them.
M. le Président, par la présente, j'avise cette assemblée que je proposerai à une date ultérieure l'adoption de la résolution suivante:
Attendu que l'hopital St. Martha's à Antigonish est equipé avec quelques-uns des meilleures infirmières en Amérique du Nord; et
Attendu que chaque jour et chaque nuit ses infirmières par altruisme travaille de longues heures parce qu'ils aimeient les citoyens de la Nouvelle-Ecosse; et
Attendu que cependent, ce gouvernement Conservateur ne respect pas les infirmières;
Qu'il soit donc réésolu que les membres de ce Chambre encouragent ce gouvernement de fair des negotiations en bonne fonne avec les infirmières de l'Hopital St. Martha's à Antigonish au lieu leur manque de respect.
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.
MR. DARRELL DEXTER: On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. With respect to the notice of motion that was given by my colleague, the member for Halifax Needham, I wonder if the Speaker would be prepared to indicate to us what was wrong with the notice of motion. Certainly . . .
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. As the honourable member is well aware, you can't challenge the ruling of the Speaker. I certainly will take it under advisement and report back to the House.
The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage.
RESOLUTION NO. 1653
Whereas Private John Arsenault of Glace Bay was killed at Vimy Ridge in 1917 while serving with the 85th Overseas Battalion of the Nova Scotia Highlanders; and
Whereas the British war medal he received posthumously went missing, but was later found by Tom Currie, an advisor to the current Eastern Passage Education Centre's Call to Remembrance team, formed under sponsorship of the Royal Canadian Legion to foster students' knowledge of Canada's military history; and
Whereas the medal has been restored and the Eastern Passage Education Centre's Call to Remembrance team will present it to the family of the late John Arsenault at 2:00 p.m. today at a ceremony in the school library;
Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate the Eastern Passage Education Centre's Call to Remembrance team and team advisor, Tom Currie, for their perseverance in finding the family of the late Private John Arsenault and returning his British war medal to its rightful heirs.
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 Richmond.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I will be introducing this resolution in both official languages on behalf of the member for Cape Breton Nova.
M. le Président, par la présente, j'avise cette assemblée que je proposerai à une date ultérieure l'adoption de la résolution suivante:
Attendu que l'hopital New Waterford Consolidated est equipé avec quelques-uns des meilleures infirmières an Amérique du Nord; et
Attendu que chaque jour et chaque nuit ses infirmiéres par altruisme travaille de longues heures parce qu'ils aimeient les citoyens de la Nouvelle-Ecosse; et
Attendu que cependent, ce gouvernement Conservateur ne respect pas les infirmières;
Qu'il soit donc réésolu que les membres de ce Chambre encouragent ce gouvernement de faire des negotiations en bonne fonne avec les infirmières de l'Hopital New Waterford Consolidated au lieu leur manque de respect.
Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolutions:
Whereas the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital is staffed by some of the best nurses in North America; and
Whereas day in and day out these nurses and health care workers selflessly work long hours because they care for Nova Scotians; and
Whereas this Tory Government, however, does not show the same care for the nurses or the health care workers;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House urge the government to negotiate in good faith with the nurses and health care workers of the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital instead of disrespecting them.
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 Cape Breton Centre.
MR. FRANK CORBETT: Mr. Speaker, with the House's indulgement, I would like to do an introduction. I would like to introduce Carolann Corkum, a staff nurse co-ordinator of the intensive care unit, bargaining unit 97 and she has 11 years service. She is a bargaining
team member, a charge nurse at CDICU for two years. The majority of time spent in that role was coordinating staffing requirements. She is also a member of the Move Committee that assisted in the co-ordination and safe patient transfer from the VG site to the Halifax Infirmary site. These are all strictly volunteer positions that require large time commitments beyond the fulfilment of full-time shifts in the intensive care unit. "It didn't cross my mind", she says, "to renege on any of these positions during my term commitments because I cared about the quality of care of patients and families in the cardiovascular intensive care. I am appalled by the minister . . ."
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. I am certainly going to allow members to make introductions in the House, but not read statements on behalf of people visiting the House. I would ask the honourable member, he has made the introduction, to move on to his resolution. I would ask the visitor, certainly, to rise and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)
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 successive Tory and Liberal Governments have known since 1985 about the potential health risks faced by residents of Whitney Pier and area; and
Whereas instead of acting on warnings from the Bureau of Chemical Hazards, Tory and Liberal Governments waited a full 16 years before any action was taken on an organized testing of residents who live close to the coke ovens site; and
Whereas Liberal silence and Tory inactions have allowed pregnant women and children to be exposed to toxic chemicals for years rather than acting on repeated warnings;
Therefore be it resolved that this government commit today to moving residents living closest to the coke ovens site.
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 Richmond.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I will be introducing this resolution in both languages on behalf of my colleague, the member for Victoria.
Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. I would suggest that the honourable member for Richmond is standing in the place of the honourable member for Victoria who is not bilingual, so I would suggest you read it in the language that the honourable member for Victoria would. The honourable member for Richmond has the floor. (Interruptions)
MR. SAMSON: Well, you know Mr. Speaker, I . . .
MR. SPEAKER: Yes, the honourable member for Victoria certainly could say it in Gaelic, so if the honourable member for Richmond can do that, he is welcome to.
The honourable member for Richmond has the floor.
MR. SAMSON: Well, Mr. Speaker, I guess on a point of personal privilege and I don't want to have to go down this road, but for you as Speaker of this Chamber, to sit here and to be able to say who can speak in both official languages in this House and who can't, I think it is a most dangerous thing. I am certainly willing to give the Speaker the opportunity to retract that statement because that is a . . .
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. I suggest the honourable member for Richmond is standing in the place of the honourable member for Victoria. And you are reading on behalf of the honourable member for Victoria in his language.
The honourable member for Richmond has the floor.
MR. SAMSON: As I said, Mr. Speaker, I will be - as you well know . . .
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. I will obviously take that ruling that I just made under advisement and report back to the House. I would ask the honourable member to please read the resolution in the honourable member for Victoria's language, which would be English.
MR. SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Victoria County Memorial Hospital is staffed by some of the best nurses in North America; and
Whereas day in and day out the nurses selflessly work long hours because they care for Nova Scotians; and
Whereas this Tory Government, however, does not care for nurses;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House urge the government to negotiate in good faith with the nurses of the Victoria County Memorial Hospital instead of disrespecting them.
M. le Président, par la présente, j'avise cette assemblée que je proposerai à une date ultérieure l'adoption de la résolution suivante:
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. Did the honourable member request waiver?
MR. SAMSON: Not yet.
MR. SPEAKER: Are you going to?
MR. SAMSON: Yes.
MR. SPEAKER: Then request it.
MR. SAMSON: Okay, as soon as I am done.
MR. SPEAKER: No. Request it.
MR. SAMSON: Well . . .
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. Is the honourable member requesting waiver?
MR. SAMSON: On a point of personal privilege . . .
MR. SPEAKER: You already rose on that and I told you I would report back to the House. The honourable member will request waiver or I will move on to the next speaker.
MR. SAMSON: Well, Mr. Speaker, I . . .
MR. SPEAKER: I understand your point of privilege and I told you I would take it under advisement. I asked you to read it in English only. Are you requesting waiver?
MR. SAMSON: Well, I will ask waiver, I guess.
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 Fairview.
MR. GRAHAM STEELE: Mr. Speaker, if I might be permitted an introduction before I begin. Like the member for Glace Bay, I am the brother of a nurse and it is a useful reminder for all of us I think that the nurses who are being treated with such disrespect are our family, our friends and our neighbours. In the east gallery today is Mr. Brad Kennedy, a registered nurse with two years of service and a constituent of mine. It is unfortunate that Mr. Kennedy has to begin his nursing career in this kind of environment. I would ask Mr. Kennedy to rise and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Fairview.
MR. GRAHAM STEELE: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my colleague, the honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Cygnus Diving Club was formed to promote the sport of springboard and platform diving; and
Whereas this year the club has attended competitions in Halifax, Fredericton, Newfoundland and Quebec; and
Whereas 10 year old Kelly Gallagher of Shad Bay has qualified as a member of the Cygnus Diving Club to attend the nationals in Victoria, B.C. in July;
Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate Kelly Gallagher on her accomplishments with the Cygnus Diving Club with wishes of good luck to Kelly and her teammates at the National Diving Championships in Victoria, B.C.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
[12:45 a.m.]
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 Richmond.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I will be introducing this resolution in both languages on behalf of my colleague, the member for Cape Breton The Lakes.
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. Again. Order, please. The honourable member is standing in the place of a member who is not bilingual and who could not recite that resolution in both languages. I would ask the honourable member, when he is standing in his place or in the place of a bilingual member, I certainly would allow it, but he is not allowed to stand in the place of another individual who couldn't repeat it in both languages. (Interruptions) As I indicated earlier to the honourable member for Richmond, I will review the decision at a later date and I will report back to the House. I would ask the honourable member for Richmond, when he is speaking on behalf of a member in this House who is not bilingual, that he recite the resolution in the language that the member he is replacing naturally would. (Interruptions)
Order, please. The honourable member for Richmond has the floor.
MR. SAMSON: Am I permitted to respond to that, Mr. Speaker?
MR. SPEAKER: Pardon me?
MR. SAMSON: Am I permitted to respond to what you just said?
MR. SPEAKER: Yes.
MR. SAMSON: Okay.
MR. SPEAKER: You can respond to it, but again . . .
MR. SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, all evening you have allowed this to take place and have not raised any objections when I did this for my colleague, the member for Cape Breton South . . .
MR. SPEAKER: You are absolutely right.
MR. SAMSON: . . . and my colleague, the member for Cape Breton West.
MR. SPEAKER: You are absolutely right, and at the time I was contemplating whether I should or not. So, I would ask the honourable member . . .
MR. SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, if I might, and I told you I don't want to go down this road. Mr. Boudreau, my colleague, whose father is a native of Petit de Grat, the community of Little Anse, is an Acadian. Mr. Boudreau himself is of Acadian heritage. For you to sit here, Mr. Speaker, and to determine . . .
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The honourable member for Cape Breton The Lakes, if he is bilingual, then I will allow you to repeat that on his behalf, bilingually.
The honourable member for Richmond has the floor.
MR. SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, as far as I am concerned, all of my colleagues in our caucus are bilingual, and therefore unless you are ruling they are not.
MR. SPEAKER: No. Order, please. I will not allow the honourable member to repeat (Interruptions) Order, please. No. Order, please. The honourable member for Richmond, as I indicated earlier, I will allow you to stand and repeat, in both languages, notices of motion on behalf of members who could do it themselves, but I will not allow the member to stand and take the place of those who could not repeat it in both languages to do it.
The honourable member for Richmond has the floor.
MR. SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, as I said, on behalf of my colleague, the member for Cape Breton The Lakes, I will present this in both official languages. I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Northside General Hospital is staffed by some of the best nurses and health care workers in North America; and
Whereas day in and day out the nurses and health care workers selflessly work long hours because they care for Nova Scotians; and
Whereas this Tory Government, however, does not show the same care for nurses or the health care workers;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House urge the government to negotiate in good faith with the nurses and health care workers of the Northside General Hospital instead of disrespecting them.
M. le Président, par la présente, j'avise cette assemblée que je proposerai à une date ultérieure l'adoption de la résolution suivante:
Attendu que l'hopital Northside General Hospital est equipé avec quelques-uns des meilleures infirmières en Amérique du Nord; et
Attendu que chaque jour et chaque nuit ses infirmières par altruisme travaille de longues heures parce qu'ils aimeient les citoyens de la Nouvelle-Ecosse; et
Attendu que cependent, ce gouvernement Conservateur ne respect pas les infirmierès;
Qu'il soit donc réésolu que les membres de ce Chambre encouragent ce gouvernement de faire des negotiations en bonne fonne avec les infirmières de l'Hopital de Northside General au lieu leur manque de respect.
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 Halifax Fairview.
MR. GRAHAM STEELE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Innis Christie is a nationally respected labour lawyer, arbitrator, mediator and legal scholar, as well as being a former Deputy Minister of Labour for the Province of Nova Scotia; and
Whereas Innis Christie served the Province of Nova Scotia, again, as Chairman of the Nova Scotia Workers Compensation Board from 1995 until May 31, 2001; and
Whereas the present government has seen fit not to offer Innis Christie the extension to his term that would normally be accorded to a person who has served with distinction;
Therefore be it resolved that this House thank Innis Christie for his service to the province as Chairman of the Workers' Compensation Board.
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 Richmond.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I will be introducing this resolution in both official languages on behalf of my colleague, the member for Cape Breton The Lakes.
Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Izaak Walton Killam Hospital is staffed by some of the best nurses and health care workers in North America; and
Whereas day in and day out, these nurses and health care workers selflessly work long hours because they care for Nova Scotians; and
Whereas this Tory Government, however, does not show the same care for the nurses or the health care workers;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House urge the government to negotiate in good faith with the nurses and health care workers of the Izaak Walton Killam Hospital, instead of disrespecting them.
M. le Président, par la présente, j'avise cette assemblée que je proposerai à une date ultérieure l'adoption de la résolution suivante:
Attendu que l'hopital Izaak Walton Killam, est equipé avec quelques-uns des meilleures infirmières en Amérique du Nord; et
Attendu que chaque jour et chaque nuit ses infirmières par altruisme travaille de longues heures parce qu'ils aimeient les citoyens de la Nouvelle-Ecosse; et
Attendu que cependent, ce gouvernement Conservateur ne respect les infirmières;
Qu'il soit donc réésolu que les membres de ce Chambre encouragent ce gouvernement de faire des negotiations en bonne fonne avec les infirmières de l'Hopital Izaak Walton Killam au lieu leur manque de respect.
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 Leader of the Opposition.
MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, before I read this resolution on behalf of the member for Dartmouth North, I would like to make an introduction. I would like to introduce to the House, Carolin Read, who is a staff nurse at the Neurosurgery Unit of the QE II, with the NSGEU bargaining unit. She has 15 years of service. She is the Chairman of the Nurses Bargaining Committee, who are attempting to negotiate a fair collective agreement to stop the drain of experienced and new nurses from Nova Scotia. If Ms. Read would stand and receive the welcome of the House. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Opposition.
MR. DARRELL DEXTER: 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 government placed a quarter-page public notice in Thursday's newspaper proclaiming their assurance to Nova Scotians that they will maintain the integrity of the health care system; and
Whereas the Canadian Oxford Dictionary definition of integrity reads as follows, "moral uprightness; honesty; wholeness; completeness . . . unimpaired or uncorrupted condition."; and
Whereas the Tory Government has been anything but moral, upright, honest, whole, complete or unimpaired in presenting information to Nova Scotians about preparation for emergency service in the event of a strike;
Therefore be it resolved that the Premier direct the Minister of Health and propaganda to cease and desist with this misleading advertisement that is causing much alarm and distress throughout our province.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. I would like to take a look at the resolution before it is tabled.
The honourable member for Richmond.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: M. le Président, je lis cette résolution au nom de mon collègue, le député honourable pour Lunenburg Ouest.
M. le Président, par la présente, j'avise cette assemblée que je proposerai à une date ultérieure l'adoption de la résolution suivante:
Attendu que l'hopital South Shore Regional est equipé avec quelques-uns des meilleures infirmières en Amérique du Nord; et
Attendu que chaque jour et cheque nuit ses infirmiéres par altuisme traville de longues heures parce qu'ils aimeient les citoyens de la Nouvelle-Ecosse; et
Attenu que cependent, ce gouvernement Conservateur ne respect pas les infirmières;
Qu'il soit donc réésolu que les membres de ce Chambre encouragent ce gouvernement de faire des negotiations en bonne fonne avec les infirmières de l'Hopital South Shore Regional au lieu leur marque de respect.
Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the South Shore Regional Hospital is staffed by some of the best nurses and health care workers in North America; and
Whereas day in and day out the nurses and health care workers selflessly work long hours because they care for Nova Scotians; and
Whereas this Tory Government, however, does not show the same level of care for these nurses;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House urge the government to negotiate in good faith with the nurses and health care workers of the South Shore Regional Hospital instead of disrespecting them.
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 Halifax Needham.
MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Prior to reading a resolution on behalf of my colleague, the member for Timberlea-Prospect, I would like to do another introduction. We are joined this evening by many nurses who want to be respected and valued. One of the nurses who is here to observe the debate on Bill No. 68 is Catherine Keleher who is a community mental health nurse in bargaining unit 12 who has 23 years of nursing experience. I would invite members to extend a warm welcome to Catherine, if she would stand, please. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Needham.
MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Trans Canada Highway in northern Nova Scotia is in a deplorable state; and
Whereas this road from Amherst through to the Cobequid Pass is a major highway for travellers, truckers and tourists; and
Whereas this highway is an embarrassment to this province;
Therefore be it resolved that the Minister of Transportation and the Minister of Tourism and culture work together to erect a sign on the Tantramar Marshes apologizing to motorists on the condition of roads in the Province of Nova Scotia.
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Glace Bay.
MR. DAVID WILSON: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the honourable member for Victoria, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Buchanan Memorial Hospital is staffed by some of the best nurses in North America; and
Whereas day in and day out the nurses selflessly work long hours because they care for Nova Scotians; and
Whereas this Tory Government, however, does not care for nurses;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House urge the government to negotiate in good faith with the nurses of Buchanan Memorial Hospital instead of disrespecting them.
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 Halifax Atlantic.
MR. ROBERT CHISHOLM: Before I read a resolution, I would like to make an introduction. There is a nurse in the east gallery, I believe, her name is Cindy Ehler - hope I have the pronunciation correct. She is a staff nurse in the operating room at the QE II. She has been working as a nurse for 17 years and I know, myself, and I am sure other members here in this House, would gladly put our lives in Cindy's hands, as well as every other nurse in the Province of Nova Scotia. I would ask you and all members to note Cindy as she stands and give her the usual round of applause. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Atlantic.
MR. ROBERT CHISHOLM: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the honourable member for Hants East, a resolution from a little bit of a different direction. I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas clear-cutting as a harvesting method - it is what nurses feel like, I think, that the Minister of Health is clear-cutting them - has been very destructive of Nova Scotia forests; and
Whereas clear-cutting has been part and parcel of the unsustainable cut that has been depleting our forests for year upon year; and
Whereas banning clear-cutting except where it is the only viable harvest method for a particular stand would go a long way in showing Nova Scotians that this government is serious about sustainable forestry;
Therefore be it resolved that this government will immediately take all steps to implement Bill No. 66 and show its concern that sustainable forest practices be followed in the Nova Scotia forest industry.
[1:00 a.m.]
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 Richmond.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I would like to read this resolution on behalf of my colleague, the honourable member for Lunenburg West.
M. le Président, par la présente, j'avise cette assemblée que je proposerai à une date ultérieure l'adoption de la résolution suivante:
Attendu que l'hopital Fishermen's Memorial est equipé avec quelques-uns des meilleures infirmières en Amérique du Nord; et
Attendu que chaque jour et chaque nuit ses infirmiéres par altruisme travaille de longues heures parce qu'ils aimeient les citoyens de la Nourvelle-Ecosse; et
Attendu que cependent, ce gouvernement Conservateur ne respect pas les infirmières;
Qu'il soit donc réésolu que les membres de cette Chambre encouragent ce gouvernement de faire des negotiations en bonne fonne avec les infirmières de l'Hopital Fishermen's Memorial au lieu leur manque de respect.
Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Fishermen's Memorial Hospital is staffed by some of the best nurses and health care workers in North America; and
Whereas day in and day out these nurses and health care workers selflessly work long hours because they care for Nova Scotians; and
Whereas this Tory Government, however, does not show the same care for our nurses or our health care workers;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House urge the government to negotiate in good faith with the nurses and the health care workers of the Fishermen's Memorial Hospital instead of disrespecting them.
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 Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage.
MR. KEVIN DEVEAUX: On an introduction, Mr. Speaker. I believe it is in our east gallery - it could be in your gallery, but it believe it is the east gallery - we have Theresa Reece, who is a community mental health nurse and has 27 years of service to the Government of Nova Scotia and the people of Nova Scotia. She is here tonight to express her concern with the disrespect that is being shown to nurses and to herself and wants an opportunity to express a desire that they be treated with dignity and that she be treated with dignity. I ask that she stand and be recognized by the House for her efforts. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Opposition introduced a notice of motion. It is in order and it is tabled.
The honourable Leader of the Opposition.
MR. DARRELL DEXTER: 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 another famous quote from the Tory blue book attributed to the Premier states in regard to nurses "that they will not stay unless they have a rewarding, professional environment"; and
Whereas draconian legislation, low wages and poor working conditions will not do anything to provide a rewarding professional environment for nurses; and
Whereas if the Premier couldn't deliver, he should never have made these types of promises;
Therefore be it resolved that this Tory Government realize that their actions are contributing to poor morale for nurses and health care workers and if they really want to make a rewarding, professional environment for these workers, they should stop legislating and start listening. (Applause)
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 Richmond.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I would like to read this resolution on behalf of my colleague, the member for Dartmouth East.
M. le Président, par la présente, j'avise cette assemblée que je proposerai à une date ultérieure l'adoption de la résolution suivante:
Attendu que l'hopital Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre est equipé avec quelques-uns des meilleures infirmières en Amérique du Nord; et
Attendu que chaque jour et chaque nuit ses infirmiéres par altruisme travaille de longues heures parce qu'ils aimeient les citoyens de la Nouvells-Ecosse; et
Attendu que cependent, ce gouvernement Conservateur ne respect pas les infirmières;
Qu'il soit donc réésolu que les membres de cette Chambre encouragent ce gouvernement de faire des negotiations en bonne fonne avec les infirmières de l'Hopital Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre au lieu leur manque de respect.
Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre is staffed by some of the best nurses and health care workers in North America; and
Whereas day in and day out, the nurses and health care workers selflessly work long hours because they care for Nova Scotians; and
Whereas this Tory Government, however, does not show the same care for these nurses or health care workers;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House urge the government to negotiate in good faith with the nurses and health care workers of the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre instead of disrespecting them.
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 Cape Breton Centre.
MR. FRANK CORBETT: On an introduction, Mr. Speaker. I would like to introduce Lindsay May. She is an RN. She is a member of the Nova Scotia Nurses' Union and she works at the Ocean View Manor. She is here tonight to see the death of free collective bargaining. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Fairview.
MR. GRAHAM STEELE: Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin with an introduction, if I might, before I read my resolution. In the gallery with us today is another nurse, another constituent of mine, somebody who has been an operating nurse for 21 years, who has never broken her promise of full commitment to the people of Nova Scotia. I would like to introduce to the House and ask them to greet Carolyn Doucette. Carolyn, if you would rise. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourble member for Halifax Fairview.
MR. GRAHAM STEELE: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the honourable member for Halifax Chebucto, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas polling research undertaken for our Party shows that health, education and jobs are the budget priorities for Nova Scotians; and
Whereas 79 per cent of Nova Scotians polled feel investment in health, education or jobs are their top priorities, while only 18 per cent show deficit elimination or a tax cut as their top priority; and
Whereas Nova Scotians are sending a clear message to this government about what matters to them;
Therefore be it resolved that this government listen to the people of Nova Scotia, as opposed to their Tory friends, and make health, education and jobs a priority of this province.
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Richmond.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: M. le Président, je lis cette résolution au nom de mon collègue, le député honorable pour Dartmouth Est.
M. le Président, par la présente, j'avise cette assemblée que je proposerai à une date ultérieure l'adoption de la résolution suivante:
Attendu que l'hopital Dartmouth General est equipé avec quelques-uns des meilleures infirmières en Amérique du Nord; et
Attendu que chaque jour et chaque nuit ses infirmiéres par altruisme travaille de longues heures parce qu'ils aimeient les citoyens de la Nouvelle-Ecosse; et
Attendu que cependent, ce gouvernement conservateur respect pas les infirmières;
Qu'il soit donc réésolu que les membres de ce Chambre encouragent ce gouvernement de faire des negotiations en bonne fonna faith avec les infirmières de l'Hopital Dartmouth General au lieu leur manque de respect.
Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Dartmouth General Hospital and the Nova Scotia Hospital are staffed by some of the best nurses and health care workers in North America; and
Whereas day in and day out, the nurses and health care workers selflessly work long hours because they care for Nova Scotians; and
Whereas this Tory Government, however, does not show the same care for our nurses and our health care workers;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House urge the government to negotiate in good faith with the nurses of the Dartmouth General Hospital and the Nova Scotia Hospital instead of continually disrespecting them.
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 Halifax Atlantic.
MR. ROBERT CHISHOLM: Mr. Speaker, before I do my resolution, I would like to introduce to you and all members of the House, Mary Dares, a registered nurse. She has been working as a nurse for 29 years. She, like so many nurses in the province, has been suffering from wage freezes and rollbacks over the past 10 years. She tells me that she is now making $7.48 more every two weeks than she was in 1994. Shame on all governments for allowing that to happen. I would like to ask if Mary would stand and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Atlantic.
MR. ROBERT CHISHOLM: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Chebucto Boys and Girls Club, which lives by the adage that every kid has potential, opened its doors in Spryfield in 1997, meeting the long-term need of the community; and
Whereas community activist, Catherine Chambers has been selected as the new President of the Chebucto Boys and Girls Club; and
Whereas under Catherine's capable direction, the Chebucto Boys and Girls Club will become an even greater asset to the community of Spryfield;
Therefore be it resolved that this House give best wishes to new President, Catherine Chambers, and the new board, who in partnership with their Executive Director, Kristi Walker, will continue to reach out to the young people of Spryfield with recreational and self-esteem-building programming.
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 Richmond.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, on an introduction. It gives me great pleasure to introduce to the members of this House Mr. Anthony McGraw who is with us this evening. He is a registered nurse and a staff nurse of bargaining unit 97. He has 16 years of service and - interesting for me - on June 13, 2001, Anthony worked from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., returned to work that night at 11:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. due to the nursing shortage. He was then scheduled to return to work at 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on the very following day which amounts to 24 hours within a 40 hour period. This is clearly unacceptable and on behalf of Anthony and all of the nurses and health care workers, they are simply requesting an offer from this government that will give them reasonable work time and reasonable time with their families. I would ask Anthony to please stand and receive the warm welcome of all members of the House. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Opposition.
MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, on an introduction. I would like to introduce to the House Louise Page who is a registered nurse, nursing bargaining unit. Louise has 27 years of service and I would ask her to stand and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Atlantic.
MR. ROBERT CHISHOLM: Mr. Speaker, I am going to do a resolution, but I would like to introduce a registered nurse in the east gallery, Donna Langille. She is a member of NSGEU. She has been working in mental health for 16 years, currently at the Abbie Lane;
she has been involved directly in bargaining and as she says, since she is quite used to shift work, she is going to stay here tonight and listen to the debate and try to answer the question, why is it this government is taking away her rights to bargain collectively and freely in the Province of Nova Scotia? I would like to ask Donna to stand and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Atlantic.
MR. ROBERT CHISHOLM: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the member for Hants East, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Department of Natural Resources hands out an annual award to the Woodlot Owner of the Year, recognizing owners with woodlots between 50 and 1,000 acres in size; and
Whereas Don and Katy Moore of Upper Kennetcook will receive the 2001 Woodlot Owner of the Year Award; and
Whereas the Moores have been honoured for managing their properties in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner;
Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate Don and Katy Moore of Upper Kennetcook on receiving the 2001 Woodlot Owner of the Year Award.
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 Halifax Needham.
MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, if I could be permitted to make an introduction, please. Along with many of the people in our gallery tonight we are being visited by Laura Lee Kennedy. Laura Lee has 26 years of nursing experience. She is an LPN and she is in the health care bargaining unit. I would ask Laura Lee to stand and receive a
welcome from members of the House. (Applause)
[1:15 a.m.]
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage.
MR. KEVIN DEVEAUX: Mr. Speaker, on an introduction. In the east gallery is Carol Allen, a constituent of mine, a member of the bargaining team, actually, for the Capital District Health Authority. Just so that people have an understanding of Carol's background, I remember in 1998, seeing Carol on the doorstep, and her particularly asking a lot of pointed questions about what will be happening in the election and what our position was on health care. She is clearly someone who is very committed to the health care issues. She is here tonight to listen to the debate in the hopes that maybe this government will begin to show some respect for health care workers and nurses. Maybe we can all give a warm applause to Ms. Allen. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cape Breton Centre.
MR. FRANK CORBETT: Mr. Speaker, may I be permitted an introduction? In the gallery tonight is Denise MacDonald. Denise is a psychiatric nurse with over 10 years experience, and thanks to Bill No. 68 she has her home for sale and believes her prospects are better in Alberta or the U.S. than in this province. I would ask Denise to stand and receive the welcome of the House. (Applause)
