December 8, 2005

HANSARD 03/04/05-107

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2005

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
SPEAKER'S RULING: Acceptability of remarks in Legislature.
(Pt. of privilege by Hon. R. Russell. [Hansard p. 9667, 11/03/05]) 9827
PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS:
TPW - Second Division Rd., St. Martin: Repave,
Mr. W. Gaudet 9828
Hfx. Reg. Council - Brightwood Lands - Protect,
Mr. J. Pye 9828
PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
Resources Committee, Mr. John MacDonell 9829
Veterans Affairs Committee, Mr. Gerald Sampson 9829
Law Amendments Committee, Hon. M. Baker 9829
TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS:
Anl. Rpt., Council of Atlantic Premiers - 2003-04,
The Premier 9830
STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS:
Donahoe, Mr. Terence - Death of - Tribute,
The Premier 9830
GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION:
Res. 5353, Lapointe, Mr. Jacques: Auditor General - Appt.,
The Premier 9834
Vote - Affirmative 9835
Res. 5354, Salmon, Mr. Roy - Auditor General: Service - Thank,
Hon. P. Christie 9835
Vote - Affirmative 9836
Res. 5355, Woodfield, Pte. Braun: Death of - Tribute,
The Premier 9836
Vote - Affirmative 9838
Res. 5356, Woodfield, Pte. Braun: Death of - Tribute,
Mr. K. Deveaux 9837
Vote - Affirmative 9837
Res. 5357, Woodfield, Pte. Braun: Death of - Tribute,
Mr. Michel Samson 9837
Vote - Affirmative 9838
Res. 5358, Agric. & Fish.: Supply-Managed Ind. - Support,
Hon. C. d'Entremont 9839
Vote - Affirmative 9839
Res. 5359, Operation Christmas: Partners - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Baker (By Hon. J. Muir) 9839
Vote - Affirmative 9840
Res. 5360, Premier's Award of Excellence: Nominations Encourage,
Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 9840
Vote - Affirmative 9841
Res. 5361, Family Doctor Wk. (12/05 - 12/11-05) - Recognize,
Hon. A. MacIsaac 9841
Vote - Affirmative 9842
Res. 5362, Roar of the Rings: Participants - Congrats.,
Hon. Rodney MacDonald 9842
Vote - Affirmative 9843
Res. 5363, Educ.: Int'l. Baccalaureate Prog. - Support,
Hon. J. Muir 9843
Vote - Affirmative 9843
Res. 5364, Legislative Staff: Efforts - Applaud,
Hon. R. Russell 9844
Vote - Affirmative 9844
Res. 5365, Int'l. Human Rights Day (12/10/05): Discrimination - End,
Hon. M. Baker (By Hon. J. Muir) 9844
Vote - Affirmative 9845
Res. 5366, McNab, Dr. John: N.S. Family Doctor of Yr. - Applaud,
Hon. A. MacIsaac 9845
Vote - Affirmative 9846
Res. 5367, Kerpel, Mr. Guido/Hfx. Westin - World Travel Award,
Hon. Rodney MacDonald 9846
Vote - Affirmative 9847
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS:
No. 278, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
Ms. Maureen MacDonald 9847
No. 279, Maritime Conservatory Reorganization Act
Mr. H. Epstein 9847
No. 280, Workers' Compensation Act
Mr. L. Glavine 9847
No. 281, Provincial Fish Act
Mr. K. Colwell 9847
NOTICES OF MOTION:^
Res. 5368, Layton, Mr. Jack - Long-Term/Home Care: Fed. Prog. -
Support, Mr. D. Dexter 9847
Res. 5369, Hargrove, Mr. Buzz: Lib. Gov't. Support - Acknowledge,
Mr. Manning MacDonald 9848
Res. 5370, Williston, Dr. Johnny Miles: Death of - Tribute,
The Premier 9849
Vote - Affirmative 9849
Res. 5371, Educ. - Sch. Bd.: Psych. Testing - Cdn. Model Employ,
Mr. R. MacKinnon 9850
Res. 5372, Gandy, Mr. Alex - Bagpipe Championship
Mr. D. Dexter, 9850
Vote - Affirmative 9851
Res. 5373, Mingo, Mr. Bill: Death of - Tribute,
Mr. Michel Samson 9851
Vote - Affirmative 9852
Res. 5374, Colp, Ms. Janelle: Commun. Serv. - Thank,
Mr. R. Chisholm 9852
Vote - Affirmative 9852
Res. 5375, Byron, Ms. Angela - Programming/Academic
Accomplishments, Mr. K. Deveaux 9852
Vote - Affirmative 9853
Res. 5376, RRFB/Ramsay, Mr. Rick: Commitment - Acknowledge,
Mr. L. Glavine 9853
Vote - Affirmative 9854
Res. 5377, Hennigar, Mr. Brady/Hurlburt, Hon. Richard -
Chester Grant Commun.: Efforts - Thank, Ms. J. Streatch 9854
Res. 5378, Thomas, Mr. Scott - Miller Human Rights Award,
Mr. R. MacKinnon 9855
Vote - Affirmative 9856
Res. 5379, Doane, Mr. Chalmers: Order of Can. - Congrats.,
Mr. J. MacDonell 9856
Vote - Affirmative 9856
Res. 5380, McNab, Dr. John - Family Physician of Yr. Award,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 9856
Vote - Affirmative 9857
Res. 5381, Kingstec Campus Learning Ctr. - New Facilities:
Opening - Congrats., Mr. M. Parent 9857
Vote - Affirmative 9858
Res. 5382, Michael Wallace Commun. Playground: Phase One -
Opening, Ms. J. Massey 9858
Vote - Affirmative 9859
Res. 5383, Keating, Mr. Charles: Death of - Tribute,
Mr. K. Colwell 9859
Vote - Affirmative 9859
Res. 5384, Gospel Harmony: Commun. Serv. - Thank,
Mr. W. Dooks 9860
Vote - Affirmative 9860
Res. 5385, Hfx. Chebucto Minor Baseball: Growth/Success -
Congrats., Mr. H. Epstein 9860
Vote - Affirmative 9861
Res. 5386, Saunders, Mr. Joe: Death of - Tribute,
Mr. W. Gaudet 9861
Vote - Affirmative 9862
Res. 5387, Year of the Veteran Scholarship Contest: Winners/Schools -
Congrats., Ms. J. Streatch 9862
Vote - Affirmative 9863
Res. 5388, Elizabeth Sutherland Sch. - Skyhawk: Production -
Congrats., Ms. M. Raymond 9863
Vote - Affirmative 9863
Res. 5389, Agric. & Fish.: Supply Management System - Maintain,
Mr. S. McNeil 9864
Vote - Affirmative 9864
Res. 5390, CEC Cougars - NSSAF Boys Volleyball Championship,
Hon. J. Muir 9864
Vote - Affirmative 9865
Res. 5391, Pacer Social Club: Opening - Congrats.,
Mr. C. Parker 9865
Vote - Affirmative 9866
Res. 5392, Ghosn, Ms. Marriette: Success - Wish,
Ms. D. Whalen 9866
Vote - Affirmative 9867
Res. 5393, Educ.: Hants East RHS - Anti-Bullying Workshop,
Mr. J. MacDonell 9867
Vote - Affirmative 9867
Res. 5394, Environ. & Lbr. - CASM: Extension - Allow,
Mr. Gerald Sampson 9867
Res. 5395, Imperial Oil/Esso - Anniv. (125th),
Ms. M. More 9868
Vote - Affirmative 9869
Res. 5396, Hfx. Explosion: Victims - Remember,
Mr. H. Theriault 9869
Vote - Affirmative 9869
Res, 5397, Sampson, Mr. Cyril/Workers - Macdonald Bridge:
Contributions - Recognize, Mr. W. Estabrooks 9870
Vote - Affirmative 9870
Res. 5398, N.S. Home for Colored Children - Anl. Telethon:
Success - Wish, Mr. K. Colwell 9870
Vote - Affirmative 9871
Res. 5399, Nightingale, Karl: Commun. Efforts - Applaud,
Mr. J. Pye 9872
Vote - Affirmative 9872
Res. 5400, Esso Women's Nat'l. Hockey Championship -
Anniv. (125th), Mr. W. Gaudet 9872
Vote - Affirmative 9873
Res. 5401, Soil & Water Conservation Soc. (Metro/Hfx.) -
Environ. Protection: Efforts - Congrats., Ms. M. More 9873
Vote - Affirmative 9874
Res. 5402, Middleton Lions Club - Anniv. (60th),
Mr. S. McNeil 9874
Vote - Affirmative 9875
Res. 5403, Sacred Heart Church Ministry: CD Release - Congrats.,
Mr. W. Estabrooks 9875
Vote - Affirmative 9875
Res. 5404, Int'l. Human Rights Day (12/10/05) - Observe,
Ms. D. Whalen 9876
Vote - Affirmative 9876
Res. 5405, CGS Sambro: Work - Recognize,
Ms. M. Raymond 9876
Vote - Affirmative 9877
Res. 5406, TPW: Tender Calls - Fairness,
Mr. Gerald Sampson 9877
Res. 5407, Isles, Ms. Megan - Birthday (80th)/Cdn. Citizenship
Anniv. (60th), Mr. H. Theriault 9878
Vote - Affirmative 9879
Res. 5408, Hanna, Mr. John (Junior): Death of - Tribute,
Mr. Manning MacDonald 9879
Vote - Affirmative 9879
Res. 5409, West Kings DHS: Call to Remembrance Comp. -
Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine 9879
Vote - Affirmative 9880
Res. 5410, Justice: Crime - Address,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 9880
ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS:
No. 1112, Econ. Dev. - Glace Bay Fisheries: Gov't. Assistance -
Details, Mr. D. Dexter 9881
No. 1113, Econ. Dev.: Glace Bay Fish Plant - Layoffs,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 9883
No. 1114, Health - Bio-Medical Waste: Medic Delivery -
Contract Cancellation, Mr. D. Dexter 9884
No. 1115, TCH: Tourism Decline - Explain, Mr. S. McNeil 9885
No. 1116, Health - Chronic Pain: Wait Times - Address,
Mr. David Wilson (Sackville-Cobequid) 9887
No. 1117, Serv. N.S. & Mun. Rel.: Fuel Rebate - Gov't. Response,
Mr. G. Steele 9888
No. 1118, Com. Serv. - Single Parents: Debt - Address,
Mr. Manning MacDonald 9890
No. 1119, Health - Martell, Shawn: Assistance - Time Frame,
Mr. G. Gosse 9891
No. 1120, Com. Serv.: Child Care Funding - Details,
Ms. M. More 9893
No. 1121, Health - Long-Term Care Bed Crisis: Reasons - Explain,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 9894
No. 1122, Econ. Dev. - Trenton Works: Orders - Efforts,
Mr. C. Parker 9896
No. 1123, Energy - Stora Enso: Electricity Cost - Impact,
Mr. Michel Samson 9897
No. 1124, Justice - FOIPOP Review Officer: Appointment -
Commitment, Mr. K. Deveaux 9899
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS:
HOUSE RESOLVED INTO CWH ON BILLS AT 1:17 P.M. 9901
HOUSE RECONVENED AT 1:32 P.M. 9901
CWH REPORTS 9901
PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING:
No. 275, Off-highway Vehicles Act 9901
Hon. R. Hurlburt 9901
Mr. L. Glavine 9902
Hon. R. Hurlburt 9903
Vote - Affirmative 9903
HOUSE RESOLVED INTO CWH ON BILLS AT 1:38 P.M. 9904
HOUSE RECONVENED AT 1:45 P.M. 9904
CWH REPORTS 9904
PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
Committee on Private and Local Bills,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 9905
HOUSE RESOLVED INTO CWH ON BILLS AT 1:46 P.M. 9905
HOUSE RECONVENED AT 1:47 P.M. 9905
CWH REPORTS 9905
PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING:
No. 219, Trade Union Act 9906
Mr. F. Corbett 9906
Hon. K. Morash 9907
Mr. F. Corbett 9909
Vote - Affirmative 9909
PRIVATE AND LOCAL BILLS FOR THIRD READING:
No. 255, Train Station Inn Cabooses Act 9909
Mr. W. Langille 9909
Vote - Affirmative 9909
PRIVATE MEMBERS' PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING:
No. 270, Professional Planners Act 9910
Mr. H. Epstein 9910
Vote - Affirmative 9910
HOUSE RECESSED AT 1:59 P.M. 9911
HOUSE RECONVENED AT 5:32 P.M. 9911
STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS:
Premier John Hamm: Retirement - Congratulations,
Hon. R. Russell 9911
Mr. D. Dexter 9913
Mr. Michel Samson 9914
PRESENTATION TO PREMIER HAMM 9917
The Speaker 9917
ARRIVAL OF ADMINISTRATOR 9917
BILLS GIVEN ROYAL ASSENT:
Nos. 203, 219, 222, 225, 228, 230, 232, 235, 236, 237,
238, 239, 241, 243, 244, 246, 247, 249, 250 9918
Nos. 251, 252, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 267, 268, 270, 274, 275 9919
No. 260 [Royal Assent given November 23, 2005] 9919
ADJOURNMENT, House rose to meet again at the call of the Speaker 9920
NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3):
Res. 5411, Donahoe, Mr. Terence: Death of - Tribute,
Mr. W. Gaudet 9921
Res. 5412, Karen Lynn MacDonald Allergy Awareness Soc.: Benefit
Concert - Congrats., Mr. J. DeWolfe 9921^
Res. 5413, Stackhouse, Mr. Eric/Pictou-Antigonish Reg. Library:
Web Site Launch - Congrats., Mr. J. DeWolfe 9922
Res. 5414, Pictou Co. Christmas Fund Show: Efforts - Applaud,
Mr. J. DeWolfe 9922
Res. 5415, Adams, Dr. Wayne: Black Hockey and Sports Hall of
Fame Comm. - Appt., Mr. K. Colwell 9923
Res. 5416, Grant, Mr. Juleous - Can. Summer Games: Performance -
Congrats., Mr. K. Colwell 9923
Res. 5417, Gardiner, Mr. Ryan - Can. Summer Games: Performance -
Congrats., Mr. K. Colwell 9924
Res. 5418, Lawlor, Ms. Sara - Pan American Paddling Championships:
Performance - Congrats., Mr. K. Colwell 9924
Res. 5419, Bishop, Dr. Henry: Black Hockey and Sports Hall of
Fame Comm. - Appt., Mr. K. Colwell 9925
Res. 5420, Jacobi, Mr. Alex - Can. Summer Games: Performance -
Congrats., Mr. K. Colwell 9925
Res. 5421, East Preston United Baptist Church Prison Ministry Team -
Anniv. (25th), Mr. K. Colwell 9926
Res. 5422, Orton, Ms. Helen - Can. Summer Games: Participation -
Congrats., Mr. K. Colwell 9926
Res. 5423, Keating, Mr. Charles: Death of - Tribute,
Hon. P. Christie 9927
Res. 5424, Beaton, Mr. Bruce: Grey Cup Championship - Congrats.,
Mr. M. Parent 9927
Res. 5425, Year of the Veteran Scholarship Contest - Winners:
Gr. P-6 Category - Congrats., Ms. J. Streatch 9928
Res. 5426, Short, Ms. Jessie: Year of the Veteran Scholarship
Contest - Congrats., Ms. J. Streatch 9928
Res. 5427, Veinot, Ms. Catlin/Tonner, Mr. Martin: Year of the
Veteran Scholarship Contest - Congrats.,
Ms. J. Streatch 9929
Res. 5428, Thibault, Ms. Deidre/Malloy, Mr. Branden/MacArthur, Mr. Ian:
Year of the Veteran Scholarship Contest - Congrats.,
Ms. J. Streatch 9929
Res. 5429, Veinot, Ms. Jasmine: Year of the Veteran Scholarship
Contest - Congrats., Ms. J. Streatch 9930
Res. 5430, Hatt, Donald & Annette - Boston Christmas Tree:
Donation - Thank, Ms. Judy Streatch 9930
Res. 5431, Keddy, Mr. Larry - New Ross FD: Vol. Service - Thank,
Ms. J. Streatch 9931
Res. 5432, Workman, Mr. Stephen - New Ross Fd: Vol. Service -
Thank, Ms. J. Streatch 9931
Res. 5433, New Ross Christmas Fest.: Vols./Organizers -
Thank, Ms. J. Streatch 9932
Res. 5434, Chester Area Mid. Sch. - NSSAF Cross-Country
Championships, Ms. J. Streatch 9932
Res. 5435, Flemming, Mr. Harvey: Retirement - Congrats.,
Ms. J. Streatch 9933
Res. 5436, McNamara, Ms. Sharon - Deloitte & Touche Start-Up
Award, Ms. J. Streatch 9933
Res. 5437, Keddy, Mr. Arnold (Chester): Death of - Tribute,
Ms. J. Streatch 9934
Res. 5438, McEachern, Carl & Mary: Bequests - Lung Assoc.
(N.S.)/IWK, Ms. J. Streatch 9934
Res. 5439, Matheson, Ms. Ainslie - Nat'l. Equestrian Award,
Ms. J. Streatch 9935
Res. 5440, MacPherson, Katherine/Gold River-West. Shore
Elem. Sch.: Boston Christmas Tree Pkg. - Thank,
Ms. J. Streatch 9935
Res. 5441, St. John's Anglican Church (Lun.): Restoration Proj.: -
Congrats., Ms. J. Streatch 9936
Res. 5442, Dykstra, Ms. Andrea - Anl. Nat'l Aboriginal Award,
Mr. Gerald Sampson 9936
Res. 5443, Year of the Veteran Banquet: RCL Br.153/156 -
Congrats./Thank, Mr. W. Estabrooks 9937
Res. 5444, Rose, Ms. Irene: Retirement - Congrats.,
Ms. M. More 9937
Res. 5445, Ridgecliff Mid. Sch. - Hurricane Katrina: Response -
Congrats., Mr. W. Estabrooks 9938
Res. 5446, Ridgecliff Mid. Sch. - Run for the Cure: Participation -
Congrats., Mr. B. Estabrooks 9938
Res. 5447, Sherbrooke Old Fashioned Christmas: Businesses/
Organizers - Thank, Mr. R. Chisholm 9939
Res. 5448, Educ. - Chebucto Educ. Ctr. (Guysborough): Pre-Primary
Prog. - Congrats., Mr. R. Chisholm 9939
Res. 5449, Canso Arena: Telethon - Congrats.,
Mr. R. Chisholm 9940
Res. 5450, Guysborough Co. RDA - Anniv. (10th),
Mr. R. Chisholm 9940
Res. 5451, Guysborough Co. Inshore Fishermen's Assoc. -
Econ. Dev. Innovation Award, Mr. R. Chisholm 9941
Res. 5452, Richardson, Ms. Dorothy (Dot)/Spencer, Mr. Henry/
Gay, Ms. Connie: Harbour View Sch. Breakfast Prog. -
Service (10 yrs.), Mr. S. McNeil 9941
Res. 5453, Luckett, Mr. Pete - Metro Hfx. Bus. Awards: Bus. Person
of the Year - Nomination, Mr. R. MacKinnon 9942
Res. 5454, MacMaster, Natalie/Leahy, Donnell: Birth Announcement -
Congrats., Mr. Russell MacKinnon 9942
Res. 5455, Springhill HS Golden Eagles - McDonald's Golden
Arches Invitational, The Speaker 9943
Res. 5456, Boss, Mr. Steve: Bravery - Congrats., The Speaker 9943
Res. 5457, Daborn, Mr. John - Prov. Student Educ. Coun.:
Selection - Congrats., The Speaker 9944
Res. 5458, River Hebert Elem. Sch.: Home & Sch. Assoc. -
Veterans Basket, The Speaker 9944
Res. 5459, Henderson, Mr. Rob/Bowling Team - Candlepin
Bowling Championship, The Speaker 9945
Res. 5460, N. S. Junior Provincial Ringette Team: Successful
Yr. - Congrats., The Speaker 9946
Res. 5461, Southampton FD: Outstanding Serv. - Thank,
The Speaker 9946
Res. 5462, River Hebert FD: Outstanding Serv. - Thank,
The Speaker 9947
Res. 5463, Springhill FD: Outstanding Serv. - Thank,
The Speaker 9947
Res. 5464, Oxford Vol. FD Auxiliary: Meals on Wheels Prog. -
Congrats., The Speaker 9948
Res. 5465, Oxford RCMP - Police Appreciation Day: Participants -
Thank, The Speaker 9948
Res. 5466, Corr. Serv. Can - Long Service Award (25 yrs.):
Recipients - Congrats., The Speaker 9949
Res. 5467, Corr. Serv. Can. - Long Service Award (35 yrs.):
Recipients - Congrats., The Speaker 9949
Res. 5468, Corr. Serv. Can - Long Service Award (15 yrs.):
Recipients - Congrats., The Speaker 9950
Res. 5469, Corr. Serv. Can. - Long Service Pin (10 yrs.):
Recipients - Congrats., The Speaker 9950
Res. 5470, Corr. Serv. Can. - Long Service Pin (10 yrs.):
Recipients - Congrats., The Speaker 9951
Res. 5471, Corr. Serv. Can. - Long Service Awards (25 yrs.):
Recipients - Congrats., The Speaker 9951
Res. 5472, Corr. Serv. Can. - Exemplary Service Medals:
Recipients - Congrats., The Speaker 9952
Res. 5473, Corr. Serv. Can. - Long Service Pin (10 yrs.):
Recipients - Congrats., The Speaker 9952
Res. 5474, Corr. Serv. Can. - Exemplary Service Awards:
Recipients - Congrats., The Speaker 9953
Res. 5475, Corr. Serv. Can. - Service Honours: Recipients -
Congrats., The Speaker 9953
Res. 5476, Springhill HS Golden Eagles: Schiefer's Ultramar Tip-Off
Girls Basketball Tournament - Congrats., The Speaker 9954
Res. 5477, Dal/MSVU/SMU: Hurricane Katrina Responses -
Congrats., Ms. D. Whalen 9955
Res. 5478, World Indoor Lacrosse Championships (2007) -
Hfx.: Organizers - Congrats., Ms. D. Whalen 9955
Res. 5479, Kids R Kids Daycare - Anniv. (10th),
Ms. D. Whalen 9956
Res. 5480, CEC Reach for the Top Team: Nat'l. Champs -
Congrats., Ms. D. Whalen 9956
Res. 5481, East Hants Resource Ctr. - Opening: Warden/Councillors -
Congrats., Ms. D. Whalen 9957
Res. 5482, Presse, Ms. Barbara: Death of - Tribute,
Ms. D. Whalen 9957
Res. 5483, Sacred Heart Boys' HS: Opening - Congrats.,
Ms. D. Whalen 9958
Res. 5484, Smith, Cpl. Craig Marshall: Black Hockey and Sports
Hall of Fame Comm. - Appt., Mr. K. Colwell 9958

[Page 9827]

HALIFAX, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2005

Fifty-ninth General Assembly

First Session

10:30 A.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Murray Scott

DEPUTY SPEAKERS

Mr. James DeWolfe, Mr. Charles Parker, Ms. Diana Whalen

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. Before beginning the daily routine, on the last day of the sitting, before we broke, the honourable Government House Leader asked me to review a transcript from the day before, which would have been November 2, 2005, in regard to comments made in the House. The Government House Leader rose on a point of privilege but he asked that I review the transcript, which I did.

SPEAKER'S RULING: Acceptability of remarks in Legislature. (Pt. of privilege by Hon. R. Russell. [Hansard p. 9667, 11/03/05])

All members will remember that the honourable member for Preston was in debate at the time and made mention of an issue that was before the House, but particularly brought reference to another member in the House and asked how that member would feel if in fact his son was killed - the issue at the time was in regard to ATVs.

I have read it and looked at the issue with regard to a point of order, point of privilege, and I don't think it really fits with either one of those, but certainly I believe, personally, that it would fall within the realm of being unparliamentary within this House and all Houses, and I think the members would agree. If you read the transcript I think you would see that we certainly don't want the level of debates to get down to where we are suggesting anything tragic like this to another member or, in fact, any type of issue that is before the House, to make it a personal issue.

9827

[Page 9828]

I appreciate the fact that one of the Deputy Speakers was in the Chair at the time, and we spoke about it afterwards. I think if I had been in the Chair I would have brought it to the attention of the House that I believed the comments were unparliamentary, and I would hope that members would reflect upon this in the future in regard to comments that are made, particularly in the heat of the moment, and in debate.

My ruling would be that I certainly believe the comments were unparliamentary, and I ask all members in the future to cease from those types of comments.

The honourable member for Preston.

MR. KEITH COLWELL: Mr. Speaker, I just want to state that it was in the heat of the moment when I made those comments and I regret them. I would like to have them withdrawn.

MR. SPEAKER: Thank you very much. Any other comments? Thank you. The matter is closed.

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Clare.

MR. WAYNE GAUDET: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table a petition signed by over 250 residents from Clare. The operative clause reads:

"We the residents of St. Martin and surrounding communities in Clare, hereby, petition the Department of Transportation and Public Works, Province of Nova Scotia to have the Second Division Road in St. Martin repaved immediately as it presents itself as a safety hazard for several years to the motorists and pedestrians."

Mr. Speaker, I have affixed my signature to the petition.

MR. SPEAKER: The petition is tabled.

The honourable member for Dartmouth North.

MR. JERRY PYE: Mr. Speaker, although this petition is directed to the Halifax Regional Council, the Citizens for Brightwood have suggested that since municipal government is a creature of the province that this petition be tabled in the Legislature as well, so that all Members of the Legislative Assembly can read the petition.

[Page 9829]

Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table a petition with 2,819 signatures. The operative clause reads:

"We therefore urge Halifax Regional Council to protect Brightwood lands from private development by:

- honouring and perpetuating the present park land zoning;

- beginning a process of wide-reaching consultation regarding public use, ownership and management."

I have affixed my signature.

MR. SPEAKER: The petition is tabled.

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Hants East.

MR. JOHN MACDONELL: Mr. Speaker, as the Chairman of the Committee on Resources, I beg leave to table the annual report of the committee, 2004-05.

MR. SPEAKER: The report is tabled.

The honourable member for Victoria-The Lakes.

MR. GERALD SAMPSON: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table the Annual Report of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs, 2005, and give credit to Darlene Henry, our committee clerk, for all her fine work.

MR. SPEAKER: The report is tabled.

The honourable Minister of Justice.

HON. MICHAEL BAKER: Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of the Committee on Law Amendments, I am directed to report that the committee has met and considered the following bills:

Bill No. 219 - Trade Union Act.

Bill No. 275 - Off-highway Vehicles Act.

[Page 9830]

and the committee recommends these bills to the favourable consideration of the House, with certain amendments.

MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that these bills be referred to the Committee of the Whole House on Bills.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, could we have the concurrence of the House that those bills be added to today's order paper?

MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

So ordered.

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Premier.

HON. JOHN HAMM (The Premier): Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table the Annual Report, 2003-04, of the Council of Atlantic Premiers.

MR. SPEAKER: The report is tabled.

[11:00 a.m.]

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Premier.

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, before I read my statement I would like to make an introduction. We are honoured to have with us today in the Speaker's Gallery, Mrs. Lynne Donahoe and her daughter Moira Schrader. Also with them are three of Terry's sisters - Sheila Donahoe, Ellen Feehan and Cathleen Niedermayer - and sister-in-law Carolyn Donahoe. I would ask our guests to please rise. (Standing Ovation)

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

The honourable Premier.

[Page 9831]

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, it cannot be easy for this family to come back to this House so soon after Terry's passing. We all thank them for being with us today as we pay tribute to our friend, Terry Donahoe. I am privileged today to remark on the significant contributions of a man who was definitely a friend to this historic Chamber and who brought great dignity to the many roles he held during his 19 years as a Member of the Legislative Assembly.

Terence Richard Boyd Donahoe - or Terry, as we all knew him - was an incredible champion of his constituency, his province, his heritage and, of course, his family. His wife, Lynne, and his daughter, Moira, were the true loves of his life. He was a true family man. His devotion, both in word and deed, his devotion to his siblings, and his late parents of whom he was so proud, was obvious.

His love of his province and the traditions of this House were also obvious. He and his brother, Arthur, were very proud to follow their father's footsteps into public life and they were naturals. Terry was a tremendous orator. As our Leader in the Opposition, I was always so impressed when I saw him in action on the floor of this House. He could stand and debate anything with or without notes, with or without the advantage of preparation. He could also fill any amount of time needed. He often said it took him 10 minutes just to clear his throat. An hour later, he would complete his brief comments.

He was a true friend to me and to so many others. We all learned so much from watching him conduct himself, both inside and outside this Chamber.

Terry represented what is now known as Halifax Citadel from 1978 to 1997. That sort of longevity in politics is an achievement in itself - as all members of this House know. But Terry's contribution to public life can't be summed up merely by his number of years as an MLA.

Terry made a difference and he did so at the highest levels of the provincial government. He held many portfolios, serving as Minister of Education, Attorney General, Chair of the Policy Board, Chair of the Management Board and interim Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party. While in Cabinet, Terry made many positive changes but he will forever be remembered for his contributions to the education system. While he made a great Attorney General, he really put his heart and soul into the work that he helped lead while Minister of Education for eight years, revitalizing the school board system and introducing the first Acadian school board. He also put his heart and soul into the Charitable Irish Society, his church, and of course, his golf game.

Terry was never one to become flustered. During his term as Leader of our Party, he brought a caucus defeated in morale and defeated in numbers back to its original fighting spirit. He led us by example and he never let us down, and we certainly didn't want to let him down.

[Page 9832]

A quotation from Vaclav Havel well describes Terry's commitment to public service: "Genuine politics - even politics worthy of the name - the only politics I am willing to devote myself to - is simply a matter of serving those around us: serving the community and serving those who will come after us. Its deepest roots are moral because it is a responsibility expressed through action, to and for the whole."

Terry's family said it just right in his obituary: "He touched all who knew him with his warmth, his wit and his wisdom." A truer statement has never been made. Terry Donahoe left his mark on this House. He will be missed.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and after the two other Parties have responded, I would ask for an observation of silence.

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

MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome the members of the Donahoe family here this morning for this very fitting tribute to the wife of Terry Donahoe.

I, of course, did not have the privilege of serving with Terry. I did have the opportunity though to meet him on many occasions outside of the Chamber and, in fact, when he used to come back here to visit. One was immediately struck by his warmth, and to me particularly, how up to date he was about what was going on in the House of Assembly and how he followed the issues and continued to have an interest in what was going on even though he was no longer a member of the House. He loved to engage on the issues of the day and he would talk to you about what was going on in the House and any issue which he felt was of particular interest to him.

I wanted to mention, of course, that my colleague, Alexa McDonough, the MP for Halifax, held Terry in extraordinarily high regard and I think had very warm and glowing comments about him in the paper after his passing. I know that were she here today she would want me to express her condolences and her warmest regards to the family.

Like so many people, I really knew Mr. Donahoe more as a public figure and, as the Premier has mentioned, particularly as the Minister of Education where he made such a great contribution to the people of this province. So on behalf of my caucus I would like to express our condolences and join with the Premier and the government caucus in his tribute to the life of Terry Donahoe. Thank you.

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

[Page 9833]

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, it's a privilege to rise on behalf of our Leader, Francis MacKenzie, and the entire Liberal caucus here today, and former Liberal MLAs who would have had the pleasure of serving with Terry, to express our deepest sympathies to his wife, Lynne, his daughter, Moira, and sisters, Sheila, Ellen and Cathleen. As the Leader of the Opposition indicated, I arrived here at the same time that he did in 1998 and unfortunately we did not have the privilege of serving with Terry Donahoe, but I, like so many others here in this Chamber, prior to our arrival here, took the time to learn how this Chamber worked and having spent six years in university here in Halifax, I spent a number of evenings here watching the Legislature and watching Terry Donahoe and the leadership that he showed and his abilities as an MLA and I certainly want to recognize those and thank him for showing me just how easy it can be to speak up to one hour on matters when called upon.

Terry Donahoe was well respected, as a lawyer, as an MLA, as a minister of several portfolios, as the interim Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party and for the contribution he continued to make after politics to the community of Halifax.

Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the memory of Terry Donahoe, as an Acadian, for his efforts in establishing the first Acadian school board in this province, and because of his efforts, it has certainly allowed us as Acadian people, to protect our culture, our language and our identity, here in Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, while I didn't serve with Terry here in this House, we had another common link and that was that we both had the privilege of being associated with the law firm of Blois Nickerson & Brison here in Halifax, and through that I had the opportunity through many functions, both Christmas receptions and golf games, to have a chance to see Terry outside of politics and, as mentioned by the Leader of the Opposition, how quick he was up to date on what was going on and how quick he would be able to relate a story of things that had happened in the past and his memory of this Assembly, and the respect that he had both for this Assembly and for the members who had served it. I can assure you, I had a tremendous respect for his golf game as well and pleaded never to be put on his team to have to go through the embarrassment of showing just how bad a player I was, compared to how good a player he was, but he certainly never took himself too seriously on the golf course.

Mr. Speaker, many of us wish we could have attended the funeral, but unfortunately, many of us had constituency responsibilities and could not make it, but we want to take this opportunity collectively to again express our deepest sympathies. As an MLA, Terry Donahoe was a shining example of the respect he held for his position, the respect he held for this Legislature, the respect he held for this province. There is no doubt that his life was cut short way too early. Thank you.

[Page 9834]

MR. SPEAKER: Thank you. I would ask all members to rise for a moment of silence in memory of the late Terry Donahoe.

[One minute of silence was observed.]

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Premier.

RESOLUTION NO. 5353

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

Whereas Chapter 28 of the Revised Statutes of Nova Scotia, 1989, the Auditor General Act, as amended by Chapter 13 of the Acts of 2005 provides that, subject to the approval of the House of Assembly by majority vote, the Governor in Council shall appoint a person to be the Auditor General for a term of 10 years and that the Governor in Council shall remove the Auditor General on the passing by this House of Assembly of a resolution carried by a vote of two-thirds of the members of the House of Assembly, voting thereon requiring the Governor in Council to remove the Auditor General from office; and

Whereas E. Roy Salmon was appointed by the Governor in Council as Auditor General by Order in Council 92-120 effective February 11, 1992 and has resigned as Auditor General effective February 28, 2006;

Whereas an open competition was held for the position of Auditor General by an external selection committee, under the auspices of an all-Party oversight committee, and since the Governor in Council, by Order in Council, has, subject to the approval of the House of Assembly, revoked the appointment of E. Roy Salmon's appointment as Auditor General effective February 28, 2006, and appointed Jacques Lapointe as Auditor General effective March 1, 2006;

Therefore be it resolved that:

(a) the revocation of the appointment of E. Roy Salmon as Auditor General, effective February 28, 2006, be approved; and

(b) the appointment of Jacques Lapointe as Auditor General for a term of office of 10 years, effective March 1, 2006, be approved.

[Page 9835]

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. 5354

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

Whereas the House of Assembly has just approved the appointment by Governor in Council of Jacques Lapointe as the new Auditor General for Nova Scotia, effective March 1, 2006; and

Whereas the resignation of the province's outgoing Auditor General, E. Roy Salmon, becomes effective on February 28, 2006; and

Whereas Mr. Salmon has worked with and encouraged government to continue the improvements in public administration and financial reporting that have been put in place by successive governments over the past 10 years;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly thank Mr. Salmon sincerely for his 13 years of diligent service to this province, and for his significant contribution to the improvements that have taken place.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

[Page 9836]

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, I wish to read a resolution relative to the death of Private Braun Scott Woodfield, and I would ask, with the approbation of the House, that companion resolutions be read, following which we could have the moment of silence.

MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

The honourable Premier.

RESOLUTION NO. 5355

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

Whereas our nation mourns the loss of another of its soldiers, Private Braun Scott Woodfield of Cow Bay, Halifax County, who was killed on November 24th in an accident while on duty near Kandahar, Afghanistan; and

Whereas his father, Daniel Woodfield, said of his son, that while he was skilled with computers, he decided to join the military so he could go to places like Afghanistan where people need help; and

Whereas according to his very proud family, Private Woodfield was following a family tradition by serving his country and died doing something he loved to do;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Legislature join with me in paying tribute to Private Woodfield's proud military service to Canada and his selfless dedication during this mission in which he was helping to bring peace to Afghanistan. Our deepest sympathies go now to his family, friends and fellow soldiers.

Mr. Speaker, before moving this motion, I would ask for consent, which we have now received, to allow the floor to bring forward companion resolutions, following which I request passage without debate, and ask all members to stand in a moment of silence.

[Page 9837]

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage.

RESOLUTION NO. 5356

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 Royal Canadian Regiment, 2nd Battalion, out of CFB Gagetown, was deployed to Afghanistan in August 2005 as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), and has been an integral part of the force and the stabilization of Afghanistan; and

Whereas Private Braun Woodfield of Cow Bay, Nova Scotia, joined the Canadian Army in 2003, and saw service in Haiti with Operation HALO, and in Afghanistan with Operation Athena with the Royal Canadian Regiment; and

Whereas Private Woodfield was killed in the line of duty while on patrol in Afghanistan on November 24, 2005;

Therefore be it resolved that this House take a moment of silence in recognition of the life of Private Braun Woodfield of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, and on the recognition of his death in Afghanistan on November 24, 2005.

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.

[11:15 a.m.]

RESOLUTION NO. 5357

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

[Page 9838]

Whereas Nova Scotians and Canadians alike grieved when they heard the news of the tragic death of 24-year-old Private Braun Scott Woodfield of Cow Bay, Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Private Woodfield died near Kandahar, Afghanistan, doing what he felt he joined the military to do - helping others; and

Whereas this young man is a stellar example of the many individuals in our Armed Forces who are dedicated to serving our nation with pride, dignity and honour;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House extend their deepest sympathy to the Woodfield family and all members of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment on the death of a son, brother, nephew and friend.

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.

As well, the Premier requested waiver of notice on his resolution.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

We will now rise for a moment of silence in memory of Private Braun Scott Woodfield.

[One minute of silence was observed.]

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

[Page 9839]

RESOLUTION NO. 5358

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

Whereas supply-managed sectors in Nova Scotia, including farms producing dairy, poultry and eggs, provide about $200 million in farm receipts a year and represent almost half of the province's farm production; and

Whereas Nova Scotia has a larger share of supply-managed agricultural production than almost anywhere else in Canada with 300 dairy farms, more than 100 poultry farms, 28 egg and pullet-raising farms, and several egg-grading stations; and

Whereas the World Trade Organization will be looking at market access in Canada to determine if there should be more shares allotted to international commodities wanting to sell in Canada;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House fully support the needs of Nova Scotia's supply-managed industry as Canada heads into negotiations at the World Trade Organization in Hong Kong next week.

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 Education.

RESOLUTION NO. 5359

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

[Page 9840]

Whereas Operation Christmas, a program to combat impaired driving, is organized by police agencies and Nova Scotia's Road Safety Advisory Committee, and is sponsored by the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation and Aliant; and

Whereas law enforcement agencies from across Nova Scotia set up checkpoints in Sydney on December 1st of this year to launch the Operation Christmas initiative; and

Whereas this year, police will give away 20,000 free Aliant long-distance phone cards as part of this campaign to keep impaired drivers off the road;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate all partners involved in the successful launch of Operation Christmas, and thank them for working to make our province a safer place to live.

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 Human Resources.

RESOLUTION NO. 5360

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

Whereas this year our province is launching a new award to recognize public servants for the skill and dedication they bring to the job; and

Whereas as the name suggests, the Premier's Award of Excellence will recognize public servants in areas such as innovation and creativity, leadership excellence, service excellence, corporate citizenship and relationship building; and

[Page 9841]

Whereas any public servant can nominate a colleague or team of colleagues, with nominations to be reviewed by an independent panel of representatives from industry, the public, government and academia - the deadline is December 9, 2005, with award winners announced January 31, 2006;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this Legislature applaud all those public servants who are performing at an outstanding level of service and encourage the nomination of such individuals or teams of public servants for exceptional service to the citizens of this 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 Minister of Health.

RESOLUTION NO. 5361

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

Whereas this week, December 5 to December 11, 2005, is Family Doctor Week in Canada - a week for us to recognize and celebrate family doctors across the province for their commitment to ensuring the best possible care for Nova Scotians; and

Whereas family doctors are key members of health care teams, working with other health providers to diagnose and treat illness and injury, promote disease prevention and good health, and coordinate quality care; and

Whereas family doctors serve their patients in health clinics, community settings, hospitals, nursing homes and in patients' homes;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize December 5th to December 11th as Family Doctor Week and acknowledge our doctors for the critical role they play in providing high-quality health care to Nova Scotians.

[Page 9842]

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, Culture and Heritage.

RESOLUTION NO. 5362

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

Whereas the Tim Hortons Canadian Curling Trials began November 26th at the Metro Centre as the 10 best men's and women's teams in the country compete for the right to represent Canada at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games next February in Torino, Italy; and

Whereas billed as the Roar of the Rings, the trials bring together a number of Canadian and world champions as well as hundreds of spectators, media groups, and team members' families and friends to our great city; and

Whereas this is a fantastic opportunity for tourism to showcase our wonderful facilities and welcome everyone involved in the Tim Hortons Canadian Curling Trials;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House welcome all the players, family members, coaches and spectators who have gathered to take part in this spectacular and exciting event, and wish our Nova Scotia team luck in the competition.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

[Page 9843]

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. 5363

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

Whereas the International Baccalaureate Program is a universally recognized advanced liberal arts diploma that emphasizes critical thinking and analysis in writing and oral communication, philosophy, community service, athletics and internationalism; and

Whereas the IB Program is an important part of this government's Learning for Life II initiative, one that will help students from across the province to excel in their studies and help them prepare for a successful and prosperous future; and

Whereas instructors with International Baccalaureate North America are in Halifax this week to train 128 teachers to deliver the IB Program to students in Grade 11 and Grade 12 at 10 more Nova Scotia high schools beginning in September 2007;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Legislature show support for the International Baccalaureate Program, the 128 teachers now in training, and our future IB graduates.

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 Deputy Premier.

[Page 9844]

RESOLUTION NO. 5364

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

Whereas once again we are reaching the end of yet another session, something we could not have done without the able assistance of the staff who support us all in this historic Chamber; and

Whereas our thanks go to Mike Laffin and Peter Theriault - who also served as our Sergeant-at-Arms, if you will remember, in the Spring - the staff of our Legislative Library, our Commissionaires, and our Pages and messengers; and

Whereas this list also includes the able Legislative Counsel Office, their staff, the Committees Office staff, Hansard, Legislative Television personnel, our catering staff, as well as those who keep this beautiful historic building clean and orderly;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Legislature commend and applaud the efforts of those talented and efficient individuals, efforts for which all members of this House are extremely grateful.

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 Education.

RESOLUTION NO. 5365

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

Whereas Saturday, December 10th, marks the 57th Anniversary of the day the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document drafted by John Peters Humphrey, a fellow Atlantic Canadian; and

[Page 9845]

Whereas that declaration was designated to ensure the protection of all peoples; and

Whereas a number of students from across the province showed their recognition of this occasion by participating in a poetry, essay and poster conference hosted by the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission and Partners Against Racism today, December 8th;

Therefore be it resolved that Nova Scotians from all walks of life take a lesson from these youngsters and join the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission on December 10th, International Human Rights Day, by working towards an end to discrimination of all kinds.

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.

RESOLUTION NO. 5366

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

Whereas Dr. John McNab is an established and well-respected partner with eight other family doctors in the Fall River Family Practice; and

Whereas Dr. McNab gives far beyond his family practice, by teaching the next generation of family doctors and nurses at Dalhousie University, holding various positions with the Nova Scotia College of Family Physicians, participating on a number of health care working groups, and being an active member in his community and church; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia College of Family Physicians names one outstanding family doctor each year for their embodiment of all that a family doctor is meant to be - a caring, compassionate and skilled personal physician committed to the health and well-being of patients and communities;

[Page 9846]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and applaud Dr. John McNab for his commitment to his patients, his community and to his profession, and congratulate him on being named Nova Scotia's Family Doctor of the Year.

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, Culture and Heritage.

RESOLUTION NO. 5367

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

Whereas besides becoming a smoke-free hotel, in an announcement earlier this week, the Westin Hotel in Halifax was recently named Nova Scotia's Leading Hotel by the World Travel Awards; and

Whereas the award was presented to Westin staff at a ceremony in London on November 13th; and

Whereas hotel general manager Guido Kerpel said, "The award is something all staff are very proud of.";

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Legislature commend general manager Guido Kerpel and his entire staff at the Halifax Westin on receiving such a prestigious award, and wish them continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

[Page 9847]

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

[11:30 a.m.]

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 278 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 5 of the Acts of 1993. The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. (Ms. Maureen MacDonald)

Bill No. 279 - Entitled an Act Respecting the Maritime Conservatory of Music and the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts Society. (Mr. Howard Epstein)

Bill No. 280 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 10 of the Acts of 1994-95. The Workers' Compensation Act. (Mr. Leo Glavine)

Bill No. 281 - Entitled an Act to Declare the Brook Trout to be the Provincial Fish of Nova Scotia. (Mr. Keith Colwell)

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

NOTICES OF MOTION

The honourable Leader of the Opposition.

RESOLUTION NO. 5368

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 lack of federal support for long-term care was frequently cited as a reason for the former practice of using seniors' life savings to pay for their care; and

Whereas lack of direct federal support for home care has made it more difficult for Nova Scotia to provide a comprehensive and readily accessible range of home support services; and

Whereas the long and growing waiting lists for long-term care beds are creating delays in acute care and imposing severe burdens on many families;

[Page 9848]

Therefore be it resolved that this House welcome the commitment by federal NDP Leader Jack Layton to a program of federal support to increase the number of long-term care beds and home care services, and urge the other federal Parties to support Mr. Layton's plan.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

I hear several Noes.

The notice is tabled.

The honourable member for Cape Breton South.

RESOLUTION NO. 5369

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

Whereas Basil "Buzz" Hargrove has been an important member of the labour force in Canada since he began working at a Chrysler production plant in Windsor, Ontario; and

Whereas Mr. Hargrove worked diligently in the labour movement throughout his career, helping to form the Canadian Auto Workers and becoming its president in 1992; and

Whereas on December 2, 2005, the federal Liberal Party of Canada received a warm endorsement from Mr. Hargrove, stating that the best possible outcome of this federal election is another Liberal minority government;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly acknowledge Buzz Hargrove for his infinite wisdom, political acumen, and especially for his support of the Liberal Government of Canada.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

I hear a No.

[Page 9849]

The notice is tabled.

The honourable Premier.

RESOLUTION NO. 5370

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

Whereas the death of Dr. Johnny Miles Williston of New Glasgow is a true loss to a community which has greatly benefited from his over 40 years as a family physician, community leader and health care advocate; and

Whereas in addition to his career as a family physician, Dr. Williston founded Double Check, a complete health, fitness and lifestyle assessment service which he ran with his wife, Phyllis, and also founded Pictou County Heart Pacers, a cardiac rehabilitation program; and

Whereas equal to his love of medicine was his love of sports, with one of his proudest accomplishments being the founding of the Johnny Miles Marathon in 1975, and participation in the organization and growth of this event ever since;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this Legislature offer our deepest sympathies to Dr. Williston's wife, Phyllis, and his children, and also extend our thanks for the many positive differences this man has made in the lives of so many in our community and 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 Cape Breton West.

[Page 9850]

RESOLUTION NO. 5371

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

Whereas children are Nova Scotia's most valuable resource; and

Whereas special needs children must be provided the same educational opportunity as other children attending school; and

Whereas the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board has abandoned the more accurate Canadian model in favour of a less stringent American-based model to assess special needs children;

Therefore be it resolved that the Minister of Education investigate and ensure that all school boards use the Canadian model when doing psychological assessments on special needs children.

MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.

The honourable Leader of the Opposition.

RESOLUTION NO. 5372

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

Whereas one of the world's major amateur bagpipe competitions, the George Sherriff Amateur Invitational Solo Piping Championship, was held in Hamilton, Ontario, on November 19th; and

Whereas 17-year-old Alex Gandy, a Grade 12 student at Auburn Drive High School in Cole Harbour, has been playing the bagpipes since he was 10 years old and is trained by his father, Bruce Gandy, at the Halifax Citadel Regimental Association School; and

Whereas Alex Gandy, competing against top pipes from across Canada and the United States, won top spot in the George Sherriff Amateur Invitational Solo Piping Championship, and was awarded a set of silver engraved pipes and airfare to compete in Scotland;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Alex Gandy for winning this prestigious bagpipe event, and wish him well as he finishes high school and goes on to his future education and training on the bagpipes.

[Page 9851]

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Leader in the House of the Liberal Party.

RESOLUTION NO. 5373

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

Whereas on Friday, November 25, 2005, Nova Scotia lost a great citizen in the passing of Bill Mingo; and

Whereas Bill Mingo will be remembered as a strong member and advocate of Nova Scotia's legal community as both lawyer and founder of the Law Foundation of Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Legal Aid; and

Whereas Bill Mingo was an active supporter and promoter of the Halifax Port Corporation, serving as chair of the Halifax-Dartmouth Port Commission, and in his spare time managed to serve his alma maters, Saint Mary's University and Dalhousie University, in numerous initiatives;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House extend their sincerest condolences to the Mingo family, and be ever mindful of the valuable contributions made by Bill Mingo in his efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

[Page 9852]

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Guysborough-Sheet Harbour.

RESOLUTION NO. 5374

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

Whereas Janelle Colp completed her appointment as Director of the Sherbrooke Restoration Committee this past September; and

Whereas Janelle Colp began her appointment as director in 1998, and she has been a member of the Guysborough County Community Health Board for the past two years; and

Whereas for several years Janelle Colp was a community news and events columnist for the Guysborough Journal, and has been actively involved in fundraising events for many other community groups;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank Janelle Colp for her dedication and volunteer work in the community, and wish her continued success in the many volunteer positions to which she currently lends her time and heart.

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. 5375

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

[Page 9853]

Whereas Angela Byron spent her Summer days submitting code to an open-source project, by Google, called Summer of Code; and

Whereas Angela was one of 419 students accepted for the Summer of Code out of 8,744 applicants, including those representing some of the best-known learning institutions in North America; and

Whereas Angela is a proud graduate of the Nova Scotia Community College, having received three diplomas from the college, most recently a diploma in Information Technology Programming in June 2005;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate Angela Byron on her programming and academic accomplishments, and wish her best of luck in her 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 Kings West.

RESOLUTION NO. 5376

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

Whereas January 5, 2006, the Resource Recovery Fund Board will celebrate its 10th Anniversary; and

Whereas since 1996, the RRFB has worked with the province and municipalities to reduce the amount of waste going into our landfills, ensuring 1.7 billion beverage containers, 6.1 million tires, and over 600 litres of paint no longer pollute our environment; and

[Page 9854]

Whereas Nova Scotia is world renown for our commitment to recycling and improving our environment, the RRFB is a major contributor to this reputation and needs to be recognized for those contributions;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House acknowledge the Resource Recovery Fund Board, under the chairmanship of Rick Ramsay, for the commitment they have made to ensure our province has a cleaner future, and congratulate them as they celebrate 10 years of service to 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 Chester-St. Margaret's.

RESOLUTION NO. 5377

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

Whereas the Chester Grant area will continue to be well protected from forest fires thanks to the hard work and dedication of area residents and the Department of Natural Resources; and

Whereas the new Chester Grant building will replace an aging facility in the area and will supplement a larger depot in Lunenburg County; and

Whereas the new facility will house firefighting equipment and Department of Natural Resources staff from April 1st to October 31st annually;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House send out a special thank you to Chester Grant resident Brady Hennigar for his hard work to keep the depot open, and to Natural Resources Minister Richard Hurlburt and staff for their dedication and recognition of the Chester Grant community.

[Page 9855]

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. 5378

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

Whereas the Tom Miller Human Rights Award was named for Nova Scotia's first Black alderman. The award recognizes progressive work in the field of human rights; and

Whereas the Affirmative Action Committee of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality announced that Scott Thomas, President of the Cape Breton University Student Union, will receive this year's Tom Miller Human Rights Award; and

Whereas Scott Thomas, a resident of Morrison Road of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, donated two months of his salary as union president, $2,000, to fellow student Shawn Martell, who has cerebral palsy, thus enabling him to live on campus, in residence, with attendant care for his remaining time at the university;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Scott Thomas for being chosen to receive this year's Tom Miller Human Rights Award which will be presented to him on Friday at the Council Chambers in the Civic Centre in Sydney.

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 9856]

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Hants East.

RESOLUTION NO. 5379

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

Whereas teaching music is like giving a gift of perpetual joy; and

Whereas Mr. Chalmers Doane has instilled in his students a love for music and appreciation for his gift passed on through his teaching; and

Whereas in September 2005, Mr. Doane was awarded the Order of Canada for his many accomplishments in the field as a music educator;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Mr. Chalmers Doane on receiving the Order of Canada and wish him further success in spreading the sound of music.

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 Glace Bay.

RESOLUTION NO. 5380

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 each year the College of Family Physicians of Canada acknowledges the compassion and dedication of 10 physicians across the country by awarding 10 Family Physician of the Year Awards; and

[Page 9857]

Whereas award recipients are chosen by their peers for providing exceptional care to patients and making meaningful contributions to the health and well-being of their communities; and

[11:45 a.m.]

Whereas Nova Scotia's 2005 Family Physician of the Year Award recipient is Dr. John McNab, a partner in the Fall River Family Practice;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House congratulate Dr. John McNab on this distinct honour, and wish he and his family all the best in the times ahead.

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 North.

RESOLUTION NO. 5381

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

Whereas the Kingstec Campus Learning Centre has been relocated to a bigger and better facility on the Kingstec Campus in Kentville; and

Whereas the new daycare facility boasts a new infant centre with eight spaces, six additional preschool spaces for a total of 24, and a toddler room with 12 spaces, total capacity rose from 30 to 44; and

Whereas Director Krista Toole helped to develop and plan the new site which created four new staff positions;

[Page 9858]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the staff at the Kingstec Campus Learning Centre on opening their new facilities and wish them continued success 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 member for Dartmouth East.

RESOLUTION NO. 5382

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

Whereas on November 21st I had the opportunity to attend the grand opening ceremony of Phase I for the Michael Wallace Community Playground; and

Whereas through the hard work and dedication of many people, including committee co-chairs Joe Doiron and Eric Parsons and former school principal Anna Marie Sarto, the school now has an age-appropriate physical activity playground for ages 9 to 12; and

Whereas this kind of achievement is a shining example of a community working together to reach a goal;

Therefore be it resolved that this Legislative Assembly congratulate the teachers, parents, administrators, community members and students for volunteering their time and resources to build Phase I and wish them continued success with the next phase.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

[Page 9859]

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. 5383

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

Whereas on Tuesday, November 22, 2005 we lost both a great Canadian and Nova Scotian when Charlie Keating passed away; and

Whereas journalist Gamaliel Bailey once wrote, "Never respect men merely for their riches, but rather for their philanthropy; we do not value the sun for its height, but for its use"; and

Whereas while Charlie Keating's business experience and successes were known to all, he will best be remembered for his community involvement and support to such organizations as St. John Ambulance, the Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia, his alma mater St. F.X. University, PAWEECA and the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend sincere condolences to the Keating family and be ever appreciative of the contributions Charlie Keating made to 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 Eastern Shore.

[Page 9860]

RESOLUTION NO. 5384

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

Whereas on Saturday, December 3, 2005, the musical group, Gospel Harmony, held a CD release at the Jeddore Baptist Church, causing great excitement in the community with their first CD; and

Whereas I was very pleased to attend the event and listen to their new CD that consists of a very pleasant collection of old time country and gospel music; and

Whereas Gospel Harmony is made up of five local musicians who volunteer their time and talent to benefit community organizations and local charities, also performing at local museums, churches, Summer fairs, senior complexes, nursing homes and the Veterans' Hospital;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank Gospel Harmony for their generosity of time and talent to their community and wish them continued success in their musical 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 Chebucto.

RESOLUTION NO. 5385

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

Whereas Ron MacNeil has served as president of Halifax Chebucto Minor Baseball for six years, but is not re-offering for that position; and

[Page 9861]

Whereas since 1999 Chebucto Minor Baseball has gained 50 per cent more members, major improvements in Larry O'Connell Field and its clubhouse and success in its growing rep program; and

Whereas Halifax Chebucto Minor Baseball won the 2005 Association of the Year Award from Baseball Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate outgoing President Ron MacNeil, the directors, volunteers and players of Halifax Chebucto Minor Baseball, for their growth and success in recent years as they ensure that every player is a star.

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 Clare.

RESOLUTION NO. 5386

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

Whereas the Village of Chester lost a great friend and leader when Joe Saunders passed away on November 22, 2005; and

Whereas Joe served both his country and community with a quiet dignity and respect that won't soon be forgotten; and

Whereas the Shoreham Village Senior Citizens Complex, Branch 44 of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Chester Basin Volunteer Fire Department are examples of the many organizations which reaped the rewards from the talent and dedication Joe exhibited throughout his life;

[Page 9862]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend our sincerest condolences to the Saunders family and always remember and appreciate the great contributions Joe made to both this country and community.

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. 5387

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

Whereas this year being the Year of the Veteran, I found it appropriate to hold a Year of the Veteran Scholarship contest, and received 140 entries; and

Whereas we narrowed it down to 11 winners, which was very hard to do because of the impressive content of the answers to the question, as a young Canadian, why is honouring our veterans important to you?; and

Whereas eight schools participated; New Ross Consolidated, Forest Heights Community School, Gold River-Western Shore Elementary, Chester District, Chester Area Middle School, Tantallon Junior High School, Tantallon Elementary and Sir John A.;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the 11 winners and eight schools that participated in the contest.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

[Page 9863]

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. 5388

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

Whereas Elizabeth Sutherland School teaches students from Primary through Grade 9 in a forest setting, near Kidston Lake and the famed Rocking Stone of Spryfield; and

Whereas Principal Glenn Taylor and Musical Director, Bernard Curtis-Williams have been inspired by their students and surroundings to write a musical play, Skyhawk, portraying forest animals struggling against a tyranny of rats and weasels; and

Whereas students and staff have rebuilt the school stage, and with great wit and energy presented this play on November 9th and 10th;

Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate staff and students of Elizabeth Sutherland School on the world premiere of Skyhawk, wish all of them many broken legs in their future stage careers and success always against rats and weasels.

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.

[Page 9864]

RESOLUTION NO. 5389

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

Whereas Canada's House of Commons has unanimously adopted a motion supporting supply-managed commodities of eggs, poultry and milk to ensure a fair and equitable income for producers; and

Whereas the federal Minister of Agriculture and federal Minister of Trade will be participating in World Trade Organization negotiations in Hong Kong next week; and

Whereas our provincial Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Honourable Christopher d'Entremont, will lead a delegation of stakeholders to Hong Kong with a commitment to maintain a strong and effective supply management system;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House support the position that there will be no changes to our national supply management system and tariffs will be maintained at the current level, so that our farmers can continue to produce the right amount of great quality product, to meet the needs of Canadian consumers.

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 Education.

RESOLUTION NO. 5390

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

Whereas the Cobequid Educational Centre Cougars won the 2005-06 NSSAF Division 1 Boys Provincial Volleyball Championships, held at Sackville High School; and

[Page 9865]

Whereas the Cougars defeated West Kings in three sets in the championship match, ending the Wolverines three-year reign.

Whereas the team's success was due to phenomenal team effort, great coaching and student and family support;

Therefore be it resolved that all members congratulate the CEC Cougars players, coach Harvey MacEachern, and team officials on winning the NSSAF Division 1 2005-06 Boys Provincial Volleyball Championship, and wish them success in their future challenges.

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. 5391

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

Whereas on November 19th the Pacer Social Club of Pictou held its official opening on the second floor of the old CN Train Station in our town; and

Whereas the focus of this club will be to provide a secure and fun place free from alcohol and drugs for area residents; and

Whereas with the support of the municipal units in Pictou County, plus the hard work and planning of Eric Daley of Addiction Services, the Pacer Social Club will provide a valuable space for people to relax and enjoy themselves;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate the many volunteers, the municipal units from Pictou County, the staff at Addiction Services, particularly Eric Daley, for their work to bring the Pacer Social Club into existence, and wish them future success in this important endeavour.

[Page 9866]

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 Clayton Park.

RESOLUTION NO. 5392

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

Whereas Mariette Ghosn of Clayton Park opened the Centennial Break Shop 13 years ago in the Centennial Building in Halifax; and

Whereas the Centennial Break Shop has grown and prospered as a successful coffee shop serving not only the tenants of the Centennial Building, but also many customers from the surrounding businesses as well; and

Whereas with the upcoming closure, many people will miss the wonderful food and friendly service given by Mariette and her staff;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House recognize the quality service and meals that the Centennial Break Shop has provided over the years and wish Mariette and her family every success as they move on to 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.

[Page 9867]

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Hants East.

RESOLUTION NO. 5393

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

Whereas statistics show that bullying occurs every seven minutes in Canadian schools, and up to 15 per cent of students are bullied; and

Whereas 19 students in Hants East Rural High School attended a two-day anti-bullying workshop this year; and

Whereas the Grade 9 and Grade 10 students in Hants East have now started an anti-bullying league to promote tolerance and respect in their school;

Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate the students of Hants East Rural High School on their commitment to tolerance and respect for all students and their determination to tackle the issue of bullying in their school.

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. 5394

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

Whereas the Citizens Against Strip-Mining have been adamantly opposed to the stripping of coal from the very beginning; and

[Page 9868]

Whereas the Citizens Against Strip-Mining have lobbied the government to ban any form of the stripping of coal as reclamation mining or remediation; and

Whereas the loss of water is imminent and is the top priority for CASM;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House lobby the Minister of Environment and Labour to allow a 30-day extension, as requested, to respond to the accumulative study recently completed.

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.

RESOLUTION NO. 5395

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 Dartmouth Imperial Oil Refinery has grown continuously since it started operations in 1918 to meet the demands of the First World War, and is currently investing $150 million in production and infrastructure upgrades; and

Whereas the refinery is a leader in industrial safety performance with more than 5.5 million hours worked without serious injury; and

Whereas the refinery's 200 employees and 70 contracted staff exemplify a high level of professionalism and work ethic;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Imperial Oil and Esso as they celebrate their 125 years of service in Canada, and thank them for their generous support to community organizations and initiatives within the Halifax Regional Municipality as well as their economic contribution to Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

[Page 9869]

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. 5396

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 morning of December 6th, 1917, is remembered each year in Nova Scotia and beyond for a day filled with destruction and loss; and

Whereas Nova Scotians, particularly those in the Halifax area, set aside time each year to remember the Halifax Explosion, the victims, their families and the friends, as well as those who came to aid; and

Whereas the education of generations to come is assisted by many organizations, museums and individuals so that the memory of this horrendous disaster is not forgotten;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly, take time to remember the victims of the Halifax Explosion, and continue to educate our children about the loss and display of courage.

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 9870]

[12:00 noon]

The honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect.

RESOLUTION NO. 5397

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 Ironworker, a monument to recognize the building of the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge was unveiled on Monday, December 5, 2005; and

Whereas Cyril Sampson of Timberlea worked on this bridge linking Halifax and Dartmouth;

Whereas Mr. Sampson worked on other bridges in Chatham, New Brunswick, Seal Island, Cape Breton and various buildings in the Halifax area;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate Cyril Sampson and all workers on the recognition of their contribution to the building of the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Preston.

RESOLUTION NO. 5398

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

[Page 9871]

Whereas 84 years ago, the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children opened its doors for orphaned children and is currently the oldest co-ed residential facility in Nova Scotia, providing residential care for youth in need; and

Whereas on Sunday, December 11th, the 74th Annual Telethon for the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children will be broadcast on Eastlink Television to provide much needed funds for this remarkable organization; and

Whereas the annual fundraiser broadcast began in 1931, making it the oldest, longest running fundraising campaign in Canada;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House recognize the important work of the volunteers, staff and Board of the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children, and wish them every success in this year's telethon.

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 North.

MR. JERRY PYE: Mr. Speaker, before I begin my resolution, I'm wondering if the House will permit me an introduction?

MR. SPEAKER: Yes, most certainly.

MR. PYE: Mr. Speaker, in the west gallery, there is a constituent of Dartmouth North, as well as a Dartmouth High student, a Grade 10 high school student by the name of Brandon Walker. Brandon Walker has been a Student Ambassador for the Kids Help Phone and he is here today, participating with me as a job shadowing person. I want you to know that Brandon has already recognized how much work an MLA must do, beginning his services at around 8:30 this morning. So, I wanted to say, that I would greatly appreciate if Brandon would stand and receive a warm welcome of the House. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Dartmouth North.

[Page 9872]

RESOLUTION NO. 5399

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

Whereas Mr. Karl Nightingale of Dartmouth, has been a well-known leader and volunteer in our community since the 1990s; and

Whereas Mr. Nightingale has used his skills, talent and passion to support and enrich many grass-roots service organizations, including the Dartmouth Family Centre, the Dartmouth North Echo Newspaper, Knowledge is Power and the Dartmouth Boys and Girls Club; and

Whereas Mr. Nightingale is concluding his work with the Dartmouth Community Health Board to pursue a new but equally meaningful career opportunity;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House applaud the efforts of Karl Nightingale, one of the many outstanding community leaders that make Dartmouth a safe and vibrant community and a wonderful place to live.

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 Clare.

RESOLUTION NO. 5400

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

Whereas the Esso Women's National Hockey Championship is celebrating its 25th Anniversary by holding its tournament once again in Sydney, Nova Scotia; and

[Page 9873]

Whereas chairpersons and the coordinating committee have worked tirelessly preparing everything from travel of players to the freezing of pucks; and

Whereas the championship will see many Olympic-calibre players fresh from the Winter Games in Italy;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly congratulate the coordinating committee and the many volunteers for their exceptional planning, and wish them the best of luck as they once again prove to the world that Nova Scotia is the place for major sporting events.

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. 5401

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 Soil & Water Conservation Society of Metro Halifax is a non-profit organization of professionals dedicated to protecting land and water resources in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the society has developed extensive data, modelling, analyses and scientific reports which it shares with environmental groups, universities, consultants and various levels of government; and

Whereas the society raises public awareness and action through watershed and construction monitoring, educational television shows, Web site, public presentations and lake cleanups;

[Page 9874]

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly thank and congratulate the Soil & Water Conservation Society of Metro Halifax under the extraordinary leadership of Shalom Mandaville, Chair and Scientific Director, for its many contributions to environmental protection in this 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. 5402

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

Whereas the Middleton Lions Club is celebrating 60 years of serving the citizens of Middleton and surrounding communities with support for such projects as the Middleton Rink Commission, Brownies and Guides, Soldiers Memorial Hospital and the Twelve Baskets Food Bank, and many more significant projects benefiting the community at large; and

Whereas the Middleton Lions Club is the oldest club in the province and has raised over $1 million during their 60 years of involvement to help those less fortunate; and

Whereas members of this great service club, both past and present, have a great deal to be proud of in their service of youth and the citizens of Middleton and surrounding communities;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly recognize the hard work and effort shown by the Middleton Lions Club members over the past 60 years and wish them continued success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

[Page 9875]

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect.

RESOLUTION NO. 5403

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

Whereas on November 5, 2005, the communities of Beechville-Lakeside-Timberlea were treated to the music from the You Are The Voice CD released by the Sacred Heart Church; and

Whereas this CD resulted from the hard work of Jennifer Quinn, Bob Quinn, Hayward Parrott and Father Jim Richards; and

Whereas all who attended thoroughly enjoyed the music at the CD launch party in the Sacred Heart Church Hall;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate the Sacred Heart Church music ministry on the release of its CD, You Are The Voice, and offer best wishes in its 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.

[Page 9876]

The honourable member for Halifax Clayton Park.

RESOLUTION NO. 5404

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

Whereas 57 years ago the United Nations General Assembly recognized the equal and inalienable rights accorded to every human being by adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and

Whereas International Human Rights Day is marked every year with activities led by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva, New York, and at the field presences; and

Whereas International Human Rights Day will be observed worldwide this Saturday, December 10th;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly observe International Human Rights Day and call on all people and institutions in Nova Scotia to strive to promote respect for human rights.

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. 5405

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

[Page 9877]

Whereas the Coast Guard Station Sambro was established in 1976 to serve the communities of Sambro, Terence Bay, Prospect, and the coastline 140 nautical miles in each direction; and

Whereas the Sambro crews on Cutter 117, and now on the Sambro, have carried out more than 2,600 search and rescue missions over the past 30 years and saved hundreds of lives; and

Whereas the old building has now been replaced with a new state-of-the-art station which will comfortably accommodate each four man crew in its one-week tour of duty;

Therefore be it resolved that this House recognize the extremely valuable work of the Coast Guard Station Sambro and wish its crews well as they continue their watch along the coast from the new building.

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. 5406

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

Whereas the Minister of Transportation and Public Works has adopted my policy of calling for tenders in the Fall; and

Whereas as recently as yesterday, the minister called for a 10.9 kilometre paving contract in the Tory Minister of Justice's Lunenburg County riding; and

Whereas Victoria-The Lakes lost seven kilometres of paving on Hunter's Mountain to the Inverness riding presently held by the Tory Minister of Tourism;

[Page 9878]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House petition the Minister of Transportation and Public Works to continue to call for tenders for the coming year under the Campaign for Fairness, which was touted in the last provincial election, and call tenders in all ridings, not only in those held by Tory MLAs.

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.

RESOLUTION NO. 5407

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

Whereas Megan Isles of Bear River, who is celebrating her 60th Anniversary as a Canadian this year, arrived in Canada in 1945 as the war bride of Robert Arthur Isles; and

Whereas Mrs. Isles served in the British Land Army during World War II; and

Whereas during her 60 years in Canada she has raised four children, served as a nurse's assistant at the Digby General Hospital delivering babies and caring for mothers and babies, is a supporter of health and personal fitness programs, and has been involved in numerous community volunteer organizations and programs;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Mrs. Isles on her 80th birthday on November 21, 2005, and her 60 years as a Canadian, and recognize her dedication to her family, church, community, province and country.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

[Page 9879]

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. 5408

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

Whereas John Junior Hanna, a proud Cape Bretoner and Nova Scotian, was the first player in the NHL of Lebanese descent who played for the Original Six; and

Whereas Junior, like so many great Nova Scotians, lost a courageous battle with cancer on Sunday, November 19th; and

Whereas Junior's leadership and passion for being part of a team added to his outstanding personality and ability to make everyone feel special;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly send deepest condolences to the family and friends of John Junior Hanna and remind them at this difficult time that he is a person who will be missed but never forgotten.

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. 5409

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

[Page 9880]

Whereas the Royal Canadian Legion program Call to Remembrance instills in its junior high participants a knowledge and appreciation of Canada's participation in the First and Second World Wars; and

Whereas West Kings District High School's Grade 9 students won the Valley region contest and will advance to the Legion's provincial competition; and

Whereas its team members - Ben Deustch, Nathaniel Peters, Ian MacKenzie and Cory McBean - excelled under Coach Bill Reid;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House congratulate the West Kings team and their coach in this special Year of the Veteran, and wish them the best of luck in the provincial Call to Remembrance competition.

[12:15 p.m.]

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 Glace Bay.

RESOLUTION NO. 5410

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 level of crime in our province has been a problem for some time now and there have been an unusual number of cases of arson plaguing the Sydney area; and

Whereas there have been at least 100 fires that have been suspicious in nature in industrial Cape Breton this year, putting lives at risk and causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage; and

[Page 9881]

Whereas the government is doing little to combat the problem of crime which is not only an issue in Sydney and area, but obviously a province-wide concern;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly move to act now on the issue of crime in Nova Scotia.

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.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. Question Period will begin at 12:17 p.m. and end at 1:17 p.m.

The honourable Leader of the Opposition.

ECON. DEV. - GLACE BAY FISHERIES: GOV'T. ASSISTANCE - DETAILS

MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Acting Minister of Economic Development. There are 150 families in Glace Bay, who are wondering how they are going to make ends meet as a result of the closure of the Glace Bay Fisheries on Monday. I can tell you that the day before yesterday, I visited that plant and I spoke with the owner, John Wilcox, about the impact that the closure would have on his employees and their families and I can tell you absolutely that that is his major concern.

Mr. Wilcox built this business from the ground up, without a dollar of provincial or federal government assistance. When he bought the plant in 1992, from National Sea Products, it had 12 employees. The day it closed, it had 150 people, who are now out of work as a result of that closure. So my question for the Acting Minister of Economic Development is, could he explain what his government is doing to provide access to capital, so that Glace Bay Fisheries can sustain the plant and these jobs?

[Page 9882]

HON. MICHAEL BAKER: Mr. Speaker, I can indicate to you that I have spoken to the minister about the matter. Neither the department nor Nova Scotia Business Inc. have received any request from the company. They have prepared to review those requests when received and to process those requests in the ordinary course of reviewing that application.

MR. DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, the minister has repeated what was said yesterday about this issue by Nova Scotia Business Inc. executives. In fact, they expressed surprise that they had not been approached by the company. But I can tell you, I am told by the owners that after approaching a number of federal agencies, including ECBC and ACOA, that officials of ECBC approached NSBI. So even though they didn't receive a direct solicitation, they have known about this issue since the very first week of November. So I wonder, could the Acting Minister of Economic Development tell the House, what, if anything, his government has done over the last four weeks since they were first approached to provide support for this company?

MR. BAKER: Mr. Speaker, I repeat, obviously we're very concerned about the situation with this company. We're prepared to work with the company. The company needs to approach the Province of Nova Scotia through its agency, NSBI, or directly through the Office of Economic Development. When that happens, the application will be reviewed. The process is quite clear. They need to directly approach us about what they need.

MR. DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, my recollection is that the job of the Department of Economic Development and the job of NSBI is to seek to find business and to retain them and if they know that there is a business employing 150 people that is having difficulty, there must be some onus on the department to take initiative to try to seek a remedy to that problem. I don't understand it. I find it ironic that a Tory leadership candidate, who on Monday said he didn't support government loans to businesses, said in Cape Breton on Tuesday that he would have helped Glace Bay Fisheries. So my question for the Acting minister is, what will it take for you to step in and help these people get back to work?

MR. BAKER: Mr. Speaker, I will refer the question to the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, it's my pleasure to stand to speak on this one quickly. There is a meeting going on today that includes the Department of Economic Development, NSBI, ECBC, and those people who would be interested in maintaining the functioning of that fish plant to make sure that we help protect the jobs that are there. A greater piece that we're trying to do within the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is to look at the processing in the province.

[Page 9883]

Mr. Speaker, we are over capacity right now for the amount of quota that is being caught off our shores and, at this point, we are looking at more opportunities to expand different markets, to look at different products, and we're hoping we'll be able to do that. There is a meeting going on today and we hope it will have a positive outcome.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Glace Bay.

ECON. DEV.: GLACE BAY FISH PLANT - LAYOFFS

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Acting Minister of Economic Development. Of course, as we know, on Monday of this week the people of Glace Bay awoke to have 150 less jobs in our area. (Interruptions) It's an echo from you, not from me. The Glace Bay fish plant which happens to also be the second largest private employer in Glace Bay may be a joke to the NDP, but it's certainly not to me.

Mr. Speaker, you know, these employees are being laid off just weeks before the holidays and I don't have to say this, but I will. This has dealt an incredible blow to the people of Glace Bay and, in fact, it highlights the lack of attention that some areas seem to be getting from this government. So my question to the minister is, what is this minister prepared to do to ensure that those 150 employees can return to work at the Glace Bay fish plant?

HON. MICHAEL BAKER: Mr. Speaker, as I indicated, the situation is quite clear, this company did not directly approach the Province of Nova Scotia. It's passing strange that the honourable member is complaining that we didn't help a company that never asked for help from us while at the same time his Liberals friends in Ottawa were asked for help and didn't give it.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, the rural areas of this province are struggling, and individuals are working day in and day out to maintain all the towns, villages and rural routes, but no attention, no assistance from this government. The people of Glace Bay, who are close to their roots, at one time fishing was one of the largest industries there in Glace Bay, more times than not, it's stagnant now. So my question - since the Acting Minister of Economic Development won't answer it - is to the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the minister, since your colleague doesn't seem to have a plan to develop the economy of Glace Bay, what are you planning to do to ensure that those fisheries jobs there now are not lost?

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, as I informed the House just in the last question by the Opposition, there is a meeting going on today. The minister is quite correct that there has been no approach to the provincial government at this point. They

[Page 9884]

had approached ECBC. They had approached ACOA to look at that help. They apparently said no. So we're looking at it right now. We're trying to pick up those pieces and trying to ensure that those positions are held in Glace Bay.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries is quick to point out that there's a meeting this afternoon. I know, I arranged it. Because that area is in crisis right now, I had to call up the Office of Economic Development, NSBI, and put them at the table with Rick Beaton from the Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation and the good MP for the area, Rodger Cuzner. So they're dealing with a crisis that this government has done absolutely nothing about. They didn't even take the initiative after it occurred to offer the help to Glace Bay, that's the problem. So my question for the Acting Minister of Economic Development again is, in less than a month since November 10th, your office has awarded over $1 million to companies, many of which are nowhere near rural areas of this province. I want to ask the acting minister, what is your office doing for rural areas in this province, what is your office going to do for Glace Bay to ensure that it doesn't become a ghost town?

MR. BAKER: Mr. Speaker, very simply, this government, Nova Scotia Business Inc. and the Office of Economic Development are committed to economic development in all parts of Nova Scotia, most particularly rural Nova Scotia. We will help this company after reviewing the information in a way that is appropriate. That's why the meeting is happening this afternoon - when someone finally requested it.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Opposition.

HEALTH - BIO-MEDICAL WASTE: MEDIC DELIVERY -

CONTRACT CANCELLATION

MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health. In April 2005, Medic Delivery Services of Dartmouth won the tender bid to process bio-medical waste. Their small business success story turned into a nightmare a few months later when the contract was cancelled because they asked to relocate the proposed site from Mount Uniacke to Burnside. Medical Waste Management, an Ontario company that threatened to sue the government over the tendering process, was then awarded the contract. My question for the Minister of Health is, the location had no point value in the tendering process, so why was it used as an excuse to cancel Medic Delivery's contract?

HON. ANGUS MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, the original contract was awarded on the basis of the response to the tender call. It became very clear that the company was unable to respond to the details as set out in their response to the tender call. To have continued to award them that contract would have been contrary to the contract which they had entered into with the province. For that reason, we had to consider the next candidate in response to the tender call.

[Page 9885]

MR. DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, the reality is that Medic Delivery Services would have been able to meet its time frame if it had been allowed to move the operation to Burnside. But this government called the location worth nothing in the bidding process, a fundamental deviation from the original proposal and used it as an excuse to cancel the contract. Yet, the Ontario company is locating its operations - where? In Burnside. So my question to the Minister of Health was, why was locating in Burnside a problem for a Nova Scotian company that had the contract, but it's perfectly acceptable for a big company from Ontario?

MR. MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, the awarding of the contract was not an issue of location as much as process. The process that was set out in the original contract that was awarded was a process that was going to be fundamentally changed as a result of changing the location of their operation. That is the reason the contract was not continued with that company because their process was going to have to change in order for them to comply with the contract.

MR. DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, I believe the principles of that company are going to be very surprised to hear that answer because that's not what they were told.

Documents obtained through FOI show a back room deal with the Ontario company was in the works while the Department of Health was still playing the concerned partner with Medic Delivery. Medic Delivery is also losing its contract to Transport Bio-Medical Waste, which it has held for years. This is another in a string of Nova Scotia companies that have been abandoned by this government just like Snair's Bakery and Glace Bay Fisheries. I want to ask the Acting Minister of Economic Development, is this his government's idea of supporting Nova Scotia businesses?

HON. MICHAEL BAKER: Mr. Speaker, I'll refer that to the Minister of Health.

MR. MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, I can tell the honourable member that we in the Department of Health did our utmost to try to create an environment where we could have continued to provide that contract to the original company, which is a Nova Scotia company. However, the details of the response to the tender call were not able to be met by that company. That was unfortunate but it was the situation that faced us, and we took the action that is normally taken in those circumstances and looked at the next bidder on the list.

[12:30 p.m.]

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Annapolis.

TCH: TOURISM DECLINE - EXPLAIN

MR. STEPHEN MCNEIL: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. According to the Nova Scotia 2006 Tourism Plan, overnight visitation

[Page 9886]

to this province is down 5 per cent over the past season, that's 5 per cent. New Brunswick, however, expects room occupancy to be up by 2 per cent, and Prince Edward Island is also reporting an increase. My question to the minister is, why is Nova Scotia the only Maritime Province where tourism was actually down in 2005?

HON. RODNEY MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, indeed, we faced challenges, as did many jurisdictions. What the member doesn't say is that P.E.I., indeed I believe it was an 11 per cent drop that they had last year while we had a 5 per cent increase. So the fact that they are going up is not a bad thing for them, and we applaud them for that. The reality is we have an excellent plan put forward for 2006, we're working with our partners, and we expect to see growth in the future.

MR. MCNEIL: Mr. Speaker, what the minister doesn't say is tourism operators around this province say they've been declining for the last three years. This minister has provided excuse after excuse after excuse. He blamed the high Canadian dollar. I wonder if anyone has told him that New Brunswick and P.E.I. use Canadian currency. He has blamed the high gas prices. I wonder if he compared gas prices in New Brunswick and P.E.I. to Nova Scotia. They are comparable. He has blamed the fact that we've had a lack of American tourists. New Brunswick shares a common border with the United States, and while their American tourists are down, their numbers are up. Those two provinces are not providing excuses; they're providing leadership.

My question to the minister is, when will you and your department show some leadership, and provide tourism operators with a real vision for growth, and perhaps, just maybe, a little bit of hope?

MR. RODNEY MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, far be it from me to argue with the Liberals who know a lot about low numbers. In reality, we have an excellent plan. In fact, last night I met with representatives of the Tourism Partnership Council. They have done an excellent job for this province in the past number of years, and they will do an excellent job in the future. I have confidence in the industry, the industry has confidence in the plan, and we'll move forward with that plan.

MR. MCNEIL: Mr. Speaker, what do Lunenburg, Queens, Argyle, Yarmouth, Clare, Digby, Annapolis and Kings County have in common? They are not part of this tourism vision. The other thing they have in common, and this Liberal knows numbers, there are 11 provincial constituencies which will deliver 47 delegates to a convention in February. These are the very parts of this province that were devastated by the tourism season last year. There is nothing to address the 75 per cent decline of visitors in the Gold River Estate Bed and Breakfast in New Ross, nothing to help King George Inn in Annapolis Royal which suffered a 25 per cent decline in their operating deficit.

[Page 9887]

My question to the minister is, what are you doing to prevent a repeat of the devastating tourism season for Nova Scotia?

MR. RODNEY MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, it is obvious the member and his Party have not taken a look at the plan put forward. The industry is aware of the plan. The places the member remarked upon played a very important role in putting forward the plan for 2006. I have confidence in that plan. We will see our numbers increase in 2006. I have no doubt that the industry will continue to be resilient, will continue to have a good plan, a solid plan, and will continue to grow into the future.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Sackville-Cobequid.

HEALTH - CHRONIC PAIN: WAIT TIMES - ADDRESS

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health. In November a report on the wait times to see a pain specialist showed that the QE II clinic has the longest waits in all of Atlantic Canada. The average wait time is nearly two years in Nova Scotia, but it can soar as high as five years to get into the QE II clinic. In fact the doctors at the clinic are only accepting urgent referrals so that they can address the backlog of patients waiting to be seen. My question to the Minister of Health is, why is your government wasting time and money studying the problem, instead of working with the front-line staff to address the long waits to get help for chronic pain sufferers in Nova Scotia?

HON. ANGUS MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, the honourable member indeed touches upon an issue that is of significance to a number of Nova Scotians. When you approach an issue as significant as this, you want to make sure that you get it right and you get it right from the very beginning. That means that we have to ensure that we have the appropriate resources not just in the pain clinic here in Halifax, but we have appropriate resources distributed throughout the province. It's appropriate for us to take some of the money which we put in the budget last year, because we consider this a priority, and use that in order to ensure that as we respond in the future we will be responding correctly and serving the best interests of all Nova Scotians on a go-forward basis.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): Mr. Speaker, this government has had nearly seven years to fix the problem for these patients who are suffering from chronic pain. One of the groups of patients who are caught in a Catch-22 situation are the patients waiting two years or more for orthopaedic surgery, as well as other procedures. They often are in tremendous pain while they continue to wait for surgery, but the wait times at the pain clinic are equally long - so they have few options to alleviate their suffering. Several patients have called my office and said that their wait times in the pain clinic actually exceed the anticipated wait time for surgery. So I ask the Minister of Health, how much longer will

[Page 9888]

patients have to endure debilitating pain every day before this government takes action to address the unacceptable wait times for chronic pain sufferers?

MR. MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, the fact is that we are taking action. We took action through last year's budget with the inclusion of $300,000 to begin to address the challenge of wait times in pain clinics. That initiative will continue, and it will become a part of the business cycle for the coming year. It is not something that can be resolved through simply a snapping of the finger, it requires resources, resources that are in short supply, and a major part of that, of course, is recruitment. We will work at it. It is a priority, and we will continue to have it as a priority of this government.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): Mr. Speaker, the action our provincial government is taking isn't working. The waits have increased year after year since they've been in government. Helen Tupper, a chronic pain patient and advocate, was recently quoted in an article in The ChronicleHerald, which I'll table, saying, "That's why chronic pain has become known as the invisible epidemic." Many Nova Scotians wake up every day knowing they'll have to endure pain and have to continue to wait to get relief.

My final question to the Minister of Health is, how can he justify these dramatically increasing pain clinic wait times to Nova Scotians?

MR. MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, as I indicated in my answer to the first supplementary, we have clearly indicated our intention to make a resolution of this wait time issue a priority of the government. We included money in last year's budget. I've indicated that it will be part of the business planning cycle for the coming year. We are determined that this issue will continue as a priority of government, and it will, through the planning process we have put in place, begin to roll out a resolution to this issue which will be suitable to the needs of all Nova Scotians.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Fairview.

SERV. N.S. & MUN. REL.: FUEL REBATE - GOV'T. RESPONSE

MR. GRAHAM STEELE: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. The temperature outside the House today will remind everyone in the House of the challenges facing many Nova Scotians in heating their homes this Winter. This government's answer to all those people on low, moderate, and fixed incomes is to offer them a one-time rebate. The income thresholds to qualify for the rebate exclude a great many Nova Scotians who badly need this help. In fact, the federal rebate program has income thresholds that will allow 20,000 more Nova Scotians to qualify than the provincial rebate program does.

[Page 9889]

My first question to the minister is, what does the minister have to say, to those 20,000 Nova Scotians, about why the federal government thinks they need help, but this government doesn't?

HON. BARRY BARNET: Mr. Speaker, the big difference between the federal government and the provincial government is the federal government has billions in surplus and the provincial government continues to operate with its balanced budget approach. I would point out to the member opposite and to all Nova Scotians, that the Province of Nova Scotia has the most generous program to support low-income Nova Scotians with their heat this year.

MR. STEELE: Mr. Speaker, one of the reasons for that may be that people in neighbouring provinces are getting an even bigger break on their fuel oil heating cost than Nova Scotians. Because of the regulation of heating oil prices in Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador, prices for heating oil have been between 4 cents and 5 cents a litre cheaper over the last few months than in Nova Scotia. This is in addition to the fact that in P.E.I. there is no provincial sales tax applied to heating oil which means their citizens have been saving an average of 10.5 cents per litre over the past two months. So my question to the minister is, when will he re-examine his stance on the regulation of home heating oil and put the welfare of Nova Scotians ahead of ideology?

MR. BARNET: Mr. Speaker, what I would say to the member opposite is that, again, we have the most generous program in the country to help low-income Nova Scotians. I would dispute the member's findings that fuel oil prices in New Brunswick and - I believe - Newfoundland, are lower than they are in Nova Scotia. In fact, a recent search of the Internet would show the prices in Nova Scotia are the same or lower, depending on where you buy the fuel.

MR. STEELE: Mr. Speaker, I think the minister better go back and check his facts. Record high heating oil prices and this government's steadfast refusal to remove the unfair HST from heating oil are forcing Nova Scotians to make hard choices - choices between heat and food, paying their bills and filling their tanks - choices that no one should be forced to make. My question to the minister is, when will this government give Nova Scotians a real break, a permanent break, and take the provincial portion of the HST off all sources of home heating fuel?

MR. BARNET: Mr. Speaker, once again to the member opposite, the Province of Nova Scotia has the most generous program in the country to support low-income Nova Scotians. I would point out to the member opposite that his facts are incorrect. The prices for home heating oil in Nova Scotia have declined since the Fall and continue to decline so that we can support, and the industry can support, a valid and appropriate industry.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cape Breton South.

[Page 9890]

COM. SERV. - SINGLE PARENTS: DEBT - ADDRESS

MR. MANNING MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, my question today is for the Minister of Community Services. On October 18, 2005, I questioned the Minister of Community Services on his lack of commitment when it comes to providing support for single parents while attending university. Today the changes coalition, in partnership with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, is presenting a research paper which finds that single-parent families headed by university students faced budget deficits of between $180 and $415 per month. This does not include the annual $12,750 accrued in student debt as a result of the skyrocketing tuition this government is responsible for burdening students with in this province. My question to the minister is, why does the minister continue to allow single parents who only want to create a better life for themselves and their children go deeper and deeper in debt?

HON. DAVID MORSE: Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the member opposite bringing up the question. Basically the question is low-income, Nova Scotian single parents, the parent wants to go to university to enhance their career prospects. That is a laudable goal. It is perhaps not a goal that would necessarily come under Employment Support and Income Assistance, but it is a goal where government should be playing a role.

I did meet with the changes coalition. We had a very good discussion back in the Summer, and a number of initiatives have come out of it. As the member opposite knows, just this past month we made an announcement to help single parents that want to go to Cape Breton University cover their accommodation costs.

MR. MANNING MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, the minister states that government should be playing a role, but the reality is they are not. This is another example of an uncaring minister in an uncaring government. Single parents who are primarily women only want the best possible future for themselves and their children. Yet this minister continues to put up barriers which will result in single parents and their families going deeper and deeper into debt in order to create a better future. The minister is well aware of the facts being outlined in the paper released today. He knows that his government can do something to help these families by enabling them to attend university and break themselves from the cycle of poverty.

[12:45 p.m.]

My question to the minister, Mr. Speaker, given the statistics revealed today, will this minister commit to revising a discriminatory policy so that single parents can go to university and make a better life for themselves and their families?

[Page 9891]

MR. MORSE: Mr. Speaker, as a follow-up to the question from earlier in this session and indeed the commitments that were made with the changes coalition when they came into the Department of Community Services and met with me and my senior staff, the two areas identified by Katherine Reed, who authored this analysis, show that accommodation and child care expenses were the two biggest gaps, the two biggest barriers to being able to go to university.

Mr. Speaker, what we are doing with this pilot project is we're addressing the biggest one, which is the accommodation barrier, and we look forward to also working on the child care one.

MR. MANNING MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, maybe if this minister would hire more social workers in the department instead of bean-counters, he may finally get it, what's not happening in his particular department in dealing with the concerns of single parents, particularly women who are trying to better their lives and the lives of their children.

Obviously, Mr. Speaker, the minister doesn't care so I will try another minister. According to a fact sheet produced by the Status of Women in 2001, women must have a university education before their earnings surpass those of men with less than high school levels of education. Given that this government is barring access to a university education for single parents, who by the way are primarily women, I would ask the Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women to stand up and support single parents who want to attend university when her agency reports that a university education is needed for women to earn more than men who have a high school diploma.

HON. CAROLYN BOLIVAR-GETSON: Mr. Speaker, the Advisory Council on the Status of Women definitely does recognize and support that women do need higher levels of education in order to receive higher wages. Women in this province earn three-quarters of what men earn in the same positions, generally speaking. Having said that, that is why this government supports women in the community college, has allowed for seats there, and continues to support women to receive higher education.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cape Breton Nova.

HEALTH - MARTELL, SHAWN: ASSISTANCE -TIME FRAME

MR. GORDON GOSSE: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health. Shawn Martell is a second year honours business student at Cape Breton University. Shawn has severe cerebral palsy and requires full-time assistance to finish his degree. Shawn has to travel to and from home every day at great expense to his family because the minister's department has refused to fund an assistant who would support him to live in the CBU residence.

[Page 9892]

Mr. Speaker, when is the minister's department going to ensure Shawn has the same rights as everyone else and provide evening and weekend care so he can live in campus accommodations?

HON. ANGUS MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, we have dealt with this question in the past. (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please.

MR. MACISAAC: The fact of the matter is there are a number of very good policies in place which this young man and other students like him are able to take advantage of which allow them to attend post-secondary institutions and they are taking advantage of these programs. There are always further things that we would like to be able to do to assist students to live at the same level as everyone else. That is the challenge that we face and continue to face. I have indicated in the past that the student in question and others like him may, in fact, qualify for a new program which is coming into effect in January of next year and he will be evaluated as a candidate for that program at that time.

MR. GOSSE: Mr. Speaker, the university has offered Shawn suitable living space. The President of the Student Union at CBU has offered to donate part of his salary to pay for an assistant. The Department of Education is (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please.

MR. GOSSE: Mr. Speaker, the university has offered Shawn suitable living space. The President of the Student Union in Cape Breton University has offered to donate part of his salary to pay for an assistant. The Department of Education is paying for a daytime assistant. His family is supporting him in his determination to succeed in life. Shawn's father said recently that the department is going to have to support Shawn throughout his life, so they may as well support him in his determination to get his degree and find a good job.

Mr. Speaker, my second question is, when is the minister going to provide assistance for all disabled people to live full, productive lives with the same opportunities as everyone else?

MR. MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, the fact that the honourable member referenced the support that's provided by the Department of Education, and the support provided by Community Services, allows individuals and students such as the student the honourable member refers to to be able to take advantage of educational opportunities, and as they are able to respond and able to take advantage of those opportunities the result is that we face further challenges with respect to allowing them to live full and complete lives and that's a real challenge that faces all of us, and it is one that may be addressed in the very near future, depending upon the applicant and whether or not he's determined to be a candidate that

[Page 9893]

would qualify. We would be looking at that, but the honourable member does point out a situation which is a real challenge . . .

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. Thank you. The honourable member for Cape Breton Nova on your final supplementary.

MR. GOSSE: Mr. Speaker, the minister is right. He does receive help from the Department of Education and the Department of Community Services, so now he needs help from the Department of Health. Shawn Martell is trying to become an independent adult and is studying business so he can contribute to Nova Scotia's economy and society. Paying for an attendant for him to live in residence is an investment rather than a cost.

Mr. Speaker, my final question is, will you give a commitment to Shawn to have his funding in place in early 2006?

MR. MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, I pointed out the assistance that's provided by the other levels of government because the honourable member references us as being an uncaring government. The fact is we do care and we want to provide opportunities for students such as Shawn. I can tell the honourable member and members of the House that his application will be evaluated very carefully in the new year.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Dartmouth South-Portland Valley.

COM. SERV.: CHILD CARE FUNDING - DETAILS

MS. MARILYN MORE: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Community Services. This week the Leader of the federal Conservative Party admitted that if elected his Party intends to gut the early childhood learning and care initiatives in favour of a form of baby bonuses. The minister's federal cousins do not support what everyone else in the world seems to agree is the best model for educating and caring for our children, so I would like to give the minister a chance to state for the record, does the plan for child care funding presently awaiting provincial Cabinet approval ensure quality, universal, affordable and accessible child care will continue and be strengthened in Nova Scotia in the future?

HON. DAVID MORSE: Yes.

MS. MORE: Mr. Speaker, the planning for early childhood education has been done behind closed doors, following consultations which stakeholders have described as less than useful. The plan is due to be released this month; in fact it is required by the bilateral agreement to be released this month, yet we have heard nothing about a release date. Perhaps the government will be tempted to delay release until after the election, so I would like to ask the minister what assurances can he offer that the timing of the release of the plan for using the bilateral agreement child care funding will not be affected by the federal election?

[Page 9894]

MR. MORSE: Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the chance to point out that the consultations in improving the whole child care delivery system in Nova Scotia have been ongoing before we even knew that there was going to be a new early learning and child care agreement, so the consultations with the working group, from both the non-profit and the commercial centres, has been going on. There's been something like 13 meetings, which included the deputy minister. The first one included me, and actually was called at my request. It has been a very positive experience. Since that time we have gone to a public consultation. In fact, it was overwhelmingly well received. There was a lot of participation, over 2,300 parents and child care workers made submissions. It's been a well-researched plan. It is currently being deliberated before Cabinet.

MS. MORE: Mr. Speaker, I beg to disagree with the minister. The advisory committee that he includes as part of that early consultation is made up of a few selected representatives from the sector, and there has been no broad consultation within the sector. Also, the public consultation was fast-tracked, and the people attending those meetings were not given any assurance that their comments were going to be included or that their perspectives were going to be included in the plan. In fact, they asked to have a copy of the report going from the consultants to the department and were told that that was not available.

Mr. Speaker, getting back to my original point, the federal Conservative Leader talks about choice, but if this minister continues to allow centres to close for lack of funding, an inability to find qualified staff, as we've seen most recently in the only licenced child care centre in Queens County closing, families will have very few choices indeed. My final question to the minister is, when will his child care plan be released so that the public, especially the parents of young children in this province, has a chance to provide feedback before plans are finalized in 2006, keeping in mind that the funding for this current fiscal year has not been disbursed yet?

MR. MORSE: Mr. Speaker, indeed, it's good to be able to point out the tremendous participation in the consultation process. As the member opposite has pointed out, we did move expeditiously to facilitate this. We wanted Nova Scotians' input. We got their input. We're very pleased with the participation rate. It was all to try to accommodate the deadline.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Glace Bay.

HEALTH - LONG-TERM CARE BED CRISIS: REASONS - EXPLAIN

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health. Since we last sat in this House, individuals both inside and outside the health care system have spoken out on the long-term care bed crisis this government has created. From the CEO of the South Shore DHA to a councillor in Port Hawkesbury, all have stated that the lack of long-term care beds is creating longer wait times as there are fewer and fewer beds available for surgery patients to recuperate. Over the last couple of weeks, contacts with

[Page 9895]

all of the DHAs have found that there are 412 patients assessed or waiting to be assessed for long-term care placement. All 412 are occupying either medical surgical beds or ALC beds in acute care facilities. Whatever the case, beds are being blocked by patients who deserve to receive care in more appropriate settings. My question for the minister is, why has the minister allowed this crisis to happen?

HON. ANGUS MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, this government has, through the last budget, begun to address this situation. We have included provisions for 300 additional beds in the last budget. We will be receiving the results of the province-wide consultation, which will allow us to make appropriate decisions with respect to the location and numbers of additional beds throughout the province. We will be acting on that as soon as the report becomes available.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, we have a crisis in the health care system because this government and this minister have failed to plan. They've failed to meet their 1999 promise that ensured that people get the right care at the right times at the right cost. Nova Scotians are waiting longer and longer for surgery as a result of this government's failure to plan and manage the health care system. My question to the minister is, when will this minister finally come forward with a comprehensive continuing care plan that will ensure that patients get the right care in the right place at the right cost, just like the Premier promised in 1999?

[1:00 p.m.]

MR. MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, indeed, we did make commitments with respect to health care in 1999. The first thing we had to do when we became government was to restore the loss of nurses that occurred in this province as a result of the policies of that Party when they were the government. We had to recruit the additional doctors that they chased out of the province. It took them five to six years to chase them all away. We've started bringing them back. That was the first fundamental challenge that we had to meet as a government. We have a plan being developed that the honourable member refers to. That plan will be unveiled to all Nova Scotians, and it will reflect a province-wide consultation that will give us a very clear direction in which we should move in the future. We can only do that if we first of all restore the numbers they had decimated while they were the government in this province.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, this minister, this government has been in power now for almost seven years, almost seven years and they're still working on a plan. This is just an example of how these government members can thump their chests about something that's in a crisis, something such as health care. The public knows the difference. We have a health care crisis, 412 patients in this province are in hospital beds instead of in more appropriate care settings. It's not just the CEO at the South Shore DHA

[Page 9896]

or the councillor in Port Hawkesbury or myself as the Liberal Health Critic who says we're in a crisis, on May 17th of this year, it was your Premier who said we have a health care crisis.

Mr. Speaker, my question for the minister is, could the minister please indicate why he thinks it's acceptable that 412 people in this province are in hospital beds that are so desperately needed to reduce wait times in this province?

MR. MACISAAC: First of all, Mr. Speaker, I have never ever suggested that that is something with which I am satisfied. That is why we included, in the last budget, provisions for additional long-term care beds in this province. That is why we will have a very comprehensive plan in which to move forward. We will address this challenge. We will do it appropriately, and we will do it in a very planned, methodical manner. We have begun that; we began the process in the last budget.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Pictou West.

ECON. DEV. - TRENTON WORKS: ORDERS - EFFORTS

MR. CHARLES PARKER: Mr. Speaker, my question, through you, is to the Acting Minister of Economic Development. The Trenton Car Works in Pictou County has long played a very important role in the economy of Pictou County. Last week this major employer laid off close to 400 workers, leaving a serious impact on our workers, our economy and our whole community. The problem is that a lot of the orders are now going to Mexico instead of Trenton Works. Without more orders coming this way, these jobs may well be gone for good, and the remaining jobs may soon follow. My question through you to the minister is, what action is the acting minister's department taking to help secure orders for Trenton Works?

HON. MICHAEL BAKER: Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the question from the honourable member. It's a very important question, because that's a vital employer in Pictou County, central Nova Scotia. In fact, I understand the Premier has met with officials from Trenton Works to discuss the matter. The government is prepared to help in any way which Trenton Works feels would be helpful in dealing with their concerns. My understanding is that the offer is open to help Trenton Works in any way that management believes would be helpful.

MR. PARKER: Mr. Speaker, these 400 jobs are well-paying skilled jobs, and they help to keep our young people in Pictou County and they're going to be hard to replace, especially in rural Nova Scotia. For many, there will be no option but to leave. So I think it's going to require some action from government to help these young workers and help them to stay in Pictou County, like retraining allowance or upgrading skills at our community college.

[Page 9897]

So again through you, Mr. Speaker, to the acting minister, what role do you see the Office of Economic Development playing to assist these laid-off workers?

MR. BAKER: Mr. Speaker, we believe our role in government is to assist that company in any way possible. There are obviously issues about competition. If there are issues about competition which the government can be helpful, we are prepared to work with them. Not only are our doors open to that company, we will do everything in our power to assist that company in re-establishing their workforce.

MR. PARKER: Mr. Speaker, we need to keep these jobs in Pictou County. It's vital to our local economy, and to do this it's going to take a concerted effort on the parts of everybody who's involved - the management, the union, government and certainly the community involvement. So, again, what role does the department feel it can play in bringing all these parties together in a concerted effort to bring about a positive outcome for Trenton Works and for Pictou County?

MR. BAKER: Mr. Speaker, I can tell you that this issue is very much on the government's radar screen. In fact, I know the issue was raised by the Premier at a meeting with officials of the Canadian National Railway to look at issues of cost, which would be helpful. We're working with Canadian National Railway, with the company, and we will assist them in any way they ask to deal with re-establishing orders.

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

ENERGY - STORA ENSO: ELECTRICITY COST-IMPACT

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Acting Minister of Energy. Nova Scotians would be aware that Stora Enso, located in Point Tupper, Richmond County, is being faced with an electricity increase of over 30 per cent. The pulp and paper industry is facing an enormous number of challenges in the global marketplace, but the problems at Stora Enso are being exacerbated by the prospect of another unreasonable rate increase here in Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, there are 500 direct jobs at Stora Enso, with thousands of support and spin-off jobs affecting every community throughout the Strait area and eastern Nova Scotia. So my question to the acting minister is, what exactly are the minister and this government planning to do to mitigate the impact of the high cost of electricity on Stora Enso and other pulp and paper mills throughout the province?

HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, Stora Enso is not only incredibly important to the Strait area, it's incredibly important to the Province of Nova Scotia. The government certainly recognizes the effect of high electricity costs not only to Stora Enso, but to all the mills across this province. I am sure that the government will do whatever it

[Page 9898]

possibly can to take care of the concerns of Stora Enso and other mills across the Province of Nova Scotia.

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, that will be very little comfort to the families of the unionized employees who voted to go out on strike, knowing that this government doesn't have a plan and has refused to do anything. Let's look at what the government had the opportunity to do. They could have said no rate hearing this year, because of the increase already this Spring. They could have said no two rate hearings under one year, and could have put that into law. Instead, the government chose not to act on those two matters. Instead, they decided to send what they call an advocate to sit at the hearings and watch another increase hit Nova Scotians.

This government has been given an opportunity to show leadership. This is impacting not only Nova Scotia families, it's impacting jobs. We saw Trenton Car Works, now we're seeing the impact at Stora Enso, where there is a legitimate fear that the newsprint section will be closed down permanently if this strike takes place and if this power rate increase takes place. So my question to the minister is, why does this Progressive Conservative Government continue to cozy up to Nova Scotia Power and allow rate increases that are costing Nova Scotians their jobs?

MR. RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, I think the honourable member is probably alluding to the fact that he introduced a bill in this House, which would have precluded more than one rate hearing in a year. I think that he recognized the fact that the government looked very favourably on that bill. However, it got to be rather late in this particular session to call that bill into progression. However, I'm sure that it is something that we can look at in the Spring session.

Mr. Speaker, the rate hearings for Nova Scotia Power are not yet completed and on the completion of those hearings, we will have further to say with regard to rate increases.

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, everyone in Nova Scotia knows there's going to be an increase in electricity rates in this province. The question is, how much of an increase? Stora, Abitibi Paper are already being told what to expect in increases. Thirty per cent is what Stora is looking at. They are currently uncompetitive compared to mills in other provinces. An extra 30 per cent pretty much wipes them out on competitiveness in the newsprint section, yet this government talks about solutions that were made available to them that they refused to act on and again Nova Scotians are being put at risk. So my question again to the minister is, what is it going to take to get your government to finally stand up to Nova Scotia Power to protect Nova Scotians, to protect families and protect good paying jobs here in this province?

[Page 9899]

MR. RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, obviously the honourable member has been looking in his crystal ball and has come up with what an increase is going to occur at the end of the present hearings that are going on at the URB. Let's not speculate.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage.

JUSTICE - FOIPOP REVIEW OFFICER: APPOINTMENT - COMMITMENT

MR. KEVIN DEVEAUX: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Justice in his role as the Minister of Justice. I asked this question a few weeks ago when we were in the House and I want to ask the question again. We still don't have any evidence that this government is intending to replace Darce Fardy who is the current Freedom of Information Review Officer and his job ends on January 25, 2006, which is only six weeks away. This government still has not posted an ad, still has not posted this job for purposes of trying to hire a replacement for Mr. Fardy, who plays a very important role in this province as a watchdog, with regard to how this government controls information.

To put it in perspective, we just passed a resolution earlier today to appoint the new Auditor General, that process took over a year and yet in less than six weeks, we're going to be losing our review officer for Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and this government hasn't even begun the process of reappointing or appointing someone new. So I want to ask the Minister of Justice, can he stand in this House today and make a commitment as to when we will be beginning the process of appointing a new review officer for the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act?

HON. MICHAEL BAKER: Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the help from the Leader of the Opposition in suggesting the names of several highly qualified candidates, however, this is a very serious issue. We will be appointing a new review officer and the new review officer will be in place to make sure that there is no - they will be in place for January 25th.

MR. DEVEAUX: Mr. Speaker, it would be easier to have confidence in the minister's statement as equivocal as it was, if we actually didn't see evidence in the past. For example, in the recent Spring budget, the Financial Measures Act that passed actually deleted any reference to the Freedom of Information Review Office and now we see that they are very slow in replacing someone who is leaving in less than six weeks. Clearly, there are a lot of concerns voiced by people who are involved in accessing information from the government, that this government is in the process of closing down the review office and rolling it into the Ombudsman's office, so that we would no longer have a dedicated review office under the FOIPOP Act. So I want to ask this minister, can he stand in this House today and commit to this House and to the people of Nova Scotia that we will continue to have in the future a review office under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and that it will not be rolled into the Ombudsman's office?

[Page 9900]

[1:15 p.m.]

MR. BAKER: Mr. Speaker, in as loud words as I can muster, I will indicate to the honourable member we will have an independent review officer. That's what my commitment is.

MR. DEVEAUX: Mr. Speaker, the minister might be willing to say we'll have an independent review officer, he didn't say we would have an independent review office. This is, again, my concern. This minister in the Spring through the Financial Measures Act makes no commitment to the office, six weeks before this review officer, Mr. Fardy, is leaving we have no proof that he's willing to replace this person, we have no commitment to a full-time privacy commissioner; in fact, we're the only province without one. Again, proof that this government does not have a lot of concern for freedom of information and for the need to ensure that we're going to be able to have a dedicated office to protect the fundamental rights of Nova Scotians.

I want to ask this minister, when will the Minister of Justice admit he's extinguishing the freedom of information office in this province and does not have a concern for ensuring we have this dedicated office protecting the fundamental rights of Nova Scotians?

MR. BAKER: Mr. Speaker, we're committed to a very effective freedom of information process and we will have an independent freedom of information officer.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Clayton Park. You have about 15 seconds.

MS. DIANA WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, I'd like to ask the Minister of Education if the minister has any plans to address the urgent need for tuition support for first-year students because the numbers are declining now in the Province of Nova Scotia?

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The time allotted for the Oral Question Period has expired.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, I move that you do now leave the Chair and the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole House on Bills.

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

[Page 9901]

The motion is carried.

[1:17 p.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Bills with Deputy Speaker Mr. Charles Parker in the Chair.]

[1:32 p.m. CWH on Bills rose and the House reconvened. Mr. Speaker, Hon. Murray Scott, resumed the Chair.]

MR. SPEAKER: The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House on Bills reports:

THE CLERK: That the committee has met and considered the following bill:

Bill No. 275 - Off-highway Vehicles Act.

and the chairman has been instructed to recommend this bill to the favourable consideration of the House, without amendment.

MR. SPEAKER: When shall this bill be read for a third time?

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Now.

MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Public Bills for Third Reading.

PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 275.

Bill No. 275 - Off-highway Vehicles Act.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Natural Resources.

HON. RICHARD HURLBURT: Mr. Speaker, I move Bill No. 275 for third reading.

[Page 9902]

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 275.

The honourable member for Kings West.

MR. LEO GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak to Bill No. 275, an Act to Amend the Off-highway Vehicles Act.

First of all let me clearly state the Liberal caucus is disappointed with the end result that we are faced with here today in Bill No. 275. The OHV task force worked tirelessly on the 39 recommendations - 39 - they put forward to government in a report released over a year ago. Collectively, these dedicated task force members volunteered the equivalent of 1,000 working days preparing their report. In doing this they participated in 24 community hall meetings, met with numerous stakeholder and community organizations, reviewed hundreds of research papers and considered thousands of detailed written submissions - it was the largest public consultation ever within our province. They provided government with everything they needed, the proper research, public consultation, recommendations and strategies; however government chose to ignore their advice.

I want to thank these dedicated volunteers for all their time, their expertise and their efforts on behalf of the Liberal caucus. They have served their province well, and they should be proud of the work they have accomplished despite the lack of respect government has demonstrated since the release of their report. The Liberal caucus also wants to thank all those who came forward during the Law Amendments Committee process, on either side of the issue, to once again fight for what they believe in. Anyone sitting in on those presentations heard a very, very clear message - protect our children and our environment.

Our caucus firmly believes this bill will do neither adequately. The government and the NDP would argue this bill is far better than what we presented originally. Well, frankly, that isn't saying much. The reality is that the bill has grown stronger in some areas because of the constant pressure the medical community, the environment groups and the private landowners have placed upon the government each and every day since the release of the government's pathetic action plan.

This bill is fraught with gaps and problems. This bill satisfies the needs of no one as it stands right now - no one. The medical community has been ignored, the environmental groups have to a good extent been ignored; this bill does not reflect what Nova Scotians asked for. Our caucus has always put forth the safety of children before petty politics, and our Leader and our caucus cannot, in good conscience, support a bill that we do not believe in. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: If I recognize the honourable minister it will be to close the debate.

[Page 9903]

The honourable Minister of Natural Resources.

HON. RICHARD HURLBURT: Mr. Speaker, through you to all members of the House, and all Nova Scotians, as we conclude debate and discussion on Bill No. 275 I would like to address two or three issues of the bill.

We are very dedicated to enforcing the laws of this province. That's why we have dedicated 12 officers to the off-highway vehicle enforcement team to coincide with the existing 72 officers that we have in the Department of Natural Resources, conservation officers, and making alliances with other enforcement officers in our province. This bill enforces the regulations and rules of this province for protected wilderness areas and sensitive areas in our province and our wildlife and our fish.

This bill also ensures the safety of children and all Nova Scotians. I'm very pleased to be standing in my place today to close debate on third reading of Bill No. 275. I can assure you and all members of this House, and all Nova Scotians, as the Minister of Natural Resources, I will be meeting with ATVANS, I will be meeting with SANS, all across Nova Scotia speaking about the Off-highway Vehicles Act.

Mr. Speaker, as we move ahead to implement Bill No. 275, as I committed in my action plan, we would have a task force outside of the departmental offices, and we will be implementing that. I thank the task force for the hard job they did for all Nova Scotians. I also thank all the members who sat at the Law Amendments Committee. We finally came up with a draft that we can hopefully pass here today. I thank the witnesses who came in. They had a concern for Nova Scotians. We listened to the concerns, and they're in the bill. So, with that, I close debate of Bill No. 275.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 275. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

Ordered that this bill do pass. Ordered that the title be as read by the Clerk. Ordered that the bill be engrossed.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, I move that you do now leave the Chair and that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole House on Bills.

MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

[Page 9904]

The motion is carried.

[1:38 p.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Bills with Deputy Speaker Mr. Charles Parker in the Chair.]

[1:45 p.m. CWH on Bills rose and the House reconvened. Mr. Speaker, Hon. Murray Scott, resumed the Chair.]

MR. SPEAKER: The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House on Bills reports:

THE CLERK: That the committee has met and considered the following bill:

Bill No. 219 - Trade Union Act.

and the chairman has been instructed to recommend this bill to the favourable consideration of the House, without amendment.

Further, Mr. Speaker, the committee has met and considered the following bill:

Bill No. 270 - Professional Planners Act.

and the chairman has been instructed to recommend this bill to the favourable consideration of the House, with certain amendments.

MR. SPEAKER: When should these bills be read for the third time?

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Now.

MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, with the concurrence of the House, could we revert to the order of business, Presenting Reports of Committees?

MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

[Page 9905]

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Glace Bay.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of the Committee on Private and Local Bills, I am directed to report that the committee has met and considered the following bill:

Bill No. 255 - Train Station Inn Cabooses Act.

and the committee recommends this bill to the favourable consideration of the House, without amendment.

MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that this bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole House on Bills.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, I move that you do now leave the Chair and the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole House on Bills.

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

The motion is carried.

[1:46 p.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Bills with Deputy Speaker Mr. Charles Parker in the Chair.]

[1:47 p.m. CWH on Bills rose and the House reconvened. Mr. Speaker, Hon. Murray Scott, resumed the Chair.]

MR. SPEAKER: The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House on Bills reports:

THE CLERK: That the committee has met and considered the following bill:

Bill No. 255 - Train Station Inn Cabooses Act.

and the chairman has been instructed to recommend this bill to the favourable consideration of the House, without amendment.

MR. SPEAKER: When shall this bill be read a third time?

[Page 9906]

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Now.

MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

With the total consent of the House, the motion is to move the bill considered in the Committee of the Whole House today through third reading.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Public Bills for Third Reading.

PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 219.

Bill No. 219 - Trade Union Act.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cape Breton Centre.

MR. FRANK CORBETT: Mr. Speaker, just a few short words on this. I think in the Committee of the Whole House, the Government House Leader said probably what I wanted to say about this bill. This is a bill that has been around for some time. It has been bedded. I think it's one of those things that you probably realize that you did something right when nobody's happy, if you're over-the-roof happy. We have made considerable progress. The changes, I think, support people in the workplace and support the people who represent them in a direct way.

It's one of those things where we've done something, but there's still much more to be done in and around the Trade Union Act. There are certain areas that employees, in this province, are still having a hard time with, whether it's getting recognized in the Trade Union movement or as a charter, Mr. Speaker. I think more of the people who work part-time for the Department of Natural Resources. There's a group out there similar to what we have in the Department of Transportation and Public Works, the part-time workers who work equipment - these people who work for some time. We've been trying to work with both the Minister of Natural Resources and the Minister responsible for the Public Service Commission to look at these employees and find a fitting place for them. If they were in any other industry, they would be allowed to form a union, but because they work for Her Majesty, they're exempt from it. These are things we're working forward to.

[Page 9907]

I want to say at this time that I would thank the minister, his deputy and his staff over there for the hours that they've put on moving this bill forward, it was certainly a very hard time from point to point. They sought broad consultation, which I appreciated, and I think this bill is the result of it. It is a compromise bill but, in essence, it is a good bill. It is a bill that represents lots of hard work by many people in the hypocrisy that some from time to time get maligned by many people. I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, after working on this bill, the people who work over at the Department of Environment and Labour are second to none and they should be recognized for this. I may not have agreed with all their points of view, but their hard work and dedication to this province certainly came through in trying to move this bill forward.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Environment and Labour.

HON. KERRY MORASH: Mr. Speaker, I just have a few things I would like to say. I certainly appreciate the kind comments from the member opposite. The government is certainly committed to ensuring that there's fair and reasonable process in place to protect the rights of unions, employers and employees. We've devoted a lot of time to this with regard to the public consultation and I think it certainly was beneficial and did pay off to get to this point.

It began when the unions identified concerns about access to justice and unreasonable delays in the grievance arbitrations and in response the Opposition tabled Bill No. 219 which proposed some solutions. The proposed solutions included an expedited arbitration process and a duty of fair representation complaint process. So the expedited arbitration is a system that's intended to address the grievances that are unreasonably delayed, that under the duty of fair representation the unions would have the legal duty to represent their members in a manner that is not arbitrary, discriminatory or in bad faith. So a new mechanism for filing complaints by union members would have been created based on this duty and the Labour Relations Board would be mandated to review and determine these complaints. So the proposal, therefore, broadened the mandate of the Labour Relations Board to include complaints from union members who feel they have not received fair representation.

It's also important to note that the unions already have a duty to fairly represent their members which can be enforced through litigation in the courts given that the Labour Relations Board's jurisdiction in these matters will ensure a more speedy access to resolution of the disputes for both the unions and the employers.

In response to Bill No. 219 the government committed to the consultation process that was mentioned and requested submissions from key stakeholders. Those submissions have been reviewed and clearly identify where there was agreement and where there was disagreement. The submissions consistently included statements that good labour relations benefit workers, employers, government and the province in general; however, there was no

[Page 9908]

consensus that the proposed amendments in Bill No. 219 would be effective in improving labour relations.

In general, employers were opposed to both changes, although to a lesser extent the duty of fair representation and argued there are good labour relations in Nova Scotia workplaces currently; in contrast the unions unanimously supported the proposals. They argued that labour relations needed to be improved and they believed these two changes would do so by reducing costs, by minimizing delays in arbitration, and by giving easier redress to union members with complaints against their unions.

There were also some common issues in the submissions. There was certainly some agreement that capacity is the key reason for arbitration delays, and this concerned the availability of qualified arbitrators, advocates and representatives of both union and management. Stakeholders also agreed that capacity would not be addressed by the original provisions of Bill No. 219, and the common goal agreed on by everyone - government, union, employers and employees - was fair access to justice for all.

To make Bill No. 219 work, we clearly needed to address these concerns. We needed amendments that balanced the rights of all stakeholders, and I'm happy to say the language in Bill No. 219 has now been amended to provide a mechanism for dealing with arbitration cases that are unreasonably delayed.

The problem of capacity can be addressed through further dialogue with stakeholders without the need for legislative changes, and the new model will not affect the situations where the parties have agreed to extend the grievance process in accordance with their collective agreements. It will also enable them to address delays that have gone beyond those bounds.

The new model essentially lengthens the time within which the parties maintain their autonomy, but at the same time creates a broader range of ministerial powers once the period of autonomy has lapsed; in other words, the model incorporates more of a case management approach for addressing unreasonable delays. It reflects the views that at some point in the process the interest of the parties in maintaining control of their own process must be balanced against the general interests of the system in a fair process that delivers timely outcomes. So the proposed legislation as amended attempts to balance the interests of the union, the employer, government and the public.

We certainly appreciate the comments from the members opposite, and I'm very pleased to be able to say a few words. Thank you for your co-operation.

MR. SPEAKER: If I recognize the honourable member for Cape Breton Centre it will be to close the debate.

[Page 9909]

The honourable member for Cape Breton Centre.

MR. FRANK CORBETT: I move third reading of Bill No. 219.

MR. SPEAKER: The question is for third reading of Bill No. 219. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

Ordered that this bill do pass. Ordered that the title be as read by the Clerk. Ordered that the bill be engrossed.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Private and Local Bills for Third Reading.

PRIVATE AND LOCAL BILLS FOR THIRD READING

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 255.

Bill No. 255 - Train Station Inn Cabooses Act.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Colchester North.

MR. WILLIAM LANGILLE: Mr. Speaker, I move Bill No. 255 for third reading.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 255. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

Ordered that this bill do pass. Ordered that the title be as read by the Clerk. Ordered that the bill be engrossed.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Private Members' Public Bills for Third Reading.

[Page 9910]

PRIVATE MEMBERS' PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. RONALD RUSSEL: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 270.

Bill No. 270 - Professional Planners Act.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Chebucto.

MR. HOWARD EPSTEIN: Mr. Speaker, I had occasion when this bill came forward at second reading to make some comments. Given that I'm on the record as having raised a number of difficulties with the bill at the time, I wish now to go on record at this opportunity at third reading to state that the matters that I had raised as concerns have been addressed. I'm quite prepared to support the bill. I have raised a few points about the nature of public representation on the board, I had raised questions about consultation with the department concerned, I had raised a question about whether this kind of bill - that is, a bill which sets up a self-regulating profession - really should come forward at all as a Private Members' Bill or whether some other mechanism would be appropriate.

I have to say I'm still of the opinion that when it comes to self-regulating professions that these bills should not come forward as Private Members' Bills. They really should come forward from the department concerned. We know that a number of organizations, particularly in the health field, are interested in having themselves established as self-regulating professions, and I would not like to see this question come forward without the approval and, of course, screening of the department concerned.

In this particular case, this bill did come forward as a Private Members' Bill. It was well advanced and it didn't seem appropriate to start all over again and ask them to bring the bill forward as a bill from the department. As it happens, the organization concerned met with me on a number of occasions and I'm happy to say was extremely co-operative in working to address the points that I raised. They did, in fact, go and speak with the department concerned and obtained their approval. In those circumstances, as I said, I have no difficulty in voting in favour of the bill as it now comes before us, amended for third reading. Unless, it's been formerly done, I'm happy to move third reading of this bill.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 270. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

Ordered that this bill do pass. Ordered that the title be as read by the Clerk. Ordered that the bill be engrossed.

[Page 9911]

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now recess until the hour of 5:30 p.m.

MR. SPEAKER: The House will recess until 5:30 p.m.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

We will recess until 5:30 p.m.

[1:59 p.m. The House recessed.]

[5:32 p.m. The House reconvened.]

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. We will now resume the proceedings.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, I wonder if I could have the concurrence of the House to revert to the order of business, Statements by Ministers.

MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, as you and other members of the House are aware, there's nothing very sure in politics. However, we are reasonably sure that this is probably the last time that the Premier will be in this seat in the front row as Premier of this province. I think it's only fitting that on his final day as Premier that we say goodbye to him.

I know, Mr. Speaker, when you're leaving politics, you can go out a number of different ways. Some are very fast, but the Premier is sort of lingering on, not malingering, but lingering on. When he made his announcement in September that he was going to step down as Premier, there was shock among a lot of people - not what he had expected - that the Premier would be stepping down at this time.

[Page 9912]

As you know, Mr. Speaker, and as I'm sure all members know, the Premier is stepping down as Leader when his successor is chosen at the Progressive Conservative convention in February. However, he is going to remain on as an MLA until such time we have the next election, and I've been told that may not happen until 2008. So he's going to spend a lot of time leaning up against the back wall there.

Mr. Speaker, I think it's a measure of political success to receive adulations on your retirement. Certainly the Premier has earned the respect and the applause of his constituents. He has earned the respect and applause from his caucus and the members of this House, and it seems that he has also won over the media temporarily in that they also have had nice things to say about the Premier and how well he has done during his tenure as Premier and, previous to that, as Leader of the Opposition.

Mr. Speaker, John Hamm will be missed as Premier of this province. He brought an entirely different style of politics to this House and I would suggest that the House is perhaps more civil than it used to be and I think that there is greater trust between the Opposition and government than we've probably ever had in this House, at least in my memory anyway. I think that has come about because of the nature of John Hamm. I don't think you can speak too highly of the fact that when John Hamm said he was going to do something, he did it - his word was his bond and I think people respect him for that particular attribute and I think for that reason he has been a very successful Premier. He will be missed.

Mr. Premier, I have heard you compared to Premier Robert Stanfield. I am old enough to remember Premier Robert Stanfield - in fact I can almost remember Joseph Howe. (Laughter) Robert Stanfield, as you know, used to eat bananas - our Premier, I don't know what he eats but I remember a cartoon shortly after you became Premier, and it was ham and eggs, I believe. A quotation from Dr. Seuss - Dr. Seuss, is it?

AN HON. MEMBER: Yes, Dr. Suess.

MR. RUSSELL: Yes, and I thought that was rather humorous and I presume the Premier thought it was rather humorous too, but - where am I going? I don't know. (Laughter)

I think it's enough to say, Mr. Premier, that the retirement of John Hamm is a loss to politics and it is certainly a loss to his constituents in Pictou, and it's also a loss to the people of the Province of Nova Scotia. You will be missed, sir, and I will miss you, John, you have been a friend, a colleague, and a very wise gentleman. Thank you very much. (Standing Ovation)

[Page 9913]

MR. SPEAKER: The Premier is standing, but, Mr. Premier, you weren't here this morning when we had another occasion in regard to the Deputy Premier, in regard to his leaving, but as I told him - and I'll tell you the same thing - you'll have the last word, but not just yet. (Laughter)

The honourable Leader of the Opposition.

MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, some time ago, when the Premier announced his impending retirement from political life, I was among the many Nova Scotians who gladly recognized his contributions to the province.

Throughout this minority government, the Premier has shown himself to be a statesperson, one who truly understands and appreciates the very human qualities that are required to make government, and particularly minority government, function effectively. His careful reflection when tough decisions had to be made, his respectful approach to working with the Opposition and the dignified way in which he carried out political life are all hallmarks of a political career that is not only noteworthy but exemplary.

The Premier's political career is a textbook for anyone who aspires to elected office. His rapid move from a newly elected MLA to Leader of the Opposition shows how fast things can change in the political world. His successful response to a very challenging situation in late 1998 and early 1999 shows how a person's response to very difficult events can make or break a career.

His victory in 1999, coming from third place to win a majority, was I think an historic first for Nova Scotia. It was very much a personal victory based as it was on the number of Nova Scotians who felt they could trust John Hamm's judgment. His persistence on the issue of offshore revenue showed how consistency in a good cause without necessarily trying to win headlines all the time can reap great rewards.

During this minority period, the Premier has demonstrated how a government can gain growing satisfaction with its performance when partisan advantage and getting one's own way all the time are not the prime objectives of government. The Premier was as good as his word as he himself said, I hope he doesn't mind me quoting him from a private meeting, he said he wanted to show just how progressive a Progressive Conservative Government could be.

While the Premier and I come from different political viewpoints, we have always had the same outlook - a better Nova Scotia today, a better future tomorrow.

Through you, Mr. Speaker, and to the Premier, I want to say thank you for your service to the province and on behalf of the NDP caucus, I wish you all the best as you enter this transition to the next opportunity in life for you, your wife and your family. (Applause)

[Page 9914]

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

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: On behalf of our Leader Francis MacKenzie, and the entire Liberal caucus, I also rise today to thank the Premier for his dedication to Nova Scotia. Without a doubt, being Premier is a tremendous challenge. It takes courage, a thick skin and a level head. John Hamm has shown Nova Scotians that he could live up to that challenge.

Although we may not have agreed all the time, I think Nova Scotians have certainly learned a thing or two from watching and listening to John Hamm, as an MLA, a Leader, and as a Premier.

Mr. Premier, you left a comfortable profession to enter the uncertain world of politics. It is my hope that others will follow your example because we, gathered in this House, know that elected life allows us the ability and the privilege to assist our constituents while helping to shape public policy.

Mr. Speaker, I must agree with the Government House Leader that I also do not really remember Robert Stanfield too much. In fact, not to attack the Government House Leader, but I was six years old when he was first elected to this House, so unfortunately I cannot make such comparisons to the Premier to previous predecessors in the Tory Party. Allow me to say, where I find myself here in this Legislature today, I take great solace and great confidence in looking at the Premier's career.

The Premier first started sitting on this side of the House, over to my right, in the Official Opposition. He then found himself as Leader of the Third Party, then over to the position of government and as Premier. I look forward to the next election where I and my colleagues and many more of our colleagues can take our rightful place in this House, back on the government side.

Mr. Speaker, to the Premier, please extend our thanks to your wife, Genesta, and to your family for their many sacrifices in supporting you over the years. We all know the toll that politics can have on us individually, but we certainly know that it usually takes a much harder toll on our families and the many sacrifices that they make.

So it is with the utmost respect today that I, on behalf of our Leader Francis MacKenzie, and our entire caucus, want to thank John Hamm for his work as Premier on behalf of Nova Scotia. My colleagues and I wish you many years of good health and happiness. Thank you. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Premier.

[Page 9915]

THE PREMIER: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your remarks have caused me to reflect. That's always dangerous, because when you reflect you become long-winded.

First of all, I want to thank the kind words from my House Leader and the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader in the House of the Third Party. The remarks you have made will remain with me forever.

I remember coming into the House and not knowing a lot about the House. I actually was sitting in the chair where the good member for Clare is sitting, right opposite me was the good member for Cape Breton South. There were so many members on the government side at that time that half of them had to sit over here and the two Opposition Parties took up about as much room as the Third Party does today.

With the exception of the Government House Leader, we were all novices. The good member for Cape Breton West had been here for awhile. The member for Clare, the member for Cape Breton West and myself were new to the House in 1993 and, obviously, the three of us had a lot to learn. We were very quickly joined by the member for the beautiful Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley who joined us in the Fall of 1993.

[5:45 p.m.]

The reason for my reflection, with exception of our House Leader - and I was here in the House, actually, when we acknowledged the tremendous service that Ron Russell has provided this House for such a very long period of time, and it was a privilege for me to be here to be part of that, as it was for all of us. Only those of us who are here in the House understand what 28 years of service in this place means. I don't think the public will ever quite truly understand what that means. You know, the great thing is, if he ran again, he would have a huge majority again. I was down to his annual general meeting recently and they easily could have drafted him again if he would have allowed it to have happened.

I want to thank the Leader of the Opposition for his kind words. He and I have forged a good working relationship. I want to thank the Leader in the House of the Third Party. He was reflecting on coming from one side of the House and ending up on the other. I think, really, the statement is that anything is possible.

However, those of you who know me well, and most of you do now, know that I'm a very loyal Pictonian. Up around home I'm just very average. I live in a community of exemplary people as I know all of you feel that you do. The 12 years that I've spent in this House have been a very special part of my life. I remember coming here, and the member for Cape Breton West and others who will remember that I had surgery on my neck just about a week before the House opened and spent the first three months sitting in the House with a very uncomfortable tailor-made collar which was holding my head up until such time as the fusion I had in my neck took. From that time on, even without the collar I was, to a

[Page 9916]

certain extent, able to hold my head high. Not every day in this place mind you, but many days. I do want to thank all of you. All of you know this is a special place. It's a difficult place. By times it can be a very fractious place, but if you look at other systems, it is a good system in comparison with those.

I want to make a small comment about minority government. We had a minority government, as many of you are aware and some of you participated in, in 1998-99. It is extremely difficult, I've learned, to be in Opposition in a minority government. So I do want to congratulate the two Opposition Parties. It's much easier to be in Opposition in a majority than it is in a minority government, because you find all of the time, in the interest of representing the democracy that must occur here, that you sometimes feel you have to compromise things that you truly believe in, and it probably came through a piece of legislation today in which we all compromised a very significant amount and probably nobody got exactly what they wanted. What all of this reflects is the commitment of this House to do what we were sent here to do and that is, in this particular instance, to try to make majority government work. We could not have done it as government without co-operation, by times, from the Opposition, the Official Opposition, and by other times with co-operation of the Liberal Party.

So we put personal ambitions and sometimes Party agendas behind ourselves to make this minority government work. I do want to congratulate the Opposition Parties for allowing this to happen because, while it was difficult, I believe it is what people expected of us - and there are examples of minority governments that have not worked as well as this one.

I do want to thank you for the opportunity to say these few words, I do want to thank you for the co-operation you've shown, and I do want to thank you for the privilege of sharing these remarks with you. This is a great place, and I will be leaving it someday, and that decision will be made by my successor at some point in the not-too-distant future I would anticipate. Then I will be simply another postscript in the history of this province. It's not a bad postscript for any of us because, regardless of what we have done in this House, all of us, I believe, conduct ourselves in a reasonable fashion. The postscript that we all are to become in history will be a very important part of what and who we are. Thank you. (Standing Ovation)

MR. SPEAKER: Thank you to all the members, and thank you to the Premier.

We have a couple of presentations to make to you, Mr. Premier, but before we do - I was sitting here thinking that I think we would all agree on all sides of the House that the Premier certainly has had an influence and impact on all the members in this House in a variety of ways over the last number of years.

[Page 9917]

I was remembering the first time I met the Premier was at Lil Wilson's house in Springhill. The Premier had come, and there was some suggestion that I may be interested in running for the Party. Anyway, there was quite a group there that day, and I wanted to meet the Premier myself on a one-on-one, and have kind of a chat, and I travelled to Halifax, I think the following week, and I remember all the way home thinking that this was certainly a gentleman I wanted to serve with and under. I made the decision at that point to run - now subsequent to that you may have had second thoughts (Laughter) However, we are where we are.

Seriously, Mr. Premier, I know for myself it has been a wonderful experience and I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Thank you very much.

On behalf of all the members here, Mr. Premier, I would ask you to come forward. We have a couple of presentations we would like to make to you on behalf of the staff, who are here, from your office, as well as all members of the Legislature. We would ask that you open the first one - and it may give you an idea of maybe what next Summer will be for you - and then we will ask you to open the more serious one secondly. So if you could come up here, Mr. Premier, we would appreciate it.

[The Premier was presented with several gifts.]

THE PREMIER: Thank you, everyone. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: It seems like a day of presentations for us, beginning and ending.

ACTING SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor is without.

MR. SPEAKER: Let Her Honour be admitted.

[The Speaker and the Clerks left the Chamber.]

[The Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Myra Freeman, preceded by her escort, and by Mr. Peter Theriault, Acting Sergeant-at-Arms, bearing the Mace, entered the House of Assembly Chamber. The Lieutenant Governor then took her seat on the Throne.

The Acting Sergeant-at-Arms then departed and re-entered the Chamber followed by the Speaker, the Honourable Murray Scott; Chief Clerk of the House, Roderick MacArthur, Q.C.; Assistant Clerk, Arthur Fordham, Q.C. The Speaker with the Clerk on his left, the Acting Sergeant-at-Arms and Assistant Clerk on his right, took up their positions at the foot of the Speaker's Table.]

ACTING SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: It is the wish of Her Honour that the ladies and gentlemen be seated.

[Page 9918]

MR. SPEAKER: May it please Your Honour, the General Assembly of the Province has, in its present session, passed certain bills to which, in the name and on behalf of the General Assembly, I respectfully request Your Honour's Assent.

THE CLERK:

Bill No. 203 - Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act.

Bill No. 219 - Trade Union Act.

Bill No. 222 - Tobacco Damages and Health-care Costs Recovery Act.

Bill No. 225 - Smoke-free Places Act.

Bill No. 228 - Social Workers Act.

Bill No. 230 - Housing Development Corporation Act.

Bill No. 232 - Optometry Act.

Bill No. 235 - Dispensing Opticians Act.

Bill No. 236 - Small Claims Court Act.

Bill No. 237 - Maintenance Enforcement Act.

Bill No. 238 - YMCA of Cape Breton Act.

Bill No. 239 - Northern Yacht Club Act.

Bill No. 241 - Commercial Mediation Act.

Bill No. 243 - Emergency Measures Act/Public Service Act.

Bill No. 244 - Enforcement of Canadian Judgments and Decrees Act.

Bill No. 246 - International Trusts Act.

Bill No. 247 - Correctional Services Act.

Bill No. 249 - Enforcement of Court Orders Act.

Bill No. 250 - Motor Vehicle Act.

[Page 9919]

Bill No. 251 - Public Service Act.

Bill No. 252 - House of Assembly Act.

Bill No. 254 - Motor Vehicle Act.

Bill No. 255 - Train Station Inn Cabooses Act.

Bill No. 256 - Municipal Government Act.

Bill No. 257 - Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act.

Bill No. 258 - Building Code Act.

Bill No. 267 - Cape Breton Island Marketing Levy Act.

Bill No. 268 - Pre-primary Education Act.

Bill No. 270 - Professional Planners Act.

Bill No. 274 - Certified Management Accountants of Nova Scotia Act.

Bill No. 275 - Off-highway Vehicles Act.

[6:00 p.m.]

THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR:

In Her Majesty's name, I assent to these bills. I also wish to declare that on the 23rd day of November, 2005, I assented to Bill No. 260, Entitled an Act to Protect Public Safety. Bill No. 260 was passed by this House on the 1st day of November, 2005.

[The Speaker and the Clerks left the Chamber.]

[The Lieutenant Governor left the Chamber.]

ACTING SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: His Honour, the Speaker.

[The Speaker took the Chair.]

MR. SPEAKER: I would ask all honourable members to face the flag and join me in the singing of the national anthem, please.

[Page 9920]

[The national anthem was sung by the members.]

MR. SPEAKER: Thank you. Please be seated.

Just before I recognize the honourable Premier, I would like to take the opportunity on behalf of myself and my family to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and all the very best in the year 2006. Thank you.

The honourable Premier.

THE PREMIER: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members of the House of Assembly. I move that the General Assembly be adjourned to meet again at the call of the Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is to adjourn.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The House will adjourn until the call of the Speaker.

[The House rose at 6:05 p.m.]

[Page 9921]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

RESOLUTION NO. 5411

By: Mr. Wayne Gaudet (Clare)

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

Whereas Nova Scotia lost a great public servant on November 29th when Terry Donahoe succumbed to his battle with cancer; and

Whereas many of us in this Legislature who had the privilege and honour to work with Terry remember fondly the compassion, dignity and humour in which he performed all of his duties; and

Whereas in addition to his service to all Nova Scotians, Terry shared his many talents with such organizations as the Parkinson Society of Canada, the Charitable Irish Society and the Ashburn Golf Club;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House extend our sincerest condolences to Lynne, Art, and the entire Donahoe family, and never forget the dignity and respect with which Terry conducted himself in his appreciation of the parliamentary traditions of this House of Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 5412

By: Mr. James DeWolfe (Pictou East)

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

Whereas to benefit the Karen Lynn MacDonald Allergy Awareness Society, a night of music and dance took place at the Lismore Community Centre on November 26th; and

Whereas the evening featured a concert followed by an old-time dance; and

Whereas the benefit held in memory of Karen MacDonald, who died suddenly in September after suffering a severe allergic reaction, featured a wide array of Pictou County musical talent;

[Page 9922]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the many volunteers and Pictou County musical talent who made the benefit concert for the Karen MacDonald Allergy Awareness Society such an overwhelming success on November 26th.

RESOLUTION NO. 5413

By: Mr. James DeWolfe (Pictou East)

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

Whereas the Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library has launched its new Web site, complete with a number of new services and features; and

Whereas everyone with a free library card can now access this particular service on-line from their home or work computer, library or CAP site; and

Whereas the installation of a new on-line library catalogue has recently been completed, which enables searchers of books to now see the jacket covers of most books while reading reviews and samples of the book's content, and being able to renew books and review your library account;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly applaud the Chief Librarian, Eric Stackhouse, and all staff at the Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library for their creativity and wanting to ensure residents have the best library services available to them.

RESOLUTION NO. 5414

By: Mr. James DeWolfe (Pictou East)

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

Whereas the Pictou County Christmas Fund once again surpassed its original fundraising goal of $55,000 for needy families this Christmas season; and

Whereas the $58,000 raised was $3,000 more than had been hoped for by organizers, and will assist some 900 families to have a more joyous Christmas and holiday season; and

Whereas the Christmas fund first started 31 years ago, and this year was chaired by Debbie Van Sickle and, once again, televised on EastLink Cable;

[Page 9923]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Legislature applaud the significant efforts of each and every individual who made such a great effort in making the 2005 Pictou County Christmas Fund Show another phenomenal success.

RESOLUTION NO. 5415

By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)

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

Whereas the Society of North American Hockey Historians and Researchers in New York City has named Dr. Wayne Adams to its advisory committee for the creation of a Black Hockey and Sports Hall of Fame in the Black Cultural Centre of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the advisory committee is comprised of prominent North American Black history academics and community experts who will work directly with community organizations across North America ensuring that the future Black Hockey and Sports Hall of Fame becomes a reality; and

Whereas Dr. Wayne Adams is a well-known and respected community leader, entrepreneur, environmentalist, Daily News columnist, broadcaster, political pioneer and statesman, as well as the first Black person in the history of Nova Scotia to be elected to this Legislative Assembly;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Dr. Wayne Adams on his role as a member of the Hall of Fame Advisory Committee and wish the committee all the best in its endeavour.

RESOLUTION NO. 5416

By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)

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

Whereas the Canada Summer Games were held in Regina in August; and

Whereas Juleous Grant from North Preston represented Nova Scotia on the men's basketball team; and

Whereas Juleous competed with pride, skill and sportsmanship;

[Page 9924]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly thank Juleous for representing our province and congratulate him on his fine performance.

RESOLUTION NO. 5417

By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)

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

Whereas the Canada Summer Games were held in Regina in August; and

Whereas paddler Ryan Gardiner represented Nova Scotia with pride, skill and sportsmanship; and

Whereas Ryan won silver in K2 6000 and silver in K4 1000;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly thank Ryan for representing our province and congratulate him on his fine performance.

RESOLUTION NO. 5418

By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)

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

Whereas the Pan-American Paddling Championships were held in Lac-Beauport, Quebec, in July, featuring world-class athletes from North and South America; and

Whereas paddler Sara Lawlor from the Orenda Canoe Club represented Canada; and

Whereas Sara won gold in C1 500 in world record time, gold in C1 1000, gold in C1 200, silver in C2 200 and bronze in C2 500;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Sara Lawlor on her outstanding performance.

[Page 9925]

RESOLUTION NO. 5419

By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)

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

Whereas the Society of North American Hockey Historians and Researchers in New York City has named Dr. Henry Bishop to their advisory committee for the creation of a Black Hockey and Sports Hall of Fame in the Black Cultural Centre of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the advisory committee is comprised of prominent North American Black history academics and community experts who will work directly with community organizations across North America ensuring that the future Black Hockey and Sports Hall of Fame becomes a reality; and

Whereas Dr. Henry Bishop is the curator/director of the Black Cultural Centre of Nova Scotia; the first African Nova Scotia male to graduate from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design where he studied visual communications, photography and child psychology; studied African Music and African History and Culture at Dalhousie University, as well as Museumology at Mount Saint Vincent University;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Dr. Henry Bishop on his role as a member of the Hall of Fame Advisory Committee and wish the committee all the best in its endeavour.

RESOLUTION NO. 5420

By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)

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

Whereas the Canada Summer Games were held in Regina in August; and

Whereas paddler Alex Jacobi of Porters Lake represented Nova Scotia with pride, skill and sportsmanship; and

Whereas Alex won gold in the men's K2 1000, silver in K2 6000, and silver in K4 1000;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly thank Alex for representing our province and congratulate him on his fine performance.

[Page 9926]

RESOLUTION NO. 5421

By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)

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

Whereas the East Preston United Baptist Prison Ministry Team was founded in 1980 to provide spiritual service and counselling to inmates in correctional facilities and to work in counsel with their families; and

Whereas the prison ministry team regularly visits the Nova Scotia Institute for Women in Truro, the Waterville Youth Detention Centre, and the Central Nova Correctional Facility in Burnside, as well as occasionally visiting other facilities; and

Whereas the prison ministry team celebrated their 25th Anniversary on November 19th and November 20th, 2005;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize the important work of the East Preston United Baptist Church Prison Ministry Team and congratulate them as they celebrate their 25th Anniversary.

RESOLUTION NO. 5422

By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)

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

Whereas the Canada Summer Games were held in Regina in August; and

Whereas paddler Helen Orton from the Orenda Canoe Club represented Nova Scotia with pride, skill and sportsmanship; and

Whereas Helen won silver in C2 500 and silver in C2 1000;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly thank Helen for representing our province and congratulate her on her fine performance.

[Page 9927]

RESOLUTION NO. 5423

By: Hon. Peter Christie (Finance)

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

Whereas Nova Scotia will feel a great void with the loss of friend, community leader, philanthropist and entrepreneur, Charles Keating; and

Whereas while he became a giant in the cable industry, he never forgot his beloved community of Dartmouth as well as the Eastern Shore, and the possibilities that exist on that side of the harbour, nor his alma mater, St. Francis Xavier University, and the doors that his education there opened for both him and his four children; and

Whereas as was so appropriately noted in his obituary: "Charles was a visionary and a builder who could bring people together and make dreams happen . . . he had a magical ability to connect with people from all walks of life and always acknowledged their gifts.";

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Legislature join in expressing to the family our sorrow for the loss of this devoted father, grandfather and Nova Scotian.

RESOLUTION NO. 5424

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 Kentville football star Bruce Beaton chose a great time to come out of retirement and return to the game; and

Whereas Bruce Beaton won his second Grey Cup championship with the Edmonton Eskimos last month, after a year away from the game he loved and missed, dedicating his championship ring to his 17-month-old son, Samuel; and

Whereas Bruce Beaton retired at the end of the 2003 season after the Eskimos defeated the Montreal Alouettes 34 - 22 to claim the Grey Cup, dedicating that championship win to his daughter, Layla Jane;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Bruce Beaton on his latest Grey Cup championship win, and wish him continued success in his football career.

[Page 9928]

RESOLUTION NO. 5425

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Chester-St. Margaret's)

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

Whereas this year being the Year of the Veteran, I found it appropriate to hold a Year of the Veteran scholarship contest, and received 140 entries; and

Whereas we narrowed it down to 11 winners, which was very hard to do because of the impressive content of the answers to the question, "As a young Canadian, why is honouring our veterans important to you?"; and

Whereas in the Grade P to 6 category, Becky Levy from New Ross Consolidated, Emma-Leigh Swinimer from Gold River-Western Shore Elementary, Sarah Vallis from Tantallon Elementary and Cory Peterson from Chester District each won $50 with fantastic and impressive submissions;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate all of the winners in the Grade P to 6 category for taking on such an important and active role in recognizing Remembrance Day and the commitment of our veterans.

RESOLUTION NO. 5426

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Chester-St. Margaret's)

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

Whereas this year being the Year of the Veteran, I found it appropriate to hold a Year of the Veteran scholarship contest, and received 140 entries; and

Whereas we narrowed it down to 11 winners, which was very hard to do because of the impressive content of the answers to the question, "As a young Canadian, why is honouring our veterans important to you?"; and

Whereas Grade 12 student Jessie Short of Sir John A. Macdonald High School won $500 with a fantastic and impressive submission;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Jessie Short for taking on such an important and active role in recognizing Remembrance Day and the commitment of our veterans.

[Page 9929]

RESOLUTION NO. 5427

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Chester-St. Margaret's)

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

Whereas this year being the Year of the Veteran, I found it appropriate to hold a Year of the Veteran scholarship contest, and received 140 entries; and

Whereas we narrowed it down to 11 winners, which was very hard to do because of the impressive content of the answers to the question, "As a young Canadian, why is honouring our veterans important to you?"; and

Whereas in the Grades 10 and 11 category, Catlin Veinot of Forest Heights Community School and Martin Tonner of Sir John A. Macdonald won $150 with fantastic and impressive submissions;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Catlin Veinot and Martin Tonner for taking on such an important and active role in recognizing Remembrance Day and the commitment of our veterans.

RESOLUTION NO. 5428

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Chester-St. Margaret's)

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

Whereas this year being the Year of the Veteran, I found it appropriate to hold a Year of the Veteran scholarship contest, and received 140 entries; and

Whereas we narrowed it down to 11 winners, which was very hard to do because of the impressive content of the answers to the question, "As a young Canadian, why is honouring our veterans important to you?"; and

Whereas in the Grades 7, 8 and 9 category, Deidre Thibault and Branden Malloy both of Tantallon Junior High School, and Ian MacArthur of Chester Area Middle School each won $100 with fantastic and impressive submissions;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Deidre Thibault, Branden Malloy and Ian MacArthur for taking on such an important and active role in recognizing Remembrance Day and the commitment of our veterans.

[Page 9930]

RESOLUTION NO. 5429

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Chester-St. Margaret's)

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

Whereas this year being the Year of the Veteran, I found it appropriate to hold a Year of the Veteran scholarship contest, and received 140 entries; and

Whereas we narrowed it down to 11 winners, which was very hard to do because of the impressive content of the answers to the question, "As a young Canadian, why is honouring our veterans important to you?"; and

Whereas Grade 12 student Jasmine Veinot of Forest Heights Community School won $500 with a fantastic and impressive power point submission;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Jasmine Veinot for taking on such an important and active role in recognizing Remembrance Day and the commitment of our veterans.

RESOLUTION NO. 5430

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Chester-St. Margaret's)

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

Whereas Donald and Annette Hatt of Beech Hill, Lunenburg County, are this year's contributors of a 48-foot white spruce donated to the people of Boston; and

Whereas each Christmas since 1971, Nova Scotia has presented a giant evergreen tree to Boston in appreciation for the emergency assistance they provided to our region following the Halifax Explosion in 1917; and

Whereas the Christmas tree the Hatts have donated will be the focal point for the annual tree-lighting ceremony at the Boston Common held December 1st;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank Donald and Annette Hatt for their generosity, and hope the people of Boston appreciate and enjoy our beautiful white spruce Christmas tree.

[Page 9931]

RESOLUTION NO. 5431

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Chester-St. Margaret's)

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

Whereas Larry Keddy has been a volunteer with the New Ross Fire Department for 38 years; and

Whereas Larry Keddy has dedicated countless time and effort to keeping New Ross safe, and his volunteer work has been greatly appreciated; and

Whereas it is the dedication and bravery of volunteers across the province that keep many fire departments running and, in turn, keeping communities safe;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank Larry Keddy for 38 years of voluntary service to the New Ross Fire Department, and also for his bravery and commitment to the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 5432

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Chester-St. Margaret's)

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

Whereas Stephen Workman has been a volunteer with the New Ross Fire Department for 30 years; and

Whereas Stephen Workman has dedicated countless time and effort to keeping New Ross safe, and his volunteer work has been greatly appreciated; and

Whereas it is the dedication and bravery of volunteers across the province that keep many fire departments running and, in turn, keeping communities safe;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank Stephen Workman for 30 years of voluntary service to the New Ross Fire Department, and also for his bravery and commitment to the community.

[Page 9932]

RESOLUTION NO. 5433

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Chester-St. Margaret's)

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

Whereas more than two dozen volunteer organizations worked tirelessly to kick off the 12th annual New Ross Christmas Festival, December 2nd; and

Whereas Santa Claus came in on his sleigh to light things up and kick off the celebrations that included everything from food and drink to face painting and bake sales; and

Whereas just to name a few: Rocky Top U Pick offers a traditional trot via horse and wagon, the new Nova Scotia Christmas Tree Interpretive Centre offers a chance to see the significance of the trees in the community, and many more community events occur to keep the entire family busy;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank all of the volunteers and organizers who participated in this annual celebration, and hope this tradition continues to kick off the season for many years to come.

RESOLUTION NO. 5434

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Chester-St. Margaret's)

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

Whereas the Chester Area Middle School A Team are the new Western Region Junior Girls Champions; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Cross Country Championships were held in Dayspring on October 26th; and

Whereas team members Emily Anderson, Jemalyn Hatt, Leah Gregory, Liz Haney, Monica Mitchell, Chelsea Norwood and Meryn Avery make up the seven girls that participated and won the competition;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the girls and their coaches on this fantastic win, and wish them continued success in future cross-country competitions.

[Page 9933]

RESOLUTION NO. 5435

By: Ms. Judy Stretch (Chester-St. Margaret's)

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

Whereas Harvey Flemming of Chester recently retired his post as a noon hour supervisor at Chester District Elementary School; and

Whereas Harvey Flemming worked as a noon hour supervisor for 12 years, making him a fixture on the school grounds and impacting the lives of hundreds of students over the years; and

Whereas Harvey had been there for so long some of the students thought he was the owner of the playground;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank Harvey Flemming for his dedication to the school and students, and hope he enjoys his retirement and knows that he will be greatly missed.

RESOLUTION NO. 5436

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Chester St. Margaret's)

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

Whereas well-known Chester businesswoman Sharon McNamara was presented with the Deloitte & Touche Start-Up Award at this year's national awards gala in Toronto last month; and

Whereas the Start-Up Award is presented to an entrepreneur whose company has been profitable for more than three years running and is well positioned for future growth; and

Whereas Sharon McNamara purchased a stained glass supply business and a kiln in 1991, and began to hone her craft. Today she employs 11 people and owns retail stores in Chester and Ottawa;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Sharon McNamara on her recent award, and wish her continued success as her business grows and prospers in Nova Scotia.

[Page 9934]

RESOLUTION NO. 5437

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Chester-St. Margaret's)

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

Whereas long-time New Ross businessman and friend to all who knew him, Arnold "Chester" Keddy passed away November 23rd; and

Whereas Chester made his living in Christmas trees and farming. He was also a past member of the New Ross Volunteer Fire Department and Canadian Forresters; and

Whereas anyone who know Chester knew how much he loved life and his family, and we were blessed to have shared his life with him;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House send our condolences to the Keddy family, his wife of 52 years, Alberta, and all of his friends in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 5438

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Chester-St. Margaret's)

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

Whereas Lester and Barb McEachern of Boutilier's Point donated nearly $100,000 each to the Lung Association of Nova Scotia and the IWK Children's Hospital in Halifax; and

Whereas the money was donated on behalf of Lester's brother, Carl McEachern, and his wife, Mary, after they passed away, willing the money to the two charities; and

Whereas Carl and his wife Mary had both suffered from breathing problems, and had always wanted the money to be donated to charities near and dear to them;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank Lester and Barb McEachern for carrying out Carl and Mary McEachern's wishes and donating the money to these worthy causes, their generosity will not be forgotten.

[Page 9935]

RESOLUTION NO. 5439

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Chester-St. Margaret's)

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

Whereas 22-year-old Ainslie Matheson of St. Margarets Bay, won the adult amateur hunter division at the national equestrian show held November 13th at the Royal Agriculture Winter Fair in Toronto; and

Whereas this is the third straight year that Ainslie Matheson and her horse, Normandy, have qualified for the Royal; and

Whereas Ainslie Matheson won the Hunter Classic last year, giving her the reserve championship for the whole competition in the hunter division;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Ainslie Matheson on her recent championship win and wish her future success in her equestrian career.

RESOLUTION NO. 5440

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Chester-St. Margaret's)

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

Whereas on December 1st, I travelled to Boston on behalf of the Province of Nova Scotia to deliver our annual Christmas Tree gift and a special package from the students of Gold River - Western Shore Elementary School; and

Whereas the packaged assembled by students from the school contained pen pal letters, a song written and recorded by the students, and a history of the special relationship between Nova Scotia and Boston; and

Whereas this exciting event gave me the opportunity to focus on our special relationship with Boston and the relationships we hope to develop from our students to theirs;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank Principal Katherine MacPherson and the students who participated in assembling the special package, and the

[Page 9936]

Hatt family from Beech Hill who donated the 45-year-old Christmas tree for the Boston tree-lighting celebrations.

RESOLUTION NO. 5441

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Chester-St. Margaret's)

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

Whereas the St. John's Anglican Church in Lunenburg, destroyed by fire in 2001, will soon host the voices of choirs and a devoted congregation once again; and

Whereas Chester area choirs have supported the church's restoration project by making offerings in excess of $5,000 and a donation of choir gowns; and

Whereas choirs from the Chester area will perform on December 15th to mark the completion of the restoration project and a new beginning;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the St. John's Anglican Church in Lunenburg on completing their restoration project, and all of the Chester area choirs who participated in the musical celebrations.

RESOLUTION NO. 5442

By: Mr. Gerald Sampson (Victoria-The Lakes)

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

Whereas the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards were established in 1993 to build self-esteem and pride for the Aboriginal communities of Canada and provide role models for Aboriginal youth; and

Whereas on January 27, 2006, the recipients of the Annual National Aboriginal Achievement Awards will be honoured at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver, British Columbia; and

Whereas Ms. Andrea Dykstra, a member of the Mi'kmaq Nation from Pictou Landing, Nova Scotia, an outstanding individual who has worked tirelessly to enhance youth involvement and participation, will receive the Annual Award for Youth;

[Page 9937]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize Ms. Andrea Dykstra, an inspiration to not only Aboriginal youth, but all individuals striving to improve the lives in our Native communities.

RESOLUTION NO. 5443

By: Mr. William Estabrooks (Timberlea-Prospect)

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

Whereas the Year of the Veteran was celebrated at a banquet on Saturday, November 19, 2005, at the Royal Canadian Legion in Whites Lake; and

Whereas this event was organized by the members of the Royal Canadian Legion MacDonald Branch 156 in Lakeside and the Royal Canadian Atlantic Branch 153 in Whites Lake, and their respective presidents, Ches MacKenzie and Robert Purdy; and

Whereas veterans and their families had a wonderful time together and much appreciated this recognition;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate and thank all those involved with the Year of the Veteran banquet organized by Royal Canadian Branches 153 and 156.

RESOLUTION NO. 5444

By: Ms. Marilyn More (Dartmouth South-Portland Valley)

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

Whereas Irene Rose is retiring after serving the federal Civil Service for 32 years, particularly with Health and Welfare Canada, Health Canada, and the Public Health Agency of Canada; and

Whereas Irene is synonymous with action by seniors' organizations across Atlantic Canada through her work with various funding programs such as New Horizons, the Seniors' Independence Program, Ventures in Independence and Population Health; and

Whereas Irene has also shown leadership and initiative in the Girl Guides of Canada, the Iona Presbyterian Church of Dartmouth, and her community of Lake Echo;

[Page 9938]

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly both thank Irene Rose for her years of dedicated service to seniors, their organizations and communities across Nova Scotia and congratulate her upon her retirement.

RESOLUTION NO. 5445

By: Mr. William Estabrooks (Timberlea-Prospect)

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

Whereas in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina's devastation of New Orleans, Grade 9 students under the direction of Mr. Little, the technical education and PDR teacher at Ridgecliff Middle School, designed a sympathy card for residents of that city; and

Whereas students Rebecca MacDonald, Jennette Boudreau, Steven Fitzner, Sean Joudry and Megan Dormody were instrumental in the involvement of the school; and

Whereas near the end of October, Leah Gates received a reply from Dominique Daniel thanking Ridgecliff Middle School students;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate and thank Mr. Little and the students of Ridgecliff Middle School for their thoughtful response to the residents of New Orleans.

RESOLUTION NO. 5446

By: Mr. William Estabrooks (Timberlea-Prospect)

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

Whereas students and staff of Ridgecliff Middle School in Beechville raised $3,300 on October 2, 2005, in the CIBC Run for the Cure; and

Whereas this amount was raised through the generous support of family, friends and neighbours in the Beechville, Lakeside and Timberlea area and beyond; and

Whereas for the second consecutive year Ridgecliff Middle School received the school award for the most money raised at the Halifax site;

[Page 9939]

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate and thank all those involved from Ridgecliff Middle School for their participation in the annual Run for the Cure.

RESOLUTION NO. 5447

By: Mr. Ronald Chisholm (Guysborough-Sheet Harbour)

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

Whereas November 25th to November 27th marked the 10th Annual Old Fashioned Christmas in Sherbrooke; and

Whereas with over 30,000 lights on display, a tree lighting ceremony, a candlelight procession to the Village Square, free hot chocolate and snacks, and many more family-filled activities, the weekend was a huge success; and

Whereas the event was organized by manager George Brothers and the staff of Program Development for Sherbrooke Village, along with numerous local businesses that participated by hosting everything from craft shows to scavenger hunts;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank all the local businesses and organizers involved in this fantastic weekend celebration and all those who came out to enjoy the festivities and make it such a huge success.

RESOLUTION NO. 5448

By: Mr. Ronald Chisholm (Guysborough-Sheet Harbour)

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

Whereas the new pre-Primary program at Chebucto Education Centre in Guysborough is getting rave reviews from parents, school administration and preschoolers; and

Whereas the pilot program, an initiative of the Department of Education, helps 4-year-old children prepare for Primary with a pre-school program designed to get them familiar with their school and make them comfortable with the school environment; and

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Whereas the voluntary and free-of-charge program is a hit with parents and children in the area who already struggle with child care issues, as do thousands of other families across the province;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the Department of Education for bringing such an important issue to the forefront and helping out the families in rural communities by providing such a necessary and educational service.

RESOLUTION NO. 5449

By: Mr. Ronald Chisholm (Guysborough-Sheet Harbour)

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

Whereas the Stan Rogers Folk Festival, Eastern Communities Youth Association, and the Canso Lions Club joined forces last month to organize a fundraising telethon for the Canso arena; and

Whereas over $10,000 was raised to help out the financially-troubled facility that's drowning in soaring operational costs, like a $22,000 electricity bill the arena commission was unable to pay; and

Whereas the arena has been a key cultural, social, recreational and athletic facility for Canso and area over the past two decades;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the Canso arena on a successful telethon and wish them success and support in their future fundraising efforts to keep this important community facility in operation.

RESOLUTION NO. 5450

By: Mr. Ronald Chisholm (Guysborough-Sheet Harbour)

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

Whereas this past November marked 10 years of service for the Guysborough County Regional Development Authority; and

Whereas since 1995, the board of directors and staff have worked on over 140 different projects ranging from a Guysborough County tourism guidebook to successfully helping to bring high-speed Internet to the area; and

[Page 9941]

Whereas the Guysborough County Regional Development Authority's current strategic plan focuses on three main areas - promoting the importance of rural living, adding value to its natural resources, and maintaining and enhancing infrastructure;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the Guysborough County Regional Development Authority on a successful 10 years of service to the community and wish them luck in all their future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 5451

By: Mr. Ronald Chisholm (Guysborough-Sheet Harbour)

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

Whereas on November 17th, the Department of Economic Development honoured leaders in community innovation across Nova Scotia with the 2005 Celebrating Innovative Communities Award; and

Whereas the Guysborough County Inshore Fishermen's Association has led the way in training and research to improve the Scotia-Fundy Region's fishing industry; and

Whereas the Guysborough County Inshore Fishermen's Association took the initiative to ensure the future of their industry by doing their homework and finding ways to create their own future, doubling and even tripling yields in some areas;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the Guysborough County Inshore Fishermen's Association on their recent award for innovation and wish them continued future success.

RESOLUTION NO. 5452

By: Mr. Stephen McNeil (Annapolis)

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

Whereas the Harbour View School Breakfast Program has celebrated its 10th year of providing breakfasts to children before attending school; and

Whereas during the 10 years, more than 62,210 nutritional meals have been served; and

[Page 9942]

Whereas the breakfast program is a wonderful example of a community and volunteers coming together to take care of a need;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly congratulate Doris Wournell, Dorothy (Dot) Richardson, Henry Spencer and Connie Gay for their 10 years of volunteer service to the Harbour View School Breakfast Program.

RESOLUTION NO. 5453

By: Mr. Russell MacKinnon (Cape Breton West)

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

Whereas each year the Metro Halifax Business Awards recognize metro's Small Business of the Year, New Business of the Year, Business of the Year, and Business Person of the Year; and

Whereas the brightest innovators, trailblazers and start-ups of Halifax's business community gather at the Westin Nova Scotian Hotel on February 2, 2006, for the presentation of the Metro Halifax Business Awards; and

Whereas this year Pete Luckett, owner and founder of Pete's Frootique, is one of the finalists for the Business Person of the Year Award;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House acknowledge and congratulate all the nominees of the Metro Halifax Business Awards, especially Pete Luckett who also is involved with the Junior Achievement Program, supports the IWK and Cobequid Health Centre, and organizations such as Feed Nova Scotia and the Cancer Society.

RESOLUTION NO. 5454

By: Mr. Russell MacKinnon (Cape Breton West)

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

Whereas Cape Breton fiddler Natalie MacMaster married fiddler/composer Donnell Leahy in October 2002 in Creignish; and

Whereas Grammy nominee Natalie MacMaster has been a travelling ambassador for Nova Scotia while entertaining audiences with her Celtic-flavoured fiddle music since childhood; and

[Page 9943]

Whereas Natalie has given birth to a baby girl, Mary Frances Rose Leahy, on Saturday, December 3, 2005, at 8:32 a.m., weighing in at 7 lbs. 2 oz. in Lakefield, Ontario;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the proud parents, Natalie and Donnell Leahy, on the birth of their first child.

RESOLUTION NO. 5455

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Speaker)

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

Whereas the Springhill High Golden Eagles clipped the host SAERC Saints 58 - 40 to claim the championship of the second annual McDonald's Golden Arches Invitational here Saturday; and

Whereas the Golden Eagles posted wins over Memorial High Magic 72 - 57 and Dalbrae Academy 63 - 41, en route to the tourney crown; and

Whereas in the final Sara Laurie struck 18 points and Patti Gilroy shot 12 to spark SHS ahead 20 - 10 at the half; Kathryn MacDonald had 7, Teesha Symes and Kristen Clarke both with 6, while Hiliary Burbine, Sam McCormick, Tela Varner and Tiffany Hunter each had 2 points, and Lacey Rushton added a foul shot;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the Springhill High Golden Eagles on winning the McDonald's Golden Arches Invitational and we wish you continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5456

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Speaker)

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

Whereas Officer Steve Boss received a citation for bravery at a ceremony for staff of the Springhill Institution, in Springhill, in November, 2005; and

Whereas on July 5, 2002, there was a serious incident that took place at Springhill Institution which resulted in the stabbing of an offender in the neck with a homemade knife; and

[Page 9944]

Whereas Steve Boss, who witnessed the attack, along with his fellow corrections officers cleared the yard before Boss made his way to the injured inmate and assessed the situation - realizing the severity of the inmate's wound and the threat posed to himself by the commotion of the attacker being subdued, and what needed to be done, he fashioned a bandage around his finger and used his finger to stop the bleeding by inserting his finger into the inmate's wounded neck until emergency medical technicians arrived, and continued that pressure to the wound during the transportation to an arterial surgeon;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Steve Boss on this outstanding act of bravery and wish him all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5457

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Speaker)

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

Whereas John Daborn, an 18-year-old Grade 12 River Hebert student was the only representative from this corner of the province selected for the Provincial Student Education Council, a new organization set up by the Department of Education to provide secondary students with a line of communication to advise the Minister of Education on matters relating to youth; and

Whereas John attended two weekend meetings of the council since his selection earlier this Fall, both of which were attended by Minister James Muir; and

Whereas John expects to gain valuable skills from his PSEC experience such as leadership, organization and preparation, and meeting management, and he hopes to benefit himself and believes that youth across Nova Scotia will also gain from PSEC;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate John Daborn on being selected for the Provincial Student Education Council and we wish him all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5458

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Speaker)

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

[Page 9945]

Whereas the students and staff at River Hebert Elementary have come up with a unique and special task all their own to say thanks to an entire group that many of them will likely never know; and

Whereas every year their teachers and their parents teach the students of River Hebert Elementary School the meaning of Remembrance Day, however, this year being the Year of the Veteran, the parents, staff, students and the Home and School Association decided it was time to show their veterans just how much they are appreciated; and

Whereas for many weeks the students have been busily preparing a beautiful appreciation basket for each of the 20 surviving veterans who reside in the River Hebert-Joggins-Maccan area, containing many items including the most special gift, a recorded CD of music performed by the students and consisting of a medley of war songs;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate the students, staff, parents and the Home and School Association on this incredible act of kindness to show appreciation to our veterans.

RESOLUTION NO. 5459

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Speaker)

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

Whereas Rob Henderson of Springhill and his teammates from MacLaughlin's Truck and Trailer of Halifax entered the 21st annual World Team Candlepin Bowling Championships and rolled out with a fourth consecutive world title under their belts; and

Whereas 24 teams jostled for a chance at the title and 23 teams went down to defeat, with the defending champs standing victorious once again; and

Whereas the MacLaughlin's team dominated the final match with a three-string total of 1970 points, with Rob Henderson contributing 402 points to the final victory with a three-game average of 134;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate Rob Henderson and his team for this outstanding achievement and wish him continued success in the future.

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RESOLUTION NO. 5460

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Speaker)

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

Whereas a team of very talented young ladies has been chosen as the Junior Provincial Ringette Team for the 2005-06 season, which is comprised of 19 players aged 14 to 15 representing ringette associations across the province; and

Whereas the team list includes Lindsay MacLellan, Megan Lamb, Morgan McLellan, Whitney Slipp, Carlee Bryson, Mandy Avery, Abby Hart, Sarah Mader, Mallory Harnish, Danielle Dempsey, Kerith Gordon, Lauren Morse, Tara Hannam, Victoria Fowler, Raylee Godin, Kathleen Murphy, Amanda Hatton, Miranda Carvery and Sarah Burry, with Brent Dempsey as the head coach and Lisa Tilley and Steve Fowler as assistant coaches, and Sheila Gordon as manager; and

Whereas this team played in a tournament in Ontario and came away with the gold medal after a first game loss of 4 - 2 to Cambridge and then coming back to win successive wins of 6 - 3 over Whitby, 6 - 1 over Richmond Hill, 5 - 3 semifinal over Richmond Hill, and the final game of 6 - 4 over Whitby;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Legislature congratulate all the members of the Nova Scotia Junior Provincial Ringette Team on a successful year and wish them all the very best in the coming years.

RESOLUTION NO. 5461

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Speaker)

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

Whereas Use Candles with Care was the theme of Fire Prevention Week recently held between October 9th and October 15th; and

Whereas in Canada, someone is fatally injured in a residential fire roughly every 32 hours; and

Whereas Fire Prevention Week is held because of the dedicated efforts of volunteer firefighters from the Southampton Fire Department and promotes not only fire safety, but also pays tribute to the men and women who keep our communities safe all year long;

[Page 9947]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Nova Scotia Legislature extend sincere gratitude to the members of the Southampton Fire Department for their outstanding service year-round.

RESOLUTION NO. 5462

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Speaker)

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

Whereas Use Candles with Care was the theme of Fire Prevention Week recently held between October 9th and October 15th; and

Whereas in Canada, someone is fatally injured in a residential fire roughly every 32 hours; and

Whereas Fire Prevention Week is held because of the dedicated efforts of volunteer firefighters from the River Hebert Fire Department and promotes not only fire safety, but also pays tribute to the men and women who keep our communities safe all year long;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Nova Scotia Legislature extend sincere gratitude to the members of the River Hebert Fire Department for their outstanding service year-round.

RESOLUTION NO. 5463

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Speaker)

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

Whereas Use Candles with Care was the theme of Fire Prevention Week recently held between October 9th and October 15th; and

Whereas in Canada, someone is fatally injured in a residential fire roughly every 32 hours; and

Whereas Fire Prevention Week is held because of the dedicated efforts of volunteer firefighters from the Springhill Fire Department and promotes not only fire safety, but also pays tribute to the men and women who keep our communities safe all year long;

[Page 9948]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Nova Scotia Legislature extend sincere gratitude to the members of the Springhill Fire Department for their outstanding service year-round.

RESOLUTION NO. 5464

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Speaker)

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

Whereas the Oxford Volunteer Fire Department's auxiliary is once again going above and beyond for their community; and

Whereas the members recently started a Meals With Wheels program for area seniors and shut-ins who may not be eating properly all the time or who need a break and something to look forward to; and

Whereas the auxiliary has a menu planned that will be alternated monthly depending on the time of the year, including roast beef, turkey, salad plate, soup and sandwich, baked beans with brown bread, potato scallop et cetera;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate the Oxford Volunteer Fire Department's Auxiliary on this very important service that makes such a difference in the lives of shut-ins and seniors in the community, and wish them continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5465

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Speaker)

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

Whereas on November 13, 2005, the Little River United Baptist Church held a Police Appreciation Day for RCMP officers of the Oxford Detachment; and

Whereas Rev. Connie Stewart and the congregation, together with the children and members of the community, gathered to bring recitations, read scripture, give reflection and sing songs to praise the officers and their families; and

Whereas police officers on a regular basis each and every day of their lives commit to ensuring the safety and security of the citizens and the communities they serve;

[Page 9949]

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the Nova Scotia Legislature thank the members of the Oxford Detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and all police officers, as well as Rev. Connie Stewart and the congregation of the Little River United Baptist Church and all those who gathered to show appreciation for police officers, and their families, who continue to serve our country.

RESOLUTION NO. 5466

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Speaker)

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

Whereas several staff members were honoured by Correctional Service Canada on November 22, 2005, at the Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre in Springhill; and

Whereas the ceremony highlighted achievements and outstanding efforts by staff and was attended by the Honourable Myra A. Freeman, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, and His Honour Lawrence A. Freeman, along with other dignitaries; and

Whereas James Lowerison, Robert MacKay, Peter McEachern, Eric McNutt, Jerry Melanson, Richard Melanson, Timothy Spence, and Linda Weatherbee were honoured and thanked with awards with 25-year long-service awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate them on their outstanding achievements and wish them continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5467

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Speaker)

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

Whereas several staff members were honoured by Correctional Service Canada on November 22, 2005, at the Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre in Springhill; and

Whereas the ceremony highlighted achievements and outstanding efforts by staff and was attended by the Honourable Myra A. Freeman, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, and His Honour Lawrence A. Freeman, along with other dignitaries; and

[Page 9950]

Whereas the following staff were honoured and thanked with awards with 35-year long-service awards: Theodore C. Darragh, David Hebb, H.J. Titus;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate them on their outstanding achievements and wish them continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5468

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Speaker)

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

Whereas several staff members were honoured by Correctional Service Canada on November 22, 2005, at the Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre in Springhill; and

Whereas the ceremony highlighted achievements and outstanding efforts by staff and was attended by the Honourable Myra A. Freeman, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, and His Honour Lawrence A. Freeman, along with other dignitaries; and

Whereas Laurie Boss Greenhow, Sophia Gould, Carol Hamilton, Paul LeBlanc, Kathy MacKenzie, Rhonda Tannahill, Suzanne Treasarden, and Robert Waye were honoured and thanked with awards with 15-year long-service awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate them on their outstanding achievements and wish them continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5469

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Speaker)

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

Whereas several staff members were honoured by Correctional Service Canada on November 22, 2005, at the Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre in Springhill; and

Whereas the ceremony highlighted achievements and outstanding efforts by staff and was attended by the Honourable Myra A. Freeman, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, and His Honour Lawrence A. Freeman, along with other dignitaries; and

[Page 9951]

Whereas Stephen Dobson, Eugene Dupuis, Aric Froebe, Dwayne Fury, Danny Gogan, Debbie Glasgow, Ronald LeBlanc, Kevin MacKinnon, Foster MacLeod, Curtis McCabe, and Paul McCarthy were honoured and thanked with a 10-year long-service pin;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate them on their outstanding achievements and wish them continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5470

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Speaker)

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

Whereas several staff members were honoured by Correctional Service Canada on November 22, 2005, at the Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre in Springhill; and

Whereas the ceremony highlighted achievements and outstanding efforts by staff and was attended by the Honourable Myra A. Freeman, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, and His Honour Lawrence A. Freeman, along with other dignitaries; and

Whereas Marielle Arsenault, Paul Atkinson, Zella Burke, William Calder, Marlene Cameron, Barbara Canton, Mark Capon, Donald Carter, Larry Clayton, David William, Karen Coveyduck, and Trevor Dill were honoured and thanked with a 10-year long-service pin;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate them on their outstanding achievements and wish them continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5471

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Speaker)

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

Whereas several staff members were honoured by Correctional Service Canada on November 22, 2005, at the Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre in Springhill; and

[Page 9952]

Whereas the ceremony highlighted achievements and outstanding efforts by staff and was attended by the Honourable Myra A. Freeman, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, and His Honour Lawrence A. Freeman, along with other dignitaries; and

Whereas Betty Baxter, William Chase, Deborah Eason, Kenneth Gazda, Allan Hunter, Stanley Junter, and Joan Jones were honoured and thanked with 25-year long-service awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate them on their outstanding achievements and wish them continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5472

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Speaker)

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

Whereas several staff members were honoured by Correctional Service Canada on November 22, 2005, at the Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre in Springhill; and

Whereas the ceremony highlighted achievements and outstanding efforts by staff and was attended by the Honourable Myra A. Freeman, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, and His Honour Lawrence A. Freeman, along with other dignitaries; and

Whereas the following staff were honoured and thanked with Exemplary Service Medals: Dave Hebb, James McEachern, Bob Wong, K. Greg MacLeod;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate them on their outstanding achievements and wish them continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5473

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Speaker)

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

Whereas several staff members were honoured by Correctional Service Canada on November 22, 2005, at the Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre in Springhill; and

[Page 9953]

Whereas the ceremony highlighted achievements and outstanding efforts by staff and was attended by the Honourable Myra A. Freeman, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, and His Honour Lawrence A. Freeman, along with other dignitaries; and

Whereas Gary McFadden, Tim McMillan, Kent Noiles, Diana Pettigrew, Drew Robinson, Julia Rudderham, George Rushton, Gillian Sproul, Deborah Tupper, Michael Twombly, Bruce Waterston, and Michael Wilson were honoured and thanked with a 10-year long-service pin;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate them on their outstanding achievements and wish them continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5474

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Speaker)

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

Whereas several staff members were honoured by Correctional Service Canada on November 22, 2005, at the Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre in Springhill; and

Whereas the ceremony highlighted achievements and outstanding efforts by staff and was attended by the Honourable Myra A. Freeman, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, and His Honour Lawrence A. Freeman, along with other dignitaries; and

Whereas the following staff were honoured and thanked with awards for Exemplary Service: Reginald Caulfield, Wayne Croft, Valerie-Gayle Gallagher, Ken Ferguson, Robert K. Gilbert, David R. Hebb;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate them on their outstanding achievements and wish them continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5475

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Speaker)

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

[Page 9954]

Whereas several staff members were honoured by Correctional Service Canada on November 22, 2005, at the Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre in Springhill; and

Whereas the ceremony highlighted achievements and outstanding efforts by staff and was attended by the Honourable Myra A. Freeman, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, and His Honour Lawrence A. Freeman, along with other dignitaries; and

Whereas Raymond Ouellet, David Coon, Clark Gabriel, Barry Harroun, James MacDonald, David Murray, Donald Tabor, Timothy Phillips, Muriel Garrett, John Leadbetter, Stewart Murray, Charles Tooke, Terry Dobson, Jerry Melanson, Reg Caulfield, Robert Gilbert, and Joan Jones were honoured and thanked for their many years of service, and best wishes on their retirement;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate them on their outstanding achievements and wish them continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5476

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Speaker)

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

Whereas the Springhill High School Golden Eagles defeated Oxford Regional High Golden Bears 68-55 in the championship of the 12th Annual Schiefer's Ultramar Tip-Off girls basketball tournament in November; and

Whereas the Golden Eagles completed the round robin event with a 3-0 slate, giving them lots of enthusiasm for the final round where the Golden Eagles continued to dominate to lead them to victory; and

Whereas the championship team was victorious with Sara Laurie bringing in 23 points, Patti Gilroy scoring 18, Kathryn Macdonald hooping 13 points, Teesah Symes managed 8, Lacey Rushton 4, and Kristen Clarke contributing 2 points;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate the Springhill High School Golden Eagles for an outstanding victory and wish them continued success in the future.

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RESOLUTION NO. 5477

By: Ms. Diana Whalen (Halifax Clayton Park)

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

Whereas in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Nova Scotia universities have stepped up to the plate to assist university students who have been affected by these devastating storms; and

Whereas Acadia University offered full tuition and free room and board to five students displaced by the hurricane; and

Whereas Dalhousie University has waived its international student fees and discounted residential fees, while Mount Saint Vincent has set up a fund for affected students;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate these Nova Scotia universities for their generosity and compassion.

RESOLUTION NO. 5478

By: Ms. Diana Whalen (Halifax Clayton Park)

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

Whereas Canada's national Summer sport, lacrosse, is rooted in the First Nations of North America and has been played in Nova Scotia since 1877; and

Whereas the International Lacrosse Federation has awarded the 2007 ILF World Indoor Lacrosse Championships to Canada, and Halifax will be the host city for this international event; and

Whereas Lacrosse is now played in 36 countries around the world, with over 500,000 athletes taking part in the sport.

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House wish the organizers of the 2007 World Indoor Lacrosse Championships every success in hosting this prestigious event.

[Page 9956]

RESOLUTION NO. 5479

By: Ms. Diana Whalen (Halifax Clayton Park)

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

Whereas Kids R Kids Daycare and Preschool provides well organized quality child care for many families; and

Whereas on October 1st, there was an open house with many fun activities to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Kids R Kids; and

Whereas over the past decade Heather Hansen-Dunbar and the staff of Kids R Kids have influenced many children who have been clients of the daycare or preschool, providing a safe secure place for them to develop;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate Kids R Kids daycare and wish them many years of continued success.

RESOLUTION NO. 5480

By: Ms. Diana Whalen (Halifax Clayton Park)

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

Whereas Cobequid Educational Centre's Reach for the Top team; James Mallov, Ross Mallov, Ryan Andrews, Joey Fielding, Charles (Bobo) Eyrich, Kelsie MacKenzie, along with their coach, Nicole Hart, won first place in the Reach for the Top 2005 National Competition; and

Whereas these students have a varied knowledge base which prepared them to answer questions on a variety of topics from literature to sports; and

Whereas through hard work and dedication these students learned to work as a team to win the national championship;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House recognize the commitment made by these students and their coach and congratulate them on winning the National Reach for the Top title.

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RESOLUTION NO. 5481

By: Ms. Diana Whalen (Halifax Clayton Park)

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

Whereas after six years of hard work by the municipality, the $4.8 million East Hants Resource Centre has opened its doors to the community; and

Whereas East Hants is one of the fastest growing areas in Nova Scotia, and the community needed a central location to provide services and attract new business; and

Whereas the initial building provides people with everything from a library to a health office, and plans are already underway for expansion as the community grows;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House recognize the commitment of the warden and councillors of East Hants and congratulate them on the opening of the East Hants Resource Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 5482

By: Ms. Diana Whalen (Halifax Clayton Park)

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

Whereas Barbara Presse lived her life with grace, compassion and courage; and

Whereas Barbara served as co-chairman of the Sacred Heart School Capital Campaign, Building Courage and Confidence, and as a Sacred Heart alumnus she believed in this motto and led by example; and

Whereas Barbara's passing is a tremendous loss to her family, her community and her school, however her work will continue to help others through the Barbara Pressé Courage et Confiance Scholarship at Sacred Heart;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House recognize the tremendous contribution that Barbara Presse made to Sacred Heart and to the wider community.

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RESOLUTION NO. 5483

By: Ms. Diana Whalen (Halifax Clayton Park)

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

Whereas Sacred Heart School of Halifax has opened the doors to the new Boys' High School as of September 2005; and

Whereas the school year began with 19 enthusiastic Grade 7 and Grade 8 students; and

Whereas the Boys' High School located at the Canadian Martyrs Parish under the guidance of Principal Robert Marchand is a new beginning at a school steeped in Halifax's history;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate the Sacred Heart School of Halifax and wish the Boys' High School every success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5484

By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)

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

Whereas the Society of North American Hockey Historians and Researchers in New York City has named Corporal Craig Marshall Smith to its Advisory Committee for the creation of a Black Hockey and Sports Hall of Fame in the Black Cultural Centre of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the advisory committee is comprised of prominent North American Black history academics and community experts who will work directly with community organizations across North America ensuring that the future Black Hockey and Sports Hall of Fame becomes a reality; and

[Page 9959]

Whereas Craig Marshall Smith is a corporal with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Halifax, a member of the African Canadian Advisory Committee to the Nova Scotia Community College, and served on the Halifax City Police Department's Police and Black Community College Liaison Committee, and recently won a citation of the Canadian National Griot Award for community service;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Corporal Craig Marshall Smith on his role as a member of the Hall of Fame Advisory Committee and wish the committee all the best in its endeavour.