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://nslegislature.ca/legislative-business/hansard-debates/
Annual subscriptions available from the Office of the Speaker.
First Session
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2005
| TABLE OF CONTENTS | PAGE | ||||
| TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS: | |||||
| Supplement to the Public Accounts, Hon. P. Christie | 6747 | ||||
| INTRODUCTION OF BILLS: | |||||
| No. 180, Municipal Government Act, Hon. B. Barnet | 6747 | ||||
| NOTICES OF MOTION: | |||||
| Res. 3517, St. Pat's-Alexandra Sch.: African N.S. History Quiz - | |||||
| Team Congrats., Ms. Maureen MacDonald | 6747 | ||||
| Vote - Affirmative | 6748 | ||||
| Res. 3518, Giffin, Cindy - Oxford (Eng.) Round Table, Mr. S. McNeil | 6748 | ||||
| Vote - Affirmative | 6749 | ||||
| Res. 3519, Halifax: Port - Award, Mr. G. Hines | 6749 | ||||
| Vote - Affirmative | 6750 | ||||
| Res. 3520, Ivory-Billed Woodpecker: Extinction - Prevention, | |||||
| Mr. C. Parker | 6750 | ||||
| Vote - Affirmative | 6750 | ||||
| Res. 3521, VON Challenge - MLAs | |||||
| (Hants West, Kings North, Kings South, Kings West, Annapolis), | |||||
| Mr. L. Glavine | 6750 | ||||
| Vote - Affirmative | 6751 | ||||
| Res. 3522, Nickerson, Cindy/Shag Hbr. Vols.: Veterans Honour - | |||||
| Commend, Mr. C. O'Donnell | 6751 | ||||
| Vote - Affirmative | 6752 | ||||
| Res. 3523, CBRM: Fresh Water Strategy - Develop, Mr. R. MacKinnon | 6752 | ||||
| HOUSE RESOLVED INTO CWH ON SUPPLY AT 9:17 A.M. | 6753 | ||||
| HOUSE RECONVENED AT 1:27 P.M. | 6753 | ||||
| ADJOURNMENT, House rose to meet again on Mon., May 2nd at 2:00 p.m. | 6754 | ||||
| NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3): | |||||
| Res. 3524, Clarke, George Elliott - Trudeau Fellow, Mr. D. Dexter | 6755 | ||||
| Res. 3525, Gerrits, Janine - RRFB Poster Contest, Mr. L. Glavine | 6755 | ||||
| Res. 3526, United Church of St. Paul & St. Stephen - Inroads Prog., | |||||
| Mr. M. Parent | 6756 | ||||
| Res. 3527, Langey, Douglas - Shelburne Prov. Vol. Award, | |||||
| Mr. C. O'Donnell | 6756 | ||||
| Res. 3528, Brill, Jack: Commun. Serv. - Thank, Hon. B. Barnet | 6757 | ||||
| Res. 3529, Ellis, Matthew - Basketball Award, The Speaker | 6757 | ||||
| Res. 3530, Eagles, Ryan - Credit Union Bursary, The Speaker | 6758 | ||||
| Res. 3531, Hickman, Kathryn & Maureen: Oxford Vol. FD Winter Carnival - | |||||
| Participation, The Speaker | 6758 | ||||
| Res. 3532, Hampe, Amber - Cred. Union Bursary, The Speaker | 6759 | ||||
HALIFAX, FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2005
Fifty-ninth General Assembly
First Session
9:00 A.M.
SPEAKER
Hon. Murray Scott
DEPUTY SPEAKERS
Mr. James DeWolfe, Ms. Joan Massey, Mr. Daniel Graham
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please.
The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, before we start the daily routine, I would just like to read through the schedule. I think everybody knows approximately what it is, and I'll try to get a copy to all members sometime later this morning. In the Red Room - we'll be running coincidentally, of course, with the Chamber - it's Agriculture and Fisheries, and then we're going to go to Environment and Labour because the Minister of Economic Development will not be back in until next week sometime and the Minister of Energy is also away next week. So we'll go from Environment and Labour to Finance, Justice, Economic Development, Energy, Justice, Human Resources, Natural Resources, Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, Office of the Speaker and Office of the Premier. I hope I haven't forgotten anybody, I think everybody is there.
In the Chamber, of course, Mr. Speaker, I think everybody knows it's Health; Education; Community Services; Transportation and Public Works; and Tourism, Culture and Heritage. As I say, I'll get that list to members today and if members can remember, the attendant responsibilities of a minister are open for discussion during that particular time that the minister is on the primary estimates of his department. In other words, the Minister of Tourism is also responsible for Culture and Heritage, Health Promotion, et cetera, and those will all be dealt with under his particular time slot. Thank you.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage.
MR. KEVIN DEVEAUX: Mr. Speaker, in response to the Government House Leader's comments, I think it's incumbent to know - and I'm not sure, for the record - in here it will be Health; Education; Community Services; Transportation and Public Works; Tourism, Culture and Heritage; Health Promotion and Immigration, which is the minister for that. But I also note in his comments, and appreciate the two ministers may not be here next week in order to get their time in, but my understanding is that notwithstanding, we have a custom in the House - if it's not a rule - that we go in alphabetical order, unless, of course, a minister isn't available, and in reading the list, I noted that the Government House Leader put the Premier's Office at the bottom and my reading of the alphabet would put the Premier's Office before Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, and the Speaker's Office. So the Speaker's Office would be last on the list and the Premier's Office would be before Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, and I just wanted to clarify what the rule is on how we do that.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. RONALD RUSSELL: I don't want to usurp your authority, Mr. Speaker, but as far back as I can remember, it's always been the Office of the Speaker and the Office of the Premier last on the list.
MR. SPEAKER: I'll certainly review that, but if that has been the tradition in this House, I guess we'll probably stay with tradition. But I will check on that and let the honourable member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage know.
Anything further on that?
We will begin the daily routine.
PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS
PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Finance.
HON. PETER CHRISTIE: Mr. Speaker, it's my honour and privilege to table the Supplement to the Public Accounts.
MR. SPEAKER: The document is tabled.
STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS
GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
Bill No. 180 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 18 of the Acts of 1998. The Municipal Government Act. (Hon. Barry Barnet.)
MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that this bill be read a second time on a future day.
NOTICES OF MOTION
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Needham.
RESOLUTION NO. 3517
MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas a team of four students from St. Patrick's-Alexandra School, under the guidance of Principal Ken Fells, recently competed in a quiz testing their knowledge of African-Nova Scotian history during African History Month; and
Whereas the members of this team were Grade 7 students Keena Izzard and Shandrica Reddick, Jade Williams-Carver, a Grade 8 student, and Shacawn Clayton of Grade 9, a veteran of last year's team; and
Whereas this team was victorious both in a preliminary round, and in the finals held on February 17 at the North Branch Memorial Library, so that St. Pat's-Alexandra are now the Metro area champions for the second year in a row;
Therefore be it resolved that this Legislature extend its hearty congratulations to Keena, Shandrica, Jade, Shacawn and Mr. Fells, and to everyone at St. Pat's-Alexandra School on their accomplishments, and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Halifax Needham on an introduction.
MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, the team of students I just spoke of
are joining us here today in the gallery and I would ask them to stand and receive the warm welcome from members of House. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: We certainly welcome our special guests to the gallery and congratulate them on that.
The honourable member for Annapolis.
RESOLUTION NO. 3518
MR. STEPHEN MCNEIL: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Cindy Giffin, Coordinator of Student Services with the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board, is currently on study leave working on her doctorate; and
Whereas Ms. Giffin was recently honoured by being asked to participate in the Oxford Round Table Study at Oxford University in England; and
Whereas Ms. Giffin was the only Canadian, in a group of 16, to take part in the Oxford Round Table sessions on children with disabilities.
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Ms. Giffin for receiving this prestigious invitation.
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 Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank.
RESOLUTION NO. 3519
MR. GARY HINES: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Port of Halifax was honoured for excellence in the annual American Association of Port Authorities communications competition for the Port's Directory; and
Whereas Halifax has been named the host city of the American Association of Port Authorities for 2010 Convention, beating out Portland, Oregon to host the annual event, which brings together members of the Alliance of the Ports of Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America and the United States; and
Whereas in the past month, the port became the only Canadian port of call for one of the world's largest auto-carriers, the MV Torrens.
Therefore be it resolved that all MLAs in this Legislature congratulate the Communications Staff at the Port of Halifax for their prestigious award and the marketing and sales group for their continued hard work in luring the world's best to Halifax.
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. 3520
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 exciting news of the rediscovery of Campephilus principalis, the ivory-billed woodpecker, is being greeted with great enthusiasm in the birding world; and
Whereas this species was last seen in 1944 and was thought to be extinct but has now been rediscovered in Eastern Arkansas; and
Whereas birders and nature lovers here in Nova Scotia and the world over are rejoicing in this ornithological highlight of the millennium;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Legislature share the hope with nature lovers everywhere that this species, the ivory-billed woodpecker, also known as the Lord God Bird, can be saved from extinction.
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. 3521
MR. LEO GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas five Valley MLAs are engaged in a VON challenge through a step measurement program as a fundraiser in support of their outstanding work; and
Whereas the member for Kings North is no longer wearing his pedometer due to an equipment malfunction, but more likely is wearing a barometer to gauge Tory support for his bid against Scott Brison; and
Whereas the Minister of Transportation and Public Works has the opportunity to record many steps here at Province House, but is best known for skating and stick handling through the Legislature;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate MLAs from Hants West, Kings North, Kings South, Kings West and Annapolis for their April effort to support and promote the work of the VON in the Valley.
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 Shelburne.
[9:15 a.m.]
RESOLUTION NO. 3522
MR. CECIL O'DONNELL: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas 2005 is being recognized as Canada's Year of the Veteran; and
Whereas the community of Shag Harbour, Shelburne County is holding a supper to honour local area veterans at the Evelyn Richardson Memorial Elementary School in Shag Harbour this Summer; and
Whereas the turkey supper will take place Friday evening, July 8th with local veterans being invited by the community;
Therefore be it resolved that all MLAs in this Legislature commend Cindy Nickerson and all volunteers in the community of Shag Harbour and surrounding area for organizing this wonderful supper and wish them every 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 member for Cape Breton West.
RESOLUTION NO. 3523
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 April 2004, the Department of Environment and Labour authorized a variance order for the withdrawal of an additional 300,000 gallons of groundwater per day, for a one year probationary period from the Mira wellfield, for the purpose of supplying fresh water to Coxheath and Westmount; and
Whereas in April 2005, the Department of Environment and Labour, after careful examination of all the facts, declined to renew the variance certificate; and
Whereas, to date, more than 200 homes in the Mira area have been negatively impacted because of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality drawing fresh water from the Mira wellfield;
Therefore be it resolved that the Cape Breton Regional Municipality be directed to develop a long-term, effective, fresh-water strategy that does not subscribe to a "rob Peter to pay Paul" policy.
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
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.
GOVERNMENT MOTIONS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, I move that you do now leave the Chair and the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole House on Supply unto Her Majesty.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is carried.
[9:17 a.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Supply with Deputy Speaker Mr. James DeWolfe in the Chair.]
[1:27 p.m. CWH on Supply rose and the House reconvened. Mr. Speaker, Hon. Murray Scott, resumed the Chair.]
MR. SPEAKER: The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House on Supply reports:
THE CLERK: That the committee has met and made considerable progress and begs leave to sit again.
MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn to meet again on Monday at the hour of 2:00 p.m. The House will sit from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The order of business following the daily routine will be Committee of the Whole House on Supply.
MR. SPEAKER: From 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday?
MR. RUSSELL: Did I say 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Mr. Speaker? (Laughter) Wrong day. The House will sit from 2:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. The order of business following the daily routine will be Committee of the Whole House on Supply and on the completion of four hours, we'll change the order of business to Public Bills for Second Reading. We will, first of all, call Bill No. 180, the Municipal Government Act; and when we've dealt with that bill, we'll move on to Bill No. 177, the Financial Measures (2005) Act.
Mr. Speaker, with those remarks, I move that the House do now rise.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is the House adjourn until 2:00 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 2:00 p.m. on Monday.
[The House rose at 1:28 p.m.]
By: Mr. Darrell Dexter (Leader of the Opposition)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Trudeau Foundation announced yesterday that George Elliott Clarke of Hants County, Nova Scotia, is one of five outstanding Canadians to be named a Trudeau Fellow this year; and
Whereas George Elliott Clarke's poetry, playwriting and studies are adding to the depth and richness of Nova Scotia's literary heritage, an achievement noted when he won the Portia White Prize in 1998 and the Governor General's award in 2001; and
Whereas the Trudeau Fellow Program seeks out the finest thinkers in the humanities and social sciences, in particular creative thinking to the highest international standards and an outstanding ability to communicate;
Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate George Elliott Clarke of Hants County on being named a Trudeau Fellow, saluting Professor Clarke's literary achievements and his contribution to our understanding of African Nova Scotian history and culture.
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 the RRFB of Nova Scotia has initiated the Nova Scotia Recycles Contest to encourage students to create an awareness of recycling; and
Whereas the contest is open to students for Grade Primary to 12 with over $28,000 worth of prizes given to the winners and their schools; and
Whereas Janine Gerrits of Kings County Christian Academy in Cambridge won the Grades 7 to 9 category for her poster made from recycled magazines depicting the Nova Scotia flag and encouraging us to be proud because we are number one in recycling and composting;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House recognize Janine Gerrits and her success, and congratulate her on her creativity and commitment to the environment.
By: Mr. Mark Parent (Kings North)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Inroads is a unique Kentville-based program that helps people who have suffered brain injuries; and
Whereas the Inroads Program helps people relearn reading and writing skills, and introduces the participants to computers; and
Whereas teacher Judy MacMillan says the program helps all of the participants restore their independence, enhance literacy skills, and provide needed support and socialization;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the Inroads Program for enriching the lives of individuals in need, and also to the United Church of St. Paul and St. Stephen where the program is being held.
By: Mr. Cecil O'Donnell (Shelburne)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas hard-working provincial volunteer award recipients have now been named for every town and municipal unit across Nova Scotia; and
Whereas Douglas Langey, for his outstanding volunteer efforts, is the Town of Shelburne's nominee for 2005; and
Whereas Doug volunteers many hours on various committees of town council, more notably the Waterfront Development Committee, as well as currently serving on Shelburne's Parks and Recreation Commission, the Heritage Advisory Committee, the Planning Advisory Committee and the Cemetery Commission;
Therefore be it resolved that all MLAs in this Legislature commend Douglas Langey from the Town of Shelburne for his prolific community leadership and encourage him to continue with his fantastic work.
By: Hon. Barry Barnet (Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Jack Brill, a long-time friend to the community of Sackville, was recently featured in the Our People section of the Bedford-Sackville Weekly; and
Whereas Jack was recognized for his lifelong commitment to his community; and
Whereas Jack continues to be a strong advocate for the people and seniors, especially of Sackville;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in sending along their appreciation to Jack Brill for his tireless efforts to improve the community in which he lives.
By: Hon. Murray Scott (Speaker)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Matthew Ellis was honoured at the Springhill Student Appreciation Night in Springhill; and
Whereas Matthew was awarded a plaque for the student athlete of the Jr. Boys Basketball team; and
Whereas it was a night for the school and the students and staff of Springhill Regional High School to show their appreciation to all the athletes who work so hard and show so much dedication all year to their team and their school;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Matthew Ellis on this outstanding achievement and wish him continued success in the future.
By: Hon. Murray Scott (Speaker)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Ryan Eagles, a carpentry student at the Cumberland Campus of the Nova Scotia Community College, got a boost towards his education in October 2004; and
Whereas Ryan was among 28 students province-wide who received a $500 bursary from Credit Union Nova Scotia; and
Whereas the bursary is awarded for demonstrating a commitment to completing their full-time studies and an understanding of the credit union system;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Ryan Eagles on receiving this bursary and wish him continued success in his studies.
By: Hon. Murray Scott (Speaker)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Kathryn and Maureen Hickman, two sisters from the Town of Oxford, participated in the Oxford Volunteer Fire Department's annual Winter Carnival in March 2005; and
Whereas Kathryn and Maureen teamed up to enter the costume class in the up-to- eight-years-of-age category; and
Whereas Kathryn and Maureen added sparkle to the competition and came home with the second-place award;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Kathryn and Maureen on their participation in such a worthy cause, congratulate them on their second-place win, and wish them a fun-filled and safe year and hope they keep up their participation on behalf of their town and this province.
By: Hon. Murray Scott (Speaker)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Amber Hampe, a paralegal student at the Cumberland Campus of the Nova Scotia Community College, got a boost towards her education in October 2004; and
Whereas Amber was among 28 students province-wide who received a $500 bursary from Credit Union Nova Scotia; and
Whereas the bursary is awarded for demonstrating a commitment to completing their full-time studies and an understanding of the credit union system;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Amber Hampe on receiving this bursary and wish her continued success in her studies.
