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/
First Session
MONDAY, MAY 16, 2005
| TABLE OF CONTENTS | PAGE | |||
| GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION: | ||||
| Res. 4047, TCH: Heritage Strategy - Participate, | ||||
| Hon. Rodney MacDonald | 7557 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7558 | |||
| Res. 4048, VON Wk. (05/16-05/22/05) - Recognize, Hon. A. MacIsaac | 7558 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7559 | |||
| Res. 4049, N.S. Chambers of Comm.: AGM - Congrats., | ||||
| Hon. Rodney MacDonald | 7559 | |||
| Res. 4050, Mem. HS: Safest HS Scholarship - Congrats., | ||||
| Hon. K. Morash | 7560 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7560 | |||
| INTRODUCTION OF BILLS: | ||||
| No. 213, Africville Act, Ms. Maureen MacDonald | 7561 | |||
| No. 214, Government Purchases Act, Ms. Maureen MacDonald | 7561 | |||
| NOTICES OF MOTION: | ||||
| Res. 4051, Pecelj, Sanja - Sanctuary: Supporters - Congrats., | ||||
| Ms. Maureen MacDonald | 7561 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7562 | |||
| Res. 4052, Prem. - N.S. MPs (Cons.): Budget (Cdn.) - Support Urge, | ||||
| Mr. Manning MacDonald | 7562 | |||
| Res. 4053, Pearl, Gary: Death of - Tribute, Mr. M. Parent | 7563 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7564 | |||
| Res. 4054, Prem. - Health Care Costs: Promise - Broken, | ||||
| Mr. Michel Samson | 7564 | |||
| Res. 4055, Pictou Co. Firefighters Assoc.: Training Facility - | ||||
| Establishment, Mr. J. DeWolfe | 7565 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7565 | |||
| Res. 4056, Prem.: Spending - Control, Mr. L. Glavine | 7566 | |||
| Res. 4057, EHS - Paramedics: Impact - Recognize, Hon. A. MacIsaac | 7566 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7567 | |||
| Res. 4058, Lobster Fishing Season: Area 27 Fishers - Best Wishes, | ||||
| Mr. R. MacKinnon | 7567 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7568 | |||
| Res. 4059, Prem. - Health Care: Promise - Broken, | ||||
| Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) | 7568 | |||
| Res. 4060, Prem. - Borrowing: MLAs - Recognize, Mr. Michel Samson | 7468 | |||
| Res. 4061, Grant, Sister Jean: Serv. - Recognize, Hon. A. MacIsaac | 7569 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7570 | |||
| Res. 4062, Prem. - Health Care: Promise - Broken, Mr. K. Colwell | 7570 | |||
| Res. 4063, Wright, Larry: Death of - Tribute, Hon. M. Baker | 7571 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7571 | |||
| Res. 4064, Kummer, Eva & Tom: Cdn. Citizenship - Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. R. MacKinnon | 7571 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7572 | |||
| Res. 4065, Prem.: Promises (1999) - Examine, Mr. W. Gaudet | 7572 | |||
| Res. 4066, Prem. - Buying Local: Promise - Broken, Mr. S. McNeil | 7573 | |||
| Res. 4067, Prem. - Future: Mortgaging - Cease, Mr. Gerald Sampson | 7574 | |||
| Res. 4068, Prem.: Spending - Control, Mr. H. Theriault | 7575 | |||
| Res. 4069, Prem. - Future: Planning - Lack, Mr. D. Graham | 7576 | |||
| Res. 4070, Prem. - Health Care System: Planning - Need Recognize, | ||||
| Mr. L. Glavine | 7577 | |||
| Res. 4071, Tory Platform: Tory Platform (1999) - Correlation, | ||||
| Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) | 7577 | |||
| Res. 4072, Health - System: Funding - Inadequacy, Mr. K. Colwell | 7578 | |||
| Res. 4073, Basque, Elsie: Hon. Deg. - Université Sainte-Anne, | ||||
| Mr. W. Gaudet | 7579 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7579 | |||
| Res. 4074, Hemming, Bob: CA Fellow - Congrats., Ms. D. Whalen | 7579 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7580 | |||
| Res. 4075, Prem. - Debt Increase: Promise - Broken, | ||||
| Mr. Gerald Sampson | 7580 | |||
| Res. 4076, Prem. - Debt Increase: Promise - Broken, | ||||
| Mr. Manning MacDonald | 7581 | |||
| GOVERNMENT BUSINESS: | ||||
| GOVERNMENT MOTIONS: | ||||
| ON MOTION FOR SUPPLY: | ||||
| Ms. J. Massey | 7582 | |||
| Mr. D. Graham | 7586 | |||
| Mr. B. Taylor | 7590 | |||
| HOUSE RESOLVED INTO CWH ON SUPPLY AT 2:24 P.M. | 7593 | |||
| HOUSE RECONVENED AT 6:25 P.M. | 7594 | |||
| INTRODUCTION OF BILLS: | ||||
| No. 215, Appropriations Act, 2005, Hon. P. Christie | 7594 | |||
| PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING: | ||||
| No. 215, Appropriations Act, 2005 | 7594 | |||
| PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING: | ||||
| No. 215, Appropriations Act, 2005 | 7596 | |||
| PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING: | ||||
| No. 177, Financial Measures (2005) Act | 7597 | |||
| No. 202, Children and Family Services Act | 7597 | |||
| Hon. D. Morse | 7597 | |||
| Ms. M. More | 7597 | |||
| Hon. D. Morse | 7597 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7598 | |||
| PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING: | ||||
| No. 117, Emergency Health Services Act | 7598 | |||
| Hon. A. MacIsaac | 7598 | |||
| Mr. David Wilson (Sackville-Cobequid) | 7598 | |||
| Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) | 7600 | |||
| Hon. M. Scott | 7601 | |||
| Hon. A. MacIsaac | 7603 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7604 | |||
| No. 145, Elections Act | 7604 | |||
| Hon. M. Baker | 7604 | |||
| Mr. C. Parker | 7604 | |||
| Ms. D. Whalen | 7605 | |||
| Hon. M. Baker | 7605 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7605 | |||
| No. 146, Cross-border Policing Act | 7606 | |||
| Hon. M. Baker | 7606 | |||
| Mr. K. Deveaux | 7606 | |||
| Hon. M. Baker | 7606 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7606 | |||
| No. 147, Youth Justice Act/Motor Vehicle Act | 7607 | |||
| Hon. M. Baker | 7607 | |||
| Mr. K. Deveaux | 7607 | |||
| Mr. Michel Samson | 7607 | |||
| Hon. M. Baker | 7608 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative ~ ^ 7608 | ||||
| No. 148, Justice Administration Amendment (2005) Act | 7608 | |||
| No. 152, Liquor Control Act | 7609 | |||
| Hon. E. Fage | 7609 | |||
| Mr. G. Gosse | 7609 | |||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 7610 | |||
| Mr. W. Estabrooks | 7610 | |||
| Mr. Michel Samson | 7611 | |||
| Hon. E. Fage | 7611 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7611 | |||
| No. 158, Paramedics Act | 7612 | |||
| Hon. J. Muir | 7612 | |||
| Mr. David Wilson (Sackville-Cobequid) | 7612 | |||
| Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) | 7614 | |||
| Mr. Michel Samson | 7615 | |||
| Hon. J. Muir | 7616 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7616 | |||
| No. 159, Université Sainte-Anne - Collége de l'Acadie Act | 7617 | |||
| No. 160, University College of Cape Breton Act | 7617 | |||
| Hon. J. Muir | 7617 | |||
| Mr. Michel Samson | 7617 | |||
| Hon. J. Muir | 7618 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7619 | |||
| No. 161, Special Places Protection Act | 7619 | |||
| No. 165, Education Act | 7619 | |||
| Hon. J. Muir | 7619 | |||
| Mr. W. Estabrooks | 7619 | |||
| Ms. D. Whalen | 7620 | |||
| Hon. J. Muir | 7620 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7620 | |||
| PRIVATE AND LOCAL BILLS FOR THIRD READING: | ||||
| No. 134, Yarmouth Marketing and Promotions Levy Act | 7621 | |||
| PRIVATE MEMBERS' PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING: | ||||
| No. 210, Health Authorities Act | 7621 | |||
| Mr. J. Pye | 7621 | |||
| Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) | 7622 | |||
| Mr. J. Pye | 7622 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7622 | |||
| No. 197, Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act | 7623 | |||
| Mr. D. Dexter | 7623 | |||
| Mr. Michel Samson | 7624 | |||
| Hon. C. d'Entremont | 7625 | |||
| Mr. D. Dexter | 7626 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7626 | |||
| No. 207, Provincial Finance Act | 7627 | |||
| Mr. D. Dexter | 7627 | |||
| Mr. Michel Samson | 7627 | |||
| Hon. J. Muir | 7634 | |||
| Mr. K. Deveaux | 7635 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7635 | |||
| No. 192, Alexander Graham Bell Day Act | 7636 | |||
| Mr. R. MacKinnon | 7636 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 7636 | |||
| ADJOURNMENT, House rose to meet again on Tue., May 17th at 12:00 noon | 7637 | |||
| NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3): | ||||
| Res. 4077, Gov't. (N.S.) - Gas/Home Heating Fuel: Regulation - | ||||
| Legislate, Mr. F. Corbett | 7638 | |||
| Res. 4078, Winbridge Constr. Ltd. - N.S. Constr. Safety Assoc. Award, | ||||
| Hon. K. Morash | 7638 | |||
| Res. 4079, Strescon Ltd. - N.S. Constr. Safety Assoc. Award, | ||||
| Hon. K. Morash | 7639 | |||
| Res. 4080, Omega Formwork - N.S. Constr. Safety Assoc. Award, | ||||
| Hon. K. Morash | 7639 | |||
| Res. 4081, G & M Insulation & Siding - N.S. Constr. Safety | ||||
| Assoc. Award, Hon. K. Morash | 7640 | |||
| Res. 4082, Smith, Rod D. - Truro Rep. Vol., Hon. J. Muir | 7640 | |||
| Res. 4083, Adams-Dean, Sharon - Educ. Wk. Award, Mr. L. Glavine | 7641 | |||
| Res. 4084, Penney, Lorrie - Cent. Anna. Valley C of C Award, | ||||
| Mr. L. Glavine | 7641 | |||
| Res. 4085, Hawboldt, Stephen - Nat'l. Environ. Award, Mr. L. Glavine | 7642 | |||
| Res. 4086, Scarrow, Charles - Athletics N.S. Award, Mr. S. McNeil | 7642 | |||
| Res. 4087, Cousins, Kyle - Nat'l. Cadet Boxing Championships, | ||||
| Mr. S. McNeil | 7643 | |||
| Res. 4088, Goldenberg, Chris - Apple House: Heritage Prop. - | ||||
| Designation, Mr. S. McNeil | 7643 | |||
| Res. 4089, Covert, Alta & Murray: Commun. Contribution - Recognize, | ||||
| Mr. S. McNeil | 7644 | |||
| Res. 4090, Martin, Jenna - Athletics N.S. Award, Mr. S. McNeil | 7644 | |||
| Res. 4091, MacPherson, Ken: Cdn. Commun. Newspaper Assoc. - | ||||
| Award Nominee, Mr. S. McNeil | 7645 | |||
| Res. 4092, Redden, Louis: Cdn. Service - Honour, Mr. S. McNeil | 7645 | |||
| Res. 4093, Kelly, Karla: Educ. Wk. Award, Mr. H. Theriault | 7646 | |||
| Res. 4094, Islands Cons. Sch.: N.S. Schools - Rating, Mr. H. Theriault | 7646 | |||
| Res. 4095, Donaldson, Bernice - E. Hants Mun. Shining Star Award, | ||||
| Mr. J. MacDonell | 7647 | |||
| Res. 4096, Walls, Don - E. Hants Mun. Shining Star Award, | ||||
| Mr. J. McDonell | 7647 | |||
| Res. 4097, Scott, Helene - E. Hants Mun. Shining Star Award, | ||||
| Mr. J. McDonell | 7648 | |||
| Res. 4098, Weatherhead, Kaye - E. Hants Mun. Shining Star Award, | ||||
| Mr. J. McDonell | 7648 | |||
| Res. 4099, Dickson, Laura Lee - E. Hants Mun. Shining Star Award, | ||||
| Mr. J. McDonell | 7649 | |||
| Res. 4100, Barr, Marion - E. Hants Mun. Shining Star Award, | ||||
| Mr. J. McDonell | 7649 | |||
| Res. 4101, Fisher, Mary - E. Hants Mun. Shining Star Award, | ||||
| Mr. J. McDonell | 7650 | |||
| Res. 4102, Watson, Mike - E. Hants Mun. Shining Star Award, | ||||
| Mr. J. McDonell | 7650 | |||
| Res. 4103, Sydney Kiwanis Ryl. Cdn. Air Cadet Squadron - | ||||
| Commun. Commitment, Mr. G. Gosse | 7651 | |||
| Res. 4104, Sydney Rotary Squadron - Commun. Commitment, | ||||
| Mr. G. Gosse | 7651 | |||
| Res. 4105, RCL - Ashby Br. 138: Service - Thank, Mr. G. Gosse | 7652 | |||
| Res. 4106, Charters, Jim - AUSC Coach of the Yr., Mr. G. Gosse | 7652 | |||
| Res. 4107, Kids Help Phone: Aliant - Fundraising, Mr. G. Gosse | 7653 | |||
| Res. 4108, Murrin, Maureen - AUSC Basketball Award, Mr. G. Gosse | 7653 | |||
| Res. 4109, Whitney Pier Polish Constitution Day - Traditions: | ||||
| Maintenance - Congrats., Mr. G. Gosse | 7654 | |||
| Res. 4110, Salvation Army: Red Shield Appeal - Salute, Mr. G. Gosse | 7654 | |||
| Res. 4111, RCL - Sydney Br. 12: Dedication - Thank, Mr. G. Gosse | 7655 | |||
| Res. 4112, RCL - Whitney Pier Br. 128: Serv. - Salute, Mr. G. Gosse | 7655 | |||
| Res. 4113, RCL - Cumb. Co. Branches: Contributions - Applaud, | ||||
| The Speaker | 7656 | |||
| Res. 4114, Springhill Jr./Sr. HS - Career Fair: Organizers - Congrats., | ||||
| The Speaker | 7656 | |||
| Res. 4115, Matthews, Darren: Commun. Spirit - Recognize, | ||||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 7657 | |||
| Res. 4116, Conrad, Lynda: Commun. Research - Thank, | ||||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 7657 | |||
| Res. 4117, Veniot, Cst. Brian: Commun. Serv. - Recognize, | ||||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 7658 | |||
| Res. 4118, Harlow, John - Commun. Commitment, Mr. K. Colwell | 7658 | |||
| Res. 4119, Murley, Bob/Vols.: East. Shore Hockey Tournament - | ||||
| Recognize, Mr. K. Colwell | 7659 | |||
| Res. 4120, Verrall, Nick: East. Shore Hockey Tournament - Recognize, | ||||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 7659 | |||
| Res. 4121, Reader, Jim: East. Shore Hockey Tournament - Recognize, | ||||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 7660 | |||
| Res. 4122, Stephen, Wally: East. Shore Hockey Tournament - | ||||
| Recognize, Mr. K. Colwell | 7660 | |||
| Res. 4123, Deleseleuc, Stephene: East. Shore Hockey Tournament - | ||||
| Recognize, Mr. K. Colwell | 7660 | |||
| Res. 4124, Sutherland, Scott: East. Shore Hockey Tournament - | ||||
| Recognize, Mr. K. Colwell | 7661 | |||
| Res. 4125, Cull, Tim: East. Shore Hockey Tournament - Recognize, | ||||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 7661 | |||
| Res. 4126, Timmons, John: East. Shore Hockey Tournament - | ||||
| Recognize,^Mr. K. Colwell | 7662 | |||
| Res. 4127, Townsend, Mike: East. Shore Hockey Tournament - | ||||
| Recognize, Mr. K. Colwell | 7662 | |||
| Res. 4128, Stephen, Zak: East. Shore Hockey Tournament - Recognize, | ||||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 7663 | |||
| Res. 4129, Walsh, Francine: East. Shore Hockey Tournament - | ||||
| Recognize,^Mr. K. Colwell | 7663 | |||
| Res. 4130, Verrall, John: East. Shore Hockey Tournament - Recognize, | ||||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 7663 | |||
| Res. 4131, Trembley, Allen: East. Shore Hockey Tournament - | ||||
| Recognize, Mr. K. Colwell | 7664 | |||
| Res. 4132, Todd, Janet: East. Shore Hockey Tournament - Recognize, | ||||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 7664 | |||
| Res. 4133, MacLaughlin, Cody: East. Shore Hockey Tournament - | ||||
| Recognize, Mr. K. Colwell | 7665 | |||
| Res. 4134, Riley, Percey - Church/Commun.: Serv. - Honour, | ||||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 7665 | |||
| Res. 4135, Johnston, Kerry - Church/Commun.: Serv. - Recognize, | ||||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 7666 | |||
| Res. 4136, Grosse, Twila - Church/Commun.: Serv. - Honour, | ||||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 7666 | |||
| Res. 4137, States, Joyce - Church/Commun.: Serv. - Honour, | ||||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 7667 | |||
| Res. 4138, Sparks, Mary - Church/Commun.: Serv. - Honour, | ||||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 7667 | |||
| Res. 4139, Sparks, Jeremiah - Church/Commun.: Serv. - Honour, | ||||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 7668 | |||
| Res. 4140, Sparks, Deaconess Bessie - Church/Commun.: Serv. - | ||||
| Honour, Mr. K. Colwell | 7668 | |||
| Res. 4141, Bundy, Deaconess Sarah - Church/Commun.: Serv. - | ||||
| Honour, Mr. K. Colwell | 7669 | |||
| Res. 4142, Johnston, Alma - Church/Commun.: Serv. - Honour, | ||||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 7669 | |||
| Res. 4143, Howe, Deborah - Church/Commun.: Serv. - Honour, | ||||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 7670 | |||
| Res. 4144, Clayton, Ruth - Ladies Auxiliary: Serv. - Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 7670 | |||
| Res. 4145, Brooks, Deaconess Rose - Ladies Auxiliary: Serv. - | ||||
| Congrats., Mr. K. Colwell | 7670 | |||
| Res. 4146, Diggs, Margaret - Ladies Auxiliary: Serv. - Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 7671 | |||
| Res. 4147, Thomas, Lavinia - Ladies Auxiliary: Serv. - Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 7671 | |||
| Res. 4148, Riley, Loretta - Ladies Auxiliary: Serv. - Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 7672 | |||
| Res. 4149, Williams, Freda - Ladies Auxiliary: Serv. - Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 7672 | |||
| Res. 4150, Brown, Florence - Ladies Auxiliary: Serv. - Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 7673 | |||
| Res. 4151, Colley, Audrey - Ladies Auxiliary: Serv. - Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 7673 | |||
| Res. 4152, Ross, Dr. Joyce - Ladies Auxiliary: Serv. - Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 7673 | |||
| Res. 4153, Calliste, Dr. Agnes - Black Commun.: Serv. - Honour, | ||||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 7674 | |||
| Res. 4154, N. Preston - Dal. Dental Sch.: Work - Recognize, | ||||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 7674 | |||
| Res. 4155, IODE: Work - Commend, Mr. K. Colwell | 7675 | |||
| Res. 4156, Montag, Diana; Cdn. Cancer Soc. - Fundraising, | ||||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 7675 | |||
| Res. 4157, Agric. & Fish. - State of N.S. Fishery: Commission - | ||||
| Establish, Mr. C. Parker | 7676 | |||
HALIFAX, MONDAY, MAY 16, 2005
Fifty-ninth General Assembly
First Session
1:00 P.M.
SPEAKER
Hon. Murray Scott
DEPUTY SPEAKERS
Mr. James DeWolfe, Ms. Joan Massey, Mr. Daniel Graham
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. We will begin the daily routine.
PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS
PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS
STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS
GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Health Promotion.
HON. RODNEY MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas heritage adds to the prosperity of communities, provides Nova Scotians with an understanding of their distinctive identity and offers genuine experiences of the province to all visitors, helping make Nova Scotia a world-class tourism destination; and
Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia is investing $80,000 to embark on defining a heritage strategy that will direct the province's heritage development for the next seven years; and
Whereas Nova Scotians will have an opportunity to take part in the public consultation process which will provide recommendations on the heritage strategy;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in encouraging Nova Scotians to take an active role in the development of the heritage strategy, by defining what they value in the province's rich cultural and natural heritage and what they want to see protected for the future.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable Minister of Health.
HON. ANGUS MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas May 16th to May 22nd is Victorian Order of Nurses Week across Canada; and
Whereas the VON has more than 20,000 staff and volunteers committed to the delivery of health and social services like delivering meals and visiting people who need compassion; and
Whereas the VON began with four branches and now has 63 branches across Canada, serving 1 million Canadians and their families every year;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize May 16th to May 22nd as VON Week, and acknowledge the VON as a dedicated organization working to improve the lives of others.
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 Immigration.
HON. RODNEY MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas this year's Nova Scotia Chambers of Commerce Annual General Meeting was hosted by the Strait Area Chamber of Commerce; and
Whereas as Minister of Immigration and MLA, I was pleased to bring remarks to the chamber's panel discussion on economic diversity - an important issue affecting its membership and our province as a whole; and
Whereas as the chamber's role is important as it brings together a broad spectrum of business interests and leaders, which are all vital contributors to our local economies, it ensures that that collective knowledge base is shared provincially, and acts as a voice for business in Nova Scotia;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate the Nova Scotia Chambers of Commerce on another successful AGM and wish the organization and its affiliates well in the year ahead as they move forward on the policies and ideas developed and discussed at their annual conference.
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 Minister of Environment and Labour
RESOLUTION NO. 4050
HON. KERRY MORASH: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas workers under the age of 25 are the most likely to get injured on the job, and as such the Nova Scotia Construction Safety Association offers a $5,000 scholarship to a high school in the province that demonstrates a commitment to occupational health and safety; and
Whereas high schools are judged on the percentage of students that complete basic occupational health and safety training, a review of the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee, and community involvement promoting occupational health and safety; and
Whereas Memorial Composite High School of Sydney Mines is, for the third year in a row, the winner of the Safest High School Scholarship;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Memorial Composite High School for once again showing their commitment to ensuring students have the education and skills they require to be safe and productive at work.
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.
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Needham.
MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, before I introduce this bill, I would like to do an introduction.
I would like to draw the attention of members of the House to three guests we have in the west gallery today. We have Irvine Carvery and Olive Cassidy from the Africville Genealogy Society, as well as Gilbert Daye, who is a resident in my constituency. I would ask them to rise and receive the warm recognition of the House. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: We certainly welcome our special guests to the gallery today.
Bill No. 213 - Entitled an Act to Address the Historic Injustice Committed Against the People of Africville (Ms. Maureen MacDonald)
Bill No. 214 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 188 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Government Purchases Act. (Ms. Maureen MacDonald)
MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that these bills be read a second time on a future day.
NOTICES OF MOTION
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Needham.
MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, before I do my notice of motion, I would also like to do an introduction.
In the west gallery I would like to draw the members' attention to two guests I'm very pleased to have joined us today. We are joined by Suffragan Bishop Sue Moxley, and Rev. David Dellapinna, from St. Mark's Anglican Church in the north end of Halifax. I would ask them both to stand and receive the warm recognition of the House. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Needham.
MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Sanja Pecelj, originally from Kosovo, applied for refugee status in Canada but was denied by the federal Immigration and Review Board; and
Whereas St. Mark's Anglican Church and its minister, Reverend Sue Moxley, who has since become Suffragan Bishop of Nova Scotia, provided sanctuary for Sanja for 441 days; and
Whereas the church remained steadfast in providing sanctuary, despite opposition to the concept of church sanctuary from the federal Immigration Minister of the day;
Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature extend its sincere appreciation to Bishop Sue, St. Mark's Anglican Church, and to everyone who helped provide sanctuary for Sanja Pecelj, for their courageous, determined and ultimately successful support for her long search for safety and security in Canada.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Cape Breton South.
MR. MANNING MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Prime Minister, the Social Development Minister, the Premier and the Minister of Community Services signed an agreement this morning which supports the development of quality early learning and child care for young children and their families; and
Whereas this announcement follows the Government of Canada's budget commitment to invest $5 billion over five years to enhance and expand high-quality developmental early learning and child care; and
Whereas the Premier stated this morning that our future belongs to our children, and this agreement will help us better support them in the years to come;
Therefore be it resolved that the Premier stand behind his commitment to the children of Nova Scotia and encourage all Nova Scotia Conservative MPs to support the federal budget so that Nova Scotia has the necessary financial resources needed to improve child care throughout our province.
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 Kings North.
[1:15 p.m.]
MR. MARK PARENT: Mr. Speaker, before I read the resolution, I just want to thank the House once again for standing on Friday for the moment of silence in honour of Gary. This resolution is in honour of him, as well.
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Town of Kentville lost a great ambassador Friday morning with the passing of Mayor Gary Pearl; and
Whereas Gary's enthusiasm and dedication to his family and his community was shown in so many wonderful ways; and
Whereas Gary Pearl was an architect when it came to leading municipal government in a progressive manner, and the results speak for themselves with the Town of Kentville now enjoying a development boom with the start-up of five new subdivisions in 2004 alone, the downtown full with shops and stores, and the construction of a new $1 million police station for the town;
Therefore be it resolved that all MLAs of this House extend their sincerest sympathies to Gary's wife, Shirley, to his children, Sarah, Nicholas and Alex, members of the Kentville Town Council and town staff on Gary's passing, knowing they have lost a true friend and a great leader.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request of 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.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas in a speech in Yarmouth during the 1999 election the Premier told Nova Scotians, "We understand the extent and nature of the demands on our health system and we are prepared to meet them."; and
Whereas the Premier went on to say, "What we are not prepared to do is to throw hundreds of millions of dollars of borrowed money at the problem."; and
Whereas since 1999 the Premier has indeed thrown hundreds of millions of dollars of borrowed money at health;
Therefore be it resolved that the Premier broke his election promise to control health care costs and that he has proven his inability to understand the extent and nature of the demands on our health system.
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 Pictou East.
MR. JAMES DEWOLFE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Pictou County firefighters are aiming to do more training closer to home; and
Whereas firefighters from across Pictou County are presently examining the option of having a live-fire training site instead of having to go all the way to the Waverley Fire School to do live burn and rescue training; and
Whereas the estimated cost of constructing a live-burn facility, using several transport trailer boxes is $50,000, and the firefighters have been busy for a number of months raising the necessary revenue while also waiting to hear from the Municipality of Pictou County on whether they will assist in this cost for the facility;
Therefore be it resolved that all MLAs in this House of Assembly congratulate the Pictou County Firefighters Association for their determination and their drive in wanting to establish a training facility in Pictou County, which they can use more frequently.
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.
MR. LEO GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas in December 2002 the Premier said, "To be sure, there are some people who suggest that government should continue borrowing on its debt and spending beyond its means. I don't believe there is merit to this argument. Such an approach might feel good today. However, we need to ask ourselves, who pays for it tomorrow?"; and
Whereas government continues to borrow on its debt and spend beyond its means; and
Whereas once again the Premier is breaking a fundamental promise;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House urge the Premier to live by his own words and stop spending beyond our means.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There is a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
I hear several Noes.
The notice is tabled.
The honourable Minister of Health.
HON. ANGUS MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas May 16th to May 20th is EHS Week all across Canada and EHS paramedics, communications officers and other personnel are among the best trained in North America; and
Whereas Nova Scotians can be confident in knowing that in their time of need, a team of talented health care professionals will be there to help; and
Whereas our integrated service system, combined with the use of the latest technology, makes our EHS system the envy of other Canadian and American jurisdictions;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the substantial impact that paramedics make in the lives of Nova Scotians each and every day, and acknowledge their commitment to providing quality patient care.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Cape Breton West.
RESOLUTION NO. 4058
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 lobster fisheries is vital to the economy of Cape Breton; and
Whereas today, Monday, May 16, 2005, Area 27 fishers commence setting traps in hopes of a successful season; and
Whereas Area 27 represents fishers from Gabarus to Cape North, which includes fishing communities such as Gabarus, Louisbourg, Lorraine, Main-à-Dieu, Baleine, Bateston, Port Morien, Waddens Cove, Donkin and many others;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly extend best wishes to the fishers of Area 27 for a safe and successful lobster fishing season.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Glace Bay.
RESOLUTION NO. 4059
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 in a speech in New Glasgow during the 1999 election, the current Premier told Nova Scotians, "Money alone can't solve a problem until you know what's wrong"; and
Whereas he went on to say, "Why spend money you don't have only to cause more needless suffering? That's not my idea of good government or good leadership"; and
Whereas the Premier still does not recognize that there is something wrong with the way he and his government have handled health care;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House recognize that the Premier broke his fundamental promise to fix health care without mortgaging our future, and that he has failed to live up to his own ideal of good leadership.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
I hear several Noes.
The notice is tabled.
The honourable Leader in the House of the Liberal Party.
RESOLUTION NO. 4060
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas in 2000, the Premier told Nova Scotians, "This province has a lot of challenges facing us, and we have to recognize that the root of our problems is 30 years of borrowing to pay the bills"; and
Whereas this Premier continues to borrow in order to pay the bills; and
Whereas the Premier continues, as well, to break his promise to Nova Scotians;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House recognize that the Premier continues to borrow to pay the bills and that this government continues to borrow against the future of Nova Scotia.
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 Minister of Health.
RESOLUTION NO. 4061
HON. ANGUS MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Sister Jean Grant, Congregation Notre Dame, has taught thousands of Nova Scotia youth over her teaching career: 30 years combined at Holy Angels High School and Port Hood School, and 36 years at St. F.X. University in Antigonish; and
Whereas Sister Jean, affectionately known as Aunt Jean, entered the Congregation of Notre Dame in 1937, making her final profession of vows in Montreal in 1939, and had attained several degrees attending Columbia University and Notre Dame University; and
Whereas Aunt Jean has recently retired after teaching her 66th academic year;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Sister Jean Grant - Aunt Jean - for her many decades of service and contribution to Nova Scotia's youth and to our communities, and wish her well in her retirement.
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. 4062
MR. KEITH COLWELL: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas in 1999, the current Premier launched his platform saying, ". . . our health care platform lays out very specific commitments . . . with very specific time frames"; and
Whereas nowhere in the blue book does it indicate that health care would cost a billion dollars more today than it did five years ago; and
Whereas this fundamental promise has been broken;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House recognize that the Premier has broken his fundamental promise in 1999.
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 Minister of Justice.
RESOLUTION NO. 4063
HON. MICHAEL BAKER: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Department of Justice is committed to the fair and effective administration of justice and to excellence in service to the people of Nova Scotia; and
Whereas on May 11, 2005, the department lost Mr. Larry Wright, a long-time employee and a true champion of equity and diversity within the department, throughout the government and in the community; and
Whereas Mr. Wright was the Chairman of the Equity Committee and Black Liaison Office for the Department of Justice and most recently worked at the Burnside Correctional Facility as their Equity Manager;
Therefore be it resolved that along with his colleagues throughout government, members of this House honour the memory of an exceptional employee and use that memory as an inspiration and remain vigilant in the cause of equity.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Cape Breton West.
RESOLUTION NO. 4064
MR. RUSSELL MACKINNON: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas rural economic development is essential to Nova Scotia; and
Whereas over the past seven years, Eva and Tom Kummer of 856 Grand Mira South Road, Juniper Mountain, Cape Breton have transformed a dream into reality with the development of Mira River Cottages and Riverbank Restaurant; and
Whereas this unique vacation resort has been particularly successful in attracting international tourists while satisfying the vacation and dining needs of the Canadian market;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Eva and Tom Kummer for becoming Canadian citizens, for the success of their business and for expressing a vote of confidence in rural economic development in Cape Breton.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Clare.
RESOLUTION NO. 4065
MR. WAYNE GAUDET: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas during the 1999 election the current Premier told Nova Scotians, "We need a health-care system that is fiscally responsible, and we should start by looking for a more effective use of our resources"; and
Whereas instead of a fiscally responsible course, the Premier has instead chosen to throw money at the system without a comprehensive plan; and
Whereas by the Premier's own admission, he agrees by saying that the whole provincial budget could be taken up by health in the year 2525;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House urge the Premier to examine his 1999 promises and recognize his failure to live up to those promises.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
I hear several Noes.
The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Halifax Clayton Park.
MS. DIANA WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Nova Scotia has only five statutory holidays in the entire year which earns us the distinction of having the fewest statutory holidays in the country; and
Whereas Joseph Howe has earned a place in the history of our province which is deserving of recognition and honour; and
Whereas the opportunity exists to adopt a new statutory holiday which will honour Joseph Howe and at the same time will make our province a better place to live, work and raise a family;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House urge the Minister of Labour to consider the adoption of Joseph Howe Day as a statutory holiday on the third Monday in February.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: The resolution is out of order, there's a bill before the House on that. It was a nice resolution.
The honourable member for Annapolis.
RESOLUTION NO. 4066
MR. STEPHEN MCNEIL: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas in a campaign stop in Berwick during the 1999 election, the Premier promised Nova Scotians, "Our government will buy Nova Scotia first. We'll lead by example."; and
Whereas the Premier's government has failed to live up to the province after over five years; and
Whereas even last year the Premier promised an institutional program for buying Nova Scotia agricultural products that he has failed to deliver;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize that the Premier has failed in his promise to lead by example through buying local products first.
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 Victoria-The Lakes.
[1:30 p.m.]
RESOLUTION NO. 4067
MR. GERALD SAMPSON: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas in a speech to the Construction Management Bureau on April 28, 2000, the Premier said, "We have to stop piling up debt before it's too late. We have to start living within our means . . . stop mortgaging our children and grandchildren. Otherwise we're going to end up financially . . . and morally bankrupt;" and
Whereas this government continues to mortgage the future of our children and grandchildren; and
Whereas using the Premier's logic, we are on the road to fiscal and moral bankruptcy;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House urge the Premier to stop mortgaging the future of our children and grandchildren.
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 Digby-Annapolis.
MR. HAROLD THERIAULT: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas during a speech in 2003, former Finance Minister Neil LeBlanc said, "Our economy is growing by two or three per cent a year. Meanwhile, the total price tag for health increases by six to eight per cent annually. A hiccup, or maybe an outbreak of hiccups, could put us back in the red in the blink of an eye"; and
Whereas health care spending has now increased between 9 per cent and 11 per cent; and
Whereas uncontrollable health spending is threatening to consume the entire provincial budget;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House urge the Premier to take heed of his former minister's advice and control spending before it's too late.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
I hear several Noes.
The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Halifax Citadel.
MR. DANIEL GRAHAM: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas during the 1999 election, the current Premier told Nova Scotians, "Nova Scotians must decide which direction is best for them and their families - we can borrow as before, or we can plan for tomorrow."; and
Whereas the current Premier continues to borrow against the future instead of . . .
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. Honourable member for Halifax Citadel, I don't believe you're on the record there. Start over again, please. (Interruptions)
MR. GRAHAM: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas during the 1999 election, the current Premier told Nova Scotians, "Nova Scotians must decide which direction is best for them and their families - we can borrow as before, or we can plan for tomorrow."; and
Whereas the current Premier continues to borrow against the future instead of planning for the future; and
Whereas this lack of planning is costing the next generation dearly;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House recognize that the Premier is borrowing against the future instead of planning for a brighter future.
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 Kings West.
MR. LEO GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas on June 25, 2001, the Premier told Nova Scotians, "Are we to say to education, for example, we're not going to touch health. They can have unlimited increases every year, but we're going to cut back on the education budget year after year after year to allow us extra money to spend on health"; and
Whereas unless the Premier commits himself to controlling health costs, Nova Scotians will once again be forced to choose between health care and other services; and
Whereas education requires an investment, as does the health care system;
Therefore be it resolved that the Premier must recognize that the health care system requires careful planning and the right investment in order to control costs so that government does not have to choose between essential services like education, roads and social services.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
I hear several Noes.
The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Glace Bay.
MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas during the 1999 election, the current Premier told Nova Scotians, "Any Nova Scotian can read my platform to find out what we will do, when we will do it and how much it will cost"; and
Whereas health care alone now costs $1 billion more than it did in 1999; and
Whereas the Tory plan in 1999 contains no reference to increasing health spending by $1 billion;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House recognize that the 1999 Tory platform bears little resemblance to what the Premier had promised back in 1999.
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 Preston.
MR. KEITH COLWELL: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas in 1999 the current Premier told Nova Scotians, "We don't need to mortgage the future to meet today's health care challenges"; and
Whereas "Money alone will not fix health care . . ."; and
Whereas after $1 billion heath care is still not fixed;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House recognize that despite $1 billion more for the Health Department, the system is still not fixed.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
I hear a No.
The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Clare.
MR. WAYNE GAUDET: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Université Sainte-Anne has awarded an honorary doctorate degree to Elsie Basque from Saulnierville; and
Whereas Elsie Basque, a former educator, has done extensive work on behalf of the First Nation's community serving as a national spokesperson on urban First Nation's elderly affairs; and
Whereas Mrs. Basque's efforts and dedication have been formally recognized by Canada and the United States;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly offer congratulations and best wishes to Elsie Basque on this prestigious recognition and wish her every success in future endeavours.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Halifax Clayton Park.
MS. DIANA WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Robert Hemming has recently been designated a Fellow of the Chartered Accountants in recognition of 40 years of service as a chartered accountant; and
Whereas as a CA, Bob has worked with a variety of businesses to develop successful business plans to ensure a secure future; and
Whereas Bob Hemming is well recognized for his strong commitment to his community and his volunteer work with various organizations from the Metro Food Bank Society to the Rotary Club, as well as the Nova Scotia Liberal Party, is to be commended;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Bob Hemming for being named a Fellow of the Chartered Accountants and wish him 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 Victoria-The Lakes.
MR. GERALD SAMPSON: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas on April 17, 2001, the Premier told this Legislature, "Mr. Speaker, what I will confirm is that a year from now this government will introduce a balanced budget and from that day onward the debt of this province will no longer grow"; and
Whereas four years later the debt continues to grow; and
Whereas this promise has clearly been broken by the Premier;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House recognize that the Premier broke his promise to Nova Scotians when he told the Legislature that the debt would stop growing by 2002.
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.
MR. MANNING MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas during the last election the Premier told Nova Scotians, "A Progressive Conservative government is committed to reducing the provincial debt. Over our first four-year mandate we will ensure the debt, that being the true debt that includes all on-book and off-book borrowing, will not increase"; and
Whereas five years into the Tory mandate, the debt is still growing; and
Whereas this is a fundamental promise of John Hamm;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House recognize that the Premier has broken his fundamental promise not to add to the debt.
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Government Motions.
GOVERNMENT MOTIONS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, I move that you do now leave the Chair and that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole House on Supply unto Her Majesty.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Dartmouth East.
MS. JOAN MASSEY: Mr. Speaker, today I would like to talk about a few issues in my riding, Dartmouth East, that people are concerned about and they call me about and talk to me about. One of the most recent issues, and it's been ongoing for about three weeks now, is the issue of Lake Micmac. If people remember, it was only a few months ago that this government refused to take the necessary steps that would have prevented what is happening today and is going to happen most likely during the next rainstorm with Lake Micmac.
A few months ago, the province went ahead with the Highway No. 118 interchange, an encroachment on Shubie Park land. At that time, the government did hold two public meetings. They refused to hold more and if it hadn't have been for a couple of our HRM councillors holding their own meeting, there would never have even been a third meeting.
Mr. Speaker, the Shubie Park/Highway No. 118 issue goes to show that if we had only taken the words of warning from these people who live around the lake, who use the park and were concerned even back then about how this development would affect the lake and the surrounding area, we wouldn't be where we are today. I just wish that this government would once in awhile open up their green plan and read a few of the lines that they quoted in there, and one of them has to do with listening to communities, that they would not put things in communities that communities did not want.
In this case the community was not against the development, they were against the development going forward on 500 acres of land without an environmental assessment and now, today, you see what has happened. What has happened now is there's red silt flowing into Lake MicMac and although this government is going to try to say that is due to some unusual rainfall, that's simply not true. The rainfall we've had is not unusual and, in fact, it's average for this time of the year.
The Save Our Shubie group is now busy contacting whoever they can to try to get help to solve this issue. Apparently the proponents are trying to take some measures that are going to alleviate this problem, but so far their solution seems to be to spread more hay. That's not good enough.
AN HON. MEMBER: That's the last straw.
MS. MASSEY: Yes, that's the last straw.
That's not good enough for the people who live around that lake and the people in Dartmouth who use that lake during the Summer, Mr. Speaker. All you have to do is look - if you can't get over to the lake and see it in person, I do have some pictures that anybody can have a look at - it's very scary to see this red silt just flowing out through these outflow culverts and right into the lake. So the clearing work by North American Properties has
proceeded without stopping as I understand it and although the Department of Environment and Labour says it's investigating it, they are refusing to do an environmental assessment.
The company, today I believe in the paper a spokesperson said that a stop work order would stop them from clearing up the site and that's not exactly true, I don't believe, because they have been clearing up the brook area there and I don't believe from what I've heard that the brook is the problem, but what has happened is they've cleared a large area of trees and, surprise, surprise, clearing trees causes runoff into lakes. So I think a Grade 6 student could have figured that one out, but the Department of Environment and Labour is just going to turn its back on this whole issue and allow this to continue. The soil there is a clay soil and spreading hay - I would say the way they're going is to spend the least money, do the least and accomplish the least, and continue on with the development. Don't look back, it's just a lake.
I mean, Mr. Speaker, how many cities in Canada have lakes like we do in HRM? They don't. We're very lucky. We should be thankful for the lakes that we do have and we should award them the protection that they deserve. Instead, we don't, we just continue to develop right down to the lakeshore - and I know in the new regional plan they are looking at putting a buffer area of, I think, 20 metres or so back, but even that is, I hear, being encroached upon by certain council members who think that if people buy property on a lake they should be allowed to have a lawn down to the lake, not realizing that fish like to be along the shoreline where there's shade from overhang and this sort of thing and that's not really the way to go.
We know that people have been allowed to develop along our shorelines, on our lakes now, and this is just going to have more of an impact because most of the problems that our lakes experience are from us, the homeowners, and our continued use of pesticides and such because we love our lawns. We've got to get away from that mindset.
A lot of our lakes are impacted, they're not a habitat for salmon or other species any longer because of acid rain, and that's a huge issue, acid rain, but here's an issue that's impacting our lakes and is probably most likely easily solved with the right amount of - well in the first place, precaution should have been taken and this should never have been allowed to go ahead until an environmental assessment was done and the proper stop-gaps were put in place so this wouldn't have happened in the first place. Now that it has happened, somebody needs to step up to the bat and say, okay we made a mistake, we didn't put these things in place to protect the lake and now we're going to stop this development until the right things are put in place. I'm sure the developers are going to be quite happy to continue spreading hay. If they're looking at something that's going to cost $40,000 or whatever, I don't know, or they can just spread some hay because that's what the department's letting them get away with.
[1:45 p.m.]
I believe somebody from the department has stated that it's not an emergency situation and the kind of solutions that they're looking at right now is apparently hay. So I don't know at what point it becomes an emergency situation. I believe some water testing has been done and I haven't heard back on what those test results are and I don't believe anybody that I've talked to has either. That lake actually is a habitat for different species of fish; bass, salmon and gaspereau are also in there too.
I would just like to say that we can look at the history of some of the other lakes in HRM. I know Cranberry Lake, a beautiful lake at one time, is basically a pond now because of the development around it, and not even right on the lake but things that encroach upon it have a big effect on that lake. Now we're seeing at Settle Lake, the HRM put in a system there with sloughs, or whatever they call them, I don't know, they're supposed to catch some of the silt but if you go down there and look at it, it's full of garbage most of the time, there are dead trees laying in it, nobody seems to upkeep or manage it, it's just put there to, I guess, keep the residents quiet.
That used to be a beautiful lake, when I moved to that area of the city with my small children, we used to go up there in the Summer during the day and they actually had a park there. Parks and Recreation had canoe lessons, there was a float, there was a wharf, there was a playground and it was quite a nice spot to take your children and as a community we really appreciated that. All of that is gone and there are a few things left there and that was due to cutbacks because of that good old thing called amalgamation.
A couple of the lakes have really deteriorated and Settle Lake, actually, there's a brook that flows down from Settle Lake to the Heritage Farm Pond and that pond you can see every year just filling up more and more as a marsh and I assume that there will be no pond left there. People in my neighbourhood are starting to talk about what we can do to alleviate that but the problem started back when that whole area up on LaPierre Drive when that area was developed because the city/province took the cheapest way possible to put in those storm drains and whatever. That's the story you hear over and over again and they didn't take the precaution to protect that lake and the land actually comes down to a flat area on one side but the other side is a steep hill so of course things run off down into the lake and people's lawns and what have you. I would hope that the government can look at this issue again and try to have a feeling for what's going on over there and that maybe the minister can come over and look at what's going on in the lake.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to speak about another issue while we're on lakes before I leave that topic. I have heard different people and organizations talk about the fact that the province doesn't have an accredited limnologist on staff. There's a whole scientific basis there for having somebody on staff to look at these issues that affect our lakes. Now with HRM and the new regional plan, one of the biggest areas of development is going to be
the Russell-Morris Lake area so I think it's time that the province really stepped up to bat and took our lakes seriously, because once they're gone - the information I have - you can't bring them back. This province doesn't have the money to bring them back. These are lakes that we all use. As you know, lakes are continuously shut down during the Summer because there are bacterial problems and such. So let's look after what we have now before it's gone and it's too late. We should be thankful for what we have here in HRM.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk for a few more minutes. When I was talking the other day on the Financial Measures (2005) Bill, I ran out of time and there was something I wanted to talk about. Recently, a few months ago, I was asked by my sister-in-law, who is an LPN at the Dartmouth General Hospital, to possibly help them out with a project they were doing there on the fourth floor. I don't know if a lot of people know what's gone on on the fourth floor. This is a floor that really is like a mini nursing home right now. I believe there are 37 patients waiting to get into a nursing home facility who are on the fourth floor.
I was asked, as part of the project - it wasn't just beautification of that floor, they are always trying to make things nicer for the patients they do have there who are just wonderful, sweet people who you get to talk to when you're in there. At first I thought, well, it's going to take a while to do that. I did agree to do it. I did have some help, Mr. Speaker. I had a very good friend of mine, Cheryl and her husband, Whoop, and my son, Sean, help me. We were there for about a week or so painting a mural on the fourth floor.
Why I want to bring this up today is because the people who work on the fourth floor are fantastic. They are fabulous people who have more time and energy and sympathy and love and understanding for the people who they take care of on that fourth floor. These people try to make this a homey environment for their patients; but it is still a hospital. These people, as Nova Scotians, have the right to be in a home that has grounds where they can get out and walk around in and that their relatives can come and visit them in a home-like atmosphere, not a hospital, which is where they are now.
Although everybody there, all the staff, and I'm talking about the nurses who are wonderful there, the floor coordinator, Eileen, who I don't believe is there anymore, she's moved on to another position, and Shelley, who is the recreational therapy coordinator. These are some of the fantastic people who work there. Also, the people in the community who helped us make that project happen, Jim from Lakecity Paint and Paper, who donated the paint, and the ladies auxiliary, who were very helpful in doing crowd control for me, because, of course, we were painting doors and we had the doors opening and closing constantly. The nurses, the support staff, everybody from the food and cleaning staff, they just treat these people like their own relatives, on this floor. They're just absolutely fantastic people.
I can't say enough about how wonderful the staff there is. I really have to thank my sister-in-law, Brenda, for mentioning that to me at the beginning. As I said, at the beginning I didn't think that it was possible to do that. How much time do I have left?
MR. SPEAKER: Your time has expired.
MS. MASSEY: Okay, thank you.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Citadel.
MR. DANIEL GRAHAM: Mr. Speaker, it's a pleasure to have the opportunity this afternoon to rise and speak to a matter that has been the subject of much discussion in this Legislature over this sitting of the House, and, for that matter, it has been the subject of much discussion over several sittings of the House. It's the matter that relates to VLTs in our province.
Mr. Speaker, you'll be aware that on a number of occasions a number of individuals, Nova Scotians, regular people, have come before this House and sat in the gallery and have spoken about the challenges they face. They've been willing to break the silence and speak to the media with respect to this terrible issue. Until recently, we didn't have people who were prepared to show that kind of courage, to break the silence and to come forward. For each of those people who have come forward so far, there are actually thousands of others who are troubled by this and whose families have been broken.
I want to relate to you and to the members of the House a story that I heard from somebody who had called me earlier today. This is a story of a woman named Violet. Violet is 57 years old and she lives in Sackville. Fifteen years ago, Violet contracted MS and she thought that it was the most challenging thing she would ever have to deal with. Two and a half years ago she got cancer and she thought to herself - and this is how she put it to me - how could God give a person who already has MS, cancer? But she managed, she managed appropriately in all the circumstances. She recognized that in order for her to move forward in her life, she needs to harness all of the resources that she has as an individual, bring all of the resources of her family members together and make it, and she did make it.
She made it until she developed an addiction to VLTs. MS was not a problem for her, she said she could deal with that. Cancer wasn't a problem for her. What she said has brought her to the brink of suicide on several occasions is the fact that she has an addiction to VLTs. The MS was not a big issue, cancer was something that she could deal with. Not only was it a challenge for her and it brought her, as she put it on many occasions, to the brink of suicide, it was also something that she thought led to virtual financial ruin for her family. She spent approximately $75,000 on these machines and she feels that not only is she numb but Nova Scotians, sadly are numb, and most importantly, that the government is numb to the challenges that she faces.
When I spoke to her this morning and I spoke about her issues, I indicated that we can parade a bunch of people who have been victimized by this terrible scourge, as the Premier has called it on a number of occasions, called VLTs before this House, or we can listen to
their stories, or we can watch the stats and we can try to connect to all of this. But Violet had a question that she wanted to be brought to the floor of this Legislature for the people who are affected by this day to day. The question is a simple one, it's rather straightforward. She said, I want the people who have the power to answer this question, what would they do if it was their sister, or their daughter, or their mother who was facing the kinds of challenges that she faces now? What she has in front of her, in her mind, is a life, but the hopes in that life are dimming by the day and she is one of several people who are now still facing the challenges of beating her addiction to VLTs. We don't know whether or not she might be done in first by her cancer or perhaps by her VLT addiction. It's when you consider the gravity of what that means for this woman that we need to reflect on what our responsibility is as legislators.
Joseph Howe is often stated to be the most inspiring of the people who have come to this Legislature and it was about 150 years ago that Joseph Howe did this. The words that he spoke back then are as true today as they were back then. Joseph Howe asked what is right, what is just, what is in the public good? When you ask yourself those kinds of questions, I would suggest, Mr. Speaker, that it leaves you with really one overriding conclusion. What is just, what is right and what is in the public good is to do away with VLTs and the starting point for trying to examine this is to say okay, can we get rid of them. What can we possibly do to get rid of these machines that the Premier has rightly called a scourge on Nova Scotians? And if we don't start from that premise, then we have problems.
Just this past week in the estimates debate, Mr. Speaker, we had the Finance Minister of this province say that the notion of going forward with a total ban was not one of the about eight active options that were being considered by the government. So in other words, the starting point for this government was not what is right, what is just, what is in the public good. It was how can we get past this issue? How can we strike a balance that's going to make this problem ultimately go away, because if we had asked ourselves those kinds of questions, we would do everything imaginable to try to help people like Violet, and if we did that we would find that in places like South Carolina, as has been shown by research, there has been an overwhelming success. Or somebody from Cabinet would bother calling someone in Hawaii or Utah to find out, how did you make this work, because we are determined to help the people of Nova Scotia. Since we're determined to help them, we're going to find out how you manage to make this instead of finding the scapegoat excuses of, it didn't work here or it didn't work there. It has worked. It has worked in places where the fine for an illegal VLT is just $500.
[2:00 p.m.]
A letter tabled before this House dated May 9th from Dr. Frank Quinn clearly sets out the overwhelming success that has been found in the jurisdiction of South Carolina. It's not the only one, it's the one most often cited because it's the one with the best research. It seems that we have to get perfect research that would be brought before this House, absolutely
conclusive evidence with respect to bill acceptors, with respect to ATM machines, with respect to speeding up or slowing down the machines before the government is prepared to do something. I ask this question, if it were a $50,000 question . . .
MR. SPEAKER: Order please. There's too much noise in the Chamber. I ask the members to take their conversations outside, please.
MR. GRAHAM: Thank you. My question is, if the issue of VLTs instead of being for $130 million was for $130,000, would we do the right thing? If it were for $130,000 instead of $130 million, would that Cabinet have found the will to make it happen? It's absolutely true that they would.
There were myths being perpetuated for a long period of time. I know that a number of people would suggest the position that has been taken by this Party - I'd like to say on the leadership of the Leader of the Liberal Party, Francis MacKenzie, who has shown the will that has not been shown up until now by Leaders of Parties - to finally do the right thing and to make this happen, we have conclusive evidence.
There's an expression that goes across all Nova Scotia and that is, where there's a will there's a way. We can find the way through this particular problem. For those who say that somebody will go to another addiction, again, we have the evidence of Dr. Quinn who says, uniquely, that when somebody beats their addiction to VLTs they don't appear to drift off to other types of addictions, that's rather interesting, it's coming out from his new paper.
What we find is that the arguments are being put up about prohibition. You hear that from time to time on the street, although I must say, more and more I'm hearing people come up and give strong pats on the back and saying, make this happen, help others, find the way to make this happen. The others are the Cabinet here. So in this situation, in these circumstances, we hear from time to time, isn't this like prohibition, and the response I've given is that, we outlaw crack cocaine, but we regulate cigarettes. We outlaw machine guns, but we regulate long rifles. We outlaw many types of motor vehicles that are just too dangerous, but we allow for motor vehicles, cars, to appear on our roads. This is a matter of striking a balance. In a province with two casinos and less than a million people, isn't that enough? Isn't that enough for our people?
Many arguments continue to come forward, but overwhelmingly it is the silence that has been broken by the people who have appeared before the House, by this woman, Violet, who's prepared to say, I finally told my family, I finally told the people who I care about that this is something that I can beat.
It is her story and the stories that are uniquely here in Nova Scotia that are going to make a difference and tip the balance. These stories aren't going away, now that Laura Greener has come forward, Louise Phillips, Steve McClusky, Bernie Walsh who set the pace, Debbie Langille - the list goes on and on, Dave Foster. Now that these people have broken the silence and the shame associated with this, it's inevitable.
As long as there is support for these people, we will find a way to make it happen and the tipping point, Mr. Speaker, will be when a Premier of this province and his Cabinet start with the notion that if we can do it at all, if we have the will, if there is a way, let's find it and when we do, we will make that happen. The Premier had the wisdom back in 1998 to impose a $10,000 automatic fine for somebody having these illegal machines, or breaking the law that was put in place.
This is completely doable, Mr. Speaker, I've spoken with the law enforcement officials across this province. They know that it's doable as well. What we need to do is show the will through law enforcement, to actually bring forward a plan that's going to eliminate these once and for all because it has been done in other jurisdictions, it can be done here. What has happened is that this has become normalized. People have become numb. These machines are designed to destroy people and in the process the government gets blood money, blood money that they say could be used for education or for health and there's no question about the need for us to support those services in this province, but when it comes on the back of people like Violet, and like the other people who are continuing to come, because one of the things that Violet said to me this morning is that she sees the younger generation that is in there right now developing their own addictions, then it's obvious that this is ultimately something, and I'm not attracted to the expression but it's obvious in these circumstances, it's blood money. It's something that we shouldn't be using to try to help our homeless, or help somebody in the emergency rooms, or even ensure that our children get a proper education because it has happened on the backs of others.
I recently spoke with somebody who is in the bankruptcy business and he indicated that about 10 years ago virtually none of the bankruptcies that he was having to deal with involved the challenge of bankruptcy as a result of gambling. Now he estimates that 20 per cent to 25 per cent of the bankruptcies he deals with here in Nova Scotia are gambling related and most of those are related to VLTs. That's even before you get to the family breakdown, before you get to the lost jobs, the stealing, the jail time, the broken families, the people like Laura Greener's son, who can't even get a licence to go out at the age of 16 to get a part-time job because his mother can't even afford to do that because she doesn't have a job. She's trying to survive on less than $800 per month.
In this province where there are an estimated 15,000 problem gamblers, approximately 800 of them are receiving treatment right now. Where there's a will, there's a way, and in this province we have shown great will. The credit for whatever momentum has been created around this issue rests with one group of people, Mr. Speaker, it's those brave souls like
Violet, Steve, Bernie, Laura, and the list goes on and on if anybody wants to visit the GameOverVLTs.com Web site. Those are the people who are showing the courage to actually make a difference in this particular matter. They are the ones who are living the motto what is right, what is just, what's in the public good, can be done in Nova Scotia and it should be done.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley.
MR. BROOKE TAYLOR: Mr. Speaker, I again welcome an opportunity to say a few words going into Supply.
Mr. Speaker, you're probably familiar with the hub bid for the Central Nova region relative to the Canada Summer Games for the year 2011. I put a letter together in support of that bid and I know other honourable members in the Nova Scotia Legislature are probably doing likewise for their respective region, but the bid committee regarding the Central Nova region led by the chairmanship of Duane Rath has worked extremely hard on these Canada Winter Games. I may have said Summer, I do apologize, and nonetheless this is truly a very, very ambitious undertaking that reflects the exceptional and enviable qualities that characterizes the people of central Nova Scotia. As a consequence of these Canada Winter Games, we will have thousands and thousands of visitors, athletes and other support personnel visiting Nova Scotia. That can only be good for the Province of Nova Scotia. So I hope that I can count on the support and, more importantly, that the bid committee can count on the support of Nova Scotia's MLAs regarding the bid for the 2011 Canada Winter Games.
Mr. Speaker, the other day I had an opportunity to speak about our budget. I did reference a few highlights, and today, as well, I would like to speak to the fact that the 2005-06 budget is balanced, and it contains no new taxes. It provides for a payment of more than $60 million against the debt, it includes $30 million for road and highway improvements, and significant new dollars, as well, are going to help our children do better in school and lead healthier lives. There's new money going to support small business growth, encourage investment, safeguard the environment and protect taxpayers.
Mr. Speaker, as well, and it's something I'm sure you're fond of, the new budget, our budget that we will be voting on, will provide more help to Nova Scotia seniors, and Nova Scotians with disabilities and individuals with families in need. The Province of Nova Scotia is committed to helping seniors live more independently, and wants to help them fulfill their lives by providing support to help many make ends meet, increasing activity opportunities, and encouraging participation in healthy lifestyle choices.
Many programs and services offered by the Department of Community Services and the Department of Health, as well as Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations and the Senior Citizens' Secretariat, are focused on contributing to a more positive aging experience
in Nova Scotia. My government is very committed to providing support, when and where needed. In 2005-06, the province will freeze Pharmacare premiums to ensure they are affordable for seniors. This year the province will make an additional investment of nearly $17 million to cover the increases in the cost of this program. I think honourable members in the House, irrespective of their political disposition, support the government putting new money into this very important program that our seniors and others so cherish in the Province of Nova Scotia.
Mr. Speaker, as well, the government is putting more money into the public school system. This new money certainly will help teachers and students. And, of course, others have come out and endorsed the new money going into the public school system. In fact we have received what I believe to be a ringing endorsement from the Nova Scotia Teachers Union, as well as the Nova Scotia School Boards Association and the school boards themselves.
Something else that is very important is the fact that the budget contains $1 million of new money that is going into the public library system. Mr. Speaker, I know, irrespective of where you reside, people value our public library system. Did you know that, for example, in the beautiful Musquodoboit Valley area we have the bookmobile that travels up many of our rural roads and serves some of the smaller communities, the rural communities in the Halifax Regional Municipality, and we're very proud and very pleased of that service and very heartened to see that the communities continue to support the bookmobiles.
The budget to support students from Primary to Grade 12 is increasing by $53.7 million. Included in this amount is more dollars to further reduce class sizes. Again, Mr. Speaker, I want to point out that the stakeholders regarding this particular initiative have given my government overwhelming support. We will be able to hire more teachers, buy more books and help at-risk students, and we're going to pilot a new preschool program and introduce new healthy living initiatives.
[2:15 p.m.]
I encourage members opposite to deliberate and consider some of these very positive educational initiatives that are contained in the budget. Better health investments, too. The budget will see $8.1 million for health promotion and disease and injury prevention, and an additional $218 million to provide better health care to Nova Scotians, including new dollars to further reduce wait times. We want to recruit and retain more health professionals, purchase new equipment and generally assist low-income diabetics. These are positive initiatives by a very caring and compassionate government.
Now, the Minister of Transportation and Public Works is a very busy and committed member of the Legislative Assembly representing Hants West better. We have to point out that a bigger budget means better highways and better infrastructure for the Province of Nova Scotia. I think that it's safe to say, in fact, I can say with confidence, this is the second year
in a row, at least, that the Department of Transportation and Public Work's budget has exceeded the equivalent of our road taxes. I know that the Minister of Transportation and Public Works and the government work very hard when there are so many challenges and demands on our treasury that the minister has been successful. Is there enough money? No, there's never enough money, but I think we would all agree that very positive steps have been made in improving our highways, roads, and bridges in the Province of Nova Scotia.
Mr. Speaker, the minister, during debate in Supply, receives many questions from members opposite. I can remember - and I just want to go back, if I could, to the years when another provincial government was governing the Province of Nova Scotia and at that particular time, as a newly admitted MLA from the beautiful Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, I think I was requesting the Minister of Transportation, who happened to be the MLA for Richmond, of the day, to look at some of the roads and shortcomings that the riding of Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley has. With all respect, lo and behold because of policy and direction that former government took, they decided, in fact, to cut the budget, which was most disappointing, but it was a decision and a direction that the government of the day decided was needed to bring the province's finances into line.
For five or six years we were given that excuse or, as the government would call, reason for reducing the Department of Transportation and Public Work's budget. That's why we are pleased, I think Nova Scotians are pleased and, more especially, motorists and truckers, et cetera, that this government has found a way to not only put more money into the Department of Transportation and Public Work's budget but to come in with a balanced budget. That is very important, that we do have a balanced budget because we don't want our children and our children's children to be carrying an incredible debt into the future.
I don't know, Mr. Speaker, you're a very busy individual yourself, whether you've had an opportunity - I won't table this but everybody received a copy of our debt reduction plan for 2005 and it makes for extremely good reading. I trust that all MLAs, irrespective of political disposition, will take a look at our debt reduction plan. It recognizes and acknowledges that we can't continue to spend the way that different governments have in the past. That isn't to criticize governments of the past, it's merely to point out that with a $12.4 billion debt that the Government of Nova Scotia has taken an opportunity to proceed with a new debt reduction plan.
Again, Mr. Speaker, we know that the Government of Canada has committed to provide Nova Scotia with a payment of $830 million in this fiscal year to compensate for offshore resource revenues that were clawed back under the equalization formula.
Mr. Speaker, the Premier and this government have made a commitment to apply the full amount of this payment to Nova Scotia's debt. We have received a ringing endorsement from several sources and several fronts regarding that initiative. As I point out, with almost $12.4 billion in net direct debt forecast as of March 31, 2005, the Government of Nova Scotia
recognizes that stabilizing and reducing the debt must continue to be a priority and will continue to be a priority.
Mr. Speaker, I did want to speak just briefly in support of that debt reduction plan. I want to bring another issue to the Legislature floor. I had an opportunity the other day to present, or at least give notice of a resolution, and I was very pleased that all members of the House waived notice, and that motion was regarding the federal advisory committee examining the future of Marine Atlantic. They've recommended the discontinuation of drop-trailer service, which would be effective June of next year. It potentially could and would result in a loss of 40 jobs in both North Sydney and Port aux Basques.
Mr. Speaker, since the Nova Scotia Legislature passed that resolution, we have received positive feedback, both myself and the MLA for Cape Breton North, from the stevedores and Marine Atlantic, and the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association, because that component of Marine Atlantic's very important work is growing by leaps and bounds. When the trucking industry is facing a profound shortage of drivers, it is a great opportunity for trucking companies to better utilize their rigs. I don't mean to simplify it, but you can simply take a trailer down to North Sydney and drop it, do the necessary documentation and pick up a loaded trailer or an empty trailer that has come back across the boat, and keep the big rigs rolling. It's very important to keep those big rigs rolling, because they don't make any money when they're sitting.
I know the member for Cape Breton South will be supporting drop service with Marine Atlantic, and all members from Cape Breton and all members from the mainland. This province should be supporting drop-trailer service at Marine Atlantic because it's very important to the economy of the province, and it's the right thing to do. We have to protect those jobs, and we should stand up to the federal advisory committee and the federal government any time we have to. I do appreciate the MLAs in the House of Assembly, and I would like to further report on this issue sometime down the road, no pun intended, with a very positive outcome.
Mr. Speaker, those are just a few thoughts I have regarding our budget, and I want to say, and I've said this on the local radio station in Colchester County, CKTO, CKTY, that this is the best budget that I have witnessed in nearly 12 years on the floor of the Nova Scotia Legislature. This is the best budget that I have witnessed.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member's time has expired.
The motion is carried.
[2:24 p.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Supply with Deputy Speaker Mr. James DeWolfe in the Chair.]
[6:25 p.m. CWH on Supply rose and the House reconvened. Mr. Speaker, Hon. Murray Scott, resumed the Chair.]
MR. SPEAKER: The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House on Supply reports:
THE CLERK: That the committee has met for the total of 40 hours, as well as the subcommittee for that same amount of time, has approved the 43 estimates so referred to it, and the Chairman has been instructed to recommend them to the favourable consideration of the House, without amendment.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is that the House concur with the report of the Committee of the Whole House on Supply.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, would you please revert to the order of business, Introduction of Bills.
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
Bill No. 215 - Entitled an Act to Provide for Defraying Certain Charges and Expenses of the Public Service of the Province. (Hon. Peter Christie)
[PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING]
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Finance.
HON. PETER CHRISTIE: Mr. Speaker, the bill is printed and I would ask that a Page distribute a copy to each member. I move second reading of Bill No. 215, the Appropriations Act, 2005.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Finance moves second reading of Bill No. 215. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
A recorded vote is being called for.
Ring the bells to the satisfaction of the Whips. [Call in the members.]
[6:30 p.m.]
[The Division bells were rung.]
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. Are the Whips satisfied?
A recorded vote has been called on second reading of Bill No. 215.
[The Clerk calls the roll.]
[6:33 p.m.]
YEAS NAYS
Mr. Clarke Mr. Manning MacDonald
Mr. Morse Mr. Michel Samson
Mr. Rodney MacDonald Mr. Glavine
Mr. Russell Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay)
Dr. Hamm Mr. Colwell
Mr. Baker Ms. Whalen
Mr. Muir Mr. McNeil
Mr. Christie Mr. Gaudet
Mr. Fage Mr. Gerald Sampson
Mr. MacIsaac Mr. Theriault
Ms. Bolivar-Getson Mr. Graham
Mr. d'Entremont
Mr. Hurlburt
Mr. Barnet
Mr. Morash
Mr. Taylor
Mr. DeWolfe
Mr. Dooks
Mr. Chisholm
Mr. MacKinnon
Mr. Langille
Mr. O'Donnell
Mr. Hines
Mr. Parent
Ms. Massey
Mr. MacDonell
Mr. Corbett
Ms. Maureen MacDonald
Mr. Dexter
Mr. Deveaux
Mr. Steele
Ms. More
Mr. Parker
Ms. Raymond
Mr. Epstein
Mr. Pye
Mr. Gosse
Mr. David Wilson (Sackville-Cobequid)
Mr. Estabrooks
THE CLERK: For, 39. Against, 11.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is carried. (Applause)
[PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING]
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Finance.
HON. PETER CHRISTIE: Mr. Speaker, I move third reading of Bill No. 215, the Appropriations Act, 2005.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 215. 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, Public Bills for Second Reading.
PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 177.
Bill No. 177 - Financial Measures (2005) Act.
[MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, I move second reading of Bill No. 177.]
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 177. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
[Ordered that this bill be referred to the Committee on Law Amendments.]
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 202.
Bill No. 202 - Children and Family Services Act.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Community Services.
HON. DAVID MORSE: Mr. Speaker, I move second reading of Bill No. 202, the Children and Family Services Act, an Act that will greatly enhance the ability of open adoptions and to allow them when access orders are in place, for second reading.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Dartmouth South-Portland Valley.
MS. MARILYN MORE: While we applaud the intent of giving more stable, loving family relationships to children in permanent care of the minister, we do have some concerns with some clauses in this legislation but we certainly support moving it to the Law Amendments Committee, where we'll discuss those concerns in more detail. We're also looking forward to hearing from some of the family advocate groups in Nova Scotia. We will be supporting it to second reading.
MR. SPEAKER: If I recognize the minister it will be to close the debate.
The honourable Minister of Community Services.
HON. DAVID MORSE: Mr. Speaker, I move second reading of Bill No. 202, the Children and Family Services Act.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 202. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
Ordered that this bill be referred to the Committee on Law Amendments.
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. 117.
Bill No. 117 - Emergency Health Services Act.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Health.
HON. ANGUS MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, I move that this bill be now read for a third time.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Sackville-Cobequid.
MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): I stand here today encouraged that this piece of legislation is coming forward. I'm a little bit disappointed, I know I stated this during Committee of the Whole House, but I'll definitely state it again today that this piece of legislation should have been brought forward to this House many years ago. When they decided to change the system we see here in Nova Scotia I think this piece of legislation should have came forward at that time. I know that through the process of calling this bill earlier and I think it was last session that they called it, there were concerns, especially from the member for Colchester North about some of the issues. I know the member for Colchester North had brought some concerns about the first responder unit in that area that responded that this bill was going to pertain to and had some implications to what they did up in that area.
The one thing I'm concerned about is that with this piece of legislation, we stated back in the last session that we were in favour of this. We knew this was something we needed to go forward with and it was something that should have been done years ago when the system changed. The concern I had on that last day of the last session was that this bill wasn't called. I know that the member and the Speaker of the House at the time had concerns with it, but the thing I realized through this whole process is that when we're dealing with pieces of legislation that pertain to the safety and well-being of Nova Scotians, then we
shouldn't be playing politics with it. I said it then, I'll say it again, that I can't believe the Minister of Health would allow this piece of legislation to be shelved for many months when it dealt with the safety of Nova Scotians.
I respect the Speaker of the House, I respect him as a Speaker, I respect him as an elected official who represents his area, but, most importantly, I respect him in his former profession as a police officer. With all due respect to that, I couldn't believe he was playing politics with the safety of Nova Scotians. The system we have here in the province today is the best in North America. I know it is. Many of the members here, many of the members on the government side have stood on their feet and said that we have the best system here across the country, we have the best system in North America. To think that we are playing politics with this piece of legislation really disappointed me. I was very disappointed with the implications of why we didn't call it in the last session. I was already to stand up in support of this piece of legislation then, I am now.
[6:45 p.m.]
I understand there's a new agreement with the first responders in that area, but I just want to say how disappointed I was with how everything transpired and how the safety and well-being of the people of our province was put in jeopardy because of a piece of legislation and because of political intervention.
The Premier, himself, as a physician of this province, should realize what the implications of holding that piece of legislation had on the safety of those people in that area. It's the government's job to go in there and ensure that the people in that area realize what is the best course of action, especially when Emergency Health Services is involved.
Not only do I have concerns with the people in that area, but I know the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage recently made an announcement for that area for money being infused for a new interpretive centre regarding fossils. So what that's going to do is it will bring more people from out of the province, tourism, to that area. I believe the area I'm referring to is the Joggins area. I know the first responders' unit in that area was the one the Speaker had some issues with when it came to this piece of legislation.
I remember about three months ago, going up to Springhill. I had the opportunity to stop into one of the paramedic bases there and I asked them about what they thought about the process we are going through in the Legislature, the process of this piece of legislation. I was amazed to find out how passionate the paramedics in that area are, Springhill, Amherst, and the concerns they had about what was going on in that part of the province, in Joggins, or River Hebert. I don't stand here today begrudging anything that first responders do in this province. I was a first responder and I know the importance of having first responders especially in the rural parts of our province. They're the first ones who go and assess a situation, an emergency in an area, and they're an important part of the health care system.
They're an important part of the Emergency Health Services system. For me to stand here and realize that the piece of legislation we've called in the last session wasn't going to be passed until they had an agreement, I'm disappointed with that.
So, Mr. Speaker, I am glad to see that this piece of legislation is called now. I'm glad to see that the people in Joggins and River Hebert will have access to what I think is the best service in North America. We have a high performance Emergency Health Services system that can respond and really bring the emergency department to your house, to the side of the highway, to the schools, to the ditches. I'm glad to see this finally come through the House with some disappointments on the process. It really opened my eyes on how government plays with the safety of Nova Scotians and plays politics when it comes to this.
With this, Mr. Speaker, I know the Speaker of the House will definitely state some words on this, but I'm encouraged with the agreement that I'm aware of that's going to happen up where, you know, EHS is going to be called initially. I stated at the Law Amendments Committee the last time and I will state it again now, I will be the first one to stand up in this Legislature and demand that EMC and EHS put a 24-hour ambulance service in the communities of Joggins and River Hebert if that is what warrants it. If the contracts EHS and EMC have with the government aren't met, I will be the first one to stand up, and I'm sure the Speaker of the House will stand up with me, and call for that service to be implemented there, but the problem we were seeing was that initially they weren't even being called.
We have no records of any calls or any performances that EHS had in that area because the fire departments were being called first. They went to the calls. They initiated EHS which in my view is the wrong approach and I'm glad that we did come to an understanding, there is an agreement in place that will allow the fire department to expand the services and hopefully get support from the Department of Health. I'm looking forward to that agreement progressing and that the people in that area will have the benefit of the service that we have in this province that the rest of us have. With that, I gladly approve and hope that this goes through the House.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Glace Bay.
MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, we too are encouraged in the Liberal caucus by this bill. I'm discouraged to some degree by the remarks that I've heard from the member for Sackville-Cobequid. I'm discouraged by the fact he chose to play politics with this issue and to try to call into question the character of the Speaker of this Legislature, I am very discouraged by that.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Sit down, sit down.
MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): I will not sit down. I will stand in my place as the Speaker of this Legislature stood in his place . . .
MR. SPEAKER: Order, order.
MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, the House Leader for the Official Opposition can call me as many names as he wants, but I will stand in my place for as long as it takes possible to make sure that my concerns and the Liberal Party concerns are heard in this Legislature, just as well as the New Democratic Party. (Applause) That will be done as long as I am breathing, Mr. Speaker. As I said, to question another member of the Legislature for simply standing up for his constituents, is not proper behaviour in my opinion. I take exception to those remarks.
This is a good piece of legislation, one which took some time, but that's important because things sometimes take time to develop, quality things take time to develop. Let's not forget - I'll agree with the member for Sackville-Cobequid - that the emergency health system in this province is one of the best in North America, one of the best in North America. Thank goodness we had a Liberal Government that started that system and a Liberal Health Minister that nourished that system, thank goodness for those things. Mr. Speaker, one thing we'll never have is an NDP Government that will claim credit for anything in Nova Scotia, I can guarantee you that.
To the people of River Hebert, to the people of Joggins and area, they should be saying to their member of the Legislative Assembly, our Speaker, congratulations for standing up on our behalf. The problem has been worked out, now the constituents of that area will have access to one of the greatest systems in the world. I thank you for your time, Mr. Speaker. (Applause)
MR. [DEPUTY] SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cumberland South.
HON. MURRAY SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, the first thing, I want to thank the members for the opportunity tonight to speak in favour of Bill No. 117. I want to thank the minister for bringing this bill forward.
I've been in this Legislature for seven years and I've heard members on both sides of this House speak favourably with regard to our fire departments across this province. This fire department that has provided the CPR unit service in the River Hebert-Joggins area has done so for 25 years. Something I learned at a very young age as a police officer was that just because I came into the system and had the advantage of proper training, maybe the other people didn't have the opportunity I had. You should never, ever look down upon those people. Those people never had the opportunity to have the type of training our EHS people have in this province, but they provided a very credible, professional service to the people of the Joggins-River Hebert area for 25 years. (Applause)
When Bill No. 117 went to the Committee on Law Amendments, the chiefs of those two fire departments, Chief Jordie Rector and Chief John Reid who is actually the councillor for the area as well, appeared here and I was very proud of them and proud of the facts they presented to the Committee on Law Amendments.
The fact of the matter is, the people in that area are proud of that professional service as well. In fact, the people of that area, who should have some say in this matter, wanted that service to continue for many years to come as it has in the past. But they knew that a change had to come. They know, as I know, this Bill No. 117 is a positive change for the area.
But make no mistake about it, the arrangement that has been made with the River Hebert Fire Department and the Joggins Fire Department, EHS and the Department of Health is the best enhanced service in this province. I'm very proud that I was able to be part of that and to ensure the people of that area will continue to receive the service in the future as they have in the past.
As I mentioned, Chief John Reid and Chief Jordie Rector were certainly a big part of that. There are some people in the department who were a part of it as well, Darrell Wilson from the area as well was part of that group and he certainly was very effective. Mr. Dennis Holland who is in the Department of Health played a large role in us being able to come to an agreement at the end of the day, it's something we can all be proud of. Mr. Jeff Fraser of the 911 centre over in Dartmouth, very much a part of that agreement as well.
I'd like to say, when we had a public meeting in the area, these people appeared with myself and the people and they support this as well. People from the 911, the HS centre support this agreement wholeheartedly. In fact, they are in the process now of doing training with those firefighters in that area to ensure that the best service in Nova Scotia can be offered to people of that area. Although we may disagree in here, who's for it and who's against it, I can tell you the people at EHS, people at the 911 centre, the very people the honourable member across the way talked about, who are the best trained in this country, in North America, are supportive of this agreement as well.
The other person I'd like to mention who deserves a lot of credit and recognition here tonight is a gentleman by the name of Dr. David Rippey. Dr. Rippey has been with the Department of Health for the last number of years and when this became an issue last Fall, David Rippey, who I've known as a general practitioner in the Town of Springhill, who's very well respected there and who provided a wonderful service to the people of the community before he moved to the Department of Health.
Dr. Rippey is ill but he didn't let his illness stand in the way, he very much believed in the fact that this bill should go through the House, he believed very much in the fact that the people in the area of River Hebert and Joggins should be able to receive the best service possible and this gentleman wanted to come with me to River Hebert to meet with the people
to ensure that the best possible package could be developed. Again, Dr. Rippey deserves a lot of credit.
His health wouldn't allow him to do that and Dr. Rippey deserves not only respect from myself and everyone in this Legislature but from people across the province because he has made tremendous steps in regard to health in this province and I think that Dr. Rippey deserves a round of applause from everyone in this House for the great things he has done in health across this province. (Applause)
Mr. Speaker, in closing I just want to say that yes, it was mentioned across the way that maybe this bill should have passed in the Fall and I agree with that but I was not prepared to stand by and let a volunteer fire department, in the rural part of the constituency I represent be shoved aside and to be totally ignored in regard to the services they provided to the people of the area for 25 years when I saw an opportunity to work with the department, the minister and his staff, and with those people in that area, to come up with a really enhanced service that the people of the area could be proud of and I could be proud of.
I can tell you that I'm very pleased with the end result and I think that all members of this House should be pleased that we are able to achieve something that's positive on behalf of those people and I'd like to say that that department is the last department in this province that was providing that type of service and this arrangement that has been made will provide, as far as I'm concerned, the best enhanced EHS service anywhere in the Province of Nova Scotia and it's in the River Hebert-Joggins area and I'm very proud to represent that area and I thank you very much for your time. (Applause)
MR. [DEPUTY] SPEAKER: If I recognize the honourable minister it will be to close the debate.
The honourable Minister of Health.
HON. ANGUS MACISAAC: I can say Mr. Speaker, that all speakers in this House heard the Speaker speak tonight. I think the points that were raised in the debate on third reading - I've been around this place off and on for awhile. (Interruption) Don't get your hopes up. I left prematurely the first time and I don't intend to make that mistake a second time. Rarely in my time around here have I seen an example of the role of an MLA being fulfilled and the way it was fulfilled with respect to this legislation. I'm not going to hold the House up much longer but there are times when it's appropriate to say things because I can tell you that what I'm saying now is not necessarily something that would have come out of my mouth in the Fall but I've come to appreciate the needs of the community and I believe that the Public Service has also come to appreciate the need of taking into account communities and the characters that make up communities and the characteristics of communities.
What we've corrected through this legislation is not something that has been outstanding since last Fall, it has been outstanding since the present ambulance system came into effect in this province and that's since the early 1990s. It is a good piece of legislation, I regret that the delay was necessary but it was worth it because everybody is onside and we will be able to go forward in an appropriate manner from this point on. Mr. Speaker, I want to express my appreciation to you for your kind comments about Dr. David Rippey, we all keep him in our prayers in these days.
[7:00 p.m.]
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 117. 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 Bill No. 145.
Bill No. 145 - Elections Act.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Justice.
HON. MICHAEL BAKER: Mr. Speaker, I move that this bill be now read for a third time.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Pictou West.
MR. CHARLES PARKER: Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill at third reading. I think it's the right thing to do. As we all know, in the last provincial election there were all kinds of problems and disagreements. It was difficult for us as candidates, it was difficult for Parties and, most importantly, it was difficult for voters. There were a lot of people who were left off the list for one reason or another. Some people had lived in the constituency for 50 or 60 years and they all of a sudden found out they couldn't vote. There were young people who weren't on the list, they weren't registered. The federal list that we used really just was not working. A husband would be on the list, but his wife would not, or vice versa. It caused quite a few lineups at the polls, and people were frustrated and confused. In rural communities and everywhere it was a real problem.
I certainly think this bill is a vast improvement; it's going to make a difference. Enumeration, confirmation, getting all the people on the list who are 18 years of age or older. It's a bill that improves democracy, and certainly our caucus fully supports Bill No. 145.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Clayton Park.
MS. DIANA WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, I'll just be brief this evening. I think we've said in the past that this is a very good change, particularly here in the riding that I represent in Halifax - and there are many others like that - where growth has been so tremendous. Not having an up-to-date voters' list is a tremendous detriment in the election. Having said that, I also realize that in some very settled communities people were left off lists when they had been voters for many, many years. In fact, many of our seniors were left off lists. It wasn't only in an area with tremendous change, but our more stable and traditional areas also felt this trouble. I think it is the right thing to do, to reinstate the enumeration and those powers that go with it.
MR. SPEAKER: If I recognize the honourable minister it will be to close the debate.
The honourable Minister of Justice.
HON. MICHAEL BAKER: Mr. Speaker, I rise to close debate. Quite simply, I would like to extend my thanks to Christine McCulloch, our new Chief Electoral Officer in Nova Scotia. Chris McCulloch is very interested in making sure that this next election is conducted in a better manner than the last election, as are all members in the House. I believe this bill is part of the solution to ensuring that Nova Scotians can vote in a much more reduced-problem way than they did in the last election. With that, I thank the honourable members for their support, and I move third reading of this bill.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 145. 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 Bill No. 146.
Bill No. 146 - Cross-border Policing Act.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Justice.
HON. MICHAEL BAKER: Mr. Speaker, I move that this bill be now read for a third time.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage.
MR. KEVIN DEVEAUX: Mr. Speaker, just briefly - at second reading I raised some concerns around Bill No. 146, particularly with regard to who had authority to issue the ability of someone from another province to come forward. The government was good enough to have listened - I'm sometimes surprised, but not in the case of this bill - and in return, we had some changes at the Law Amendments Committee and Committee of the Whole House on Bills that resulted in a better bill that I'm hoping, when it's harmonized throughout the whole country, will be better for all of Canada. We have no problem supporting this legislation.
MR. SPEAKER: If I recognize the honourable minister it will be to close the debate.
The honourable Minister of Justice.
HON. MICHAEL BAKER: Mr. Speaker, I have appreciated the honourable members' contribution to the bill. I do believe the bill is now a better bill for that intervention. As I said, we now look forward to other provinces introducing and passing this legislation, and I move third reading of this bill.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 146. 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 Minister of Finance on an introduction.
HON. PETER CHRISTIE: Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw the attention of the House to the east gallery. An old friend of ours, Mary Ann McGrath is here. She's also Chairman of the Mainland Commons Recreation Centre Committee. So I would ask her to rise and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: We certainly welcome Mary Ann back to the House.
The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 147.
Bill No. 147 - Youth Justice Act/Motor Vehicle Act.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Justice.
HON. MICHAEL BAKER: Mr. Speaker, I move that this bill be now read for a third time.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage.
MR. KEVIN DEVEAUX: Mr. Speaker, briefly I want to say that this legislation, as we sit at second reading - I think many of our members spoke on it - is a good start for this government in addressing the issue of youth justice. It does address a certain component, which is the reaction to those involved in criminal or quasi-criminal matters, but does not address the issue of the causes of crime that need to be addressed. This government has ignored that issue. We are willing to support it as much as Bill No. 147 goes, but quite frankly, until this government realizes that the causes of crime are as important as the actual issues that result in the crime, we are certainly going to continue to have problems not only in this regional municipality, but in CBRM - as we've heard recently - and until these issues are addressed, this government will not get the full picture.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader in the House of the Liberal Party.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, we've been on record throughout this session as expressing great concern about this government's lack of investment in youth crime prevention programs. This government seems more interested in creating new offences, going up to Ottawa and talking about tougher laws, the whole time completely ignoring the fact of what causes our youth to commit crime to start off with.
Mr. Speaker, I can give you another example. I remember a few years back where we had a number of home invasions. Young people were breaking into homes and they were stealing from people. What was this government's reaction? Was this government's reaction to say, well, we need to figure out why young people are breaking into people's homes? Why are good young kids turning into bad kids and breaking into people's homes? What was the answer from the Minister of Justice? He made a home video to tell seniors how to properly lock their windows and lock their doors, once again completely ignoring the fact of what was the cause of this. So let's lock our windows, lock our doors, close our eyes, close our ears, and maybe it will go away.
That's not leadership. That's not responsibility. Nova Scotians deserve better. Nova Scotians have a proud history. We are proud of our youth, and when they stray away, we should be there to support them. We should be there to give them the services that they require, and the more offences we create, the more we turn a blind eye to the problems that our youth need. This budget failed to do that and that's one of the reasons we did not support this budget, because this government had an opportunity to properly invest in the youth of this province.
Mr. Speaker, I can get up and talk about every bill after this and explain that as well, I'm more than happy to do so if that's what the government would like to hear, and exactly have a proper explanation of why our decision was made, but they had an opportunity here. The closure of the Shelburne facility was one way to invest more money. They have gone a small way towards that, but as far as the prevention side, there is still a serious lack of that. Creating more offences is not the answer. While we've issued our support for this bill, it's too bad that this minister has yet to show leadership in trying to help our Nova Scotia youth, rather than creating new offences.
MR. SPEAKER: If I recognize the honourable minister it will be to close the debate.
The honourable Minister of Justice.
HON. MICHAEL BAKER: While I think it's obvious that members may have a disagreement about a number of things, I'm pleased to see the support for this bill. I believe it's a good bill and I believe it's a good partial step, but there are other things that need to be done. With that, I would ask for third reading.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 147. 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 Bill No. 148.
Bill No. 148 - Justice Administration Amendment (2005) Act.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Justice.
HON. MICHAEL BAKER: Mr. Speaker, I would ask that this bill now be read for a third time.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for third reading of Bill No.148. 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 Bill No. 152.
Bill No. 152 - Liquor Control Act.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Economic Development.
HON. ERNEST FAGE: Mr. Speaker, it's my pleasure to move third reading of Bill No. 152.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cape Breton Nova.
MR. GORDON GOSSE: Mr. Speaker, we all know this is reactive legislation. This legislation came about because of an incident where alcohol was stored within reach of a driver of an automobile. We all know for many, many years that people were going through the drive-throughs in the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation and taking their suds and their spirits and putting them on the front seat of the car and not realizing they were breaking the law. I think this is a common sense piece of legislation so when somebody gets their spirits through the window of the drive-through liquor store, they'll now be able to drive home as long as the liquor is not open, as long as the seal is not broken on the alcohol. I think it's a good piece of legislation, it's common sense.
It has to be reactive legislation. This came about because of a court case where the gentleman fought the court case and lost. He might have lost the court case, but he won now with this legislation today. His loss in the court case was for Nova Scotians' benefit. This is the best part of this legislation. Thank you.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Preston.
MR. KEITH COLWELL: Mr. Speaker, I too believe this is a good bill. I think it's a progressive move forward in the liquor laws for the Province of Nova Scotia. At the same time, it provides a safe environment for people who drive their vehicles to ensure people aren't drinking and driving. With that, we'll support this bill.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect.
MR. WILLIAM ESTABROOKS: Mr. Speaker, there's a common sense piece of legislation in front of us this evening. I want you to know the time of this event, it was discussed in a very important forum for me, a forum that I have the occasion to meet with three times a week. When you have an RCMP sergeant on your hockey team and you turn to that guy and say, what was that officer thinking? The answer is, of course, the officer was applying the law. The officer was doing the right thing.
But how many times - this is a rhetorical question only - have I broken the law? This is a rhetorical question. Mr. Speaker, one of the responsibilities I've had for years and maybe the member for Glace Bay doesn't understand that with his lack of an athletic past, but when you get to be chosen the captain of an old-timers' team, you're not chosen for your athletic ability, you're chosen for your leadership. One of the important restrictions of your leadership, of course, is that you have to supply the proper refreshments afterwards.
So those many times I want you to know - I know the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations would agree with me on that - when you're driving a small truck like mine, you put your hockey gear in the back of the truck and you put the refreshments in the cab of the truck because they are more valuable, after all, than the hockey gear that can be taken at any time. I'm being serious about this. Mr. Speaker, I'm getting heckled from my own members. I would ask my good colleague, the member for Cape Breton Centre, to please pay attention to these important comments. I want you all to know that although this piece of legislation is reactive, it's something that's appropriate. It's something that's based upon common sense. It's something most Nova Scotians have done for years and begin to realize, this is a piece of legislation that finally we have something they're listening to.
But an unfortunate incident had to happen. I'm not going to break into The Bobby Fuller Four's, I Fought The Law And The Law Won, but let me tell you, that particular gentleman who lost that court case, his theme song should be, I fought the law and this time he won.
It's a piece of common sense legislation this caucus can support. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader in the House of the Liberal Party.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, Bill No. 152 has come as a result of some confusion that was resulting around this. I only rise today to try to add a bit more common sense, a common sense solution, and that would be to have the government take the opportunity, especially through our existing Nova Scotia liquor store outlets, why don't we undertake an actual information campaign through those institutions to make consumers and Nova Scotians aware of what the rules truly are?
[7:15 p.m.]
It's not expensive, it doesn't cost a lot of money, but there are certainly ways of communicating that. So if there was a lack of understanding here, we've started to correct it with this bill. There are still certain rules that apply to the carrying of alcohol, and certainly we do not want to see Nova Scotians having to be charged when they say they had no idea. I would recommend to the minister, as a common sense suggestion, use the outlets you have right now to let Nova Scotians be aware of what exactly the rules are with this. Hopefully, by doing that, we will not have such unfortunate situations arising again.
MR. SPEAKER: If I recognize the honourable minister it will be to close the debate.
The honourable Minister of Economic Development.
HON. ERNEST FAGE: Mr. Speaker, I certainly appreciate the comments of the members opposite. This bill attempts to clarify that drinking and driving is not acceptable, and that the proper transportation of alcohol, in sealed containers, is a normal activity that Nova Scotians partake of. One observation I would make to the honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect though, from his comments, obviously alcohol will never reach its true value at an old-timers' hockey game. With those few comments, it's my pleasure to close debate and move third reading of Bill No. 152.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 152. 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 Bill No. 158.
Bill No. 158 - Paramedics Act.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Education.
HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my colleague, the honourable Minister of Health, I am pleased to move Bill No. 158, the Paramedics Act, for third reading.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Sackville-Cobequid.
MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to stand today in support of this piece of legislation. I don't know if the members realize the significance of this piece of legislation and the message it sends to the paramedics of this province. I was involved in my profession, as a paramedic, in the early days when we weren't recognized as we will be with this piece of legislation. I've witnessed many changes over the years, and they've been very positive.
I think all members should rest assured and be confident to know that there are men and women on standby right now, 24 hours a day, in every part of this province, ready to address the needs of Nova Scotians when they need to call an emergency vehicle. It's amazing to see the transformation in such a short period of time - I would say over the last eight years. It's amazing to see what we can do today and what we could do eight years ago.
I had the opportunity and was fortunate enough to be involved with the process that we've seen, the evolution here in the province with EHS. I recall the first meeting I went to, when the Department of Health - I think it was Dr. Ed Cain and some staff from the Department of Health - came to many paramedics who belonged to a professional association, the Nova Scotia College of Paramedics. This is an association formed many years ago to try to influence changes like this that would promote and just indicate and show the support from government to the paramedics of this province.
I know the Speaker has spoken about this before, and it's amazing to see the commitment, the dedication and the training involved in the paramedic practice today. It's astounding to see what people can get in their own homes. It's amazing to see what the EHS, the paramedics in this province, can bring to the people of this province, and we should be very proud that this piece of legislation is going through, because I think it finally recognizes the importance of paramedics in this province. I think it sends a strong message to every paramedic in this province that hopefully the government is there for the long term, they're committed to them, they're there to hopefully recognize their importance in the health care system in this province. They would be greatly missed if they were not there.
With this piece of legislation it shows that the profession that we see today with the paramedics is on the same level as nurses in this province that have been recognized many years ago with the formation of a college to hopefully alleviate some of the problems of registration and truly recognize the profession as an important one. Also over the years we've seen many colleges formed in the health care system with respiratory therapists - the physicians we have in the province have their own college - and I think it pays great tribute to the work and dedication that men and women give every day of their lives here in the province to hopefully make everybody feel more comfortable, especially in times of need.
Paramedics are called upon for many emergencies, they find themselves at scenes that deal with death and injuries that are life-threatening, they deal with countless serious problems when it comes to environments they find themselves in, dangerous environments, we have paramedics that are ready to be called upon in any situation. Just a few like White Juan, which was a traumatic event for our profession when we had Hurricane Juan come through this province and it actually took the life of a fellow colleague of mine, Mr. John Rossiter, who spent years and years promoting this profession, hopefully indicating and showing the government the importance of recognizing that profession.
I know during second reading I had mentioned many of the physicians who played a part in this, but I have to mention several paramedics that had great dealings with this legislation come to life. It has been almost five years, we have paramedics like Jay Walker, who used to be the President of the Nova Scotia College of Paramedics, who spent countless hours crafting this and trying to bring amendments to the original piece of legislation that we had seen many years ago. I have to commend the Department of Health and EHS for adopting almost all of the changes that the college and the association brought forward. People like Craig Desjardins, who was also the President of the Nova Scotia College of Paramedics, who worked hard and tirelessly to bring awareness around our profession. I know that Jay Walker and Craig Desjardins played an important role not only here in the province but they were involved in the first attempt for our association and our profession to be represented in Ottawa during lobby days. All paramedics want in this province is to be recognized for their importance and to realize the contribution this profession can have to addressing many of the needs and many of the questions around health care, health promotion, reducing the cost of our health care system when we see the enormous amounts of money being spent federally and provincially to our health budget.
Paramedics have been utilized to hopefully bring that cost down and I look forward to the future of the paramedics, they're involved in many things in this province with studies on thrombolytics that would hopefully save many people's lives but also save on the length of time people spend in the hospital. We see it every day, the biggest problem we have in this province is people trying to get into the hospitals around this province and get care but they're overloaded, the beds are all taken up. So I think if we really truly look at the profession as paramedics and the involvement they can have in addressing the needs in the
health care system, we can definitely address the needs and the concerns around the budget and the amount of money we spend in the health budget in this province.
I know that the Nova Scotia College of Paramedics is associated with the Paramedic Association of Canada that has been instrumental throughout this country to try to hopefully address some of the concerns we see in our emergency room and hopefully address the concerns of the increasing cost in our health care budget throughout the country, not only here in Nova Scotia. I know the paramedics like Craig Desjardins, John Bissonnette, Ray Glennon, Rick Goulet are paying off and I look forward to seeing future developments in that profession. I think with the creation of this college or this piece of legislation going through it sends a strong message to these paramedics that we recognize their importance and that we know that they need to continue to do the work they do. They need to continue to, and hopefully, supply the best health care that we can have on our doorsteps.
Mr. Speaker, I'm very proud to be among my fellow colleagues and I am very proud to support this piece of legislation. I look forward to future pieces of legislation that just bring the profession to future goals and future endeavours.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Kings North on an introduction.
MR. MARK PARENT: Mr. Speaker, in the east gallery is a good friend of mine, the former CAO for Kings County but, more importantly, in my life he was the Chairman of the Deacon's Board of the Kentville Baptist Church that hired me as a student minister. It's Rick Ramsey, and I would ask Rick to rise to receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Annapolis on an introduction.
MR. STEPHEN MCNEIL: Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw the attention of the House to the west gallery. Alex Gillis is here. Alex is a Grade 12 student at the Middleton Regional High School and he has been job shadowing his MLA today. Brad Campbell is here as well. Alex will be able to go home and tell his family that the budget survived and that they can stay home and it would be okay and Brad can have the Summer off from putting signs in. In my constituency we follow the federal Leader and we pair people off, so one couldn't leave without the other. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Glace Bay.
MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, I rise in support as well of this piece of legislation, Bill No. 158, the Paramedics Act. We know in the Liberal caucus that paramedicine has come a long, long way in Nova Scotia and with it the people, the men and women involved in paramedicine in this province, have developed into true professionals. Paramedics in Nova Scotia these days are without a doubt true professionals and because of the contributions they have made to this province, they certainly deserve the recognition, as
does anyone in this province who belongs to a professional organization, paramedics should be no different. They deserve that recognition of belonging to a professional and perhaps a political organization as well, but certainly it's their choice.
But in all seriousness, Mr. Speaker, paramedics in this day and age, and we all know them in our communities, the men and women who put in long hours and do work that some of us, most of us I would dare say, would not want to do, that we would not want to perform, but work nonetheless that they consider to be their duty to all Nova Scotians. So on behalf of the Liberal caucus, congratulations on a good piece of legislation and an organization of people who certainly deserve it and it deserves our support as well.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader in the House of the Liberal Party.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I wanted to take the opportunity to speak on Bill No. 158 to raise again the concern of the unfortunate incident that we did have in Richmond County a few weeks ago. A situation where a young family, having brought their daughter to St. Anne's Centre in Arichat, had to wait up to three hours to have an ambulance arrive and in this case it was just by chance that in fact an ambulance did arrive.
Mr. Speaker, I raised that concern with the minister and I can tell you that the good folks back home were not very pleased with the response that they received, because of the fact that the minister made it clear that he wanted to have some training made available to the staff at St. Anne's on how to properly report an emergency. Now, we've been blessed with St. Anne's Centre for many years in the Isle Madame area covering different parts of Richmond County and for the minister to have suggested that somehow they were solely to blame for what took place here, I think was irresponsible. I know the board at the institution was quite upset that the minister had not talked to them prior to making his statement. I know that the minister since then, privately, has suggested that he did not mean to suggest it was only the institution. The fact is that on the record, that is the message that has come out to date, was that the minister wanted better training for that facility. (Interruption)
Well, the Minister of Education can come down and explain it to the staff at the centre. They're the ones who have relayed their concerns to me about the statements by the minister and they've interpreted them on their own. They didn't need me to interpret them for them. They heard the media reports. They heard the minister's response. They read it in the local paper and they were not pleased. I think if you look at the headline in the local paper, as the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage seems to be indicating, it clearly said that the minister was blaming the facility for what took place.
[7:30 p.m.]
Mr. Speaker, I know that the minister indicated that he plans to appoint an individual to be able to go in and review what exactly took place, and that that individual provide a report which will be made public. As I have said repeatedly to the media, we do have a world-class ambulance system here. We need to make sure that that system works. In this case, somehow, the system failed. Fortunately, no life was lost. We don't know whether there was long-term damage caused to the heart of that child - only time will tell.
This was one instance, and we cannot allow such instances to happen again. It's a disservice to the hard-working paramedics who serve our communities, that somehow they were not alerted to an emergency for up to three hours. Richmond County and surrounding areas are blessed with highly-qualified paramedics who work very hard, and I know that they expressed a great deal of concern over what took place, and they felt that it certainly reflected negatively on the professionalism that they bring to their work every day, that such an incident could happen on their watch.
Mr. Speaker, I am hoping that with this bill we do look at the system we have, make sure it is the strongest system possible, and make sure that when Nova Scotians have an emergency and need assistance that the paramedics are there to help them. The only way for that to occur is to continue to have a proper communication system, and if changes need to be made, let's make sure that we make those changes now so these types of unfortunate incidents don't happen in the future.
MR. SPEAKER: If I recognize the honourable minister it will be to close the debate.
The honourable Minister of Education.
HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to close debate on this bill, and just simply to say it's clearly a bill that the paramedic profession in Nova Scotia has come of age. The second thing that we can't lose sight of, because this is why all of these organizations, when they become colleges, it's for the protection of the public. The protection of the public, of course, is paramount. This legislation which enables the formation of the College of Paramedics enhances public protection. With that, I move third reading.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 155. 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 pleased call Bill No. 159.
Bill No. 159 - Université Sainte-Anne - Collége de l'Acadie Act.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Education.
HON. JAMES MUIR: M. l' président, I wish to move third reading of Bill No. 159, Université Sainte-Anne - Collége de l'Acadie Act.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 159. 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 Bill No. 160.
Bill No. 160 - University College of Cape Breton Act.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Education.
HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to move third reading of Bill No. 160, the University College of Cape Breton Act, about which quite enough has been said. (Laughter)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader in the House of the Liberal Party.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I'll just say a few words on this. It is because members actually spoke up on this issue that we are able to properly reflect the wishes of the community, the wishes of those involved in this. Had we stayed silent when this bill was first brought forward, we know now of some of the dissatisfaction that would have resulted in the community.
It's because members of our caucus took the opportunity to stand in their place and raise concerns about this bill, and the fact that changing the name of this institution had a significant impact on the residents of Cape Breton Island and that they were concerned about the name not properly reflecting the tradition of that institution, the tradition of the Island,
and it's because members spoke up that the government actually decided to re-address whether this, properly, had the support of the community at large.
We all know that a university is not only just a building, it's not only just staff, it's not only just a president. A university is a community, it's the surrounding community, it is where it's located, it's the pride that it brings, and we saw that as a prime example in this bill. I think all members know when we see communities lose their schools, we see the level of pride that has come out, the concerns about the loss of a tradition, the loss of such an important institution, and we saw that here today. I know the member for Victoria-The Lakes spoke on this, my colleague, the member for Kings West, and there's no question that the member for Glace Bay was certainly one who stood up, raised concerns about this and, in essence, I wouldn't say forced, but I think it encouraged the government to reassess whether this was the proper bill to put forward in the first place. I think it's very clear that the consultation that took place, the reaction that came from the community made it clear that they wished to see a different name.
At the end, I'm proud that the board of governors listened to the concerns, they listened to the fact that concerns were being raised not only here in the Legislature but, more importantly, back in Cape Breton among their constituents, among the people who they rely upon for their children to go to the institution, they rely on for support to that institution.
So, Mr. Speaker, this bill is a good example of where each and every member of this Legislature has an opportunity to make a difference. Each and every member of this Legislature has an opportunity to rise and raise concerns, hopefully get the government to reconsider, to look at the concerns raised, and to hopefully make a difference. This bill is a prime example of how one member raising a concern and raising it effectively can make significant change. What I would say, in this case it has made change that is positive for this university, positive for the Island of Cape Breton and is an example of how members in this House work hard and how they can make a difference for their constituents.
I'm pleased to see that last week we had the first graduating class of what is now known as Cape Breton University. I think that all members of this House want to wish that institution good success, very importantly, a long future, a prosperous future on the Island of Cape Breton and serving the residents of that area and all of the many students who come to that fine institution for their higher education.
MR. SPEAKER: If I recognize the honourable minister it will be to close the debate.
The honourable Minister of Education.
HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I wish to close debate on Bill No. 160, the University College of Cape Breton Act.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 160. 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 Bill No. 161.
Bill No. 161- Special Places Protection Act.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Environment and Labour.
HON. KERRY MORASH: Mr. Speaker, I'd like to move third reading of Bill No. 161, the Special Places Protection Act.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 161. 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 Bill No. 165.
Bill No. 165 - Education Act.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Education.
HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to move third reading of Bill No. 165, the Education Act.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect.
MR. WILLIAM ESTABROOKS: Mr. Speaker, I want the minister to know, as we've said privately and publicly, anything that helps with the safety and protection of our children, anything that is of important nature as this bill includes, is an important piece of legislation
which this caucus is certainly willing to support. It's something of some consequence that had to be addressed, and it has been addressed in this bill. I'm proud to say the members of our caucus will completely be in support of this. It's something that has arrived, the timing is correct, and it's something the minister and his government should be congratulated on. Thank you.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Clayton Park.
MS. DIANA WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, I would just like to say a few words about Bill No. 165. A great deal of the changes here are simply corrections but the important part is to clarify the responsibility and role of school board members and to set some standards as well for those positions, also to clarify any conflict of interest that might exist between staff members and school boards, and now that's precluded at this time.
I think that it's a positive change and it may signal, as well, the need to look at some of the Elections Act for municipal government to see if that shouldn't be brought in line as well. I think the Minister of Education agrees with me, because it is a good thing to do. I think if we've done it for school boards, we should look at other elected offices as well and just ensure that we improve the standard there too. That being said, we certainly think it is the right thing to do and we do look forward as well to seeing the regulations that will be written that will clarify what the child-related offences are that will sort of support this bill. I think it's important that we know the detail there as well. But we do support that and with that, I hope that we can move it.
MR. SPEAKER: If I recognize the honourable minister it will be to close the debate.
The honourable Minister of Education.
HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank the members opposite for their supportive comments and, with that, close debate on Bill No. 165.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 165. 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. 134.
Bill No. 134 - Yarmouth Marketing and Promotions Levy Act.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Natural Resources.
HON. RICHARD HURLBURT: Mr. Speaker, I'm very pleased to stand in my place and move third reading of Bill No. 134, the Yarmouth Marketing and Promotions Levy Act.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 134. 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 Second Reading.
PRIVATE MEMBERS' PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 210.
Bill No. 210 - Health Authorities Act.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Dartmouth North.
MR. JERRY PYE: Mr. Speaker, the honourable House Leader mentioned that it was a Private Member's Bill. I just want you to know that this is to address an inconsistency, in charging of fees for disabled transportation to health facilities, namely hospitals. What happens across this province is that in some hospital areas there is no fee charged to disabled
persons and disabled parking for those who transport disabled people. In other places across this province, there are charges.
What this bill is designed to do is to eliminate those fees across the province. I want to stand here and thank Claredon Robicheau who is the chairman of the Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities who has recognized this problem with respect to his disabled organization called the Clare Organization Representing Disabilities - CORD - and he recognized that this has been an inconsistency across the province as well. I want to tell you there are a number of organizations - I will only name a few - Dial-A-Ride, Kings County Alternative Transportation and so on.
This is a good piece of legislation. I hope the government will support and endorse it and members of my Party as well. I would so move second reading of Bill No. 210.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Glace Bay.
MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, I rise again in my place to this time agree with the member of the Official Opposition. It's not often it will happen, but it's been a very eventful day so let's make use of it.
There is a discrepancy and the member has recognized and brought forth that discrepancy and charges that are - depending on what site to what area. The member has great foresight in recognizing that discrepancy, but he's also had the advice from a very fine organization, that being the Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities and in particular, the person who used to lead that organization, Claredon Robicheau as well. I couldn't agree any more with the member for Dartmouth North and having said that, when a good piece of legislation comes before this Legislature, I think it's incumbent upon all members to agree and to move forward and I would urge the government to do that. Therefore agreeing with the member for Dartmouth North and supporting his Private Member's Bill.
MR. SPEAKER: If I recognize the honourable member it will be to close the debate.
The honourable member for Dartmouth North.
MR. JERRY PYE: Mr. Speaker, I now close debate on Bill No. 210.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 210. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
Ordered that this bill be referred to the Committee on Law Amendments.
The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 197.
Bill No. 197 - Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.
[7:45 p.m.]
MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, I'd like to say a few words before I move second reading of this bill. Over the past number of months I've had the great pleasure of travelling around the province to many of the fishing communities from one end of the province to the other, down through South West Nova, from Clare through Yarmouth, Argyle, around to Shelburne. I have been to fishing communities in Cape Breton, along the Eastern Shore, and the purpose for which I've been undertaking that endeavour was to talk to fishermen and those in fishing communities on their wharves. I've met with harbour masters, I've met with fishermen in their own communities to talk about the state of the common resource which is the fishery of this province.
One of the things that I think is clear for folks around the province is that there is great concern that the fishermen are actually losing control of their own resource and that's happening as a result of the transfer of licences. As the Speaker undoubtedly knows, this takes place through a process known as trust agreements. We bring forward this bill and what this bill actually does, it doesn't do anything with respect to trust agreements themselves, but it will allow the government, it will allow the fishing community to have a window on what's going on in their fisheries and it will indicate to them exactly what the state of play is literally community by community.
So, Mr. Speaker, I know that this bill itself is not a perfect one. We have put it on the order paper in the hopes that it would find some favour with the government and some favour with the Third Party. I've had the opportunity to speak to the minister and I've also had the opportunity to speak to the Fisheries Critic for the Liberal Party. I know that there is some interest in this bill and seeing the substance of it worked on so that it can be the best possible bill.
For example, Mr. Speaker, I know that the bill itself refers to just fishermen and corporations and that, in fact, there are trust agreements between individuals so that will have to be addressed. I wanted to thank all the families of fishermen and harbour masters and the other people in the fishing industry, the processors, whom I had the opportunity to speak with over the last number of months and I also wanted to thank my Fisheries Critic, the member for Pictou West, who travelled with me on many of those occasions and also the Member of Parliament for Sackville-Eastern Shore, Peter Stoffer, the federal Fisheries Critic, who also
travelled with me around the province, as did many other members of my caucus on various occasions.
Mr. Speaker, I think what we have before us in this bill as we move it on to the Law Amendments Committee is an opportunity to provide some very basic information that will allow the government and will allow other people in these communities to have a better understanding of what's actually going on with this very important and integral resource to this province. So with that I would move second reading of Bill No. 197.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader in the House of the Liberal Party.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, the issue that's being raised here is a very complex issue and it's one that has certainly many faces to it. I'm not convinced at this point that this is the proper way to be dealing with it, but again that's something that can come out
at the Law Amendments Committee. What I would urge the government to do is there are, without having been able to do the research on it, some legal questions that do arise here as to the requirement people who have entered into legal relationships have to publicly declare that they've entered into that legal relationship. I'm not sure what other sectors of farming or forestry, other natural resources, where we require these kinds of agreements to be made.
The reason I raise that, Mr. Speaker, is because this argument has always been along the lines of saying that it's corporations that are part of these trust agreements. Now, I can tell you I am familiar with trust agreements, and what hasn't been discussed in this is that in a number of cases trust agreements are between families. So it is important to make sure that we keep that in mind.
There was an example raised with us where a father who was ready to retire had no sons. He only had daughters, and he wanted to make sure that the interest of the licence stayed in his family. The only way to do that was to enter a trust agreement, to have someone who was a full-time licenced fisherman be able to fish that licence so that his family would be able to continue holding the interest of that licence.
There are situations here where it is amongst family members, and it's not the evilness of what has been described of corporations taking over the fishery. I think it's important that we be cognizant of that. The one thing that I didn't hear in the Leader of the Opposition's comments, but I would hope that he would agree with me on, is that I certainly hope that this bill doesn't go to the Law Amendments Committee this week, because I can tell you, in my area, fishermen, right now, are not coming up to Halifax, they're out lobster fishing. Fishermen throughout Cape Breton Island and throughout our province, in different areas, are fishing right now. I'm sure they're not watching this kind of bill coming forward, and they're not going to be able to participate in such an important debate.
Mr. Speaker, this debate also needs to go to the issue of financing. If we don't want trust agreements, we need to find a way to allow people to be able to purchase licences. Just looking at one of the Web sites of one of the local marine brokerage firms, licences, a lobster licence - just a licence, not the boat, not the gear, in South West Nova is $800,000. That's in the Shelburne area, if I'm not mistaken. Now if you go further around the area of Argyle and Clare, you'll probably see even higher prices.
Mr. Speaker, the old days of where when the captain retired a deckhand could take over and buy the licence and keep it in the community, you just don't find $800,000 when you're a deckhand. The banks aren't looking at you, the Fisheries Loan Board is not looking at you, so where do you get the money? Trust agreements have almost come out of desperation because of the fact that people just could not access the capital required to be able to do that.
I do hope that we can have a full debate on this. Is this the right way to go? I don't know, but I certainly hope that the government is not going to try to rush this bill through, when it needs proper consultation from the fishing community, that the bill itself hopes to address some of the concerns from within that community. I know in my area, they're out fishing right now. I know in many areas, they're out fishing. Shame on us if we try to have the Law Amendments Committee push through a bill that would have an impact on such an important resource in this province, and they are not given a proper opportunity to make comment on this.
I hope that the Government House Leader will keep that in mind, that certainly we will be reminding fishermen if they are not given the opportunity to comment on this. Even though the Leader of the Opposition says it's just a registration, there should be the Law Amendments Committee as an opportunity for open debate for those affected by any legislation. Calling that bill now for the Law Amendments Committee would certainly shut out almost half of the fishermen in this province who should be given an opportunity to talk on such an important issue, whether it's just the registry aspect or whether it's the whole aspect of trust agreements and the whole aspect of proper financing made available so that these licences can stay in the communities, can stay within the fishing community itself.
There's a big debate that needs to take place here. I certainly hope that while we'll vote in favour of having this bill pass second reading, the Law Amendments Committee should certainly be held at a time when there has been proper advertising so that those affected by this and those who work in the issuing of trust agreements have an opportunity to be able to have their input in this piece of legislation.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.
HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, I listened, with great interest to the Leader in the House of the Liberal Party and his comments in regard to trust
agreements. This bill, which I think is a valuable one, will aid us a lot in the discussion towards trust agreements, the owner-operator issue, which the Liberal Party does speak quite often on, and trying to maintain local individual independence of the fishery, which I've heard the member for Digby-Annapolis talk on on a number of occasions.
What this is, is that the federal government for a very long time has not upheld the owner-operator policy, has added to the proliferation of trust agreements within the fishing industry where we have seen a tremendous increase in the price of lobster licences. Just recently I was talking to a couple of folks in my riding. We're finding that the price of lobster licences has gone down by a couple of hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Speaker, that still brings the value of a lobster licence somewhere in the $600,000 range, which is far too much for a newcomer to get into the industry.
What we would really like to see here, and why we're supporting this going forward, is that we need to have a good handle on how many trust agreements are out there. That's what this bill does. It's just a simple registry of finding out how many are out there. We're not saying yea or we're not saying nay to the idea of trust agreements, because I think the industry has changed dramatically over the last 25 years and we need to have a good handle so when we are going forward to the federal government saying we need to address the owner-operator policy, the fleet separation policy, we can have a piece of paper in our pocket and we can say, listen, here's how it is and here's how it needs to be addressed.
Mr. Speaker, I know that we'll be supporting this through second reading. We do have a number of ideas and maybe some amendments that we would like to bring forward during the Law Amendments Committee. So I would end my comments there of thanking the NDP for bringing this bill forward.
MR. SPEAKER: If I recognize the honourable Leader of the Official Opposition it will be to close the debate.
The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.
MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to close debate on Bill No. 197.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 197. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
Ordered that this bill be referred to the Committee on Law Amendments.
The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 207.
Bill No. 207 - Provincial Finance Act.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.
MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to rise to move second reading of Bill No. 207. The important aspect of this bill is, I guess, self-evident. What it provides for is the obligation for the government to actually use the money that would come forward under the federal legislation for the purpose for which it was intended. I believe that the government has a sincere interest to ensure this will happen.
I think it's not only an important message for the people of Nova Scotia, but it's actually, when you think about it, a broader message to the people of Canada, I believe, that says that the amendments that are being made to the federal budget are important ones and beneficial to young people in this province. So I see this as a good piece of legislation. As I said, its nature is self-evident. I believe that the members of the Third Party will find, as they review this piece of legislation, that it is also in the best interests of their constituents as well. So I very proudly move second reading of Bill No. 207.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader in the House of the Liberal Party.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I find it ironic that the House Leader would call a bill that is based on the passage of the federal budget which they have been given opportunity time after time by our caucus, at least on one occasion by the Leader of the Official Opposition, to call upon Nova Scotia's Conservative Members of Parliament to support the budget and they have refused to do so. So here they are calling a bill that deals with the budget, Bill C-48, which all indications are that it is going to fail in its passage on Thursday night.
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please.
The honourable Leader in the House of the Liberal Party.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: So let's keep in mind, Mr. Speaker, the reality of the situation we find ourselves in. It could pass - three votes - from Peter MacKay, Bill Casey, Gerald Keddy, that would do the trick. Yet when the Premier is given an opportunity time and time again to stand up and put Nova Scotians first, he took a pass. Danny Williams is standing up for Newfoundland and Labrador, I'll tell you. Danny Williams will certainly stand up. Danny Williams publicly chastised one of his own MPs today. Loyola Hearn was taken to task by the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, who said, your commitment is to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador first, we expect that that budget is going to be passed. On the
issue of the offshore accord, Danny Williams went so far as to say he didn't trust Stephen Harper to be able to honour the accord and get the accord passed.
So, Mr. Speaker, when you have the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, who has an even bigger investment in this accord than we have, because we all know they have $2 billion that is riding on this accord - we have $830 million - so in Newfoundland and Labrador the Premier there stood up for his province and there will be repercussions to pay for the Tory MPs in Newfoundland and Labrador if they do not support that budget. I would submit to you, when I hear the Premier of this province say he is willing to base the future of $830 million on the word of Peter MacKay, I have to tell you, that doesn't sit very well with me. History is history. We all know how good Mr. MacKay's word is. David Orchard learned it the hard way. In fact, all members of the federal PC Party learned it the hard way. That's who we're relying upon.
[8:00 p.m.]
Mr. Speaker, I can tell you, when we talk about this bill and the fact that it talks about Bill C-48, I had a call today from a daycare operator in Richmond County and said, what can I do? What can I do to make sure this budget passes? She realizes the important investment contained in this budget. The Minister of Community Services was at the announcement this morning, so happy. Yet, even his pursuit of the federal Tory MPs for Nova Scotia to pass this budget has been silence. Their silence is deafening.
There are important investments in this bill. We certainly agree, the money that is set aside to go to post-secondary institutions should go to post-secondary institutions, not simply go into general revenue. There's no problem supporting that concept. Mr. Speaker, here we are debating a bill that in all likelihood, the way we're looking right now unless the Opposition in Ottawa grows up and starts acting responsibly - which it doesn't seem to be in any rush to do - this bill will not pass.
I have to tell you, just on a bit of a side note, I attended the announcement this morning. The Prime Minister was there, Ken Dryden, the Minister of Community Services, we had the Premier. The Prime Minister rose to speak first, and while the Prime Minister was speaking, there were all sorts of little children there from the daycare. God love them, they were quite excited about the whole thing, and one of the children sat in the Prime Minister's chair while he was up speaking. So the Prime Minister, without missing a beat, just sat down on the stage away from where he was sitting. So, when the Premier got up, in his best attempts at humour, the Premier started off by saying, Prime Minister, it looks like you lost your seat. There were a bit of moans and groans in the crowd at the Premier's attempt at humour, but what I was hoping was that the Prime Minister would have had an opportunity to respond because I would have thought he could have said, Mr. Premier, it's almost just like being in Ottawa, the same thing's happening there, I have a child trying to take my seat. You know, nothing's really changed.
When we look at the importance of Bill C-48, not only here it talks about post-secondary education, it also talks about investments in health, investments in cities, investments in child care and, more importantly, it has the offshore accords, which we know how important it is not only to the future of this province, to the future of this government's budget, because a great part of their budget is contained within that specific accord.
Mr. Speaker, again, this bill, how ironic the government would call it to bring it forward when their silence on actually pushing to have this budget passed in Ottawa continues. How ironic it will be if we actually get this bill through by Thursday, third reading and everything, and the budget isn't successful. That will tell you, I guess, just how much the bill would have achieved.
What I would like to see is not only the government call these types of pieces of legislation, but it follows it up with saying that we expect that the federal members are going to support this budget, that the federal members are going to make sure they put Nova Scotians' interests first, and that we finally have a sense of confidence that this government is actually interested in having the budget pass so that Nova Scotians can enjoy the benefits that are in there. You know, Mr. Speaker, it's a budget that at the end of the day we know will make a difference for Nova Scotians. Whether it passes on Thursday, we know that the opposition has an opportunity to have a non-confidence vote at a later date. I know there's a bit of interest in the Accord so I'd like to have the opportunity to say even a few more words on the Accord based on that. You know, again, we know exactly what this bill is trying to do and certainly we have no problems in supporting that.
M. le Président, je veux prendre cette occasion pour dire quelque remarques sur la loi 207. Comme je le disait, quand on voit que le dirigeant du gouvernement à l'assemblée appelle un project de loi de l'opposition, un projet de loi qui, à la fin de la journée, se fit sur le passage du budjet fédérale, le passage de le projet de loi C-48. A la fin de la journée, on sait, qu'on a donné à plusieurs reprises l'occasion au Premier Ministre de la province, l'occasion aux membres du partie conservateurs, içi à l'assemblée, de vouloir envoyé un message très claire à les trois membres conservateurs de la Nouvelle-Écosse, les trois députés fédérales, Peter MacKay, Gerald Keddy et Bill Casey.
Juste leur trois votes pour assurer le passage de ce budjet. Mais à la fin de la journée, pendant qu'on voit que le Premier Ministre de Terre-Neuve et de Labrador, Danny Williams, quis dit c'est le temps de mettre la politique au côté. C'est le temps de mettre les intérêts des peuples de Terre-Neuve et Labrador premier. Alors il a dit, j'espère que les deux députés fédérales de Terre-Neuve et Labrador vont supporté le budjet.
Aujourdh'ui on a même vu qu'il a publiquement critiqué la député, je pense que son nom c'est Loyola Hearn, et il a dit très claire qu'il attendé que ce député, appuyé le budjet. Je peux dire M. le Président, les excuses qui étaient donné par M. Hearn, comme député
fédérale pour dire, en ben, c'est correcte, notre chef, Steven Harper, va faire certain qu'il va assuré le passage de l'Accord quand on va devenir governement.
M. le Président, premièrement pour nous en la Nouvelle-Écosse, de nous fier sur le mot de quelqu'un comme Peter MacKay, mais en tout honnêté, on sais bien la valeure du mot de Peter MacKay. Peter MacKay a fait des promesses dans le passée à les membres de son propre partie politiques qu'il a brisé. Alors pour lui maintenant à nous dire qu'il va nous faire des promesses, pas des promesses dans son nom à lui parce-qu'il est juste le sous-chef, mais des promesses au nom de Steven Harper, qu'il est assuré que M. Harper va faire passage de l'Accord.
Je peux dire M. le Président, pour nous, içi à la Nouvelle-Écosse, les profits qui vont venir dedans le budjet sont est qui nous faut maintenant. Le projet de loi 207, introduit par le chef de l'opposition, s'attends de dire que dans le nouveau budjet C-48, il y a eu des changes qui ont pris place, il y a eu des investissements qui ont était mis la pour l'éducation universitaire. Ca que le projet de loi propose de dire, c'est l'argent que la province de la Nouvelle-Écosse vont recevoir, théoriquement, si le budjet est passé, c'est que cette argent là, qui est designé pour allé au université, seront là. Ca nous disons même que c'est soit deux options, c'est soit que sa fond des bourses au universitées même, ou aux étudiants ou que ça regarde à faire reduire les frais de scolarités et faire certain que ça soit les bourses au universitées ou étudiants ou un réduction des frais de scolarités.
Nous savons tous bien qu'ici au Nouvelle-Écosse pendant qu'on est très fière des universitées que nous avons, le fait que les frais de scolarités sont les plus augmentés qu'il y a au Canada. Quelle message que nous envoyant, quand on a un ministre d'immigration qui et entrain de dire qu'il veut avoir plus d'immigrant de venir içi à la province, d'étudier, de vouloir ramener leur famille içi, se situer içi et qu'à la fin de la journée, quand on appelle eux de vener en la Nouvelle-Écosse, ça va être la province la plus chère pour vous, pour étudier.
Au même temps, on regarde les provinces comme l'Ontario, l'Ontario qui est entrain de dire écoute sela qu'on va faire pour les élèves qui viennent hors du pays, on va vouloir faire certain que les frais de scolarités pour eux sont aussi moins, aussi bon que possible, alors pour les attirés, pour les retenir, pour les encourager de venir, pour les encourager de parler à leurs amis et de venir - venais ici, venais faire vos études et venait resté à cette très belle province. Ici à la Nouvelle Écosse le méssage c'est très differents. C'est sa que je disait, avec la lois 207, sa propose de faire certain que de l'argents qui vients du budget va à une certaine place. À la fin de la journée, sa parait maintenants que les déclarations qui ont été faits par le chefs des conservateurs, M. Stephen Harper, et les déclarations qui ont été fait par le chef du partie séparatiste, M. Gilles Duceppe, qui ne vont pas appuyé le buget. Sa parait maintenant aujourd'hui que jeudi, le 19 mai, sa va etre impossible pour le buget fédéral à passé.
Alors, voila M. le présidents, nous sommes ici à l'assembler à la Nouvelle Écosse, élu par les gens de la Nouvelle Écosse, pour proposé et avoir un débats sur des projets de lois qui vont faire face à la vie des gens de la province. À la fin de la journée ici, on passe ce projets de lois qui, en théorie, et completements inutile si le buget ne passe pas. Je ne sait pas si je pourrait même proposé que ce projets de lois s'attends jusqu'à après jeudi, parce que après jeudi on sera. Si que le projets de lois ne passe pas, c'est pas necessaire d'avoir ce projets de lois ici, 207, parce que voila à la fin de la journée j'espère que si le bugets ne passe pas, que le prochain bugets qui viens don, on ne sait pas quand il est. Mais c'est sans question que je pense pas que sa sera sous le même titre de le projets de lois C-48.
Alors, il faux demandé vraiments qu'es ce que c'est qu'on faits aujourd'hui de parlé de le projets de loi qui ce propose sous le passage du budget fédéral, qui à cet occasion ne parait pas comme sa vas passé. Comme je l'ai dit avants, on a donné l'occassion au Premier Ministre de la province, Premier Ministre Hamm, de vouloire envoyer un méssage très claire à ses trois députer fédéral, parce qu'on se r'appelle tous, que quand on a parlé de l'accord Atlantique, quand les discussions prenait place, que c'est le Premier Ministre lui même de la Nouvelle Écosse qui a dit, j'espère que tous les députer fédéral de la Nouvelle Écosse vont appuyé l'accord. Alors, sa c'est les députer néo-démocrate, les députer liberal, especiallement les députer liberale et les députer conservateurs. Ben non, voilà on se trouve aujourd'hui que l'accord et en place, l'accord se trouve dans le buget, et puis quand qu'on demande au Premier Ministre, es-ce que tu es pret maintenants a demandé le meme support aujourd'hui que tu as eu dans le passé? Il dit qu'il y a rien a faire avec cela qui se passe en Ottawa. Il s'attends que si l'accords Atlantique- si l'argents pour les garderies, l'argents pour les municipaliter, pour les villes- si que sa ce trouve pas, si c'est pas passé dans le budget, sa serait fait dans le future sous un gouvernement conservateurs de Stephen Harper. Voilà, M. le présidents écoute, quand on regards dans l'histoire de le Premier Ministre ici à la province on sait même que durants l'éléction de 1999- c'est la que le Premier Ministre de la province nous a faits toute sorte de promese. Il a été chefs de le partie en troisieme place a ce points la, ils ont faits des promese sur la debt, ils ont faits des promeses sur le systeme de santé, ils ont faits des promese sur l'éducation, ils ont faits des promese sur les chemins. Six ans après, après deux élections les promets ne sont pas là.
C'est pour sa, aujourd'hui que sa c'est une question de voté sur la budget, on a voté contre. On a voté contre pour envoyé un méssage au Premier Ministre que ses promese owe la temps qu'il va honorer les promese qu'il a fait au gens de la Nouvelle Écosse. Les promese où il a dit, voté pour moi, je vais faire certain que ces promeses deviennent une réalitée, sa n'a pas arrivée aujourd'hui. Le partie des néo-démocrates ont décidé que depuis qu'il avait trois ou quatre aspeets de le bugets qu'il était content avec, c'était assez pour supporter le budget. Quand on regarde aux fait que le budget est un budget de $5.5 milliards et de dire qu'il y a trois ou quatre aspects qu'on est contents avec, qui sont peut-être juste dans les millions, que c'est corrects, qu'on va appuyé le buget. Nous avons dit très claire, que quand on regarde le gros portrait, quand on regards où la province va allé dans le future, il n'y a pas de question qu'à ce point ici, le seule plan que le Premier Ministre a proposé, pour le systeme
de santé, c'est de mettre plus d'argents. Plus d'argent chaque année, $1 milliards de plus aujourd'hui dans le budgets du systeme de santé qu'il y en avait en 1999. Puis, le Premier Ministre lui même nous a dit, si on continue que ça va venir l'année 2025, que juste le département de santé va prendre tout le budjet et que toutes les révénues de la province de la Nouvelle-Écosse va allé au département de santé. C'est pas de question qu'il nous faut une meilleure plan. Notre vote aujourd'hui était un vote de dire qu'on n'étaient pas contente avec le fait que le Premier Ministre n'a pas voulue dire au député conservateurs ou le député fédérale d'appuyer le budjet. On sait que dans le budjet et dans les accordes, que le budjet, même qui a était proposé içi à l'assemblée, a beaucoup d'aspets qui vont en profité dans le budjet de cette année.
[8:15 p.m.]
Alors, si le budjet fédérale ne passe pas, il faut que le Ministre de Finance se demande ou qu'il va trouvé l'argent pour le fait que l'accorde n'a pas était passé. C'est toutes des questions qu'il faut posé M. le Président avec ce projet de loi parce-que encore, à la fin de la journée, nous voyons içi avec le chef du partie conservateurs, qui introduit un projet de loi pour faire certains que des dépenses, qui viennent du gouvernment fédérale, soient mises aux universitées, aux étudiants universitaires. C'est ça qu'il faut ce passer.
Pourquoi qu'on parle du projet de loi comme ça parait que le budget fédérale ne va pas passer? Pourquoi ça ne va pas passé? M. le Président, il faut demandé ce question, est-ce que c'est à cause du fait que le budjet est même? Qu'il y a un augmentation dans les impôts? Non, ça ce n'est pas dedans. Est-ce que c'est qu'il y a pas assez d'investissements dans le système de santé? On n'a pas encore entendue de cette personne. Est-ce qu'il n'a pas assez investissements dans le système d'éducation, ben avec les changes qui ont pris places, je ne pense pas qu'il y a personne qui ne dirait qu'il n'a pas eu assez dans ce cas là.
Faut ce demandé pourquoi vraiment, que les parties, la partie conservateurs, la partie des séparatistes, ne supporte pas le budjet. A la fin de la journée, ça vient à la politique, ça vient à un vouloir d'avoir du pouvoir pour le M. Steven Harper. On c'est bien que quand même que la partie conservateurs avaient monté un petit peu dans les sondages, que maintenant les Canadiens sont entrain de réfléchir du fait que l'idée d'avoir le Premier Ministre de ce pays, la type de Steven Harper et du partie conservateurs, qu'on c'est les différentes idées qu'ils avont et qu'ils ont proposé ,que maintenant les Canadiens commence en réalité que c'est mieu d'avoir le Premier Ministre Martin que d'aller avec M. Steven Harper, c'est à cause de ça.
On peut voir que les sondages commence à plus réfléchir la réalité pour les conservateurs parce-que à la fin de la journée, moi je m'attends que si le budjet ne passe pas, si qu'il y a des élections fédérales, qu'à la fin de la journée, sera moi et peut-etre il y a autre qui ne sont pas en accord avec moi, la partie libérale auras plus de députés que tous les autres parties, ne pas dire que tous les autres parties mis ensembles, mais plus de députés que aucune
autre partie au niveau fédérale. Alors qu'est-ce que nous avons accomplit? Qu'est-ce qu'on a accomplit? On c'est bien que c'est pas les conservateurs, c'est pas eux qui vont prendre, alors il y a juste une partie qui peut avoir plus de sièges que toutes les autres. Je vous propose que ça sera la partie libérale. Alors qu'est-ce que la élection aura accompli? Sera mis en derrière le passage de l'accorde, l'argent pour les services communautaires que le Ministre Morse était très content avec ce matin, ça va mettre derrière l'argent pour les villes, les villes içi à Halifax, les villes à travers de la province, ça va mettre derrière l'argent pour les gens de la Nouvelle-Écosse.
On vient d'un temps fiscal ou les gens doivent être capable de profiter et maintenant qu'on voient, juste à cause de la politique, qu'ils sont pas permis de profité à cause de sa. En terminant, je veux juste dire qu'avec le projet de loi 207, il n'y a pas de question de supporte, mais à la fin de la journée, juste à temps qu'on entend un message qui vienne du gouvernment provinciale conservateur qu'il veut que le budjet fédérale passe, qu'il sont prêt à demandé la responsabilité et la comptabilité de les députés fédérales M. MacKay, M. Casey et M. Keddy. Mais à la fin de la journée, ceçi, selon moi, c'est juste un projet de loi qu'ils sont entrain d'introduire pour que l'opposition officiale peut dire, voila on a fait passé un projet de loi durant cette assemblée. A la fin de la journée, si le budjet n'est pas passé jeudi, le projet de loi 207, seront inutile tout à fait. Malheureusement, necessera complètement inutile et faut demandera à la fin de la journée, faut que les gens de la Nouvelle-Écosse se demande qu'est-ce qu'on a accompli, si à la fin de la journée le budget federal n'est pas appuiée et puis que la loi 207 sera completement pas nécessaire.
Alors, m. président, finalement je veux juste dire, que j'attend pour voir quand es-ce que le Ministre de Transportation va demander que cette project de loi soi ramené sur le Committee Law Amendments. Est-ce que ces qu'il va vouloir que ce projects de loi soit souris au committee plutôt, alors que sava peut-être passé avant jeudi, parce qu'on sait peu-être même le chef de l'opposition veux lui meme que sa soit passer avant jeudi. Parce-que comme sa il attendereu que la vote sur le budget fédéral aura pas pris place et qu'il pourra dire tres bren que j'aifais passer un autre project de lois. Mais à la fin de la journée si ceçi les projects de lois qu'on va passer ce session il faux vraiment se demander que ce qui a étais accomplis pour les gens de la Nouvelle-Écosse pour faire une meilleuer future pour eux, avoir une meilleuer avenire et pour montrai comment responsible nous sommes sur tous les bors de la budjet. Metant que la budjet va passer je m'attend que le gouvrnement va respecter la demande qui à étais a fait a dans ce project de loi et je suis content de dire que notre caucus va appuié ce project de loi pour aller faire la deuxiême lecture et on s'attend de voir les commentaires qui va venir en résultats du Committiés sur Law Amendments, merci mr. le president. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Education.
HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I thank you and I'm pleased to rise and say a few words about the bill on the floor of the House. Clearly Nova Scotia has a distinguished record of channelling money that comes from the federal government into the priorities for which the money is specified.
Mr. Speaker, since this House has opened, the honourable Leader in the House of the Liberal Party has been standing up there and trying to fight a federal election campaign. Somebody would have noticed - but I want to tell you (Interruptions) Mr. Harper, Mr. Layton and Mr. Duceppe said that the Atlantic Accord would be passed in one day if the Liberal Government would separate it from the budget. I want to tell the honourable Leader in the House of the Liberal Party that he should be going to Minister Regan and should be going to Minister Brison, and he should be going to ex-Minister Thibault and going to Mr. Cuzner and Mr. Eyking, to go to them all, and Mr. Savage, and say, listen folks, you have the best interests of Nova Scotia in your mind, get the Prime Minister to take that Atlantic Accord out of that budget and it will be passed in one day. (Interruptions)
They are acting irresponsibly. They have no interest for Nova Scotia. They're trying to prop up a government which deserves to be de-propped. (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, on a point of order. I'm sure that the Minister of Education is not looking to mislead this House, but to suggest that Mr. Duceppe from the Bloc Québécois suggested they would allow the separation of the Atlantic Accord from the budget, they have quite clearly said they would not allow that to happen, which is why it could not be separated on a stand-alone vote, without unanimous consent. So I'm sure the Minister of Education would not look to be misleading this House.
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. That's not a point of order.
I would ask the honourable Minister of Education to bring the debate back on Bill No. 207, please, so we could move along here. Bill No. 207.
MR. MUIR: With all due respect, the honourable member who just spoke was nowhere near the topic. (Interruptions) I'm taking French lessons. (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Order. Order, please.
HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, on a point of order. As I listened to the dissertation of the honourable Leader in the House of the Liberal Party, he did divert a number of times off of that bill. (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Order. Order, please. The honourable minister should have risen on his feet at the time, to raise a point of order. It's a little late for that now.
The honourable Minister of Education on Bill No. 207.
MR. MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I can say again that if money flows from the federal government that's intended for education, it will certainly go to education in this province. I would like, again, just to take this opportunity that if the honourable Leader in the House of the Liberal Party and his colleagues, who by the way, earlier this evening voted against money for the Cape Breton Railway (Interruptions) They voted against money for health. They voted against more money for transportation. They voted against more money for education. They voted against more money for economic development. They voted against more money for health promotion.
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. Order, please. Is the honourable minister finished? (Interruptions) Order, please.
The honourable minister on Bill No. 207, please, or we will move to the next speaker.
MR. MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I would just like to reiterate that if money comes from the federal government that is intended for education in this province, I can tell you that this province has the best record in the country of taking the money which is targeted from the federal government, indeed, we have been singled out in our health and everything else. That's the Tory Government that's been in power, not the group that was in power preceding this current government. With those few words, I'll take my place.
MR. SPEAKER: If I recognize the honourable member it will be to close the debate.
The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage.
MR. KEVIN DEVEAUX: Notwithstanding the comments of the Minister of Education, I can think of some money for French that maybe didn't make it where it was supposed to. Having said that, I will close debate on Bill No. 207, and move second reading.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 207. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
Ordered that this bill be referred to the Committee on Law Amendments.
The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 192.
Bill No. 192 - Alexander Graham Bell Day Act.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cape Breton West.
MR. RUSSELL MACKINNON: Mr. Speaker, I'll be brief. Essentially what this bill does is recognize the memory of Alexander Graham Bell, who we all know has made a rather substantial contribution to the lives of people all around the world and certainly here in Nova Scotia, through, as we know, telecommunications. What this bill does is recognize March 7th, which is the day upon which the patent for the invention of the telephone was first recorded. Alexander Graham Bell has made a phenomenal contribution to Nova Scotia. He has made, I'm sure, an even greater contribution to Cape Breton Island. His home at Beinn Breagh marks a legacy, as does the Alexander Graham Bell Museum.
Mr. Speaker, one of the good things about this particular piece of legislation is that it doesn't cost the taxpayers of Nova Scotia one cent. What it does do is it helps to memorialize one of our greatest citizens of years past, who has made a rather substantial contribution to the lives of those in the past, the present and obviously those in the future. With those few words, I would move second reading.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 192. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
Ordered that this bill be referred to the Committee on Law Amendments.
The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, that completes our work for the day. I move the House do now rise to meet again tomorrow at the hour of 12:00 noon. The House will sit until 8:00 p.m. The order of business will be Public, and Private and Local Bills for Second Reading, Third Reading and Committee of the Whole House on Bills.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is that the House adjourn until 12:00 noon tomorrow.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The House is adjourned until 12:00 noon tomorrow.
[The House rose at 8:29 p.m.]
By: Mr. Frank Corbett (Cape Breton Centre)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas consumers and gas retailers across the province are struggling with high gasoline and heating fuel prices; and
Whereas people across the province have made it known time and again that they want the government to regulate gasoline and heating fuel prices; and
Whereas this government's continued inaction is negatively impacting family budgets and forcing retail outlet closures;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House call upon the government to bring forward detailed proposals for gasoline and home heating fuel legislation in Nova Scotia before this 2005 Spring sitting is finished.
By: Hon. Kerry Morash (Environment and Labour)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Nova Scotia Construction Safety Association is committed to developing a positive occupational health and safety culture within the Nova Scotia construction industry; and
Whereas every year the Nova Scotia Construction Safety Association recognizes the five safest companies based on a comparison of the employer's total assessment paid to the Workers' Compensation Board versus the actual costs of accidents and injuries experienced by the firm over the past year; and
Whereas Winbridge Construction Limited of Falmouth is the winner of the 2004 Chair's Award of Excellence for the safest construction industry company in Nova Scotia with one to five employees;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Winbridge Construction Limited for their dedication to a positive occupational health and safety culture within their company.
By: Hon. Kerry Morash (Environment and Labour)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Nova Scotia Construction Safety Association is committed to developing a positive occupational health and safety culture within the Nova Scotia construction industry; and
Whereas every year the Nova Scotia Construction Safety Association recognizes the five safest companies based on a comparison of the employer's total assessment paid to the Workers' Compensation Board versus the actual costs of accidents and injuries experienced by the firm over the past year; and
Whereas Strescon Bedford Precast Plant of Bedford is the winner of the 2004 Chair's Award of Excellence for the safest construction industry company in Nova Scotia with more than 50 employees;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Strescon Limited for their dedication to a positive occupational health and safety culture within their company.
By: Hon. Kerry Morash (Environment and Labour)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Nova Scotia Construction Safety Association is committed to developing a positive occupational health and safety culture within the Nova Scotia construction industry; and
Whereas every year the Nova Scotia Construction Safety Association recognizes the five safest companies based on a comparison of the employer's total assessment paid to the Workers' Compensation Board versus the actual costs of accidents and injuries experienced by the firm over the past year; and
Whereas Omega Formwork Incorporated of Lakeview is the winner of the 2004 Chair's Award of Excellence for the safest construction industry company in Nova Scotia with 21 to 50 employees;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Omega Formwork Incorporated for their dedication to a positive occupational health and safety culture within their company.
By: Hon. Kerry Morash (Environment and Labour)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Nova Scotia Construction Safety Association is committed to developing a positive occupational health and safety culture within the Nova Scotia construction industry; and
Whereas every year the Nova Scotia Construction Safety Association recognizes the five safest companies based on a comparison of the employer's total assessment paid to the Workers' Compensation Board versus the actual costs of accidents and injuries experienced by the firm over the past year; and
Whereas G and M Insulation and Siding Limited of Windsor is the winner of the 2004 Chair's Award of Excellence for the safest construction industry company in Nova Scotia with one to five employees;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate G and M Insulation and Siding Limited for their dedication to a positive occupational health and safety culture within their company.
By: Hon. James Muir (Education)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Rod D. Smith is the Town of Truro's 2005 Representative Volunteer and was honoured at the Provincial Volunteer of the Year Award ceremony; and
Whereas Rod Smith has provided leadership in the Colchester Area Senior Games Organization for more than 10 years; and
Whereas Rod Smith, who has been an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 26 and has been past-treasurer and investment officer for the Good Neighbours Retired Citizens Club, works tirelessly and effectively, and is known for his pleasant way with people;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Rod D. Smith on being named as the Town of Truro's 2005 Representative Volunteer, thank him for his efforts to improve life for others, and wish him and his wife, Lois, continued good health and happiness.
By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Sharon Adams-Dean is not your typical history teacher, instead of turning to a book to describe a long-gone civilization, she creates her own archeological dig in the school's backyard by burying handcrafted artifacts for her students to dig up and discover the civilization the artifacts represent; and
Whereas in her readings, Sharon discovered 70 per cent of learners learn visually, this inspired her to be more creative in her teaching methods, instead of reading about the clothing worn by the Egyptian ruler or Greek gods, she held a fashion show or re-enacted ancient battles; and
Whereas her unique teaching abilities prompted two of her colleagues to nominate her as the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board's teaching award which was presented during Education Week;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Sharon Adams-Dean on receipt of this award, and wish her success in future endeavours.
By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Lorrie Penney was selected as the Business Person of the Year for 2004 by the Central Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce at its annual general meeting on April 21, 2005; and
Whereas Lorrie Penney, the owner of Greenwood and Middleton Subways, is known for her sound business practices. She is also known and deeply respected for her commitment to many causes and charities in her community; and
Whereas it is Lorrie's generous support to the local school communities that is truly remarkable; she has helped establish and sustain many programs, especially sports teams, drama and school activities that have enhanced the school experience of numerous students;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House extend congratulations to Lorrie and wish her, Alex and the family continued success.
By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Canadian Geographic Magazine has announced the recipient of the 2005 National Environmental Awards, which will be handed out June 6th in Toronto; and
Whereas Stephen Hawboldt, whose work with the Clean Annapolis River Project has been named as one of this year's recipients; and
Whereas Stephen's work with the Clean Annapolis River Project has been an inspiration to many, his dedication to ensuring future generations have the privilege of enjoying our environment is to be commended;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House extend congratulations to Stephen Hawboldt for this prestigious recognition, and wish him much success in the future.
By: Mr. Stephen McNeil (Annapolis)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Athletics Nova Scotia, whose purpose is to develop, coordinate and promote track and field, road running and cross-country running in Nova Scotia, recently handed out their 2004 awards; and
Whereas Charles Scarrow of Upper Granville received the Coach of the Year Award; and
Whereas Charles was Associate Head Coach with the Nova Scotia team at the National Legion Championships and the team ended up with the second-highest medal total all-time for Nova Scotia, and this included six by his athletes in either individual and/or relay events;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House recognize Coach of the Year Charles Scarrow and congratulate him on receiving this award.
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 National Cadet Boxing Championships were held from April 1st to April 3, 2005, in Prince George, British Columbia; and
Whereas Kyle Cousins of Middleton represented his club with great spirit, determination, skill and sportsmanship; and
Whereas Kyle Cousins boxed as well as his coach has ever seen him box;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Kyle on his fine showing at the national championships.
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 Apple House on Carlton Corner in West Paradise, once a schoolhouse in West Dalhousie, was dismantled and moved over 100 years ago to its present location; and
Whereas the Apple House was used as a coopery in which apple barrels were made for the local apple farmers; and
Whereas Chris Goldenberg, the owner of the property, was successful in his efforts to have the Apple House designated an official heritage property, which was celebrated at a ceremony on April 11, 2005;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Chris Goldenberg for his success in having the Apple House declared an official heritage property.
By: Mr. Stephen McNeil (Annapolis)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Alta and Murray Covert of Annapolis Royal, have dedicated their lives to serving their community and bettering the lives of those who live there; and
Whereas they have devoted a great deal of time to the Royal Canadian Legion, as well as to the Clementsport Good Neighbours Club and the local credit unions, and Murray has served on county council and the Provincial Federation of Senior Citizens, as well as being involved in productions of Kings Theatre and singing with the Annapolis Basin Choir and being a member of the Kings County Wildlife Federation; and
Whereas Mr. and Mrs. Covert will receive the Remarkable Senior Award for Leadership at the 16th annual 50+ Expo on June 10, 2005;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Alta and Murray Covert and recognize the invaluable contribution they have made to their community and to all of Nova Scotia.
By: Mr. Stephen McNeil (Annapolis)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Athletics Nova Scotia, whose purpose is to develop, coordinate and promote track and field, road running and cross-country running in Nova Scotia, recently handed out their 2004 awards, and Jenna Martin received the Juvenile Female of the Year Award as she
continues to establish herself as one of the very best young athletes in Canada over the long sprints; and
Whereas Jenna now holds 19 Nova Scotia provincial records ranging from the bantam 200 metre to the senior 400 metre, and is one of the youngest athletes in Nova Scotia to hold a senior record; and
Whereas she is the national Legion champion at 200 metres and 400 metres as well as the national Legion record holder for the 400 metre, and she also jumped to a silver medal performance in the long jump at the same event and is on the provisional list for World Youth Championships scheduled for next July in Morocco;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House recognize Jenna Martin and congratulate her on receiving this award, and wish her continued success with her track-and-field career.
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 Canadian Community Newspapers Association's national convention will be held in Banff in June 2005, at which time the winners of the 2005 Better Newspaper Competition will be announced; and
Whereas the Canadian Community Newspapers Association encourages excellence by sponsoring the annual national competition to celebrate the achievements of its member newspapers; and
Whereas Ken MacPherson of the Middleton Monitor Examiner is a finalist in the Best Sports Photo category;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Ken MacPherson and wish him well in this national competition.
By: Mr. Stephen McNeil (Annapolis)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Mr. Louis Redden of Middleton joined the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II at the age of 17 and served on the HMCS Huron, escorting supply ships in the Atlantic; and
Whereas working as a trained telegraphist on HMCS Huron, Mr. Redden was involved in a number of escorted convoys across the North Atlantic in which numerous ships were attacked and sunk by German U-boats; and
Whereas on May 1, 2005, Mr. Redden was presented with a 60-year commemorative medal by the Russian Federation in recognition of his military service during WW II;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House honour Mr. Redden and recognize his dedicated service to Canada.
By: Mr. Harold Theriault (Digby-Annapolis)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Education Week in Nova Scotia was celebrated April 17th to 23rd with the theme, History: Look in Your Own Backyard; and
Whereas Karla Kelly, a Grade 5 teacher from Weymouth Consolidated School, has developed a social studies unit for her students on the history of Weymouth, including the history of the local veterans; and
Whereas Karla Kelly was honoured at an Education Week awards ceremony on April 18, 2005, for her hard work;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Karla Kelly and congratulate her for her dedication to teaching her students the history of their community.
By: Mr. Harold Theriault (Digby-Annapolis)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Islands Consolidated School has a dedicated principal, Ruth Schering-Hong, and an exemplary staff who are collectively aspiring to achieve the highest possible level of academic excellence with their determined students; and
Whereas the communities of Brier Island, Long Island and the Digby Neck are actively involved in supporting and enhancing this extraordinary educational facility; and
Whereas for the second consecutive year, the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies has designated ICS as the number one high school in the Province of Nova Scotia;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House extend to the staff, students and communities their congratulations on this monumental achievement.
By: Mr. John MacDonell (Hants East)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas volunteers demonstrate that people do care about others; and
Whereas Bernice Donaldson of Elmsdale has evolved from being a part-time volunteer with the Caring and Sharing Angel Tree Food Bank/Christmas Gift Programs to volunteering full time, and now has started up a new program called, Warm Hugs, to clothe the cold; and
Whereas on May 27th, on Volunteer Awards Night, Bernice Donaldson will be recognized by the Municipality of East Hants with the Shining Star Award for her many and valuable contributions to her community;
Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Bernice Donaldson on being chosen to receive a Shining Star Award from the Municipality of East Hants for her determination to help others less fortunate.
By: Mr. John MacDonell (East Hants)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas volunteer organizations often thrive or decline based on the enthusiasm of the president of that group; and
Whereas Mr. Don Walls, for eight years, has been the driving force behind the East Hants Soccer Association; and
Whereas on May 27th, on Volunteers Awards Night, Mr. Walls will be recognized by the Municipality of East Hants with the Shining Star Award for the time and effort he contributes to the sports community in East Hants;
Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Don Walls on receiving the Shining Star Award from the Municipality of East Hants and thank him for ensuring that the East Hants Soccer Association continues to thrive.
RESOLUTION NO. 4097
By: Mr. John MacDonell (Hants East)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas volunteer organizations cannot function without people who can be depended upon to show up at the meetings; and
Whereas Helene Scott has given her time to the Elmsdale Legion and the Caring and Sharing Angel Tree program, and has earned a reputation of always showing up at the meetings; and
Whereas on May 27th, on Volunteer Awards Night, Helene Scott will be recognized by the Municipality of East Hants with the Shining Star Award for her donated time and talents;
Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Helene Scott on receiving the Shining Star Award from the Municipality of East Hants and thank her for always being there when needed and expected.
RESOLUTION NO. 4098
By: Mr. John MacDonell (Hants East)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas volunteer organizations need table officers, which are absolutely essential to the organization's continuance; and
Whereas Kaye Weatherhead serves on the boards of many organizations in her community of Rawdon in a wide variety of capacities; and
Whereas on May 27th, on Volunteer Awards Night, Kaye Weatherhead will be recognized by the Municipality of East Hants with the Shining Star Award for her wide-ranging contributions to a large variety of local organizations;
Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Kaye Weatherhead on being chosen to receive the Shining Star Award from the Municipality of East Hants and thank her for her willingness to step up where needed.
RESOLUTION NO. 4099
By: Mr. John MacDonell (Hants East)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas elementary school children benefit from the extra help that volunteers provide to teachers and school programs; and
Whereas Laura Lee Dickson has made herself an indispensable volunteer at Cobequid Elementary School; and
Whereas on May 27th, on Volunteer Awards Night, Ms. Dickson will be recognized by the Municipality of East Hants with the Shining Star Award for her commitment to making the children's school experience the best it can be;
Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Laura Lee Dickson on receiving the Shining Star Award from the Municipality of Hants and thank her for putting the school experience of children above personal pursuits.
RESOLUTION NO. 4100
By: Mr. John MacDonell (Hants East)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas volunteers take on responsibilities for free that would pay a tidy salary in the private sector; and
Whereas Marion Barr fills the role of treasurer for the Shumilacke Food Bank, as well as attending to numerous other good works for other organizations; and
Whereas on May 27th, on Volunteer Awards Night, Marion Barr will be recognized by the Municipality of East Hants with the Shining Star Award for her commitment to the needy in her community;
Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Marion Barr on being the recipient of the Shining Star Award from the Municipality of East Hants and thank her for donating her time and skills to help those in need.
RESOLUTION NO. 4101
By: Mr. John MacDonell (Hants East)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas volunteerism brings out the very best in a person; and
Whereas Mary Fisher has been a stalwart of volunteerism for the Enfield Legion, the Poppy Campaign, the Sharing and Caring Angel Tree Food Bank, the United Church Women, and the Canadian Cancer Society; and
Whereas on May 27th, on Volunteer Awards Night, Mary Fisher will be recognized by the Municipality of East Hants with the Shining Star Award for her considerable breadth of giving of her time and skills;
Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Mary Fisher on receiving the Shining Star Award from the Municipality of East Hants and thank her for shouldering so many loads to lighten life for so many.
RESOLUTION NO. 4102
By: Mr. John MacDonell (Hants East)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas volunteers often assume positions of responsibility at public elementary schools; and
Whereas Mr. Mike Watson has long and enthusiastically assisted with the lunch program at Rawdon District Elementary, helps the children get physically fit, and educates them on ALS, which afflicts him personally; and
Whereas on May 27th, on Volunteer Awards Night, Mr. Watson will be recognized by the Municipality of East Hants with the Shining Star Award for his valuable volunteer work with the children;
Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Mike Watson on being chosen to receive the Shining Star Award from the Municipality of East Hants and thank him for looking after Rawdon District Elementary's children.
RESOLUTION NO. 4103
By: Mr. Gordon Gosse (Cape Breton Nova)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas on Saturday, May 14, 2005, 29 Sydney Kiwanis Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, held its 64th annual ceremonial review; and
Whereas 29 Squadron received its charter on October 27, 1941; and
Whereas when the squadron was known as 29 Sydney Academy Squadron and under the sponsorship of the Sydney Rotary Club, membership in air, sea, or army cadets was mandatory for all male students at Sydney Academy;
Therefore be it resolved that Members of the Legislative Assembly congratulate Commanding Officer Dodie Hanna and staff, as well as the cadets of 29 Sydney Kiwanis Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, for their dedication and commitment to their community, and wish them all the best in the years ahead.
RESOLUTION NO. 4104
By: Mr. Gordon Gosse (Cape Breton Nova)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas on Saturday, May 14, 2005, 693 Sydney Rotary Squadron, held its 46th annual ceremonial review; and
Whereas 693 Sydney Rotary Squadron, which received its charter in 1959, was originally part of Sydney Academy Wing, which also consisted of 29 and 694 squadrons; and
Whereas in 1978, the squadron was selected as top squadron in their division, in 1993, once again were selected tops in their division, as well as top annual inspection; and in 1998, 1999, and 2000, the squadron was awarded the Kinsmen Award for top squadron in their division;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this Legislative Assembly congratulate Commanding Officer Tom Drover and staff, as well as the cadets of 693 Sydney Rotary Squadron, for their dedication and commitment to their community, and wish them all the best in the years ahead.
RESOLUTION NO. 4105
By: Mr. Gordon Gosse (Cape Breton Nova)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Ashby Branch138 Royal Canadian Legion received its branch charter on January 12, 1950; and
Whereas Branch 138 Legion plays a very active role in the community supporting veterans and their families; and
Whereas in the year 2000, Branch 138 Legion celebrated 50 years of dedicated service to the community;
Therefore be it resolved that Members of the Legislative Assembly congratulate Royal Canadian Legion Branch 138 during this Year of the Veteran, and thank its executive and members for their service to veterans and the community.
RESOLUTION NO. 4106
By: Mr. Gordon Gosse (Cape Breton Nova)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Jim Charters has been head coach of the Cape Breton University Capers men's basketball team since 2002; and
Whereas Jim Charters has improved the record of the team each year and this year earned a bye to the semi-finals of the Atlantic University Sport Championship for the second straight season; and
Whereas Jim Charters guided the Capers to a 14-6 conference record this season, good for a second place overall finish;
Therefore be it resolved that Members of the Legislative Assembly congratulate Jim Charters on being named the Atlantic University Sport Conference Coach of the Year, and for leading his team to a successful 2004-05 season.
By: Mr. Gordon Gosse (Cape Breton Nova)
Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Kids Help Phone is a toll-free service offered 24 hours a day to troubled and abused youth across the country; and
Whereas on Sunday, May 1, 2005, in the City of Sydney, the first walk in support of Kids Help Phone was held; and
Whereas in 2004 approximately 44,000 young people in Atlantic Canada alone utilized the services of Kids Help Phone by phone or on-line;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this Legislative Assembly acknowledge the Aliant workers, families and friends, and their sponsors, for their efforts both in fundraising and increasing the awareness of Kids Help Phone.
By: Mr. Gordon Gosse (Cape Breton Nova)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Maureen Murrin was named Defensive Player of the Year in the Atlantic University Sport Conference for the 2003-04 season; and
Whereas Maureen Murrin, a fourth-year forward with the Cape Breton University Capers women's basketball team, was also selected second team All-Star in 2003-04; and
Whereas Maureen Murrin was second in team scoring and eighth in the conference, with an average of 12.8 points per game and 1.95 steals per game;
Therefore be it resolved that members of the Legislative Assembly congratulate Maureen Murrin on being recognized for her exploits in the field of women's basketball.
By: Mr. Gordon Gosse (Cape Breton Nova)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas on Friday, May 6, 2005, Polish Constitution Day was held in the Polish Village, in the community of Whitney Pier; and
Whereas this day celebrates the first democratic constitution in Europe and the second in the world; and
Whereas at this celebration the audience in attendance was treated to the finest Polish cuisine, as well as being entertained by the Polish Dancing Society;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this Legislative Assembly congratulate the local Polish community in Whitney Pier for their continuing efforts in keeping the traditions of the Polish culture alive and well.
By: Mr. Gordon Gosse (Cape Breton Nova)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas on Thursday, May 5, 2005, at Parkdale House in Sydney, Nova Scotia, the Salvation Army of Cape Breton kicked off its annual Red Shield Appeal; and
Whereas this drive will continue through the month of May, with all funds raised aiding local agencies of the Salvation Army; and
Whereas the Salvation Army is the largest provider of emergency shelter and transitional housing in Canada, and with the help and support of Canadians makes a significant difference in the lives of those who live in our streets;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this Legislative Assembly salute the officers, employees and volunteers of the Salvation Army for their ongoing efforts such as the Red Shield Appeal to help make our society a better place to live.
By: Mr. Gordon Gosse (Cape Breton Nova)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Sydney Branch 12 Royal Canadian Legion received its branch charter on March 21, 1928, and is presently located in the building which was erected as a centennial project of the branch in 1967; and
Whereas Branch 12 Legion plays a very prominent role in the community, supporting veterans and their families, involved in numerous youth activities, as well as hosting various community events; and
Whereas Branch 12 Legion hosted the 1993 provincial convention, as well as numerous bowling tournaments and played a role in the 2000 East Coast Music Awards;
Therefore be it resolved that members of the Legislative Assembly congratulate the executive and members of Branch 12 Royal Canadian Legion during this Year of the Veteran and thank them for their dedication and commitment to veterans and the community.
By: Mr. Gordon Gosse (Cape Breton Nova)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas during this Year of the Veteran we honour those hard-working and dedicated veterans, past and present, who man the Legions across this province; and
Whereas many local branches of the Royal Canadian Legion are the cornerstone of their communities and through their hard work and endless fundraising they are able to assist veterans and their families with the rigorous challenges they face in life; and
Whereas one of those Legions, Whitney Pier Branch 128, is a branch committed to its community through its support of needy groups and projects;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House salute the president, executive and members of Whitney Pier Branch 128 Royal Canadian Legion during this Year of the Veteran for their service to their comrades and to their community.
By: Hon. Murray Scott (Speaker)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas 2005 is the Year of the Veteran and I would like to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of veterans of the Royal Canadian Legions across Nova Scotia; and
Whereas many local branches of the Royal Canadian Legion are at the centre of community projects and initiatives, and are continuously working to make life better for veterans, their families, and our communities through various events; and
Whereas the branches of the Royal Canadian Legion in Cumberland County offer fellowship and support, service their community with pride, and strive to preserve the memory of their fallen comrades and the sacrifices made by so many veterans and their families;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House applaud the contributions of the Cumberland County branches of the Royal Canadian Legion and all other Legions across the province.
By: Hon. Murray Scott (Speaker)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Springhill Jr./Sr. High School hosted the first annual career fair - Your Future is Here - on Thursday, May 12, 2004, consisting of a walkabout with kiosks in the morning and panel discussions and workshops in the afternoon; and
Whereas students from Grade 9 to Grade 12 attended, as well as other invited schools who all had the opportunity to receive information and advice in career categories such as energy, health and medicine, business, arts, computers, human resources, law, natural science, apprenticeship and trades, and others; and
Whereas the Career Fair gave the students an opportunity to see what careers interest them and to get some insight into what is available out there for them that might help them determine their future goals;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Mr. John Clark, Ms. Susan MacDonald, the entire staff and students of Springhill Jr./Sr. High School on hosting this Career Fair and thank them for the hard work and effort put into making it so successful.
By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Darren Matthews, the manager of the Cole Harbour Atlantic Superstore, does an incredible job supporting the local community; and
Whereas Darren Matthews is well-known for always being available to help out when asked; and
Whereas Mr. Matthews has supported the community bike rodeo, Christmas goodwill, Cops for Cancer, and charity golf tournaments, to name only a few;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and congratulate Darren Matthews for his exceptional community spirit.
By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Lynda Conrad is a naturalist and historian who has resided in Lawrencetown all her life; and
Whereas Lynda spent 11 years researching and writing an in-depth history of Lawrencetown, which will be available in June 2005; and
Whereas Lynda's other works include Two Thousand Plus Historically Correct Questions & Answers on the Province of Nova Scotia;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and thank Lynda Conrad for the incredible work she has done in researching and recording the history of our communities in Nova Scotia.
RESOLUTION NO. 4117
By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Constable Brian Veniot of Lawrencetown is a long-standing police officer in the Cole Harbour office of the Halifax Detachment of the RCMP who has devoted unending hours of his time to community service; and
Whereas a small sample of Constable Veniot's involvement includes serving on the Eastern Shore Planning Committee, coordinator of the RCMP Seniors Program for the Halifax region, the Community Policing coordinator for Cole Harbour/Musquodoboit, serving on the board of the Lawrencetown Community Centre and coaching the Little Gold Diggers baseball team; and
Whereas Constable Veniot sets the gold standard for volunteers in this province, going above and beyond the call of duty;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Constable Brian Veniot for his unending dedication and hard work for the people of his community and this province.
RESOLUTION NO. 4118
By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Mr. John Harlow of Humber Park is a man who goes beyond the call of duty when it comes to his community; and
Whereas Mr. Harlow has served on numerous community committees including the Boundary Action Reversal Committee and has worked very hard on numerous community projects including Cole Harbour Place; and
Whereas Mr. Harlow is a very supportive community member who is interested in all people;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Mr. John Harlow for his dedication, service and commitment to his community and this province.
RESOLUTION NO. 4119
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 10th Annual Eastern Shore Minor Hockey Year End Tournament was held from March 28, 2005 to April 10, 2005; and
Whereas as with many organizations, the volunteers were the backbone of the tournament devoting endless hours to ensure everything ran smoothly; and
Whereas Bob Murley took care of the tournament stats;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Mr. Murley and all the volunteers who make this annual tournament possible.
RESOLUTION NO. 4120
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 10th Annual Eastern Shore Minor Hockey Year End Tournament was held from March 28, 2005 to April 10, 2005; and
Whereas as with many organizations, the volunteers were the backbone of the tournament devoting endless hours to ensure everything ran smoothly; and
Whereas Nick Verrall took care of the mascot for the tournament;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Mr. Verrall and all the volunteers who make this annual tournament possible.
RESOLUTION NO. 4121
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 10th Annual Eastern Shore Minor Hockey Year End Tournament was held from March 28, 2005 to April 10, 2005; and
Whereas as with many organizations, the volunteers were the backbone of the tournament devoting endless hours to ensure everything ran smoothly; and
Whereas Jim Reader was a team rep for the tournament;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Mr. Reader and all the volunteers who make this annual tournament possible.
RESOLUTION NO. 4122
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 10th Annual Eastern Shore Minor Hockey Year End Tournament was held from March 28, 2005 to April 10, 2005; and
Whereas as with many organizations, the volunteers were the backbone of the tournament devoting endless hours to ensure everything ran smoothly; and
Whereas Wally Stephen took care of the tournament program and the mezzanine and was a team rep for the tournament;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Mr. Stephen and all the volunteers who make this annual tournament possible.
RESOLUTION NO. 4123
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 10th Annual Eastern Shore Minor Hockey Year End Tournament was held from March 28, 2005 to April 10, 2005; and
Whereas as with many organizations, the volunteers were the backbone of the tournament devoting endless hours to ensure everything ran smoothly; and
Whereas Stephene Deleseleuc took care of the mascot for the tournament;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Stephene Deleseleuc and all the volunteers who make this annual tournament possible.
RESOLUTION NO. 4124
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 10th Annual Eastern Shore Minor Hockey Year End Tournament was held from March 28, 2005 to April 10, 2005; and
Whereas as with many organizations, the volunteers were the backbone of the tournament devoting endless hours to ensure everything ran smoothly; and
Whereas Scott Sutherland was a team rep for the tournament;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Mr. Sutherland and all the volunteers who make this annual tournament possible.
RESOLUTION NO. 4125
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 10th Annual Eastern Shore Minor Hockey Year End Tournament was held from March 28, 2005 to April 10, 2005; and
Whereas as with many organizations, the volunteers were the backbone of the tournament devoting endless hours to ensure everything ran smoothly; and
Whereas Tim Cull was the announcer for the tournament;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Mr. Cull and all the volunteers who make this annual tournament possible.
RESOLUTION NO. 4126
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 10th Annual Eastern Shore Minor Hockey Year End Tournament was held from March 28, 2005 to April 10, 2005; and
Whereas as with many organizations, the volunteers were the backbone of the tournament devoting endless hours to ensure everything ran smoothly; and
Whereas John Timmons was the Atom Boys Organizer for the tournament as well as a timekeeper and a team rep;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Mr. Timmons and all the volunteers who make this annual tournament possible.
RESOLUTION NO. 4127
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 10th Annual Eastern Shore Minor Hockey Year End Tournament was held from March 28, 2005, to April 10, 2005; and
Whereas as with many organizations, the volunteers were the backbone of the tournament devoting endless hours to ensure everything ran smoothly; and
Whereas Mike Townsend was the Midget Organizer for the tournament and a team rep;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Mr. Townsend and all the volunteers who make this annual tournament possible.
RESOLUTION NO. 4128
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 10th Annual Eastern Shore Minor Hockey Year End Tournament was held from March 28, 2005, to April 10, 2005; and
Whereas as with many organizations, the volunteers were the backbone of the tournament devoting endless hours to ensure everything ran smoothly; and
Whereas Zak Stephen took care of the music for the tournament;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Mr.Stephen and all the volunteers who make this annual tournament possible.
RESOLUTION NO. 4129
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 10th Annual Eastern Shore Minor Hockey Year End Tournament was held from March 28, 2005, to April 10, 2005; and
Whereas as with many organizations, the volunteers were the backbone of the tournament devoting endless hours to ensure everything ran smoothly; and
Whereas Francine Walsh was on the tournament decoration committee;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Ms. Walsh and all the volunteers who make this annual tournament possible.
RESOLUTION NO. 4130
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 10th Annual Eastern Shore Minor Hockey Year End Tournament was held from March 28, 2005, to April 10, 2005; and
Whereas as with many organizations, the volunteers were the backbone of the tournament devoting endless hours to ensure everything ran smoothly; and
Whereas John Verrall was a timekeeper;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Mr.Verrall and all the volunteers who make this annual tournament possible.
RESOLUTION NO. 4131
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 10th Annual Eastern Shore Minor Hockey Year End Tournament was held from March 28, 2005, to April 10, 2005; and
Whereas as with many organizations, the volunteers were the backbone of the tournament devoting endless hours to ensure everything ran smoothly; and
Whereas Allen Trembley took care of the tournament sippies;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Mr. Trembley and all the volunteers who make this annual tournament possible.
RESOLUTION NO. 4132
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 10th Annual Eastern Shore Minor Hockey Year End Tournament was held from March 28, 2005, to April 10, 2005; and
Whereas as with many organizations, the volunteers were the backbone of the tournament devoting endless hours to ensure everything ran smoothly; and
Whereas Janet Todd took care of tournament coffee;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Ms. Todd and all the volunteers who make this annual tournament possible.
RESOLUTION NO. 4133
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 10th Annual Eastern Shore Minor Hockey Year End Tournament was held from March 28, 2005, to April 10, 2005; and
Whereas as with many organizations, the volunteers were the backbone of the tournament devoting endless hours to ensure everything ran smoothly; and
Whereas Cody MacLaughlin was a timekeeper;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Mr. MacLaughlin and all the volunteers who make this annual tournament possible.
RESOLUTION NO. 4134
By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Mr. Percey Riley, a member of the Cherry Brook United Baptist Church, has dedicated many hours of service to his church and community; and
Whereas Mr. Riley served as secretary, vice-president and president for the Men's Brotherhood and was chairman of the Trustees, was a Sunday School teacher, member of the Finance Committee, Church Sexton, member of the BYPU Mass Choir, Senior Choir, past Choir Director of the Senior Choir, and member of the Gospel Fellowship Choir, and Chairman of the Cemetery Committee; and
Whereas Mr. Riley was honoured at the Cherry Brook United Baptist Church Recognition Banquet on October 23, 2004;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Percey Riley and honour his lifetime of services to his church and community.
RESOLUTION NO. 4135
By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Mr. Kerry Johnston, a member of the Cherry Brook United Baptist Church, was honoured at their Church Recognition Banquet on October 23, 2004, for his many hours of service to his church and community; and
Whereas Mr. Johnston has been the Church Treasurer since 1985 and was Secretary/Treasurer of the Finance Committee for 19 years, served as Chairman of the Renovation Committee, was past secretary and chairman of the Trustee Board, past member of the BYF and Pulpit Committee and was President of the Men's Brotherhood as well as program chairman; and
Whereas Mr. Johnston was instrumental in writing the history booklets for the Men's Brotherhood and the Church's 100th Anniversary;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Kerry Johnston and honour his lifetime of service to his church and community.
RESOLUTION NO. 4136
By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Ms. Twila Grosse, a member of the Cherry Brook United Baptist Church, has dedicated many hours of service to her church and community; and
Whereas Ms. Grosse held office in the church as a Sunday School teacher, Superintendent of the Sunday School, secretary and treasurer of the BYF, member of the Church Finance, Renovation and School Committees and is currently chairperson of the Finance Committee, member of the Church Executive, Ladies Auxiliary and the Mass Choir; and
Whereas Ms. Grosse was honoured at the Cherry Brook United Baptist Church Recognition Banquet on October 23, 2004;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Twila Grosse and honour her lifetime of service to her church and community.
RESOLUTION NO. 4137
By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Joyce States, a member of the Cherry Brook United Baptist Church, has dedicated many hours of service to her church and community; and
Whereas Ms. States served as Church Clerk, Assistant Clerk, Chairperson of the Usher Board, Chairperson of the Church Social Committee, member of the Finance Committee, Past-President and Secretary of the Ladies Auxiliary, Past-President and Secretary of the Women's Missionary Society and a member of the Senior and Mass Choirs; and
Whereas Ms. States was honoured at the Cherry Brook United Baptist Church Recognition Banquet on October 23, 2004;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Joyce States and honour her lifetime of service to her church and community.
RESOLUTION NO. 4138
By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Ms. Mary Sparks, a member of the Cherry Brook United Baptist Church, has dedicated many hours of service to her church and community; and
Whereas Ms. Sparks was the Past President of the Ladies Auxiliary and Women's Missionary Society, Past Chairperson of the Church Social Committee and the Women's Missionary Social Committee, past director of the Gospel Fellowship Choir and Senior Choir and past member of the Mass Choir and also served on the Church Executive Committee; and
Whereas Ms. Sparks was honoured at the Cherry Brook United Baptist Church Recognition Banquet on October 23, 2004;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Mary Sparks and honour her lifetime of service to her church and community.
RESOLUTION NO. 4139
By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Mr. Jeremiah Sparks, a member of the Cherry Brook United Baptist Church has dedicated many hours of service to his church and community; and
Whereas Mr. Sparks was the director of all the church choirs, organist for 25 years, past president of the B.Y.F. and member of the Brotherhood; and
Whereas Mr. Sparks was honoured at the Cherry Brook United Baptist Church Recognition Banquet on October 23, 2004;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Jeremiah Sparks and honour his lifetime of service to his church and community.
RESOLUTION NO. 4140
By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Deaconess Bessie Sparks, a member of the Cherry Brook United Baptist Church has dedicated many hours of service to her church and community; and
Whereas Ms. Sparks was chairperson of the Usher Board, a member of the Church Executive, chairperson of the Church Sick Committee, President, Secretary and Social Committee Chairperson for the Ladies Auxiliary, was a founding member of the Women's Missionary Society and was chairperson of the group's Social Committee and was a long time member of the senior choir; and
Whereas Deaconess Sparks was honoured at the Cherry Brook United Baptist Church Recognition Banquet on October 23, 2004;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Bessie Sparks and honour her lifetime of service to her church and community.
RESOLUTION NO. 4141
By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Deaconess Sarah Bundy, a member of the Cherry Brook United Baptist Church has dedicated many hours of service to her church and community; and
Whereas Deaconess Bundy has been a member of the BYPU Group, chairperson of the Sick Committee of the Women's Missionary Society, member and past-president of the Ladies Auxiliary, a Sunday School teacher, past councillor for the BYF and a church councillor; and
Whereas Deaconess Bundy was honoured at the Cherry Brook United Baptist Church Recognition Banquet on October 23, 2004;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Deaconess Bundy and honour her lifetime of service to her church and community.
RESOLUTION NO. 4142
By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Alma Johnston, a member of the Cherry Brook United Baptist Church has dedicated many hours of service to her church and community; and
Whereas Ms. Johnston was a teacher in the Sunday School as well as secretary and superintendent; Assistant Clerk, Clerk, Treasurer, Trustee, Church Anniversary Chairperson, Finance Chairperson, Chairperson for the Church Renovation Committee and the Church Pulpit Committee and past-president and secretary of the Ladies Auxiliary and member of the Gospel Fellowship Choir and the Mass Choir; and
Whereas Ms. Johnston was honoured at the Cherry Brook United Baptist Church Recognition Banquet on October 23, 2004;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Alma Johnston and honour her lifetime of service to her church and community.
RESOLUTION NO. 4143
By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Ms. Deborah Howe, a member of the Cherry Brook United Baptist Church has dedicated many hours of service to her church and community; and
Whereas Ms. Howe was a member of the CGIT and BYF and is currently a member of the Ladies Auxiliary, Mass Choir and has served as an usher for several years; and
Whereas Ms. Howe was honoured at the Cherry Brook United Baptist Church Recognition Banquet on October 23, 2004;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Deborah Howe and honour her lifetime of service to her church and community.
RESOLUTION NO. 4144
By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas East Preston United Baptist Church Ladies Auxiliary honoured nine of their members during their 65-Plus recognition service on April 24, 2005; and
Whereas the Ladies Auxiliary is well known for their outstanding contribution to their church and their community; and
Whereas Ruth Clayton was one of the honourees;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Ruth Clayton and recognize her years of dedicated service.
RESOLUTION NO. 4145
By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas East Preston United Baptist Church Ladies Auxiliary honoured nine of their members during their 65-Plus recognition service on April 24, 2005; and
Whereas the Ladies Auxiliary is well known for their outstanding contribution to their church and their community; and
Whereas Deacon Rose Brooks was one of the honourees;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Deacon Rose Brooks and recognize her years of dedicated service.
RESOLUTION NO. 4146
By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas East Preston United Baptist Church Ladies Auxiliary honoured nine of their members during their 65-Plus recognition service on April 24, 2005; and
Whereas the Ladies Auxiliary is well known for their outstanding contribution to their church and their community; and
Whereas Margaret Diggs was one of the honourees;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Margaret Diggs and recognize her years of dedicated service.
By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas East Preston United Baptist Church Ladies Auxiliary honoured nine of their members during their 65-Plus recognition service on April 24, 2005; and
Whereas the Ladies Auxiliary is well known for their outstanding contribution to their church and their community; and
Whereas Lavinia Thomas was one of the honourees;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Lavinia Thomas and recognize her years of dedicated service.
By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas East Preston United Baptist Church Ladies Auxiliary honoured nine of their members during their 65-Plus recognition service on April 24, 2005; and
Whereas the Ladies Auxiliary is well known for their outstanding contribution to their church and their community; and
Whereas Loretta Riley was one of the honourees;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Loretta Riley and recognize her years of dedicated service.
By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas East Preston United Baptist Church Ladies Auxiliary honoured nine of their members during their 65-Plus recognition service on April 24, 2005; and
Whereas the Ladies Auxiliary is well known for their outstanding contribution to their church and their community; and
Whereas Freda Williams was one of the honourees;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Freda Williams and recognize her years of dedicated service.
By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas East Preston United Baptist Church Ladies Auxiliary honoured nine of their members during their 65-Plus recognition service on April 24, 2005; and
Whereas the Ladies Auxiliary is well known for their outstanding contribution to their church and their community; and
Whereas Florence Brown was one of the honourees;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Florence Brown and recognize her years of dedicated service.
By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas East Preston United Baptist Church Ladies Auxiliary honoured nine of their members during their 65-Plus recognition service on April 24, 2005; and
Whereas the Ladies Auxiliary is well known for their outstanding contribution to their church and their community; and
Whereas Audrey Colley was one of the honourees;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Audrey Colley and recognize her years of dedicated service.
By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas East Preston United Baptist Church Ladies Auxiliary honoured nine of their members during their 65-Plus recognition service on April 24, 2005; and
Whereas the Ladies Auxiliary is well known for their outstanding contribution to their church and their community; and
Whereas Dr. Joyce Ross was one of the honourees;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Dr. Joyce Ross and recognize her years of dedicated service.
By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Dr. Agnes Calliste, an associate professor in the Department of Sociology Anthropology at St. Francis Xavier University, has done groundbreaking work in uncovering the history of Black workers in Canadian society; and
Whereas Dr. Calliste has received the Dr. Wilson Head Award for her research on Racism in Nursing, and this month will be honoured by the Researchers and Academics of Colour for Equality for her contributions to critical race theory/feminists anti-racism studies; and
Whereas Dr. Calliste has devoted much of her time and efforts to addressing issues of inequity and injustice in Canadian society;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House honour Dr. Calliste for her lifetime of service to the Black community in the Province of Nova Scotia and all of Canada.
By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas for the past 10 years, the Dalhousie Dental School has had a dental clinic in the Nelson Whynder Elementary School in North Preston, working closely with the community of North Preston to promote the importance of dental health; and
Whereas this clinic, which is open two days a week and run by Juliette Thomas, a dental assistant from the Dalhousie School of Dentistry and staffed by a dentist and dental students, has been a huge success in educating not only the students but the entire community; and
Whereas an oral health table clinic was held at the school on April 14, 2005, with each class researching a dental health topic and making a presentation on the subject, and was attended by the associate dean and teachers and staff from the university;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the fine work that the Dalhousie Dental School has done in the community of North Preston.
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 IODE is a Canadian women's charitable organization working to improve the quality of life for children, youth and those in need, through educational, social service and citizenship programs; and
Whereas each year, over $3 million is raised and reinvested in Canada's children, families and communities, and more than 1 million hours of volunteer service are given to local activities; and
Whereas the IODE offers scholarships, promotes literature and reading programs, supports camps for children with cancer, purchases horses and equipment for riding therapy programs, assists homes for children at risk, sponsors breakfast and lunch programs, as well as numerous other worthy projects;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House commend this amazing organization for the important work they are doing for all Canadians.
By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Diana Montag's good friend was recently diagnosed with breast cancer; and
Whereas to show her support, Diana shaved her head and auctioned her ponytail, raising $600; and
Whereas Diana donated the money raised to the Canadian Cancer Society to support the search for a cure for breast cancer;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Diana Montag's selfless contribution to raise funds to find a cure for this disease that has touched so many Nova Scotians.
By: Mr. Charles Parker (Pictou West)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas a commission to examine the state of the fishery in Nova Scotia is to be established, comprising seven members, four of whom shall be actively engaged in the fishery as fish harvesters and who will represent the diverse geography of the province, and the remaining members to be appointed, one from each Party;
Therefore be it resolved that this House declare that a Commission on the State of the Fishery be established, having all the powers, privileges and immunities of a commissioner appointed pursuant to the Public Inquiries Act; and
this House declare that the commission be composed of seven members, four of whom shall be actively engaged in the fishery as fish harvesters, one from the government Party, the Official Opposition and the Third Party, and that the Committee on Assembly Matters shall designate one of the members of the commission as chairman; and
the mandate of the commission is to examine the state of the fishery in Nova Scotia, including the extent of local ownership, control of and participation in the fishery. This examination is to include but not be limited to the following issues:
the extent of local ownership, control of and participation in the fishery; the type and level of financial support that should be instituted by the province, or other levels of government, to ensure smooth and successful inter-generational transfer of equipment, facilities, licences and leases to maintain local and family participation in the fishery; barriers to access to capital financing by individuals and groups of fishermen and measures that should be taken by the province to remove those barriers. The commission is to make recommendations related to what it deems are reasonable steps the province can take to address these issues, and any other actions it determines may be required to sustain and increase local participation in the fishery;
consideration should also be given to rights of incorporation and forms of trust agreements that are consistent with the goals of owner-operator, community-based fisheries;
the commission should also consider ways to promote education and training for fish harvesters in Nova Scotia, including support for industry-controlled training and certification programs, ways to provide much-needed affordable training for harvesters to work safely and manage their local fisheries on a sustainable basis, and manage their increasingly valuable small businesses more effectively. It should also consider ways to attract and retain young people in fishing families and communities for careers in the fishery;
if this House is not sitting when the final report is completed by the commission, the commission shall table the report with the Clerk of the House by September 30, 2005; and
the House request the Legislature's Internal Economy Board, on behalf of the commission, to employ such members and staff as may be necessary to enable the commission to carry out its duties; and
the House request the Legislature's Internal Economy Board to provide the commission, its members and its staff, with such facilities and funds as are required to carry out its functions as provided for by Section 80 of the Public Service Act.
