September 26, 2003

HANSARD 03-3

DEBATES AND PROCEEDINGS

Speaker: Honourable Murray Scott

Published by Order of the Legislature by Hansard Reporting Services and printed by the Queen's Printer.

Available on INTERNET at http://ww w.gov.ns.ca/legislature/HOUSE_BUSINESS/hansard.html

Annual subscriptions available from the Office of the Speaker.

________________________________________________ __________ _______________________________________

First Session

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2003

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS:
Transport. & Pub. Wks. - Abbey Rd. (Haliburton Heights):
Construction Vehicles - Ban, Mr. W. Estabrooks 31
PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
Standing Committees: Nominations - Striking Committee,
Hon. R. Russell 32
TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS:
Educ. - Report of the BLAC Implementation Review Committee,
Hon. J. Muir 32
GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION:
Res. 3, HMCS Iroquois/HMCS Fredericton: Crews - Salute, The Premier 32
Vote - Affirmative 33
Res. 4, Beals, Gary: Cdn. Idol Result - Congrats., The Premier 33
Vote - Affirmative 34
Res. 5, BLAC Implementation Review Comm.: Efforts - Thank,
Hon. B. Barnet 34
Vote - Affirmative 35
Res. 6, Ernst & Young Atl. Entrepreneur of Yr. Prog.: Nominees/
Winners - Congrats., Hon. E. Fage 35
Vote - Affirmative 36
Res. 7, Health Prom.: Run Nova Scotia Team - Salute,
Hon. Rodney MacDonald 36
Vote - Affirmative 37
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS:
No. 1, Automobile Insurance Reform Act, Hon. R. Russell 37
No. 2, Retail Business Uniform Closing Day Act/Labour Standards Code,
Hon. M. Baker 37
No. 3, Homes for Special Care Act, Mr. D. Dexter 37
No. 4, Public Automobile Insurance Act, Mr. D. Dexter 37
No. 5, Family Essentials Tax Exemption Act, Mr. D. Dexter 37
NOTICES OF MOTION:
Res. 8, Crosby, Sidney: Hockey Achievements - Congrats.,
Mr. D. Dexter 38
Vote - Affirmative 38
Res. 9, Take Back the Night Rally/March: Organizers - Congrats.,
Mr. D. Graham 38
Vote - Affirmative 39
Res. 10, St. Margaret's Sailing Club - Laser Championships:
Organizers - Congrats., Mr. J. Chataway 39
Vote - Affirmative 40
Res. 11, Bryony House: Anniv. (25th) - Congrats.,
Ms. Maureen MacDonald 40
Vote - Affirmative 41
Res. 12, Human Res. - Min.: Remarks - Interpretation,
Mr. Manning MacDonald 41
Res. 13, Margeson, Ken: Scouting Involvement - Congrats.,
Mr. G. Hines 41
Vote - Affirmative 42
Res. 14, Kings West MLA: Welcome - Advice Offer, Mr. K. Deveaux 42
Res. 15, Prem.: Bluebook Promises - Time Frame, Mr. R. MacKinnon 43
Res. 16, Croke, Heather: Literacy Efforts - Applaud, Mr. W. Dooks 44
Vote - Affirmative 44
Res. 17, CBDC: Pension Disbursement - Refusal Condemn,
Mr. F. Corbett 44
Res. 18, Mainland Common - Sports Field: Completion -
Participants Congrats., Ms. D. Whalen 45
Vote - Affirmative 46
Res. 19, Brookfield/Fox Hollow Golf Clubs: Season - Congrats.,
Mr. B. Taylor 46
Vote - Affirmative 47
Res. 20, Agric. & Fish.: Farmers Assistance Prog. - Offer,
Mr. J. MacDonell 47
Res. 21, Moore, Sister Dorothy: Order of N.S. (2003) - Congrats.,
Mr. W. Gaudet 47
Vote - Affirmative 48
Res. 22, McNamara, Shirley: Literacy Efforts - Commend,
Hon. Rodney MacDonald 48
Vote - Affirmative 49
Res. 23, Environ. & Lbr. - Gov't. (N.S.): Clean Energy Prod. - Lead,
Ms. J. Massey 49
Vote - Affirmative 50
Res. 24, Word on the Street: Participants - Congrats., Mr. D. Graham 50
Vote - Affirmative 50
Res. 25, Lunenburg Waste Water Treatment Facility: Completion -
Congrats., Hon. M. Baker 51
Vote - Affirmative 51
Res. 26, Commun. Serv. - Capt. William Spry Lodge: Elevator -
Install, Ms. M. Raymond 51
Res. 27, Nat'l. Peace & Police Officers' Mem. Day - Recognize,
Mr. M. Samson 52
Vote - Affirmative 53
Res. 28, Upham, Carl - Town of Truro: Employment (40 yrs.) -
Congrats., Hon. J. Muir 53
Vote - Affirmative 54
Res. 29, Educ. - Northumberland Reg. HS: Success - Wish, Mr. C. Parker 54
Vote - Affirmative 55
Res. 30, Smith, Gary - Walk to D'Feet ALS: Organization - Congrats.,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 55
Vote - Affirmative 55
Res. 31, Childs, Andrew: Sailing Efforts - Applaud, Hon. P. Christie 55
Vote - Affirmative 56
Res. 32, Big Brothers/Big Sisters: Efforts - Congrats., Ms. M. More 56
Vote - Affirmative 57
Res. 33, Beals, Gary: Cdn. Idol Success - Congrats., Mr. K. Colwell 57
Vote - Affirmative 57
Res. 34, Harris, Laura: Golfing Achievements - Congrats., Hon. D. Morse 58
Vote - Affirmative 58
Res. 35, Edward, Don and Devonna/Nimbus - The Little Dutch Village:
Publication - Congrats., Mr. G. Steele 59
Vote - Affirmative 59
Res. 36, Pyle, Marc: Swimming Championships - Congrats.,
Mr. L. Glavine 59
Vote - Affirmative 60
Res. 37, McDonell, Susan: Reunion Organizing - Congrats.,
Mr. J. MacDonell 60
Vote - Affirmative 61
Res. 38, Stanley, Emily: Johnson Scholarship - Congrats., Hon. J. Muir 61
Vote - Affirmative 61
Res. 39, Lewis, Patricia: Golden Apple Award - Congrats., Mr. H. Epstein 62
Vote - Affirmative 62
Res. 40, Bounty Bay Shellfish and 5m Aqua Farms: Dev. - Support,
Mr. Gerald Sampson 62
Res. 41, Coolen, Clary & Frances: Anniv. (60th) - Congrats.,
Mr. W. Estabrooks 63
Vote - Affirmative 64
Res. 42, Cdn. Coast Guard Aux. Competitions: N.S. Team - Congrats.,
Mr. H. Theriault 64
Vote - Affirmative 64
Res. 43, Sackville Centennial Sch.: Active and Safe Routes to
School Prog. - Congrats., Mr. David Wilson (Sackville-Cobequid) 65
Vote - Affirmative 65
Res. 44, 4-H Can.: Anniversary (90th) - Congrats., Mr. S. McNeil 65
Vote - Affirmative 66
Res. 45, St. Mary's Polish Parish (Whitney Pier): Anniv. (90th) -
Congrats., Mr. G. Gosse 66
Vote - Affirmative 67
Res. 46, Youth Educ./Employment Strategy: Gov't. (N.S.) - Establish,
Mr. R. MacKinnon 67
Res. 47, Excellence In Action - Paralympic Awards: N.S. Recipients -
Congrats., Mr. J. Pye 68
Vote - Affirmative 68
Res. 48, Membertou/C.B. Growth Fund - Trade & Commerce Ctr.:
Efforts - Congrats., Mr. Manning MacDonald 68
Vote - Affirmative 69
Res. 49, Bennett, Sean/Hantsport Shamrocks: Baseball Season -
Congrats., Mr. D. Dexter 69
Vote - Affirmative 70
Res. 50, Cash, Barbara: Milling Frolic - Congrats., Mr. Michel Samson 70
Vote - Affirmative 71
Res. 51, Autumn House Dispute: Commun. Serv. Min. -
Responsibility Assume, Ms. Maureen MacDonald 71
Res. 52, Lower Taxes: Gov't. (N.S.) - Promises Remind, Ms. D. Whalen 71
Res. 53, New Waterford - Baseball Town: Top Status - Congrats.,
Mr. F. Corbett 72
Vote - Affirmative 73
Res. 54, Health - Care Services: Reduction - Reasons,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 73
Res. 55, Dart. East Commun. Ctr.: Gov't. (N.S.) - Assist, Ms. J. Massey 74
Vote - Affirmative 74
Res. 56, Serv. N.S. & Mun. Rel. - Hbr. Cleanup: Support - Increase,
Mr. H. Epstein 74
Res. 57, Transport. & Pub. Wks. - Tenders: Fall Issuance - Ensure,
Mr. Gerald Sampson 75
Res. 58, Digby Reg. HS Envirothon Team: Canon Envirothon -
Congrats., Mr. H. Theriault 76
Vote - Affirmative 76
Res. 59, Yeadon Family/Mainland South Heritage Soc.: Yeadon Family
Cemetery - Dedication Congrats., Ms. M. Raymond 76
Vote - Affirmative 77
Res. 60, Hfx. Forum - Anniv. (75th): Organizers - Congrats.,
Mr. S. McNeil 77
Vote - Affirmative 78
Res. 61, Fin. - Gas. Tax: Secondary Rds. - Funding Allotment Increase,
Mr. C. Parker 78
Res. 62, Commun. Serv. - Women's/Transition Ctrs.: Funding -
Details, Ms. M. More 79
Res. 63, Nat. Res. - Long Lake Prov. Park: Leash Policy -
Reversal Explain, Mr. G. Steele 79
Res. 64, Transport. & Pub. Wks. - Prospect Bay Rd.: Upgrade -
Need Review, Mr. W. Estabrooks 80
Res. 65, Cobequid Commun. Health Ctr.: Completion - Accelerate,
Mr. David Wilson (Sackville-Cobequid) 80
Res. 66, Transport. & Pub. Wks. - Kytes Hill Intersection:
Traffic Light - Install, Mr. G. Gosse 81
Res. 67, Pharmacare Prog. - Arthritis Medication: Coverage -
Efforts Assure, Mr. J. Pye 82
Vote - Affirmative 82
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS:
GOVERNMENT MOTIONS:
ADDRESS IN REPLY:^
Mr. D. Dexter 83
Mr. D. Graham 90
Hon. R. Russell 96
Adjourned debate 96
ADJOURNMENT, House rose to meet again on Mon., Sept. 29th at 7:00 p.m. 97
NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3):
Res. 68, Noel Road Pirates: East Cdn. Championship - Congrats.,
Mr. B. Taylor 98
Res. 69, Thompson, Mary: Literacy Efforts - Commend,
Hon. R. Hurlburt 98
Res. 70, Bishop, Dr. Henry: Cdn. Nat'l. Griot Award - Congrats.,
Mr. K. Colwell 99
Res. 71, Gov't. (N.S.) Tax Scheme - Pub. Educ.: Access - Difficulties,
Mr. L. Glavine 99

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HALIFAX, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2003

Fifty-ninth General Assembly

First Session

10:00 A.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Murray Scott

DEPUTY SPEAKERS

Mr. James DeWolfe, Ms. Joan Massey, Mr. Russell MacKinnon

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. We will begin the daily routine.

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect.

MR. WILLIAM ESTABROOKS: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table a petition on behalf of the residents of Abbey Road. The operative phrase is, ". . . who are petitioning to have all construction type vehicles banned from travelling Abbey Road in Haliburton Heights until such time as Abbey Road is paved. Further, we are petitioning to have appropriate signage erected at both ends of unpaved Abbey Road designating this ban." There are 40 names on this petition and I have affixed my signature.

MR. SPEAKER: The petition is tabled.

31

[Page 32]

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that the Striking Committee has met to accept nominations for the Standing Committees of the House. I am pleased to table them at this time. I would ask that each House Leader distribute to their members the individual lists so in case there are changes, before this gets into Hansard they can be made.

MR. SPEAKER: The report is tabled.

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Education.

HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table the Report of the BLAC Implementation Review Committee, September 2003.

Mr. Speaker, with your approbation, I would like to make an introduction at this time. In the gallery opposite are a number of people who were involved in putting this report together and I would ask them to rise and receive the greetings of the House. First of all, Frank Barteaux, Ed Davis, Brian Forbes, Patrick Kakembo, Charles Sheppard, Jacquie Farrow-Lawrence, Mike Sweeney, Sheila Lucas-Cole and Dwayne Provo. I would like to welcome you to the House and thank you very much for the excellent work you did in putting this report together. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: We certainly welcome our guests to the gallery today.

The report is tabled.

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Premier.

RESOLUTION NO. 3

HON. JOHN HAMM (Premier): Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

[Page 33]

Whereas since last session, the HMCS Iroquois and HMCS Fredericton have returned home after a tour of duty as part of Operation Apollo, Canada's military contribution to the international campaign against terrorism; and

Whereas as part of these contributions, the Iroquois' 280 and Fredericton's 240 crew members patrolled the Gulf of Oman, the Strait of Hormuz and the southern Arabian Gulf, identifying over 1,000 suspicious vessels and boarding dozens of suspect ships; and

Whereas Canadians respect the work of all our service personnel and are, therefore, always grateful for their safe return;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House salute the crews of the HMCS Iroquois and HMCS Fredericton for their roles in Operation Apollo and thank them for their honourable service to their country.

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 Premier.

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, before reading my resolution may I introduce a special guest in your gallery? We have with us today someone who really now needs no introduction. We actually have two people who need no introduction. (Laughter) With us in the gallery today are Mr. Gary Beals, who has been such a pride to Nova Scotians, as the result of his tremendous success on Canadian Idol. Mr. Beals is accompanied by another person well known to this House, Mr. David Hendsbee. I would ask our guests to rise. (Standing Ovation)

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Premier.

RESOLUTION NO. 4

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

[Page 34]

Whereas over the summer months CTV's reality television show, Canadian Idol, took over the airwaves, capturing the attention of our country and showcasing our talented young people; and

Whereas through an audition process involving eight major cities across Canada, thousands of young people were whittled down to two, one of whom was Cherry Brook's own, 20-year-old Gary Beals; and

Whereas although Mr. Beals came second in the show's grand finale, he captured the hearts of Nova Scotians with his soulful R&B sound;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Gary Beals on his fantastic result on Canadian Idol and applaud him for the phenomenal job he did as ambassador for Nova Scotia over the course of the CTV program.

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.

I certainly want to welcome our special guests in the gallery today. I hear some of my peers asking if we might get a little tune this morning, to start us off on this Friday morning. And from the gentleman on the right. (Laughter) Congratulations, Mr. Beals, on behalf of all the members of the Legislature. Thank you.

The honourable Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Affairs.

RESOLUTION NO. 5

HON. BARRY BARNET: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was concerned you were going to ask Mr. Hendsbee to sing. That would have been bad. (Laughter)

Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

[Page 35]

Whereas in 1994 the Black Learners Advisory Committee completed a thorough review of the status of education of African-Nova Scotians and made 46 individual recommendations to improve equal opportunity in education for African-Nova Scotians; and

Whereas since that time, the Department of Education and others have been working to ensure Nova Scotia's cultural diversity is reflected in our education system; and

Whereas the Minister of Education today tabled the report of the BLAC Implementation Review Committee, which indicates how far we've come and what we need to do to fully address the issues of equity raised in the BLAC Report;

Therefore be it resolved that all members in this House recognize the fine work of the members of the BLAC Implementation Review Committee in promoting equal opportunity in education for all Nova Scotians, and join together in thanking them for their efforts.

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 Minister of Economic Development.

RESOLUTION NO. 6

HON. ERNEST FAGE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the 10th Annual Ernst and Young Atlantic Entrepreneur of the Year award finalists were announced last evening in Halifax; and

Whereas the Ernst and Young awards honour entrepreneurs who have demonstrated excellence and extraordinary success in areas such as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities; and

[Page 36]

Whereas six Nova Scotians were among the nominated finalists for the program's six categories: Georg Nemeskéri of G.N. Plastics Company Ltd. in Chester; Jeremy Wellard of HB Studios Multimedia Ltd. in Lunenburg; Peter Kohler of Kohler International Ltd. in Debert; John Davis of Eco-Nova Group in Halifax; Paul Leblanc of Extreme Group in Dartmouth; and David Richard of PV Inspection Services Ltd. in Dartmouth;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the nominees and the award winners of this year's Ernst and Young Atlantic Entrepreneur of the Year program.

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 Minister of Health Promotion.

RESOLUTION NO. 7

HON. RODNEY MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas a total of 15 runners from Run Nova Scotia have been selected to participate in the Canadian Road Race Championships in Fredericton on Sunday; and

Whereas Pete Quinn of Wolfville and Seanna Decker of Halifax, as a result of winning the Navy 10K run in Halifax in August, will lead the Nova Scotia team as provincial champions; and

Whereas other Nova Scotia team members are Ena MacPherson, Pam Currie-Yarr, Louise Leduc, Alice Patrick, Emily MacDonald, Daniel Freeman, Noel Paine, Dave Arnold, Ray Morehead, Dave Nevitt, Stacey Caswell, and David and Arnold Robertson;

Therefore be it resolved that the MLAs in this House of Assembly salute the Run Nova Scotia team for their determination and stamina in reaching the 2003 Canadian Road Race Championships.

[Page 37]

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.

[10:15 a.m.]

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 1 - Entitled an Act to Amend the Laws Respecting Automobile Insurance. (Hon. Ronald Russell)

Bill No. 2 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 402 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Retail Business Uniform Closing Day Act; and Chapter 246 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Labour Standards Code. (Hon. Michael Baker)

Bill No. 3 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 203 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Homes for Special Care Act, to Ensure the Fair Treatment of Residents of a Nursing Home or Home for the Aged or Disabled. (Mr. Darrell Dexter)

Bill No. 4 - Entitled an Act to Ensure the Lowest and Fairest Rates for Automobile Insurance through the Establishment of a Public Automobile Insurance Corporation. (Mr. Darrell Dexter)

Bill No. 5 - Entitled an Act to Provide for the Elimination of the Provincial Harmonized Sales Tax on Family Essentials. (Mr. Darrell Dexter)

MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that these bills be read a second time on a future day.

NOTICES OF MOTION

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

[Page 38]

RESOLUTION NO. 8

MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas 15-year-old hockey player and Cole Harbour resident Sidney Crosby was selected first overall in the 2003 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and now plays for the Rimouski Oceanic; and

Whereas this young man's extraordinary hockey talent has been internationally recognized with even Wayne Gretzky picking him to be the next "Great One"; and

Whereas in his first four games in the QMJHL, Sidney scored five goals and four assists and was named the league's offensive player of the week;

Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate Sidney Crosby for what he has achieved at such a young age and send him along our best wishes for what is likely to be a long, successful hockey career that we will all enjoy watching.

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 of the Liberal Party.

RESOLUTION NO. 9

MR. DANIEL GRAHAM: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas this evening, women and children will gather at the Grand Parade for the annual Take Back the Night Rally and March in Halifax; and

[Page 39]

Whereas this annual rally and march draws to the attention of all Nova Scotians that personal safety for women and their children in cities and towns across our province is a serious issue; and

Whereas the most recent provincial statistics show that eight times as many women as men stay home at night because they are afraid to go out alone;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend their best wishes to the organizers of the annual Take Back the Night Rally and March, and pledge our commitment to ensuring that adequate violence prevention programs and supports are available whenever and wherever they may be needed.

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 Chester-St. Margaret's.

RESOLUTION NO. 10

MR. JOHN CHATAWAY: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the St. Margaret's Sailing Club hosted the 2003 Canadian Laser Class sailing championships this summer; and

Whereas since being formed in 1956, the St. Margaret's Sailing Club has a rich culture in junior sailing; and

Whereas Nova Scotia sailors did exceptionally well during the national event at the St. Margaret's club, winning medals that included a gold by Mark Campbell in the Canadian Laser Radial competition;

[Page 40]

Therefore be it resolved that MLAs recognize the tremendous work in organizing a national event of this stature and commend all the volunteers and competitors who had such a great time at St. Margaret's Sailing Club in July.

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.

RESOLUTION NO. 11

MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Bryony House, a transition house for women and children fleeing abuse, was the first service of its kind in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Bryony House opened its doors in 1979 following many months of planning and hard organizational work by women and men who saw the need to respond to violence against women; and

Whereas Bryony House is marking its 25th year of operation this year;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the Nova Scotia Legislature extend their sincere appreciation to the many Bryony House workers and volunteers through whose hard work and dedication thousands have found safety and an opportunity for a life free of violence.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

[Page 41]

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.

RESOLUTION NO. 12

MR. MANNING MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the newly minted Minister of Human Resources recently said that she admires the Premier for, "Bringing government where it is today."; and

Whereas thanks to the Premier, his majority has been turned into a minority despite the victory of the member for Lunenburg West; and

Whereas by using the minister's logic, the Premier can be thanked for a new era of deficit financing, higher unemployment, and a stalled offshore oil and gas industry;

Therefore be it resolved that the Minister of Human Resources be congratulated for placing the blame of government failures directly at the feet of the Premier where it belongs.

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 Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank.

RESOLUTION NO. 13

MR. GARY HINES: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

[Page 42]

Whereas Ken Margeson, 92 years young, has recently been honoured by local Scouting officials for his incredible 80 years of involvement with the organization, beginning in the 1920s when he was a child; and

Whereas Brian Johnson presented him with a silver pin, which was made especially for Mr. Margeson's 80 years of service, and a hand-carved plaque depicting the Scout Trees Canada crest, a program which he was instrumental in starting in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Mr. Margeson, a recipient of the highest award given to Scout volunteers, The Silver Wolf, names meeting Scouting founder Lord Robert Baden-Powell as one of his lifetime highlights;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank Ken Margeson for his dedicated involvement with the Scouting movement for 80 years and congratulate him on receiving all the accolades that he has over the course of his Scouting involvement.

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 Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage.

RESOLUTION NO. 14

MR. KEVIN DEVEAUX: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the new Liberal Education Critic raised an important issue in the media this week regarding school fees; and

Whereas his caucus orientation obviously didn't include an historical lesson on the actions of the previous Liberal Government, whose education cuts forced the introduction of most of these fees; and

[Page 43]

Whereas it's not surprising that the member for Kings West's new caucus colleagues are anxious to forget about their past education record, which was based on cuts and signing sweet P3 deals with their Liberal friends;

Therefore be it resolved that this House welcome the new member for Kings West and advise him to look before he leaps at future media opportunities.

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 West.

RESOLUTION NO. 15

MR. RUSSELL MACKINNON: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas in 1999 the current Premier announced that by year two of his mandate all taxes raised through licensing and fuel sales would be dedicated to highway construction and maintenance; and

Whereas this commitment has never been fulfilled and constantly ignored since the 1999 election; and

Whereas the Premier proclaimed in his blue book one, entitled Strong Leadership . . . . a clear course, that this promise was "not a cynical attempt to buy your vote";

Therefore be it resolved that our lame-duck Premier explain the merits of his commitment and when his government intends to live up to this blue book promise outlined on Page 42 of his report.

MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.

The honourable member for Eastern Shore.

[Page 44]

RESOLUTION NO. 16

MR. WILLIAM DOOKS: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas International Literacy Day is celebrated each September 8th and provides a perfect background to recognize the dedicated efforts of literacy advocates and volunteers across the province; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning Community Literacy Volunteer Awards were created to honour four volunteers who make the community-based adult literacy programs they work with a success, and this year Heather Croke has been so chosen; and

Whereas Ms. Croke, who joined the Dartmouth Literacy Network in 1994 as a learner to enhance her own reading, writing and math skills, earned tutor status in 1999 and, in turn, helped others reach their goals, while serving on the network's board of directors, helping coordinate events and fundraising activities, and assisting at the network's office several times a week;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House applaud Heather Croke for her personal achievements and for her commitment to the Dartmouth Literacy Network and adult learning.

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 Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 17

MR. FRANK CORBETT: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

[Page 45]

Whereas coal mining has always been a dangerous and perilous occupation; and

Whereas this industry has taken the lives of many workers before their time and before they could collect a pension; and

Whereas the Cape Breton Development Corporation has decided not to give excess pension funds back to the widows and pensioners who rightfully deserve them;

Therefore be it resolved that this House condemn the Board of Directors of the Cape Breton Development Corporation and anyone else who had a hand in refusing the widows and pensioners their rightful access to those funds that they own and deserve.

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 Clayton Park.

RESOLUTION NO. 18

MS. DIANA WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas congratulations go out to all those involved in completing the new sports field at the Mainland Common in Clayton Park; and

Whereas the $2.2 million field officially opened in a ceremony on Wednesday and is the largest artificial turf field of its kind in Canada; and

Whereas the new field is going to host 90 per cent of the games for the upcoming Canadian under-14 national soccer championships next month;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House join me in congratulating everyone who was involved in completing the new sports field at the Mainland Common in Clayton Park.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

[Page 46]

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-Musquodoboit Valley.

[10:30 a.m.]

RESOLUTION NO. 19

MR. BROOKE TAYLOR: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas when you mention the game of softball in Brookfield, the name Mike Henderson automatically comes to one's mind, however, the same can't be said about golf, but that could be about to change; and

Whereas Mike recently won the Brookfield Golf Club Championship, defeating a young Mark Moore by two strokes before Mark returned to the United States on his golf scholarship; and

Whereas besides the Henderson-Moore duel, Brookfield and Stewiacke were evenly split in inter-club league play, with Brookfield finally winning 12.5 points to 11.5 points over their visitors from Fox Hollow in Stewiacke;

Therefore be it resolved that MLAs in this House of Assembly commend Mike, Mark, Brookfield Golf Club members, and Fox Hollow owners, Ron and Betty Gourley, for another great season of golf in south Colchester County.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

[Page 47]

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Hants East.

RESOLUTION NO. 20

MR. JOHN MACDONELL: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas beef, sheep and dairy producers have been waiting for a clear signal from this government that it is committed to helping with real dollars; and

Whereas for months the talk from the government has been good but the delivery of support has been poor; and

Whereas this government hasn't learned what all farmers know, that you can't starve a profit out of anything;

Therefore be it resolved that this government show its real commitment to agriculture and offer immediately a program of dollars that will save suffering farmers from a crisis that was not of their making.

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 Clare.

RESOLUTION NO. 21

MR. WAYNE GAUDET: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Sister Dorothy Moore of Membertou is one of five Nova Scotians to receive the 2003 Order of Nova Scotia; and

[Page 48]

Whereas the Order of Nova Scotia is our province's highest honour; and

Whereas Sister Dorothy Moore is an educational leader who has devoted many years to the preservation and restoration of the Mi'kmaq language and culture;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Sister Dorothy Moore for receiving this year's 2003 Order of Nova Scotia.

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 Minister of Tourism and Culture.

RESOLUTION NO. 22

HON. RODNEY MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas International Literacy Day is celebrated each September 8th and provides a perfect background to recognize the dedicated efforts of literacy advocates and volunteers across the province; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning Community Literacy Volunteer Awards were created to honour four volunteers who make the community-based adult literacy programs they work with a success and this year, Shirley McNamara of Cleveland, has been chosen; and

Whereas Shirley McNamara, a founding member of the Richmond County Literacy Network, has been a major force in the network's growth in both staff numbers and the selection of programs offered, serving as chairperson for two terms, and providing unwavering support to staff initiatives and professional development;

[Page 49]

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House commend Shirley McNamara for championing literacy in Richmond County, helping to establish the Richmond County Literacy Network success in adult literacy and upgrading.

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 Dartmouth East.

RESOLUTION NO. 23

MS. JOAN MASSEY: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the families of Nova Scotia deserve a safe and healthy environment for themselves and for future generations and our children deserve to breathe in the cleanest air possible; and

Whereas at present our children are breathing in toxic chemicals every day due to polluting facilities all across the province; and

Whereas we do have the technology available to generate more efficient clean energy, such as wind and solar power;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Government lead the way to a cleaner, safer future for ourselves and our children by becoming a world leader in clean energy production.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

[Page 50]

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Leader of the Liberal Party.

RESOLUTION NO. 24

MR. DANIEL GRAHAM: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas on Sunday, September 28, 2003, Halifax will join Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary and Kitchener in a national celebration of literacy and the printed word when Pier 20 plays host to the 9th Annual The Word on the Street book and magazine fair; and

Whereas The Word on the Street book and magazine fair showcases many talented Nova Scotia authors and entertainers in a fun-filled day for the entire family; and

Whereas The Word on the Street highlights the pleasure of great reading through the excitement of great writing;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend their best wishes to the organizers, volunteers and all participants who have and will work tirelessly to make the 9th Annual The Word on the Street book and magazine fair in Halifax a success.

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 Minister of Justice.

[Page 51]

RESOLUTION NO. 25

HON. MICHAEL BAKER: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Town of Lunenburg officially opened a state-of-the-art waste water treatment facility on September 12, 2003, with total assistance from this provincial government in the amount of $2,524,266; and

Whereas the Town of Lunenburg has been working toward the completion of such a facility since the mid-1960s; and

Whereas this waste water treatment facility will ensure that local residents and visitors to one of only two urban UNESCO World Heritage sites in North America will enjoy a harbour like that which the settlers to Lunenburg would have enjoyed when they arrived in 1753;

Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate the mayor and councillors and the people of Lunenburg on the completion of this tremendous project.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Halifax Atlantic.

RESOLUTION NO. 26

MS. MICHELE RAYMOND: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Captain William Spry Lodge on Arnold Drive in Spryfield was built by the Nova Scotia Housing Commission in 1980, opening in August 1981, for the express purpose of housing senior citizens; and

[Page 52]

Whereas though an elevator shaft is marked in the blueprints of the two-storey lodge, no elevator has yet been installed, causing great hardship to many residents over the past 22 years and forcing others to move or to go into nursing home care; and

Whereas the pleas of the 40 residents in the lodge have failed to persuade successive governments to complete the lodge by installing the elevator which would enable them to reach the upper storey;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House urge the Minister of Community Services to ensure that the Captain William Spry Lodge is completed within the next year by installing the elevator, as shown in the original blueprints.

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.

RESOLUTION NO. 27

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas September 28th is a national day set aside to commemorate National Peace and Police Officers' Memorial Day to show respect for peace and police officers; and

Whereas this day of recognition is a fitting way to remember the brave men and women who have lost their lives while helping to keep our country, province, cities and towns safe; and

Whereas this national day draws to the attention of all Nova Scotians the significant personal risks that all peace officers encounter daily as they selflessly contribute to preserve law and order in our society;

[Page 53]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House pause for a moment of silence to remember those men and women who have lost their lives while protecting ours, and express appreciation for the dedication of all peace and police officers who help keep us safe in our communities.

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.

I would ask all members to rise and join me in one moment of silence.

[One minute of silence was observed.]

MR. SPEAKER: Thank you. Please be seated.

The honourable Minister of Education.

RESOLUTION NO. 28

HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Carl Upham, the Town of Truro's deputy clerk, retired after 40 years of continuous employment; and

Whereas Carl Upham provided distinguished service to the Town of Truro as the deputy clerk and also as a member of the engineering department; and

Whereas Carl Upham's ability to bring common sense to complex issues, his ability to bring calm when dealing with irate taxpayers and his corporate memory will be difficult to replace;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate and thank Carl Upham for his 40 years of exemplary employment with the Town of Truro and wish him and his wife, Gloria, all the best in their retirement years.

[Page 54]

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 Pictou West.

RESOLUTION NO. 29

MR. CHARLES PARKER: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Northumberland Regional High School in Alma, Pictou County, has officially opened this month; and

Whereas students in Grades 9 to 12 who are attending formerly received their high school education at Pictou West District High School, Westville High School and Stellarton High School; and

Whereas Northumberland Regional High School is designated to serve the educational needs of high school students in the Pictou West area for decades to come;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature wish every success to Principal Preston Lockhart, to the teachers and other staff, and to the more than 1,200 students who are attending.

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.

[Page 55]

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Glace Bay.

RESOLUTION NO. 30

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas on Saturday, September 27th, the Archibald Field in Sydney will be the site of the 1st Annual Walk to D'Feet ALS in Cape Breton; and

Whereas ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rapidly progressing, fatal, neuromuscular disease that impacts between 1,500 and 2,000 Canadians; and

Whereas monies raised from the Walk to D'Feet ALS will be used to fund local services and nationally-directed research programs;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Mr. Gary Smith of Glace Bay for organizing the 1st Annual Walk to D'Feet ALS and extend their best wishes for a successful event.

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 Minister of Finance.

RESOLUTION NO. 31

HON. PETER CHRISTIE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Andrew Childs, who sails out of the Bedford Basin Yacht Club, defeated 118 other sailors in August to win the U.S. National Laser Sailing Championships; and

[Page 56]

Whereas Andrew has been a member of the Canadian National Sailing Team for the past two years while also training this past Spring and summer in Europe for the 2004 Olympic trials; and

Whereas Andrew will join Halifax's Trevor Hamilton and Charlottetown's Andrew Lea in the upcoming World Sailing Championships in Cadiz, Spain;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly applaud the efforts of Andrew Childs from the Bedford Basin Yacht Club and wish him every possible success in his continued training for the 2004 Olympic trials as well as the 2003 World Sailing Championships.

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 Dartmouth South-Portland Valley.

RESOLUTION NO. 32

MS. MARILYN MORE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas September is Big Brothers/Big Sisters Month in Canada; and

Whereas Big Brothers/Big Sisters, including the one in Dartmouth, are helping to shape the future of children and young adults; and

Whereas these agencies owe their success to many dedicated volunteers;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Big Brothers/Big Sisters and its many volunteers for a job well done and encourage all Nova Scotians to consider volunteering for this worthy organization.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

[Page 57]

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Preston.

RESOLUTION NO. 33

MR. KEITH COLWELL: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas congratulations go out to Gary Beals, the pride of Cherry Brook, Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Gary was a gentleman and a class act at this year's Canadian Idol as he represented the community of Cherry Brook and indeed all the people of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas all Nova Scotians will be looking forward to watching this rising star's great future as he moves onward in his future endeavours;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Cherry Brook resident Gary Beals on his outstanding success on Canadian Idol and wish him the very best in the future.

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 Minister of Community Services.

[Page 58]

[10:45 a.m.]

RESOLUTION NO. 34

HON. DAVID MORSE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Laura Harris, Nova Scotia's female golfing sensation from the Ken-Wo Golf and Country Club in New Minas, won her first Nova Scotia Junior Ladies Golf Championship this summer at River Hills Golf and Country Club in Clyde River, Shelburne County; and

Whereas Laura's final round score of 79 was 10 shots better than her nearest competitors, as was her tournament score of 232; and

Whereas with the win, Laura advanced to the Canadian National Junior Ladies Golf Championship outside of Quebec City in August, where she finished in a tie for 10th place, only three strokes back of the eventual Canadian champion;

Therefore be it resolved that Members of this Legislative Assembly recognize the significant achievements of one Laura Harris from Ken-Wo, and wish her many more successful years on the golf course.

Mr. Speaker, I would further guess that Laura is about 14, meaning she has many years of eligibility left.

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 Fairview.

[Page 59]

RESOLUTION NO. 35

MR. GRAHAM STEELE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Don and Devonna Edwards have recently authored a history of the Armdale and Fairview communities in Halifax West; and

Whereas the book, entitled The Little Dutch Village, and published by Nimbus, is the first time these communities' histories have been collected and told in one place; and

Whereas every Nova Scotia community deserves to have its history told and celebrated;

Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate Don and Devonna Edwards and Nimbus Publishing on the publication of The Little Dutch Village, and wish them healthy sales and wide readership.

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 Kings West.

RESOLUTION NO. 36

MR. LEO GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Marc Pyle from Black Rock attended the Swim Club National Championships; and

Whereas this national championship was held in Calgary, Alberta this past summer; and

[Page 60]

Whereas Marc won one gold, two silver and two bronze medals at these championships;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Marc Pyle for his excellent achievements at the Swim Club National Championships held this past summer in Calgary.

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 Hants East.

RESOLUTION NO. 37

MR. JOHN MACDONELL: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas those from away have helped create the fabric of Nova Scotia by being the new threads so integral to this fabric; and

Whereas the descendants of Andrew and Edith McDonell joined for a reunion this past August; and

Whereas such events are never a success without the efforts of supreme organizational talents;

Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate Susan McDonell for her organizational skills and all of the descendants of Andrew and Edith McDonell for recognizing the value of family.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

[Page 61]

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 Education.

RESOLUTION NO. 38

HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Emily Stanley of Truro won the Walter H. Johnson Jr. Gold Award Scholarship from the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Emily Stanley graduated from the Cobequid Educational Centre in 2003, then worked as a summer student at the Truro Tourist Bureau; and

Whereas Emily Stanley has entered Mount Saint University's bachelor program in Tourism and Hospitality;

Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate Emily Stanley on winning the prestigious Walter H. Johnson Jr. Gold Award Scholarship, and wish her every success in her studies in Tourism and Hospitality Management.

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 Chebucto.

[Page 62]

RESOLUTION NO. 39

MR. HOWARD EPSTEIN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas in 1998, the Halifax Regional School Board launched the Golden Apple Awards to recognize community members who have made outstanding contributions towards the success of their school community; and

Whereas in June of this year, Patricia Lewis received a Golden Apple Award in recognition of the many years of volunteering at Westmount School as the initiator of the Safe Arrival Program, as a member of the School Advisory Council, as a member of the Westmount School Association and the School Discipline Committee; and

Whereas Patricia Lewis also volunteers in the organization of fundraising events and assists with school trips;

Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate Patricia Lewis on receiving the Golden Apple Award and extend our thanks to the many volunteers in school communities who offer so much of their time for the benefit of the students of Nova Scotia.

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-The Lakes.

RESOLUTION NO. 40

MR. GERALD SAMPSON: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Bounty Bay Shellfish Inc. and 5M Aqua Farms Ltd. is proposing a large blue mussel farm at St. Anns Bay, Victoria County, which could employ up to 50 people; and

[Page 63]

Whereas this farm and processing plant will provide economic development and jobs for people in rural Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the project has gone through a two-year public and government review process;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House support economic development and jobs in rural Cape Breton by endorsing the development of the Bounty Bay Shellfish Inc. and 5M Aqua Farms Ltd. mussel farm.

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 Timberlea-Prospect.

RESOLUTION NO. 41

MR. WILLIAM ESTABROOKS: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas legendary couple Frances and Clarence (Clary) Coolen will celebrate 60 years of marriage on October 9th; and

Whereas the Coolen's renewal of their marriage vows will take place in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Prospect; and

Whereas Frances and Clary continue to serve as a wonderful example of dedication and involvement for all of us;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate Clary and Frances Coolen on their 60th Wedding Anniversary with best wishes of a great future in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

[Page 64]

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 Digby-Annapolis.

RESOLUTION NO. 42

MR. HAROLD THERIAULT: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary holds regional search and rescue technique competitions annually; and

Whereas this year's Atlantic Region competition was hosted in Halifax from September 19th to September 21st; and

Whereas our own Nova Scotia team was the eventual winner at the Atlantic regional competitions and will now move on to represent Nova Scotia at the international search and rescue competition at Portsmouth, Virginia, in November 2004;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House extend their heartiest congratulations and most sincere wishes for the best of luck and continued success at Virginia in 2004.

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.

[Page 65]

The honourable member for Sackville-Cobequid.

RESOLUTION NO. 43

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Sackville Centennial School in Lower Sackville has been actively participating in a program which promotes health and safety for their children; and

Whereas Wednesday, October 8, 2003, is International Walk to School Day; and

Whereas Sackville Centennial School is kicking off the national program Active and Safe Routes to School by having a walk around the block with their students, staff and community members;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Sackville Centennial School as it promotes a healthy and safe environment for the children of our province.

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 Annapolis.

RESOLUTION NO. 44

MR. STEPHEN MCNEIL: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas this weekend, in Lawrencetown, Annapolis County, will mark the 90th Anniversary of 4-H in Canada and will feature more than 40 projects; and

[Page 66]

Whereas 3,400 members and leaders will gather at the Annapolis Valley Exhibition Grounds to showcase their talents at the annual event; and

Whereas the 4-H program is the largest youth organization in the world with 7 million members worldwide and clubs in more than 80 countries;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the 4-H program on its 90th Anniversary and wish them the greatest success on the weekend at this year's showcase.

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.

RESOLUTION NO. 45

MR. GORDON GOSSE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas St. Mary's Polish Church in Whitney Pier is the only Polish church built in Atlantic Canada; and

Whereas the St. Mary's Polish Church has been serving the spiritual and cultural needs of Catholics of Polish and Slavic heritage in industrial Cape Breton for over 90 years; and

Whereas celebrations of that anniversary were held on September 6th of this year;

Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate the St. Mary's Polish Church for the vital role it has played in the lives of its parishioners and the entire community of Whitney Pier.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

[Page 67]

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 Pictou West. Sorry, Cape Breton West.

RESOLUTION NO. 46

MR. RUSSELL MACKINNON: Mr. Speaker, I'm very content with Cape Breton West, thank you.

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Nova Scotia's youth are the most important resource for the future of our province; and

Whereas since being elected in 1999, the John Hamm Government has failed Nova Scotia's youth by allowing the cost of post-secondary studies at universities and community colleges to spiral out of control; and

Whereas because Nova Scotia now has the highest tuition fees in Canada, many youth are being forced to leave Nova Scotia to complete their education and seek employment elsewhere;

Therefore be it resolved that the provincial government establish a comprehensive youth education and employment strategy that will reverse the brain drain from Nova Scotia and protect its most valued resource.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

I hear a No.

[Page 68]

The notice is tabled.

The honourable member for Dartmouth North.

RESOLUTION NO. 47

MR. JERRY PYE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas a week ago Excellence in Action was held in Halifax to honour our Paralympians; and

Whereas five Nova Scotian Paralympians were presented with the Hall of Excellence Award, including three athletes from Dartmouth; and

Whereas Nova Scotia's Paralympians serve as a fine example to all citizens of the value of hard work, determination and the desire to rise above obstacles;

Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate Susan MacLeod of Halifax; Barry Patriquin of Oxford; and John MacPherson, Julie Daisley, and Lionel Simpson of Dartmouth on a job well done.

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.

RESOLUTION NO. 48

MR. MANNING MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

[Page 69]

Whereas the Cape Breton Growth Fund Corporation and Membertou are hosting a sod-turning ceremony for the Membertou Trade and Commerce Society today, September 26, 2003; and

Whereas this world-class meeting and convention centre is scheduled to open its doors to the world in the Spring of 2004; and

Whereas once again this centre is another shining example of the great initiatives undertaken by the residents of Membertou;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Membertou and the Cape Breton Growth Fund on working together towards their new trade and commerce centre.

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 of the Official Opposition.

RESOLUTION NO. 49

MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the sport of baseball is known as a great team sport with goals of individual character building, team discipline and leadership development skills; and

Whereas Sean Bennett led a vigorous and well-run NDP campaign team to a strong second place finish in the recent provincial election in Hants West; and

Whereas Sean Bennett also found time and energy to help his team, the Hantsport Shamrocks, win the Nova Scotia and Atlantic Intermediate Baseball Championship;

[Page 70]

Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate Sean Bennett, his teammates and the coaches of the Hantsport Shamrocks on their successful 2003 baseball season.

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.

RESOLUTION NO. 50

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Barbara Cash of the Sacred Heart Ladies Group was instrumental this year in Johnstown having its most successful milling frolic to date; and

Whereas the Johnstown milling frolic has been held in the same location over the past 70 years, that being the Johnstown Parish Hall; and

Whereas the milling frolic offers residents of the surrounding area a chance to celebrate their Gaelic heritage, which is evident in many of its people;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Barbra Cash and all of the parishioners of Sacred Heart for hosting the most successful milling frolic to date in its long-standing history.

[11:00 a.m.]

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

[Page 71]

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.

RESOLUTION NO. 51

MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas transition house workers at Autumn House in Amherst have been on strike since August 11th; and

Whereas at the heart of this dispute is inadequate funding from the Department of Community Services, which does not fully fund programs offered at any of the transition houses throughout Nova Scotia; and

Whereas immediate action must be taken to resolve this issue and restore the critical services on which women and children in abusive situations depend;

Therefore be it resolved that the Minister of Community Services stop hiding behind the skirts of the Autumn House board and take responsibility for a situation that has already gone on far too long.

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 Clayton Park.

RESOLUTION NO. 52

MS. DIANA WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

[Page 72]

Whereas last Spring government promised lower taxes will not come at the expense of a balanced budget; and

Whereas the government also promised that lower taxes will not come at the expense of better health care, better education or better roads; and

Whereas the government promised lower taxes will lead to better health care for all, better education for our children and better roads for everyone;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House remind Nova Scotians of the government commitment that lower taxes will not come at the expense of vital services.

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.

RESOLUTION NO. 53

MR. FRANK CORBETT: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas New Waterford has always been known for its great baseball teams, going as far back as the colliery leagues of the 1930s and 1940s; and

Whereas that tradition is very much alive and well today in our young players; and

Whereas this was shown to be true when teams from New Waterford won the Nova Scotia Mosquito bantam and midget titles in their respective divisions;

Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate the players, coaches, executives and all the volunteers for keeping New Waterford as one of the top baseball towns in this province.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

[Page 73]

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 Glace Bay.

RESOLUTION NO. 54

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the 2003-04 fiscal year business planning process for the various district health authorities is still ongoing; and

Whereas ideally, district health authorities should be planning for next fiscal year rather than being mired in trying to deal with government's mismanagement this fiscal year; and

Whereas the delay in government's response to the districts will no doubt result in service level reductions that could impact front-line health care;

Therefore be it resolved that the people of Nova Scotia acknowledge that any reductions in health care services will be the result of government inaction and mismanagement, not the fault of the district health authorities.

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 Dartmouth East.

[Page 74]

RESOLUTION NO. 55

MS. JOAN MASSEY: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas many organizations, including the East Dartmouth Boys and Girls Club, provide so many important services and opportunities for our children and youth; and

Whereas it is becoming increasingly harder to find appropriate facilities in which to carry out this important work in our community; and

Whereas we must do everything we can to provide a safe and healthy environment in which these services are provided to our children and youth;

Therefore be it resolved that the Government of Nova Scotia lend a helping hand to our children by becoming a stakeholder in the future plans for a Dartmouth East community centre.

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 Chebucto.

RESOLUTION NO. 56

MR. HOWARD EPSTEIN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas continued pollution of Halifax Harbour is widely recognized as an environmental detriment and has a negative influence on tourism in the metro area; and

Whereas the full cost of dealing with the pollution ought to be borne by residents of HRM but supported by the federal and provincial governments; and

[Page 75]

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia has indicated that it is prepared to contribute $30 million to the cost of this project;

Therefore be it resolved that this House ask the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations to increase the amount of this contribution and attach conditions to provincial support that would result in an improved Halifax Harbour project.

MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.

The honourable member for Victoria-The Lakes.

RESOLUTION NO. 57

MR. GERALD SAMPSON: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas small and medium construction companies rely on government tenders for much of their business; and

Whereas in order to ensure stability, it is important that companies can bid on roadwork well in advance of the construction season; and

Whereas this stability makes it easier to plan their employment and equipment needs in advance;

Therefore be it resolved that the province ensure that the bulk of the road tenders are let in the Fall, so that companies can plan for the Spring and summer construction season.

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 Digby-Annapolis.

[Page 76]

RESOLUTION NO. 58

MR. HAROLD THERIAULT: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Digby Regional High School envirothon team placed 10th in North America at the 16th Annual Canon Envirothon; and

Whereas the final contest took place this summer in Emmitsburg, Maryland, involving 41 teams - 35 from the United States and six from Canada; and

Whereas two teacher advisors, Greg Turner and Anne Littlewood, have spent a lot of time outside of school hours with the team studying and preparing for competitions;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the Digby Regional High School envirothon team and all those involved for their excellent showing at the 16th Annual Canon Envirothon.

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 Atlantic.

RESOLUTION NO. 59

MS. MICHELE RAYMOND: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas John Yeadon arrived at Nova Scotia in 1783 from Yorkshire, and having settled first at Rawdon, purchased land at Harrietsfield in 1811 and later at Spryfield where he and his descendants farmed and quarried granite until the mid-20th Century; and

Whereas members of the Yeadon family were buried on the farm in an area which is now part of the old Canadian Tire store parking lot on the Herring Cove Road; and

[Page 77]

Whereas members of the Yeadon family from across North America gathered on September 13, 2003, at the burial ground to see its commemoration and dedication as a cemetery;

Therefore be it resolved that the House of Assembly extend its congratulations to the Yeadon family and to the Mainland South Heritage Society for their extensive and detailed research, leading to the dedication of the Yeadon Family Cemetery.

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 Annapolis.

RESOLUTION NO. 60

MR. STEPHEN MCNEIL: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas this Fall, the Halifax Forum is celebrating its 75th Anniversary with a slate of special events; and

Whereas this week-long series of events begins on Saturday, September 27th, and includes everything from music and ice shows, public skating, hockey and boxing; and

Whereas the Halifax Forum was designed by Andrew Cobb and built in 1927 at the corner of Windsor and Almon Streets;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House acknowledge the organizers of the Halifax Forum's 75th Anniversary and wish them the very best over the upcoming week.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

[Page 78]

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 Pictou West.

RESOLUTION NO. 61

MR. CHARLES PARKER: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas many of the secondary roads in this province are in deplorable condition; and

Whereas drivers are constantly paying for this neglect with expensive repairs to their vehicles; and

Whereas gasoline taxes were designed to pay for road maintenance and construction;

Therefore be it resolved that this government immediately put a higher priority on secondary roads by dedicating more of the gasoline tax for the purpose it was originally intended.

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 Dartmouth South-Portland Valley.

[Page 79]

RESOLUTION NO. 62

MS. MARILYN MORE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the John Hamm Government cut $897,000 from the budgets of transition houses, men's treatment programs and women's centres in the 2002 budget; and

Whereas the government would like the public to think it reversed the cuts after protests by angry Nova Scotians; and

Whereas the reality is the Tory Government has not returned funding to these programs, only providing interim funding on a quarterly basis;

Therefore be it resolved that the John Hamm Government admit that they were not being factual with the public while allowing women's centres, transition houses and men's treatment programs to remain underfunded.

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.

RESOLUTION NO. 63

MR. GRAHAM STEELE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Long Lake Provincial Park in Halifax's Mainland South is a natural jewel enjoyed by citizens from miles around; and

Whereas Long Lake has for some considerable time been enjoyed by people walking their dogs because it is one of the few areas where dogs could run off-leash; and

Whereas the Department of Natural Resources has recently, and without advance warning to the public, decided to issue tickets for allowing dogs to run off-leash;

[Page 80]

Therefore be it resolved that the Department of Natural Resources should explain to the public the reasons for its policy reversal in Long Lake Provincial Park, give the public an opportunity to be heard, suspend the issuance of any more tickets until after the public meeting and cancel any tickets issued before the public meeting.

MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.

The honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect.

RESOLUTION NO. 64

MR. WILLIAM ESTABROOKS: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Prospect Bay Road is in a terrible state of disrepair; and

Whereas this road serves this growing area and the historic Village of Prospect; and

Whereas the deterioration of the Prospect Bay Road has resulted in dangerous driving conditions;

Therefore be it resolved that the Minister of Transportation and Public Works immediately instruct his staff to review the need for a major upgrade to the Prospect Bay Road from Whites Lake to Prospect Village.

MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.

The honourable member for Sackville-Cobequid.

RESOLUTION NO. 65

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Government of Nova Scotia has committed to replace the Cobequid Multi-Service Centre with a very much-needed new facility with 24-hour access to emergency care for the residents of Sackville and surrounding communities; and

Whereas this project is vital to maintaining and providing the best possible health care to the residents of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the only progress made on this project has been to change the name of the current facility to Cobequid Community Health Centre on July 1, 2002;

[Page 81]

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House demand a swift completion of the new Cobequid Community Health Centre.

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 Nova.

RESOLUTION NO. 66

MR. GORDON GOSSE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the intersection at Kytes Hill and the Sydney-Glace Bay highway has long been known as an extremely busy and dangerous crossing point for local residents, particularly children and seniors; and

Whereas repeated requests from local residents to install a stoplight at this intersection so pedestrians can cross safely have been ignored; and

Whereas on the very day we were all being sworn in as members of this Assembly, a young person was seriously injured when struck by a car while attempting to cross at this intersection;

Therefore be it resolved that this House call upon the Minister of Transportation and Public Works to protect the safety of pedestrians who cross at the Kytes Hill and Sydney-Glace Bay highway intersection by immediately agreeing to have a traffic light installed at this location.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

I hear a No.

[Page 82]

The notice is tabled.

The honourable member for Dartmouth North.

[11:15 a.m.]

RESOLUTION NO. 67

MR. JERRY PYE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas September is Arthritis Month; and

Whereas 144,000 Nova Scotians suffer from this painful and debilitating disease; and

Whereas there are many new and effective medications that ease the pain and help delay or prevent joint damage, but they are not fully covered by Pharmacare;

Therefore be it resolved that this government assure arthritis patients across the province that it will work towards full coverage for these medications under the Pharmacare Program.

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.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Government Motions.

[Page 83]

GOVERNMENT MOTIONS

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, I move that the adjourned debate on the Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne be now resumed.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition. You have approximately 53 minutes.

MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Fifty-three minutes. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. (Applause)

Yesterday I offered some brief comments on the contents of the Speech from the Throne and on the challenges and opportunities that we as a Legislature face as a result of the outcome of the recent election. Today, after having some time to review the speech in greater depth, I would like to make some additional comments. I will also comment on the government's agenda and the NDP's objectives for the upcoming session.

In one of his essays, the American philosopher Henry David Thoreau said, "But a government in which the majority rule in all cases can not be based on justice, . . ." The voters in Nova Scotia have decided that in this Legislature no political Party will rule in all cases. Let us hope that this means a government that is based on justice, a government that will listen, a government that is quick to correct its mistakes. I believe the Throne Speech illustrates the dilemma facing this government. Nova Scotian voters returned the Conservatives to government, yet did not grant them the power to act arbitrarily.

The Throne Speech lays out a short list of objectives for the upcoming session. The Premier makes the point that much of the power of government lies beyond the walls of this House, but the government's plans while we are here will now have to be adjusted to ensure the support of the House. Some will say, quite wisely, that yesterday's Throne Speech recognizes this reality. For example, the government has changed its position with respect to automobile insurance. Now they say that premiums will be rolled back by 20 per cent, as put forward by the Liberals during the most recent election.

Of course, Mr. Speaker, the harsh reality is that Nova Scotians have endured a 65 per cent increase in the price of automobile insurance. This is a crisis for Nova Scotia families. A 65 per cent insurance increase in one short year is more than many family budgets can absorb. The government doesn't seem to understand this. They also don't seem to understand that beyond that number are people whose rates have doubled and tripled, or even worse. The increases kept on. Many are still getting notices of rate increases, because so many of those rate increases were filed before the government's so-called freeze took effect.

[Page 84]

Their solution is to try the same approach that has already failed miserably in New Brunswick. They have not studied or they have not learned from the Province of New Brunswick. New Brunswickers have suffered the worst increases in the cost of automobile insurance of any province, despite a long history of provincial regulation that was much stricter than any in the Province of Nova Scotia. The New Brunswick Government promised that it would lower rates by 20 per cent, using a plan that is based on the same assumptions that were used in this province by both the Conservatives and Liberals.

Many months after that promise was made, New Brunswickers were still waiting for that promised rate decrease, a decrease that would still leave them paying much higher rates and a decrease that they would themselves finance by being forced to accept much less coverage for the injuries they suffer in automobile accidents.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday decisions of the New Brunswick Public Utilities Board illustrated the problems very well. One problem is inconsistency. The Co-operators were ordered to reduce their rates by 20 per cent. ING was ordered to reduce its rates by 11 per cent. The rates won't be the same, even though the coverage is the same.

The second problem is complexity. Customers of those companies were told by New Brunswick officials that they may or may not receive those rate decreases. It all depends on when and how their rates were last increased. It also will depend on many other factors, each factor being used uniquely by each insurance company to set its rates. Customers have no guarantee that they won't be bumped into a different rating category.

Of course, Mr. Speaker, the third problem is the looming legal challenge. The courts have established legal principles that govern the conduct of regulatory bodies. The New Brunswick PUB has admitted that there is no actual evidence before it to justify the rate reductions that it's ordering. Our legal system tends to be very protective of private property and of private financial interests. New Brunswick has a long legal battle hanging over its head and the possibility that some day down the road the Supreme Court of Canada or some other higher court may overthrow the whole idea of rate rollbacks that are not based on facts or evidence.

The fourth problem with the approach taken by the New Brunswick Legislature and by the other two Parties in this House is that it does not challenge the inherent high administrative costs, irrational decision-making and instability of providing a universal government-created insurance plan through private market competition by financial institutions. Evidence before the Utility and Review Board indicated that the big insurance companies set their rates on the basis of a plan to keep an increased market share and in the face of new competition from the chartered banks. Those companies, when they got into stock market trouble, demanded rate increases and reductions in insurance coverage to help them recover the money they spent for market share. That is how private insurance rates tend

[Page 85]

to operate, like a roller coaster in every province where the mandatory universal auto insurance package is not provided by a public, driver-owned plan.

The industry itself admits that it makes a steady income and a steady profit in the public-insurance provinces where private companies compete for the optional coverage that is added onto the basic plan but in their drive for maximum profit and maximum market share, they scorn the goal of reasonable income and reasonable profit year in, year out. That is their right, Mr. Speaker, but Nova Scotians have the right to say that the private insurers must look elsewhere for their super profits and for the boom and bust ride they take with other people's money. Ignoring those problems, ignoring the clear evidence of the lowest and fairest rates, the most stable rates in public plans, this government and the Liberals want to take money away from people who are injured in car accidents and give it to insurance companies to pad their bottom lines.

Let us be clear, Mr. Speaker, of what the result of this legislation will be on the innocent victims of car accidents. They will be asked to endure the trauma of the accident and the resulting injury with only token compensation. They will be stripped of their civil right to recourse in the courts. The burden of a failing system is placed on the backs of the consumers. The insurers, through their many representatives, exert their powerful influence to explain away profits that have increased by 486 per cent over the last year. The government is not going to solve the problem of skyrocketing auto insurance rates with a steadfast, dogmatic adherence to the charade of a principle that says that what is good for the insurance industry is good for Nova Scotians.

This problem needs a long-term solution. The bottom line of their plan is that Nova Scotian drivers and their families will be continuing to pay too much for auto insurance coverage that they took for granted one year ago. This is the plan that guarantees that the price gap and the coverage gap between us and the public auto insurance plans becomes even wider and even more unfair.

Despite the government's compromise with the Liberals, the proposed legislation is simply not going to provide a solution. The system itself is broken and needs to be fundamentally reformed. Only a public auto insurance system will provide the long-term solution that Nova Scotia families need.

Mr. Speaker, auto insurance is not the only issue on which the government has changed its position, it also seems that they have reconsidered their approach to property assessment. Now the government agrees with the NDP that the annual increases in residential assessments should be capped. One version of an old saying is that nothing concentrates the mind like the possibility of immediate death.

[Page 86]

Mr. Speaker, New Democrats on the South Shore, where skyrocketing property assessment is the major issue, tell me that our Party won 34 per cent of the vote in the four constituencies that centre on Lunenburg County. That very substantial NDP vote on the South Shore may have forced the government to finally pay attention to an issue that has been pursued so consistently and eloquently by my colleague, the member for Timberlea-Prospect. (Applause)

More credit to him and to the Lunenburg NDP and to the many residents and community leaders in communities like Riverport who made sure that this issue was front and centre. The government has now turned its attention to the fact that municipalities gained from the rapid increases in residential assessment in some communities because taxes skyrocketed on unimproved properties, which in some cases had been in the same families for generations. We hope that the details of the legislation will show that this government, the province, will accept their own responsibility to address the problem and not attempt, as it has in the past, to download responsibility to the municipalities. The demand for action on the property assessment issue has never been stronger. Now we will see if this government is nimble enough to respond effectively to that demand.

Mr. Speaker, a new initiative noted in the Throne Speech is the creation of a Minister responsible for African Nova Scotian Affairs. While this is a positive step forward, I know that it would have meant much more to African Nova Scotians if the government had listened and responded to the many recommendations they have made to government over the last 10 years. Many Nova Scotians of all races have been closely watching the Human Rights Commission hearing into the alleged discrimination against Kirk Johnson and the prospect that racial profiling exists here. The new minister will have an opportunity to show the value of his position when it is time for the government to deal with whatever is decided by the Human Rights Tribunal hearing that case.

While I am glad to see the government taking action on matters such as the African Nova Scotian Affairs and property assessment, I am disappointed that there are so many issues of great importance that did not even merit a mention in yesterday's Speech from the Throne. Mr. Speaker, issues like long-term care. Seniors in long-term care continue to be stripped of their life savings to pay for health care that everyone else receives for free. The government has told these seniors they are not a priority, that they will have to wait years for fairness. The Throne Speech signals the government's continued refusal to take immediate action to address this issue. This will be a great disappointment to all those seniors and their families who are affected by this policy.

My friend in the Third Party and members opposite may be tempted to claim that we can't talk about this incredible injustice because the government is going through a massive cost-cutting exercise right now. Well, Mr. Speaker, this government has made choices that we would not have made. If another Party had been elected in July, their starting point would

[Page 87]

have been the budget that has already been approved for this year. A new government might well have ordered a special audit. But that, of course, is pure speculation.

[11:30 a.m.]

What I do know is that the NDP intends to hold this government fully accountable for the choices it made, including the Tory choice to make a 10 per cent income tax cut - one of the few promises they actually kept - while choosing at the same time to keep taking the life savings of people who require long-term care. We all agree that the budget must be balanced, but we certainly do not agree on the choices that should be made to achieve the balanced budget. These differences are very clear when it comes to the choice to strip people of their life savings to pay for health care for years to come.

This is not the only important issue to go unmentioned in the government's Throne Speech. Despite discussing the need for economic growth in the Throne Speech, unbelievably, Mr. Speaker, this government did not even mention the Island of Cape Breton. This government has alluded to, but never produced a plan for the new Cape Breton economy. Listening to the Speech from the Throne, it has never been clearer that this government has no vision of Cape Breton's future, they have no plan to build opportunities so that the young people of the Island can have a future in the place where they were born.

The Speech from the Throne also contained no mention of youth, no mention of university students, of the desperate need for relief from ever-increasing tuition, no mention of programs to help young people stay in school or out of poverty. There were issues in which the government mentioned but failed to take sufficient action, such as services for the disabled. While it is commendable that the government will waive the registration fee for handivan transportation, they have overlooked private vehicles adapted and marked for use by disabled drivers. While the government mentioned recycled wheelchairs, they failed to mention other important aids for assisted living. They failed to address the need for coverage of wheelchairs under MSI.

And let's not forget that this is the government that cut accessibility grants in 1999; this is the government that has ignored the needs of many in the disabled community, thumbing its nose at the Kendrick report; promising but not delivering self-managed attendant care; failing families with autistic children; and cutting independent housing programs. The small commitments made in the Throne Speech do not go far enough to meet the need for government support that exists in the disabled community.

The government has affirmed its pledge to restore low-income assistance for diabetics. It was scandalous, Mr. Speaker, that this program was eliminated in the first place. The NDP was also committed to bringing it back. However, the cost of Pharmacare, a serious issue for many seniors, and a hindrance to their good health, was not addressed. Accountability for the Romanow money that Nova Scotia has already received, and the plans

[Page 88]

for the promised implementation of other Romanow recommendations, like the national catastrophic drug coverage, was not even mentioned. One would not know, reading the Speech from the Throne, that DHAs continue to struggle with an annual budget crisis. Indeed, the budgets of the DHAs have not even been released, while the province never seems to have a real plan to provide community-based care and health promotion that keeps people off waiting lists in the first place.

Mr. Speaker, respect for health care workers is fundamental to a turnaround in our health care system, and those workers will be at the bargaining table this Fall. We know that there won't be a repeat of Bill No. 68, but we have heard, throughout the campaign, from many nurses, paramedics, and other health care workers who are looking for respect and a genuine plan to improve both their working conditions and the patient care they provide.

The government is fiddling with governance issues at the school board level, yet parents and teachers will tell you that the focus has to be on our classrooms, where resources are needed so that children get the attention they deserve. I found very little confidence in the government's much-publicized plans. So we will be looking to see if the new minister really believes that the Tories pre-election publicity blitz is actually the best direction they can provide for the education system.

The Throne Speech mentioned agriculture and the BSE crisis facing our province's agricultural producers, but this government has refused to extend federal BSE relief to struggling farmers. When the Speech refers to more immediate relief, this is only a reference to bridge funding to help farmers pay their share of the disaster relief contribution. This is not new aid and it is not meaningful for beef producers. BSE relief started and ended too soon to help the majority of producers who have not yet taken their cattle to auction.

The Speech from the Throne does mention, at some length, the issue of taxation. The government congratulates itself for starting to implement its promised income tax cut. It fails to point out, however, that the tax burden on Nova Scotians from taxes and user fees has increased dramatically over the past four years. Provincial government revenue is now $1 billion higher and much of that higher revenue is coming from low- and middle-income Nova Scotians.

People need a break, particularly people at the lower end of the income scale. I'm talking about the people on minimum wage, single parents struggling to make ends meet, spouses who are working from home and getting whatever part-time work is available, young people just starting out in the job market. They are all taxpayers. They pay tax every time they buy a good or a service, even if it's an essential like home heating fuel or children's medication. They pay higher taxes every time they put gasoline in their car, regardless of their income level, and I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, that most of these people need a car to get to work.

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The government claims that its tax scheme will give people a break, but it barely makes a dent in the total Tory tax increase. The greatest benefit of course is delivered, Mr. Speaker, to those highest income earners. The NDP believes that it is the most unfair taxes that must be cut first. We believe the tax burden should be shared fairly by Nova Scotians and I believe that is the tax issue of greatest concern and interest to most of the people of this province.

Mr. Speaker, I mentioned yesterday that in the Throne Speech the government states its intention to give working families a break. I must say that I am flattered that the government has chosen to borrow the language that the NDP used throughout the recent election campaign. Unfortunately, the government has chosen not to borrow any of the NDP's policies that would actually deliver the badly needed break to Nova Scotia families. Today the NDP has tabled three bills that put forward real solutions to some of the most pressing issues in our province. We have introduced An Act to Provide for the Elimination of the Provincial Harmonized Sales Tax on Family Essentials. This bill would give notice to the Government of Canada to terminate the existing HST agreement and appoint a commissioner who would report within six months on which family essentials would be exempt from tax.

We introduced an amendment to the Homes for Special Care Act that would end the unfair practice of charging residents for health care in long-term care facilities. We have introduced an Act to Ensure the Lowest and Fairest Rates for Automobile Insurance through the Establishment of a Public Auto Insurance Corporation. These bills signal very clearly to Nova Scotians what the NDP's priorities are in the upcoming session. But do you know something, Mr. Speaker, more importantly than that, more importantly than that, they address the largest single flaw in the government's Throne Speech - its lack of vision.

We offer instead, Mr. Speaker, a society that recognizes the inherent value of co-operative government, a co-operative commonwealth where the benefits of our society flow to all of its citizens without discriminatory exclusion, a government where the House bends to the will of the people for the benefit of the people.

We will be focusing on the issues that we put forward in the election campaign, the issues that matter most to today's families, the issues that underline the compassionate nature of the Co-operative Commonwealth. In all legislation, we will look for this vision of Nova Scotia. For example, will the seven-day workweek legislation protect employees and businesses who now have to work those seven days? For us, the priority will be to ensure that the rights of working people are considered first and foremost as the seven-day workweek becomes a reality, and that small businesses are not forced to stay open on Sunday.

Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier in my remarks, all Parties face the dilemma of reconciling their platforms and policies with the possibilities of this minority government. The NDP understands this. We stand by the platform on which we ran. We will look for

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every opportunity to advance and achieve a better deal for today's families, the better deal that we outlined over the course of the campaign. But we also know that real change is best achieved by realists. To that end, I will not be seeking to amend the government's Throne Speech. I do this for the express purpose of demonstrating the willingness of this caucus to enter, bona fide, into the relationship of the minority government to achieve the ends that I have set out in this speech. But make no mistake, Mr. Speaker, wherever the government fails, we will be its staunchest critic and its most ferocious opponent. I look forward to a productive session. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Liberal Party.

MR. DANIEL GRAHAM: Mr. Speaker, it's an honour to rise in this historic Chamber to respond to the Speech from the Throne. First, I want to congratulate you, Mr. Speaker, for your resumption of the Chair. I am sure we will appreciate your experience and steady judgment as we move forward in this sitting of the House. My congratulations, as well, to the Lieutenant Governor, who continues to discharge her duties with dignity and skill. I especially applaud her efforts to celebrate the accomplishments of young Nova Scotians and to ensure that Government House is filled with the voices of young people more often.

Congratulations to all the members who were successful in this last election, especially to the Premier, Dr. Hamm, and to the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Dexter. I look forward to a constructive working relationship with them individually and with their Parties. None of our three Parties received a clear mandate. So our mandate is to work together to find solutions and explore and drive options which work for Nova Scotians first.

I welcome all fellow rookies who join me in the class of 2003 on this floor. This week has felt strangely like Frosh Week back at St. F.X. about 24 years ago. I was even ID'd on my way into the House yesterday by one of the commissionaires. I felt awkward in responding, when I said to the commissionaire, I'm a member. But as I thought about that, I suspected that some in the room, some in this room, would think, in some respects, I am in name only, until I go through the usual rites of passage with gaffes and stammers, as if I haven't had enough of those. I anticipate that my classmates will also go through that. They will have interesting times during this sitting and beyond.

You will forgive me if I especially welcome the new Liberal MLAs who are with us today, the new member for Annapolis, who the member for Glace Bay insisted had to go to the back row because of his height. His neighbour, the member for Digby-Annapolis, and his other neighbour, the member for Kings West, the member for Halifax Clayton Park, and a special welcome to the returning member for Preston.

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I want to recognize the contribution of Liberal members who represented their constituents and Nova Scotians with honour for many years, and who aren't with us today. It may have involved the commitment of Dr. Jim Smith, the tenacity of Don Downe, the good nature of Kennie MacAskill - and what can we say about Paul MacEwan? We can speak of his eloquence and his commitment to the people in his community.

[11:45 p.m.]

I also want to recognize the contribution of the members of the other Parties who did not re-offer or who were not re-elected: John Holm and Robert Chisholm of the NDP; Neil LeBlanc, Gordon Balser, Brian Boudreau, Jon Carey, Frank Chipman, Tim Olive, Mary Ann McGrath, David Hendsbee, Muriel Baillie, and my predecessor, Jane Purves, in Halifax Citadel, whose hard work and forthright manner earned her the respect of many Nova Scotians.

On behalf of our Party and our caucus, I want to also pay tribute to one of our great Nova Scotians and one of the great leaders of our Party - the late Premier John Savage. John Savage may have been best known as Premier, but he was and will continue to be in our eyes a humanitarian whose heart and skill and intellectual curiosity could encompass everything from community daycare to AIDS clinics in Africa or to Nova Scotian artists. We are a better place because he and his late wife, Margaret, chose to share their rich lives with us in Nova Scotia.

To the people of Halifax Citadel I offer my thanks for their confidence and my commitment to their issues and their concerns. Halifax Citadel, the constituency in which this building rests, has been in many ways the centre of my life. I attended university and worked here, and today my family lives, plays, works and learns in Halifax Citadel. All of us understand the role our families play in our ability to serve. I want to thank Sheelagh and our children and my large family for their unstinting support over the past two years. Perhaps only those of us who sit here can truly comprehend the sacrifice that our families make every day.

I want to acknowledge also the contributions of the volunteers from every Party with a special salute to our outstanding volunteer team in Halifax Citadel, perhaps best exemplified by someone who is with us today in our west gallery - who didn't know I was going to be referring to her today, but is embarrassed at the mention of her name - June Hart, Mr. Speaker, someone of outstanding commitment, not just to Halifax Citadel but to the people of Nova Scotia. Volunteers really are the core of electoral democracy and their efforts, especially during a summer election, are remarkable. On behalf of the Liberal caucus, we pledge to honour the commitment these volunteers have shown to making Nova Scotia better.

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We in this House, in this Chamber make decisions and debate issues that are of real and abiding significance in the lives of Nova Scotians, decisions that affect the quality of education our children receive, the amount of support seniors might receive, or the level of protection for our environment or for our most vulnerable Nova Scotians. This is one of the most sacred jobs in Nova Scotia, and for every moment of glory that we have there must be an hour of soul searching as we seek to represent the best interests of Nova Scotians. The 52 men and women who were elected on August 5th join a very small group of people who have shared this honour, this trust and this responsibility - names like Uniacke, Howe, Macdonald, Stanfield, Nicholson, Donahoe, McDonough and Savage stand before us. It is their principles and their values that we must seek to apply to the issues of today. The fact is that issues may change, but values and principles don't. They are the bedrock of our society, and it is on that bedrock that we must stand - one of those values is the truth.

There was some suggestion during the election that voters don't care about debt, Mr. Speaker. Well, they may not worry about it every day and it may not be the top-of-mind issue, but Nova Scotians understand that the crushing public debt affects the way they live. It affects the availability of jobs, the quality of our education, and whether we have safer roads and timely access for patients.

Mr. Speaker, Nova Scotians know when they are respected enough and trusted enough to hear the whole truth and to see the whole plan. A week ago today we heard from the Minister of Finance about new information about the financial woes of the province. This new information raises important questions. Today 10,304 new $155 cheques are being mailed out to Nova Scotians. Would Nova Scotians have chosen $155 cheques in June if they had known it would mean unaffordable school fees in our public school system? Would they have chosen $155 cheques over an end to the painfully frequent cancellation of surgeries in this province? Would they have chosen a $155 cheque over waiting times of five hours, when they have chest pains that should have been attended to in 30 minutes? Would they have chosen $155 cheques, knowing it would mean that babies can't be delivered in some parts of this province on weekends? And would they have chosen $155 cheques, and would they have wanted to put some of the gas tax into deteriorating roads?

We in this House must understand that part of our job is to offer Nova Scotians choices that are based on the plain choices, that offer is one of truth. It is time, perhaps, that we respected Nova Scotians enough to replace quick fixes with public policy that will restore excellence and affordability to our children's schools, to our health system, to the roads that lead to our homes and businesses. We are in a minority situation, Mr. Speaker, but that's no excuse for timidity when this hour demands boldness, when our students are receiving unacceptably low scores in national exams, when our people have low health scores, and when investment in this wonderful province is tentative.

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Mr. Speaker, yesterday's Speech from the Throne is thin and timid and itself is tentative, missing in strength and vision. Nova Scotians seek vision and leadership. They need to know their government understands the impact, for example, of the recent economic challenges in Canada, and they need the comfort that their government has the courage and the vision to minimize the impact of those challenges in their lives. But there is little comfort in the Speech from the Throne for Nova Scotians when it comes, for example, to seniors. Where are the seniors in this speech? Where are the university students? Where is the plan for community health centres, from blue book two? Where, indeed, is the promise from blue book one to put gas taxes into roads?

Mr. Speaker, I want to assure Nova Scotians that the Liberal caucus is here to work in the best interests of Nova Scotians. That means to co-operate with the other Parties, and there are some opportunities for real co-operation in this speech. We are pleased to see the government moving in the direction of legislative reductions in automobile insurance rates, but we must maintain proper levels of compensation for car accident victims who have suffered meaningful injuries. The regulations tabled today should not comfort Nova Scotians. Nova Scotia accident victims deserve proper compensation, and it's not contained in the regulations that have been tabled today. We must also be conscious, however, that liability and property insurance rates are causing hardship for Nova Scotians, their businesses and their communities.

We also welcome the ready-to-learn initiative. We know that learning begins long before a child enters school. Any investment in early childhood will be recovered many times over as these children grow up. We welcome the indications in this speech that government is ready to bring greater fairness to property assessment for Nova Scotians, but it's too early to get excited. We remain only hopeful. The Sunday shopping proposal, again, is a timid step in a direction that Nova Scotians simply want to go in. We will be seeking a stronger action to these issues, which is a simple matter of choice that must include real and meaningful protections for workers.

Mr. Speaker, co-operation does not mean compromise on matters of principle. It does not mean avoiding controversy or vigorous debate. Co-operation means bringing forward practical and workable alternatives and defending them assertively. It means listening to Nova Scotians and listening to each other as legislators, in committee, in the halls, and especially listening to each other in this Chamber. This province has historically been the leader in this part of Canada, economically, culturally and politically, but today we are passing to our youth one of the highest per capita debt loads in the country.

There are three paths before us. There is the path of retreat, there is the path of standing still, and there is the path of moving forward, of honouring the spirit of the men and women who have tenaciously built this province and made us proud to be Bluenosers. We stand before the period of perhaps our greatest opportunity since Confederation, and we need

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to seize it. To do that, we must be clear, we must be bold, we must set a direction and we must be guided in everything we do by that direction.

In short, as the Leader of the Opposition suggested, we need a vision. The first hurdle is to get beyond our chronic financial mess. Yesterday the member for Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley spoke of the jobs created during the four years of Conservative Government. The member should have also mentioned that this was the same number created in only two years of the MacLellan Government and more of them were full-time. It's also noteworthy that the economic stimulation that the $155 cheques was supposed to have created in Nova Scotia has coincided with an alarming increase in the unemployment rate in our province.

So what have Nova Scotians received for the choices that government has made? Growing debt, another subject that was ignored in yesterday's Speech. The cupboards are nearly bare for seniors, students, patients, farmers and families. I note with some interest the comments that the Leader of the Opposition made with respect to the 10 per cent tax cut today. It was his Party that sat on their hands and buttoned their lips, however, when they had an opportunity to speak directly to Nova Scotians during this past campaign about how this was going to hurt Nova Scotians. The cupboards may be bare, Mr. Speaker, for seniors and students and patients, because the NDP remained silent when they knew the cuts were wrong. It is today's families who will not receive a better deal because of their support for this particular tax cut. (Applause)

What does it say about our priorities today, that we spend more on interest on the debt than we do on educating our children? We spend less on government services than any other province in Canada. If we manage the debt, we will be able to focus on economic development and a healthy employment-ready Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, today we are losing too many of our young Nova Scotians, not because they would rather go down the road to Toronto, Boston or Calgary, but because they can't afford to stay here. Even within this Chamber, we will go home at the end of today to see treasured pictures on our walls or on our counters of loved ones, brothers and sisters, our children who have gone down the road to find work, to build communities, to raise families. We will see economic growth only when our young people know they can afford to stay in Nova Scotia to raise their own families. That is the trust we owe Nova Scotians. But we do not see university students with their crushing debt mentioned in the Throne Speech.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to touch on the subject of health care. Nova Scotians want to know, they need to know, that they will be diagnosed and cared for in a timely fashion. Meeting that target requires leadership and innovation. We don't have all the answers today, but we have known many of them for a long time. We must finally drive the health care agenda more aggressively. That is the trust we owe Nova Scotians. And what about the seniors under yesterday's Throne Speech? There was a lot of brave talk about them during

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the election, but virtually nothing to show for it when the rubber hit the road. We've said for a long time that we are for fairness in long-term care facilities, but we also suggest that we stop thinking about seniors as a cost to society and begin to consider ways that we could work with them to extend their independence in their own homes. We hear from seniors who want to stay in their own homes, and they could if they could afford some minor repairs to their windows or the addition of a bathroom to the ground floor. The existing senior housing programs are oversubscribed and underfunded.

This is the trust we owe Nova Scotians, Mr. Speaker, but there is no mention of seniors, in any meaningful way, in the Throne Speech. We must recognize that the world is rapidly changing, and if we are to find our place in it, we must work to our natural advantages, the Port of Halifax, our institutions of higher learning, our natural beauty and our natural resources. The rural economy has challenges and opportunities that are far different, but not less dynamic than the challenges and opportunities in metro. Farmers, coastal fishermen and rural businesses have an important role to play in our economy, if we only listen and respond. Where is the rural economy in the Throne Speech? I read about some of its problems, but a real plan would include its opportunities as well.

[12:00 noon]

Mr. Speaker, too often we overlook culture. We must stop treating our artists as some frill outside business life and offer them the respect that their economic sectors deserve. We could start by restoring the arm's-length Arts Council with its independent peer review process for investment in the arts. Halifax is the main engine of the provincial economy and this large, diverse and vibrant municipality. The Throne Speech speaks of a plan to address traffic problems and that is welcome, but Halifax is more than an economic engine with traffic problems. The people of HRM deserve to see the province working with their municipalities to address their needs for housing, for a clean harbour and for excellence in educating their children.

The authority, Mr. Speaker, in this Assembly is a gift from Nova Scotians and Nova Scotians will ensure that we use that gift with all the wisdom we can muster. The public trust is an important instrument for change and we can use that trust to help Nova Scotians make a better life for their families, but the public trust is also fragile and precious and can be destroyed by cynical gains and half-truths. We have an opportunity to strengthen that trust, not only in the individuals in this Legislature but in the structures and systems of government and public life, but that will not happen unless we trust the people of Nova Scotia, unless we realize that they do not have to understand the complexities of public policy to recognize a good decision from a bad one.

Mr. Speaker, no one in this House can be comforted by the fact that 35 per cent of eligible voters chose not to do so in this last election. I've been told that no one cares about democratic reform. Do you believe that, that no one cares about the values, the rights, the

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freedoms that past generations have fought for? I don't think so. We know that Nova Scotians care deeply about their health care system. They care about the education their children receive. They care about fairness to their parents. We know they care about their communities because they turn out to work for and to manage community organizations that deliver meals to shut-ins, plan bicycle trails and advocate for justice. We know that they care about honesty, integrity and civility in public life. So when 35 per cent of the people who can vote do not vote, where is the problem? The answer lies not in the voters, but in ourselves.

The trust we owe Nova Scotians, Mr. Speaker, is to open our democratic processes within the finest traditions of our parliamentary system to hear more often the wisdom of average Nova Scotians. Our challenge is to embrace the future, not on behalf of, but with Nova Scotians. We need to be optimistic about our potential and about human nature. Together we can find the answers Nova Scotians are looking for. Together we can find the answers they deserve. Together we can bring pride back to the institutions of public service. What we need is leadership, and that falls to each of the 52 men and women who are in this Chamber. We need to match the energy creativity confidence that Nova Scotians are showing us in the future of Nova Scotia, and this Liberal team is ready to do its part and we are ready to work with the other Parties in doing their part. Thank you very much.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, I would move adjournment of the debate on the Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is to adjourn debate.

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 Government House Leader.

HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now rise to meet again on Monday at the hour of 7:00 p.m. The House will sit from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. The order of business following the daily routine will be Public Bills for Second Reading. The first bill called will be Bill No. 1.

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MR. SPEAKER: The motion is that the House adjourn until 7:00 p.m. on Monday.

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 is adjourned until 7:00 p.m. Monday.

[The House rose at 12:05 p.m.]

[Page 98]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

RESOLUTION NO. 68

By: Mr. Brooke Taylor (Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Noel Road Pirates are the 2003 Eastern Canadian Intermediate C Champions; and

Whereas the Pirates won the championship in "The Birthplace of Confederation" - Charlottetown on the weekend of September 6th and 7th; and

Whereas the Pirates finished with an unblemished mark of 6-0, winning all four of their round-robin games plus two playoff victories including the championship game win over host P.E.I.;

Therefore be it resolved that MLAs in this House of Assembly congratulate the coaches, managers and players of the Noel Road Pirates for an outstanding 2003 baseball season which concluded with their Eastern Canadian Championship win.

RESOLUTION NO. 69

By: Hon. Richard Hurlburt (Natural Resources)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas International Literacy Day is celebrated each September 8th and provides a perfect background to recognize the dedicated efforts of literacy advocates and volunteers across the province; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning Community Literacy Volunteer Awards were created to honour four volunteers who make the community-based adult literacy programs they work with a success and this year Mary Thompson of Yarmouth has been so chosen; and

Whereas Mary Thompson has been an active member of the Yarmouth County Learning Network since it was formed in 1994 and a great promoter of literacy, providing avenues of learning to individuals and finding ways to make literacy programs fit the community and individuals;

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Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House commend Ms. Thompson for promoting literacy and advocating for those who must overcome barriers to meet their upgrading goals.

RESOLUTION NO. 70

By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Dr. Henry Bishop is a recipient of the inaugural Canadian National Griot Award which recognizes the contributions Black Canadians are making in their community; and

Whereas the Canadian National Griot Award honours the talents, hard work and dedication of Black Canadians in 14 different categories; and

Whereas Dr. Henry Bishop will be recognized for his outstanding achievement in the area of community services at the inaugural Canadian National Griot Awards which will be held in Edmonton on October 4th;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Dr. Bishop on this award as well as for the dedication and drive he brings to his community and wish him continued success in the area of community services.

RESOLUTION NO. 71

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas recent increases in supplementary public school fees have contributed to difficulties for some families to afford access to public education in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the provincial Conservative Government has forced our cash-strapped public schools to apply higher fees and new fees to compensate for a lack of government funding; and

Whereas if the government would forgo the irresponsible, premature tax scheme that the Liberal Party opposed and the NDP supported, the province would have the resources to reduce these types of fees;

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Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize that the government tax scheme which was supported by the NDP caused difficulties for some families to afford access to public education in Nova Scotia.