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/
| TABLE OF CONTENTS | PAGE | |||
| PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: | ||||
| Striking Committee: Standing Committees: Appointments, | ||||
| Hon. Michael Baker | 355 | |||
| TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS: | ||||
| Surplus Crown Property Disposal Report, Hon. Angus MacIsaac | 356 | |||
| GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION: | ||||
| Res. 147, HMCS Athabaskan: Return - Thank, The Premier | 356 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 357 | |||
| Res. 148, Miller Fam.: MADD Can. - Advocacy Efforts, Hon. M. Scott | 357 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 357 | |||
| Res. 149, AGNS: Yarmouth Br. - Congrats., Hon. L. Goucher | 358 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 358 | |||
| Res. 150, Pictou Lobster Carnival - Anniv. (72nd), Hon. R. Chisholm | 358 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 359 | |||
| Res. 151, Anne Frank Display - Visit, Hon. M. Scott | 359 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 360 | |||
| Res. 152, Winds of Change - Liverpool Int'l. Theatre Fest. Award, | ||||
| Hon. L. Goucher | 360 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 361 | |||
| INTRODUCTION OF BILLS: | ||||
| No. 45, Labour Standards Code, Hon. M. Parent | 361 | |||
| No. 46, Energy Resources Conservation Act, Mr. D. Dexter | 361 | |||
| No. 47, House of Assembly Act, Hon. M. Baker | 361 | |||
| No. 48, Assessment Act, Mr. P. Paris | 361 | |||
| NOTICES OF MOTION: | ||||
| Res. 153, DND: Naval Air. Div. - Create, Mr. K. Deveaux | 361 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 362 | |||
| Res. 154, Boneca, Cpl. Anthony: Death of - Tribute, Mr. M. Samson | 362 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 363 | |||
| Res. 155, MacDonald, Andrew: NHL Draft - Congrats., The Premier | 363 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 363 | |||
| Res. 156, North End Parent Resource Ctr. - Anniv. (20th), | ||||
| Ms. M. MacDonald | 364 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 364 | |||
| Res. 157, Downey, Narico: Basketball/Acad. Achievements - Congrats, | ||||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 365 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 365 | |||
| Res. 158, Stevenson, Dr. Rod/New Glasgow Gyro Club - Serv. - Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. P. Dunn | 365 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 366 | |||
| Res. 159, Butt, Ms. Beverly - Shining Star Award, Mr. J. MacDonell | 366 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 367 | |||
| Res. 160, Gas - Gov't. (N.S.) - Deregulate, Ms. D. Whalen | 367 | |||
| Res. 161, Harvey, William: Hanna Award - Congrats., Mr. K. Bain | 368 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 368 | |||
| Res. 162, Dart. Gen. Hosp. Charitable Fdn.: Anl. Lobster Dinner/Auction - | ||||
| Anniv. (21st), Ms. J. Massey | 368 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 369 | |||
| Res. 163, Gallant, Carol Ann - Coll. of RNs Award, Ms. D. Whalen | 369 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 370 | |||
| Res. 164, Northeast Kings HS Girls Slo-Pitch Team: Season (2006) - | ||||
| Applaud, Hon. M. Parent | 370 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 371 | |||
| Res. 165, Stewart, John - Hemmings Award, Mr. C. Parker | 371 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 371 | |||
| Res. 166, Theriault, Jonathan - A Canadian Tragedy: Screening - Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. H. Theriault | 371 | |||
| Vote Affirmative | 372 | |||
| Res. 167, Housing: Affordable Units (C.B.) - Prioritize, Mr. G. Gosse | 372 | |||
| Res. 168, Moirs/Hershey Can. - Gov't. (N.S.): Long-Term Success - Ensure, | ||||
| Ms. M. More | 373 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 374 | |||
| Res. 169, TPW: Queens Co. Adopt-A-Highway Prog - Congrats., | ||||
| Ms. V. Conrad | 374 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 374 | |||
| Res. 170, Seussical the Musical: John Martin JHS - Musical Presentation, | ||||
| Mr. T. Zinck | 375 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 375 | |||
| Res. 171, HMCS Athabaskan: Return - Welcome, | ||||
| Mr. D. Wilson (Glace Bay) | 375 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 376 | |||
| GOVERNMENT BUSINESS: | ||||
| GOVERNMENT MOTIONS: | ||||
| HOUSE RESOLVED INTO CWH ON SUPPLY AT 12:35 P.M. | 377 | |||
| HOUSE RECONVENED AT 7:51 P.M. ~ 377 | ||||
| PRIVATE MEMBERS' PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING: | ||||
| No. Bill No. 27, Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act | 377 | |||
| Mr. S. Belliveau | 378 | |||
| Mr. K. Colwell | 380 | |||
| Hon. C. d'Entremont | 382 | |||
| Mr. C. MacKinnon | 384 | |||
| Mr. M. Samson | 386 | |||
| Mr. C. Parker | 388 | |||
| Mr. S. Belliveau | 389 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 390 | |||
| PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: | ||||
| Law Amendments Committee, Hon. M. Scott | 390 | |||
| Law Amendments Committee, Hon. M. Scott | 391 | |||
| ADJOURNMENT, House rose to meet again on Tuesday, July 11th at 11:00 a.m. | 391 | |||
| NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3): | ||||
| Res. 172, Hughes, Barbara - Tennis Achievements, Mr. C. Porter | 392 | |||
| Res. 173, Hirtle, Bertram: S. Shore Irving Bantam AAA Hockey Team - | ||||
| Dedication Congrats., Hon. C. Bolivar - Getson | 392 | |||
| Res. 174, Wood, Meagan - Acad. Achievement, Hon. M. Scott | 393 | |||
| Res. 175, Best, Meagan - Acad. Achievement, Hon. M. Scott | 393 | |||
| Res. 176, Bragg, Courtney - Acad. Achievement, Hon. M. Scott | 394 | |||
| Res. 177, Bragg, Jamie - Acad. Achievement, Hon. M. Scott | 394 | |||
| Res. 178, Brookins, Rachel - Acad. Achievement, Hon. M. Scott | 395 | |||
| Res. 179, Hicks, Sara - Acad. Achievement, Hon. M. Scott | 395 | |||
| Res. 180, Jackson, Tyler - Acad. Achievement, Hon. M. Scott | 396 | |||
| Res. 181, Masters, Lauren - Acad. Achievement, Hon. M. Scott | 396 | |||
| Res. 182, Matheson, Chris - Athletics Vol. Award, Hon. M. Scott | 397 | |||
| Res. 183, Mattinson, Amanda - Vol. Award, Hon. M. Scott | 397 | |||
| Res. 184, Patriquin, Janelle - Acad. Achievement, Hon. M. Scott | 398 | |||
| Res. 185, Purcell, Brittani - Acad. Achievement, Hon. M. Scott | 398 | |||
| Res. 186, Rector, Krista - Acad. Achievement, Hon. M. Scott | 399 | |||
| Res. 187, Shipley, Alisha - Acad. Achievement, Hon. M. Scott | 399 | |||
| Res. 188, S. Col. Acad. Girls Slo-Pitch Team - Championship, | ||||
| Hon. B. Taylor | 400 | |||
HALIFAX, MONDAY, JULY 10, 2006
Sixtieth General Assembly
First Session
12:00 NOON
SPEAKER
Hon. Cecil Clarke
DEPUTY SPEAKER
Mr. Wayne Gaudet
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. We will now commence with the daily routine.
PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS
PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Finance.
HON. MICHAEL BAKER: Mr. Speaker, the striking committee composed of myself, as chairman, and the members for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage and for Cape Breton South, as vice-chairmen, has met and prepared a list of the members to compose the standing committees of the House for the current Assembly. I am pleased to table that list at this time.
MR. SPEAKER: The report is tabled.
TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Transportation and Public Works.
HON. ANGUS MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table the Surplus Crown Property Disposal Report for the period April 1, 2005 to March 31, 2006, on behalf of the Department of Transportation and Public Works.
MR. SPEAKER: The report is tabled.
STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS
GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Premier.
HON. RODNEY MACDONALD (The Premier): Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Port of Halifax and anxious family and friends today welcomed the HMCS Athabaskan after a six-month tour of duty as the lead for the Standing NATO Maritime Group 1, during which time they were the flagship on several international exercises and an anti-terror operation; and
Whereas prior to this, the ship and its crew, under the direction of Captain David Gardam, who upon this return would be relinquishing command of the ship, had been deployed to assist in the hurricane-ravaged areas of the United States; and
Whereas their selfless service to our country and the sacrifice of such a tremendous time away from loved ones has earned the crew our immense gratitude and a sunny and warm summer vacation;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House salute the brave crew of the HMCS Athabaskan for their service, thank Captain Gardam for his leadership and offer our thanks for their safe return to our shores.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable Minister of Justice.
HON. MURRAY SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas in May 2004, Constable Bruce Miller of the Springhill Police Department, a young man who dedicated his life to serving his community, was senselessly killed by an impaired driver while travelling in P.E.I.; and
Whereas in an effort to honour Bruce's memory and to support the work of MADD Canada, the Miller family organized the Constable Bruce Miller Annual Golf Tournament; and
Whereas this tournament was held on June 19, 2006, at the Links at Penn Hills golf course in Shubenacadie, and over $9,500 was raised for MADD education programs;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the Miller family on their advocacy efforts, and also acknowledge the good and important work done by MADD 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 Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage.
HON. LEONARD GOUCHER: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the new branch of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia was officially opened in Yarmouth on May 28, 2006; and
Whereas the new gallery will offer a range of exhibits, educational activities, and additional space and facilities; and
Whereas the new gallery will bring important social and economic benefits to the community by serving the people of Nova Scotia, and giving visitors yet another reason to stay and explore Yarmouth and the surrounding area;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate everyone who helped establish the new branch of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in Yarmouth. The province is proud to be a supporter and looks forward to continuing to work with the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
HON. RONALD CHISHOLM: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas tradition, pride and fun are an important part of Nova Scotia's celebrations; and
Whereas this past weekend, the Pictou Lobster Carnival celebrated its 72nd carnival, which started in 1934 as a community celebration at the end of the fishing season; and
Whereas the event has become one of the highlights of the summer season, attracting visitors from all over the world;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House recognize the hard work of organizers and residents for making the Pictou Lobster Carnival so successful year after year.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable Minister of Justice.
HON. MURRAY SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas a news release issued by the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission on Thursday, July 6th, explains that it has been 64 years since Anne Frank and her family went into hiding in a secret annex above her father's Amsterdam office building to escape the increasing persecution of the Jewish people in Germany; and
Whereas the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission and several private and public sector sponsors will bring a compelling exhibit called Anne Frank in the World, to Nova Scotia beginning September 11th; and
Whereas the words from Anne Frank's diary and the images used in that exhibit will help Nova Scotians explore the themes of prejudice, propaganda, hate crimes and social responsibility not only as they relate to Anne's times, but as they relate to matters right here in Nova Scotia;
Therefore be it resolved that Nova Scotians from all walks of life be encouraged to visit the Anne Frank in the World, A Visit to Nova Scotia, display when it comes to Sydney in September and to Halifax in October, and that each of us use that exhibit to more fully consider our personal responsibility in protecting the dignity and human rights 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 Tourism, Culture and Heritage.
HON. LEONARD GOUCHER: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the 8th biennial Liverpool International Theatre Festival was held at the town's historic Astor Theatre from May 18 to 21, 2006; and
Whereas the festival is a competitive event open to adult amateur theatre groups worldwide, and the Winds of Change group from Liverpool won the outstanding Canadian production award for A Promise is a Promise; and
Whereas the festival is the only one of its kind in Canada and has earned a national and international reputation for excellence;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the organizers of this year's festival for hosting another successful season, and the Winds of Change Group on receiving their award, and thank them for showcasing such a wonderful international talent on our doorstep and proving that live theatre is alive and well in Nova Scotia.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
Bill No. 45 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 246 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Labour Standards Code. (Hon. Mark Parent)
Bill No. 46 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 147 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Energy Resources Conservation Act. (Mr. Darrell Dexter)
Bill No. 47 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 1(1992 Supplement) of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The House of Assembly Act. (Hon. Michael Baker)
Bill No. 48 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 23 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Assessment Act. (Mr. Percy Paris)
MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that these bills be read a second time on a future day.
NOTICES OF MOTION
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage.
MR. KEVIN DEVEAUX: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas naval air support in Canada has been an integral issue since the decommissioning of the HMCS Bonaventure; and
Whereas the federal government has resuscitated the concept of a naval air division with the announcement of three new 29,000-ton command ships with helicopter carrier capacity; and
Whereas the announcement has finally resulted in a real naval air support for the Canadian Navy;
Therefore be it resolved that this House recognize the benefit of the three new command ships for the navy, and encourage the Department of National Defence to create a naval air division of the new command ships.
[12:15 p.m.]
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable Leader 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 the men and women of our military serve Canada and secure liberty not only for us, but for the rest of the world; and
Whereas Canada's mission in Afghanistan has been long and arduous, riddled with hazards, and challenging our soldiers to keep the peace and defend the rights of those who cannot; and
Whereas on Sunday, July 9, 2006, Corporal Anthony Joseph Boneca, fighting as part of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, died as a result of battling for freedom in Afghanistan;
Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize the commitments of Corporal Anthony Boneca and send our thoughts and prayers to his family.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable Premier.
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas at the age of 19, Judique's own Andrew MacDonald will be heading to the New York Islanders' rookie camp in just a few days; and
Whereas while Andrew has worked hard through his efforts with the Moncton Wildcats and the Truro Bearcats, he was caught off guard when he found out the Islanders drafted him in the sixth round of the NHL draft - 160th overall; and
Whereas Ted Nolan said of his new pick, "Andy is a highly intelligent player. I'm really glad we got him.";
Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House congratulate this young Nova Scotia native on his tremendous opportunity and wish him all the best as he heads to rookie camp.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Halifax Needham.
MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the North End Parent Resource Centre was established in 1986 to serve parents and children in North End Halifax; and
Whereas this centre provides many valuable programs, including parent education, child care, children's programming and a CAP site; and
Whereas the centre's 3+ school readiness program has been recognized as the best practice in family resource centre programming;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate Joan Mendes and all of the staff, parents and volunteers of the North End Parent Resource Centre on 20 years of excellent service to the community, and wish them all the best in the future.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Preston.
MR. KEITH COLWELL: Mr. Speaker, with your indulgence I would like to introduce some visitors in the gallery.
MR. SPEAKER: Please do.
MR. COLWELL: Seated in the west gallery today are some very proud parents and some family members. I would ask them to stand as I introduce them: Daniel Ross Downey, Queenie Downey, Narico Downey, Daniell Downey, Shamiria Downey and, the smallest of all, Paris Downey. It's a great pleasure to have you here today and I would ask the House to give them a very warm welcome. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: 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 Narico Downey, also known as "The Big Neff", is a lifelong resident of North Preston, my constituency; and
Whereas Narico Downey, who has played with the provincial championship winning Cole Harbour Cavaliers for the past three years, has been awarded the 2006 Most Valuable Player of the Metro High School Boys Basketball League, and has been chosen to play for the 2006 Metro Boy's Division 1 All-Stars; and
Whereas Narico Downey has been accepted at Holland College for a two-year course in hotel and restaurant management starting this Fall;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Narico Downey on his well-deserved basketball and academic achievements in the past year.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
Indeed, we welcome all of our special guests to the gallery today.
The honourable member for Pictou Centre.
RESOLUTION NO. 158
MR. PATRICK DUNN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the New Glasgow Gyro Club has been bringing Pictou County children, water activities, and the great outdoors together for 79 years, with a program of swimming and lifesaving lessons as well as nature hikes and games; and
Whereas since 1927, over 16,000 Pictou County children have participated in the Gyro Club's summer outdoor programs for youth and many participants have gone on to become lifeguards and swimming instructors; and
Whereas the Gyros believe all children should have the opportunity to learn how to swim and will sponsor children whose families are unable to pay;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate President, Dr. Rod Stevenson and everyone at the New Glasgow Gyro Club on their almost eight decades of dedication to the children of Pictou County and wish them many more happy, sun-filled summers.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Hants East.
RESOLUTION NO. 159
MR. JOHN MACDONELL: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas charitable organizations need the efforts of volunteers to get things done; and
Whereas Ms. Beverly Butt has given countless hours of her time to the Caring and Sharing Angel Tree Food Bank, as well as other organizations; and
Whereas on April 28, 2006, Ms. Butt was recognized by the Municipality of East Hants with a Shining Star Award for her outstanding contributions;
Therefore be it resolved this House of Assembly congratulate Ms. Beverly Butt on receiving the Shining Star Award and extend our appreciation to her for contributing for the betterment of the community.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Halifax Clayton Park.
RESOLUTION NO. 160
MS. DIANA WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas last year the government commissioned a study on gas regulation which showed that consumers would consistently pay more for gas if the market was regulated; and
Whereas this government decided to implement gas regulation, saying they wanted to save rural Nova Scotia retailers and provide stability; and
Whereas many rural Nova Scotia retailers, specifically in Cape Breton, are now speaking out against gas regulation because of its lack of stability and lack of consumer and retailer protection;
Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly strongly encourage the government to see the error of their ways and move our province back to a deregulated market for gasoline.
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.
RESOLUTION NO. 161
MR. KEITH BAIN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Baddeck's William Harvey was recently named by Hockey Nova Scotia as the first recipient of the John Jr. Hanna Award; and
Whereas the award is in memory of Cape Breton hockey great John Jr. Hanna who played in the NHL and passed away earlier this year; and
Whereas the award recognizes academic excellence, exceptional hockey ability, along with gentlemanly play and volunteer work;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize William Harvey from Baddeck for his significant accomplishment and wish him continued success in his future studies and his continued athletic pursuits.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Dartmouth East.
RESOLUTION NO. 162
MS. JOAN MASSEY: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas on June 3, 2006 I had the pleasure of attending the 21st Anniversary of the Dartmouth General Hospital Charitable Foundation's annual lobster dinner and auction; and
Whereas through the support of many people, the foundation has been able to raise over $98,000 towards a purchase of the 64 Slice CT Scanner; and
Whereas the legacy of support for the lobster dinner which was established many years ago has provided funds for priority medical equipment for the Dartmouth General Hospital;
Therefore be it resolved that this Legislative Assembly congratulate the Dartmouth General Hospital Charitable Foundation and all of those who support them in their endeavours to raise funds to provide enhanced care for our community.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Halifax Clayton Park.
RESOLUTION NO. 163
MS. DIANA WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia has announced the 2006 Annual Awards for Excellence in Nursing; and
Whereas these awards are in recognition of RNs who have made outstanding contributions to their profession, excelling in the application of the Standard for Nursing Practice and the Code of Ethics; and
Whereas Carol Ann Gallant, BScN and RN, has been award the Excellence of Nursing Administration Award for her professionalism and commitment as administrator at Parkstone Enhanced Care and Executive Director for Resident Care at Shannex;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate Carol Ann Gallant for being recognized by her peers and receiving this honour.
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 Environment and Labour.
RESOLUTION NO. 164
HON. MARK PARENT: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Northeast Kings High School recently played in the 2006 Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Division 1 Girls Slo-Pitch Championship game; and
Whereas the Northeast Kings High School Girls Slo-Pitch Softball team lost 10-5 in the championship game to South Colchester Academy; and
Whereas athletic accomplishments like making it to the provincial championship game for the Northeast Kings Girls High School Slo-Pitch team form a memory that will be cherished for many years into the future;
Therefore be it resolved that all members in this House of Assembly applaud the Northeast Kings High School Girls Slo-Pitch Championship Softball Team for an outstanding 2006 season and wish them every success with their future studies and athletic 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 Pictou West.
RESOLUTION NO. 165
MR. CHARLES PARKER: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas John Stewart has recently been recognized by the Pictou Fire Department as Firefighter of the Year; and
Whereas this recognition means that Mr. Stewart is the recipient of the Harold Hemmings Award; and
Whereas John is a member of the well-trained and dynamic volunteer Pictou Fire Department that is noted for its dedication and community spirit;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate Mr. John Stewart of the Pictou Fire Department, for receiving the Harold Hemmings Award as the Firefighter of the Year.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Digby-Annapolis.
RESOLUTION NO. 166
MR. HAROLD THERIAULT: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas on May 29, 2006, Jonathan Theriault, a student at St. Mary's Bay Academy, held his first public screening at the local RCMP detachment of his movie entitled, "A Canadian Tragedy"; and
Whereas Jonathan's movie depicts the tragic story of four RCMP officers who lost their lives in the line of duty during an incident in Alberta in March, 2005; and
Whereas Jonathan was recognized for his efforts and for his touching story by being awarded a Certificate of Recognition, delivered personally by the Assistant Superintendent of the RCMP Ian Atkins;
Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate the efforts of Jonathan Theriault, for his tragic story, commemorating the efforts of four RCMP officers who lost their lives while on duty; also, that this House recognize the efforts of our faithful and dedicated peace officers, as they put their lives on the line each day to ensure the safety of us all.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Cape Breton Nova.
RESOLUTION NO.167
MR. GORDON GOSSE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the first Affordable Housing Program Agreement was signed by Nova Scotia and the federal government in September 2002; and
Whereas this government has failed to build one unit of affordable housing in Cape Breton in nearly four years; and
Whereas the condition of existing public housing stock is poor and more affordable housing is desperately needed;
Therefore be it resolved that all members, including the new member for Cape Breton West, agree that housing for Cape Breton must become a priority and that they commit to meeting this critical need as quickly as possible.
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 Dartmouth South-Portland Valley.
[12:30 p.m.]
RESOLUTION NO. 168
MS. MARILYN MORE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Moirs chocolate factory is one of Canada's oldest candy makers, starting as a Halifax bakery in 1815; and
Whereas the current plant in Dartmouth underwent a $20 million expansion in 2003, increased its skilled workforce to 900 and is now the only production centre for the popular Pot of Gold brand of chocolates in the world; and
Whereas Hershey Canada, after considerable provincial financial support, has recently announced the plant is for sale;
Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly urge the government to work with Moirs employees and Hershey Canada to ensure the long-term success of the Moirs chocolate factory as an important part of the economy and an important source of jobs.
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 Queens.
RESOLUTION NO. 169
MS. VICKI CONRAD: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the members of Queens County Adopt-a-Highway program are dedicated volunteers from various organizations including the Kempt Women's Institute, North Brookfield Women's Institute, Wildwind Farm, White Point Beach Resort, Liverpool Regional High School Key Club, Lunenburg/Queens Special Olympics/Penny Lane Enterprises, Hillsview Acres Auxiliary, the Danesville UCW, and residents Byron and Gloria Winters; and
Whereas Adopt-a-Highway volunteers work to preserve the natural beauty that surrounds our highways by cleaning up litter and illegal dumping spoils; and
Whereas community volunteer members of the Adopt-a-Highway program are dedicated to cleaning more than 90 kilometres of roadway each year;
Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly thank the members of the Queens County Adopt-a-Highway program for their dedication to keeping Queens beautiful.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Dartmouth North.
RESOLUTION NO. 170
MR. TREVOR ZINCK: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas theatre and music are foundations that every student should experience; and
Whereas the students of John Martin Junior High recently staged Seussical the Musical; and
Whereas this musical presentation was a big success and drew rave reviews from audiences who were lucky enough to see it;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this Legislature congratulate the students, staff and volunteers who worked so hard to bring Seussical the Musical to the stage.
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. 171
MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the brave men and women of our Armed Forces are ever vigilant in their task to protect our country and other nations around the world; and
Whereas their missions are often long and exhausting, performing above and beyond the call of duty, and spending months away from homes and their families; and
Whereas after six months of serving Canada on the open seas, sailing to Norway, the Mediterranean, and Western Africa, the men and women of the HMCS Athabaskan will be returning to Halifax today;
Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize the outstanding work these men and women have achieved, and welcome them home after their long mission.
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 Agriculture.
HON. BROOKE TAYLOR: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Atlantic Gold is working hard with the exploration, assessment and development of the old historic Moose River Gold Mines. They're also working with area communities through consultation and supporting community initiatives like the continuance of the Upper Musquodoboit Consolidated Elementary School.
In your gallery, Mr. Speaker, we have two very important members of Atlantic Gold: the CEO from Australia, Mr. Wally Bucknell, and the chairman, Ronald Hawkes. I would ask the individuals to please stand and receive the warm welcome from members of the House. (Applause).
If I might, I would encourage members on all sides of the House to say hello to these very fine, committed Nova Scotian gentlemen. Thank you very much.
ORDERS OF THE DAY
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. MICHAEL BAKER: Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Government Motions.
GOVERNMENT MOTIONS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. MICHAEL BAKER: 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 motion is carried.
[12:35 p.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Supply with Acting Deputy Speaker Mr. Chuck Porter in the Chair.]
[7:51 p.m. CWH on Supply rose and the House reconvened. Mr. Speaker, Hon. Cecil Clarke, resumed the Chair.]
MR. SPEAKER: The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House on Supply reports:
THE CLERK: That the committee has met, made progress and begs leave to sit again.
MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. MICHAEL BAKER: 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. MICHAEL BAKER: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 27.
Bill No. 27 - Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Shelburne.
MR. STERLING BELLIVEAU: Mr. Speaker, I would like to address Bill No. 27, the Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act. The issue - the Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board does not provide adequate access to capital, especially considering the high prices associated with an enterprise start-up, for licences, gear, boat, et cetera. The cost of a licence can be estimated at $800,000 to $1 million. Currently, the Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board loans are not available to fishers, associations of fishers or companies for the purchase or building of a fishing vessel, the purchasing or installing of engines, equipment and/or electronics, or technical modifications.
Mr. Speaker, the government's position: the Nova Scotia Government maintains that they cannot loan funds for the purchase of a licence due to the fact that licences remain the property of the federal government and cannot be used as security. However, a court case heard in the Nova Scotia Supreme Court in January 2006 has given credence to the issue of licences conferring a bundle of right with commercial value that, in fact, constitutes property.
The court case, the Royal Bank of Canada versus Saulnier, 2006, in the Nova Scotia Supreme Court. The Royal Bank of Canada sought clarification from this court finding that a fishing licence granted by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans is, in the hands of the holder, a form of personal property which can be charged under a general security agreement made pursuant to the Personal Property Security Act of 1995. And further, they seek a finding that such a licence is also a form of property, for the purposes of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, the BIA, which a receiver or a trustee can require a bankrupt to transfer.
The applicants submit that such a licence is personal property, despite the reality that the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans has the ultimate control over the granting and transferability of this licence. The decision - "the evidence confirms my understanding that on the East Coast of Canada, fishing licences, particularly for lobsters, are commonly exchanged between fishermen for a great deal of money.
Fishing vessels of questionable value are traded for small fortunes because of the licences that are anticipated to come with them . . .
To accept the argument of the respondent that there can be no property in these licenses in the hands of the holder, because of ministerial control would, I conclude, foster an unrealistic legal condition based on an historical definition of property that ignores what is actually happening in the commercial world that the law must serve.
It is important that the law address and reflect the obvious, that although these licenses do not give exclusive control to the holder, they do in fact provide a bundle of rights which constitute marketable property capable of providing security.
There are lending institutions apparently prepared to accept the holder's interest in these licenses as intangible personal property with potential as security . . ."
"The minister may not agree to the strategy for realizing such security upon default however that is a risk that the lender accepts . . .
"Formally I find that the interest of the holder in a fishing license issued by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans is intangible personal property which can be charged under the security agreement made pursuant to the P.P.S.A."
Mr. Speaker, I'd just like to refer to some notes that I spoke on this particular topic a number of years ago. If I could just bring your attention to this date. It was at a Lobster Advisory Committee workshop for District 34, October 1 and October 2, 2002, regarding the Nova Scotia Fisheries Loan Board. I would like to read excerpts of that particular speech.
"The lobster industry has changed over the past years: 200 mile limit, limited fisheries, moratorium, quotas, core licensing, the Donald Marshall Decision, and more. Even Revenue Canada has changed and now looks at licenses and quotas as assets. Just check your tax return on that one . . .! And then try to purchase a lobster license today. In 1997 they ranged from $50,000 to $175,000 for individual licenses. Now, five year later, they're (lobster licenses) between $800,000 and a million dollars! Hardly pocket change any more!
But for all these changes, the one thing that has remained the same is the Fisheries Loan Board. Their policy has not changed since 1978 - which means next year their policy will be a quarter of a century old! The one that must change, hasn't!!!! The issue with the NSFLB has lay dormant for years, and while some consideration from time to time has been given to this issue, nothing has been done. Enough is enough. IT'S TIME TO MOVE ON THIS! We are so desperately past due for these changes.
While some of us don't like to admit it, the average age of lobster license holders is in the mid-50s, which means some are getting ready to retire. Many of us can see the transition starting now. And because of this, we all need to understand the urgency of what we're dealing with. To put it plainly, our younger fishermen are not on a level playing field when it comes to purchasing licenses! And this puts them and our communities in jeopardy. As it stands right now, licenses can move between counties, yes, but they're being pulled, understand this now, they're being pulled, to corporate ownership because of
money. Corporations can lay out this kind of money, but our young and up and coming fishermen don't have a chance of obtaining funding, due in large part to what I'll call 'antique' policy of the NSFLB. Jobs and licenses are leaving our communities as I speak. We must understand this as well: removing quotas and licenses puts community survival at risk - that is a PROVEN FACT!
[8:00 p.m.]
THE OVERWHELMING NEED OF A PROPER LENDING POLICY TO FIT TODAY'S NEEDS IS PARAMOUNT IF WE ARE TO KEEP THE LICENSES HERE IN OUR COMMUNITIES - A SITUATION, I MIGHT ADD, THAT WILL ENSURE OUR SURVIVAL!"
Mr. Speaker, I just want to point out that was an excerpt from a speech of some four years ago. So I believe that the issue at hand, what we're dealing with now, is probably more urgent as we speak. The survival of our communities is at stake if we want to maintain the independence in our communities.
I want to also point out to the members of this particular House that this issue has been fought, has been dealt with for three decades. It is something that is important. It's something that needs to be addressed. I hope that I have all the support of all the members in this House, and I can assure you, Mr. Speaker, that the fishing industry will be paying attention. We may feel that we're in a sleepy time of the summer when not much attention is going to be addressed to this particular time in the House, but I can assure you and the members present that the fishing industry will be listening to the outcome of this particular bill.
At this time, Mr. Speaker, I move second reading of Bill No. 27.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Preston.
MR. KEITH COLWELL: Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to stand and speak on this bill. It's a very important bill for the fishing industry in Nova Scotia. It's unfortunate it took a lawsuit to make it possible in the province.
I know when I was Fisheries Minister, one of the biggest issues we had was a father-and-son operation, and the son simply could not afford to buy the operation from his father and continue the family business - it might have been in the family for many, many generations. That was very unfortunate.
You see now if the loan board can move forward and make some even partial loans towards buying these licences and help a family, or even a young fisherman who has maybe helped somebody for a number of years in order to get the time in so he can become a professional fisherman and provide that solid income for his family well into the future. It's
solid for our coastal communities and it also should help stop fish plants from buying up licences - they then control them and the people are then just employees of the fish plant that actually fishes them, and don't have the opportunity to make the better income that they tend to make if they're fishing on their own enterprise.
It's a very, very positive thing. It's a bill that we will support. It's something that, as I said, is long, long overdue. I know, before, we talked to many people about trying to get a licence. They tried the bank and they couldn't use their collateral at the bank at that time, and coming up with that kind of money when you have a young family and you just bought a home and doing other things that all young families should do - the most important thing of all that you need to make your life the way it should be, long-term stability in your life, especially in a small community with very limited employment opportunities was a fishing licence, the one thing that made it worthwhile and it was impossible at that time for many young people to do it.
Fortunately, some of the people who worked in the industry gave good terms to people to buy them out, for all kinds of reasons. I know I talked to one father in particular and he said my son can't afford to buy this licence and I can't afford not to let him have it, so they worked out a financial agreement that was satisfactory to both of them. It's only fortunate it was a father and son, it wouldn't have worked with anyone else.
But how many times has that opportunity been lost in the province in the last several years, where these very valuable assets have been actually sold off to someone else or to a fish plant that then hires maybe the person who was fishing on the boat before to work on a salary basis or per-pound basis, a whole lot less than they would if they had their own enterprise, and the individual doesn't have the advantage of running a business-based operation where they can use deductions and other things to help their tax situation, which is so important when you run a small business.
So, I think it's a very positive move forward. I'm glad to see the government brought it forward. It's something, if the conditions would have been proper, I would have done when I was Fisheries Minister, and I'm sure every Fisheries Minister before me and after me would have done exactly the same thing. I think it's a very positive move for Nova Scotia's fishing industry. It's extremely important to keep those licences in an individual's hands rather than turn them over to the big companies. When the big companies get them, we've lost any independence we have in the fishery whatsoever and that is a tragedy for Nova Scotia and for Canada.
With those few words, I want to put my support behind it. Again I thank the government for bringing it forward under the Private Members' Bill, and the member for introducing it. I think it's a good thing for Nova Scotia. Once in awhile we get to do some positive things for the people of Nova Scotia. Thank you.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Health.
HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, it's my pleasure to stand today and speak on Bill No. 27. This is one that has been, I'm sure, across Minister of Fisheries' desks probably 100 times. I'm sure the member for Preston has seen it, and I've seen it, and I'm sure a lot of other ones have as well.
Actually, I want to thank the honourable member for Shelburne for bringing this forward for discussion once again. I do want to thank the member for Digby-Annapolis, who last session brought an amendment to the Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act which strengthened the issue of assets as well. If you recall at that time, we brought it forward and it was supported by our caucus but we were going to be holding that in abeyance for a short period of time, until we could make headway with the federal government.
As you know, when it comes to a fishing licence, that fishing licence is held and owned, basically, by the federal government, under its powers, under the federal Fisheries Act. The member for Shelburne references a 25 year or a quarter century time since the change with - or since there was a change with - the Coastal Resources Loan Board and there had not been any change in order to accept any assets.
I can say to you and to all members of this House, Mr. Speaker, that the federal Act, I think, hasn't been updated in 125 years, which gives the federal government the right to issue licences for any fishing enterprise.
Now, if we go back to some of the reasons why there is value in qualifying a licence to be an asset, it is simply from the extreme exorbitant price of a fishing licence, particularly a lobster licence in District 34 and District 33, in our neck of the woods, the member for Shelburne and I. If you look at a total fishing package right now for lobster, it would probably put anyone out by $1 million - boat, gear, licence - where the majority of that money would be the licence. I don't know what the going rate today is but the last time I checked it was $600,000 or $700,000.
Why did it get that high, I think is probably everybody's question here. Considering that back in the 1970s, and I am sure when the member for Shelburne got his licence, it probably didn't cost him that much, it maybe cost a little more than the 25 cents it did in 1968 - 25 cents was the cost of a federal lobster fishing licence; $600,000, boy, I would like to have that kind of return on any investment that I put my money into. Unfortunately, we are not all that lucky.
Ultimately there is a whole bunch of reasons, including, of course, the wealth of the fishery and the success of that fishery; the Marshall decision; the federal government getting involved in purchasing licences, because of the Marshall decision, for some of the Aboriginal Bands in Nova Scotia - thank you for that time, Mr. Speaker, I feel I have lots of time to fill in here and I really don't know where I am going to go talking on that. We will talk about
something else, I guess - and ultimately pushing up that price from a respectable, I don't know, $300,000 to $400,000 before the Marshall decision was handed down back in 2000 or 2001.
What it really boils down to, Mr. Speaker, is, for a whole range of reasons, we now have a licence that is worth far more than most people would believe it is worth, but people have spent that money in their investment, in some cases because of the lack of lending, or being able to qualify it as an asset, have had to find - I was going to say that in French, had to trouve, speaking French at the same time - had to find backing. Those backings were, of course, in the form of other businesses, other fishermen, fish plant owners, into what we call a trust agreement. I think the member opposite spoke a little bit about trust agreements.
If you will all go back just a little bit now, through last year and the year before, there was - I don't want to call it an investigation, but a review by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans on the proliferation of trust agreements in trying to find a way to revert back to the original intent of a fishing licence and I believe it was back to 1982 with the - I'm trying to remember the name of that Act or the actual regulation that went with it that Romeo LeBlanc brought in when he was Minister of Fisheries - owner-operator (Interruption) Thank you to the member for Pictou West - basically to make sure that fishermen for the most part are the beneficiaries or the primary workers on those vessels.
Mr. Speaker, as we look at the different fisheries that bring this into implementation, there are different ones that probably shouldn't be under those kinds of regulations, there are some that should. I think one of the last ones that requires further investigation, a further look - and there's a whole bunch of sides to this story. That's the part that I find troubling because you'll have some people who look at having a trust agreement and the owner-operator issue in southwestern Nova Scotia to be a good thing. There are those in the south fishery in the southwest to be the bane of his existence.
Being a populist kind of person, I believe somewhere in the middle is probably where the line is and where we should be living and one that I pushed forward as I was Minister of Fisheries for three years and brought to a federal-provincial table on a regular basis - talking about trust agreements, talking about owner-operator and making sure that the interests of all fishermen in southwestern and right across Nova Scotia were brought into consideration before one decision of going one way or another was taken. There will be some repercussions to going one way or another.
I think the spirit of this bill, brought forward by the member for Shelburne, brings into that feeling of wanting to find one more step into having this discussion of trust agreements and owner-operator, giving one more mechanism to allow regular fishermen, new fishermen, to be able to purchase a licence with help from the Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board.
As I said, the member for Digby-Annapolis brought an amendment through legislation last year - and I don't recall exactly what the wording is around that one - but ultimately it
made it stronger so that we as a province can now say to the federal government that we are ready to make our changes, we are ready through legislation to allow the assets of a licence to be held. We need the federal government to move forward on sweeping changes to the federal Fisheries Act - as I said it was probably close to 125 years old - which is quite an old Act that needs overhauling, but of course it would need approval of all people in Parliament to make those changes.
[8:15 p.m.]
I hope through our consultation, through this move today, that the federal government can now look favourably at making those changes and making sure that those adjustments are going to be in the federal Fisheries Act. With those quick comments, I again want to thank the member for Shelburne for bringing this issue forward, again to the member for Digby-Annapolis for his foresight in this last session, and I just want to say that this caucus will be accepting this through second reading to be debated further on in the Committee on Law Amendments.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Pictou East.
MR. CLARRIE MACKINNON: Mr. Speaker, first I want to say how strongly I support this Bill No. 27 and the fact that last week I indicated pride in riding shotgun with the member for Shelburne and I am doing the same here today. I didn't realize that on occasions in the House when you're watching on TV, that some people are actually involved in various roles of filling in time. I guess we are, at this moment, awaiting, perhaps, the return of the Law Amendments Committee. This bill doesn't deal with fluff, so I'm not going to deal with fluff here. This is a very important bill. It's a bill that we have to support, I believe, very strongly.
With the fishing industry worth over $1 billion in export value, one has to realize that there are, in fact, many millions of dollars invested by hundreds and hundreds of fish harvesters. The reality is that most of the primary licences are, in fact, worth much more than the boat and the gear. That is something that a lot of people in this province and a lot of people beyond our borders don't realize.
For several years my wife and I operated a bed and breakfast in Louisbourg. We would have not just tourists but people from urban areas of this province, who would come to Louisbourg and want to know where the fish harvesters lived, or where the fishermen lived. They expected to see some small places along the shoreline. There is no perception out there of the great investment that we have within this fishery. When we explained to some of the tourists that some fish harvesters were offered up to and beyond a $1 million, over $1 million, for a licence, there was a feeling that these people had difficulty in comprehension of this.
It's not an industry of last resort; it's far from an industry of last resort. It's an important, vibrant industry that has undergone a lot of ups and downs, and in some areas right
now I know, people are having difficulty with various species and what have you, but in other areas there is a robust fishery taking place. Sometimes that robust fishery takes place in a species in one area where the same species is having difficulty in another area.
It's a situation where in this industry a lot of money has been made and these trust agreements that exist, many of them have existed since the 1970s, and in some areas, as the former minister indicated, the trust agreements have had some benefit to communities. But the downside of trust agreements is that owner/operators cease to play the role that they should within the industry. This Bill No. 27 allows fish harvesters to pass on to sons or daughters or crew members, it allows them to transfer, with a recognized value, a real value of what the licences are worth. It's been archaic that this has not taken place in the past. The fact that this has existed since 1978 - since 1978 we have had this kind of an archaic system - and it has progressed to the point that year by year, as the value of licences have increased, the problem has been compounded even further.
I think what we have to do is support this Bill No. 27. As I say, it will help fish harvesters pass on their licences to other people within the industry, and that the companies will not, in fact, end up owning the licences in greater numbers than they already do. The trust agreements started with sort of under-the-table deals and they have been recognized more fully in recent times. Everyone has been aware of their existence for many, many years.
I'm reminded of a story in relationship to the value of licences. I was travelling with a fish harvester friend one day when he ran into a woman who had gone to school with him many, many years ago. She was sort of berating him for not having been a good student. She said, you were so smart, you could have been anything that you wanted to be in life. You always had something that you had to do. You had to help your father, milk the cows, or a calf had been born, or there was always a reason why you didn't have your homework done. She said, you know, if you wanted to be, you could have been a Supreme Court Judge, you were so smart. He said, why would I want to be a Supreme Court Judge,? I make more in three months than a Supreme Court Judge does in a year.
So I think there's that realization that has to be made that these licences are worth a great deal of money, that there has to be recognition of them by the loan board, and the loan board and the department. I believe there has been a recognition of this for a long time and efforts have been made, and I must commend the previous minister for his interest in this subject and certainly, the current minister has an equal interest in it as well. I'm sure that this bill will get support from all three Parties in this House because it certainly deserves that kind of recognition. In supporting Bill No. 27, I hope that we can move it along as quickly as possible and that it will, in fact, make this industry so much more viable for independent owner operators. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for allowing me to speak ad hoc, ad lib on this.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Liberal Party.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for allowing me just a few minutes to speak on Bill No. 27, the Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act. Allow me to start by congratulating the member for Shelburne for bringing forward this legislation. I'm sure he would be aware that this is legislation that our caucus has certainly been supporting the initiative for the last number of years. I look at some of our members, myself, my colleague, the member for Clare, the member for Preston who is a former Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, and all of my colleagues, especially the member for Digby-Annapolis who would be certainly well aware of the interest in this. I know that both he and the former member for Victoria-The Lakes had pushed for an amendment to legislation in the past to have licences considered as collateral for the purposes of the Fisheries Loan Board. Unfortunately, that legislation died with the election and it did not continue to move forward. So it's good to see that we have another opportunity to bring this legislation forward.
Mr. Speaker, in my riding of Richmond, the fishery remains one of the most important elements of our economy, both the crab fishery and the lobster fishery. Most recently, I'm pleased to say, the lobster fishery which had been fairly dismal in Richmond for many years has had a successful season last year and an even more successful season this year which is creating new-found optimism for that fishery and again creates the issue at the heart of this discussion - the value of licences.
Lobster licences in Richmond a few years ago were selling for $35,000 and $60,000. This year you're looking at least at $400,000 to $0.5 million and that's within a few years. So needless to say, even in our neck of the woods where licences were not very valuable, the impact is hitting home at the same time.
On the flip side, the crab fishery has been very lucrative in our area as well. Most recently I am aware of one licence, which is a licence only, no gear, no boat, which sold for $1.5 million. Needless to say, Mr. Speaker, that is a significant amount of money. I am aware of a crab licence which sold last fall for $2 million. We are talking money that is beyond people's imagination. To expect that anyone who is a deck hand, who may have grown up with the licence holder for years and has always been there, the chances of them being able to access that kind of capital is impossible.
So it is important with this legislation, I agree with the member for Pictou East and I certainly commend him for his comments and I think he did just fine for probably his first opportunity to speak at length here in the House without notes. His own personal experience in the fishery certainly gives him a great understanding of what is going on and, more importantly, not only his understanding of the fishery but his understanding of the impact on our coastal communities.
It is going to be important not only that all Parties support this but this bill comes with a big financial commitment from the government. When you are talking about - I have given you an example of two licences, two crab licences in Richmond County. Now those two
licences together account for $3.5 million. Those are only two licences. We have communities throughout this province where you are going to be talking, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board will be receiving requests for potentially hundreds of licence transactions. You are not going to be able to do it with a budget of $1 million to $2 million. It is going to take significant investment by the government to have monies available so that fishermen can access that capital to buy licences. So I think it is important that all members of the House - the member for Shelburne, the member for Pictou East and all members - while it is important to give our support, there needs to be a significant financial commitment with this bill. Other than that, it is a waste of time.
Right now we know that the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture does not have a large budget. They are one of the smallest departments there is, budget-wise, in the entire government. So out of 18 ministers, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture commands one of the smallest budgets of them all. This one bill is going to require, as I said, millions of dollars of commitment. So I would hope that with the government indicating their willingness to support this, the clear indication of the support from the NDP, the clear indication of support from our caucus, that the government is going to be prepared to back that up with significant financial commitments.
The other issue in that department to allow this to be effective is, and I'm not sure what criteria we put in place, to determine who gets to qualify for this funding for licences and who doesn't. There are a number of unknowns here - is it going to be based on the value of the licence, the type of species, the community where it's held? Those are all significant issues that need to be addressed, as well, as we move forward with this legislation and with its adoption.
[8:30 p.m.]
Mr. Speaker, one of the things we need to look at as well is the impact this is having on coastal communities. While I realize that the member for Pictou East and, I believe, the member for Shelburne both spoke about trust agreements and how they cloud the whole issue of owner-operator, what has also been happening in our communities, for example, in my own riding we have investors from outside who are coming in and purchasing these licences not from trust agreements, but people who have significant amounts of money to invest who are coming in and buying these licences. The problem is then, the community no longer has control and potentially no longer stands to get the full benefits of that licence. So we also need to have a debate as to how we can better work as a government and as legislators to protect licences that are in communities.
I will give you an example, Mr. Speaker. I know even recently that lobster fishermen in my community have been talking about how they could possibly pool their money together to buy any lobster licences that may become available in our community, the purpose being to make sure that those licences stay in Richmond County and that the benefits stay in Richmond County. If they can identify someone who can fish that licence and then eventually own it
themselves, then they ensure that that licence stays in our community. So I believe there have been efforts, I believe it is unfair when people target these trust agreements as saying that they are somehow evil or that they are underhanded.
I know my colleague, the member for Digby-Annapolis, gave the example of one family that went through a trust agreement where the retiring licence holder had only daughters and did not have anyone to whom he could pass the licence on to, yet he wanted to make sure his daughters and his family continued to have the benefits of the licence he had for so many years.
For that reason, he went through a trust agreement to make sure someone was able to fish that licence, yet his family would continue to have the benefit of that licence. That's one example of some trust agreements.
I'm aware of trust agreements where a father wanted to put it in his son's name, but wanted to make sure the son was going to be responsible with the licence. It's a significant investment and so, rather than simply handing it over, he wanted to have a trust agreement in place to make sure everything ran smoothly for a period of years prior to officially transferring it over.
That's some of the good stories behind trust agreements. I think it's important that people realize that these are not just corporations that have been coming in to buy licences, there are also real stories about hardworking Nova Scotians that have resorted to this because of the situations they find themselves in.
With those comments, I do hope this gives us the opportunity to have more debate about the impact of our fisheries, how to better ensure our communities benefit fully from licences and from fishing activity, value-added processing - all of those issues.
Allow me to finish once again and I certainly hope my colleagues in the NDP will join us in making sure the government not only gives support to this, but that they commit in the next budget, I would hope, the necessary funding to make this not only a bill that we can say is a good public policy, but that there's going to be the funding behind it to make sure it actually works, it benefits fishermen, it benefits our communities and, overall and most importantly, it benefits the Province of Nova Scotia. Thank you.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Pictou West.
MR. CHARLES PARKER: Mr. Speaker, I too am pleased to have a couple of minutes here tonight to speak on Bill No. 27, the Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act. It's a bill that I think is vital to help save our rural cultural communities spread all around this province from one end to the other. There are many, many fishing families that depend very much on their gear, their boats and licences to make a living. In my home community of fishing communities like Toney River, River John, Skinner's Cove, Caribou, Pictou Island and so on.
These are prime coastal communities that are facing some difficulties because of the hardship in finding or accessing capital. When you think about it, when one generation wants to pass on their fishing gear to the next generation, the boat and the gear is worth so much, but it's really the value of the licence that is the most valuable part.
I've had several families approach me and say, how can I get access to capital here? I want to retire, I want to sell it to my son or my helper. In one case, there was a gentleman that didn't have a son, but he wanted to sell it to his son-in-law and his daughter and compounding the whole problem was the Capital Gains Tax. Really, they need to find a way to make it as reasonable as possible to transfer from one generation to the next.
A lot of people have looked at trust agreements as a solution. When they go to a bank, a credit union, or their rich uncle and they're turned down, then where do they turn? It's hard, but eventually a processor or somebody with a lot of capital comes along and offers to give them the money they need to transfer from one generation to the next.
Sometimes, that ownership is going out of the family, out of the community, out of the province and occasionally out of the country to an offshore investor. It's not helping our coastal communities one iota and often it sets up a slipper/skipper arrangement in that somebody else owns the licence and the person operating the boat is being forced to catch more and more quota in order to pay a rich, offshore investor.
Mr. Speaker, I think it's the right way to go. There will be many coastal communities in our province that will be helped by this bill and I would encourage all members in this House to support it. I would ask government to look at what was mentioned by the previous speaker, make sure the dollars are available to the fishing families so they will have access to that capital.
With that, I'll encourage everybody to support it and it will make for stronger, cultural communities here in Nova Scotia.
MR. SPEAKER: If I recognize the member it will be to close the debate.
MR. STERLING BELLIVEAU: Mr. Speaker, first of all I want to thank all the members for their participation in this particular discussion on this bill tonight.
AN HON. MEMBER: Including the Leader of the Liberal Party.
MR. STERLING BELLIVEAU: Including the Leader of the Liberal Party. I'm just learning. I also want to point out, the honourable member across the way talked about our loyalties in order for the fishermen to be involved in the fisheries in the 50s, 60s and early 70s. There were loyalties to the buyers at the time and this is how individuals got into the fisheries. This is why this is so important because we've evolved and come a long way and the capital
costs of these licences is tremendous compared to 25 cents back in 1968. Mr. Speaker, I move second reading of Bill No. 27.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 27. 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. MICHAEL BAKER: Mr. Speaker, with the concurrence of the House, I would move that we revert to the order of business, Presenting Reports of Committees.
MR. SPEAKER: There is a request to revert to Presenting Reports of Committees.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Justice.
HON. MURRAY SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of the Committee on Law Amendments, I am directed to report that the committee has met and considered the following bills:
Bill No. 1 - Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act.
Bill No. 10 - Protection from Illegal Drugs Act.
Bill No. 16 - Police and Peace Officers' Memorial Day Act.
Bill No. 24 - Agriculture and Marketing Act.
and the committee recommends these bills to the favourable consideration of the House without amendments.
MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that these bills be referred to the Committee of the Whole House on Bills.
The honourable Minister of Justice.
HON. MURRAY SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of the Committee on Law Amendments, I am directed to report that the committee has met and considered the following bills:
Bill No. 13 - Safer Needles in Healthcare Workplaces Act.
Bill No. 31 - Financial Measures (2006) Act.
and the committee recommends these bills to the favourable consideration of the House, with certain amendments.
MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that these bills be referred to the Committee of the Whole House on Bills.
The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. MICHAEL BAKER: Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now rise to meet again on the morrow at the hour of 11:00 a.m. The House will sit until 9:00 p.m. The order of business following the daily routine will be Supply followed by Public Bills for Second Reading and then the potential for Committee of the Whole House on Bills. I also would mention to members that there is a potential that depending upon agreement among members the committees would be sitting for seven or eight hours tomorrow. I move that the House adjourn.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is to adjourn.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The House is adjourned until tomorrow at the hour of 11:00 a.m.
[The House rose at 8:40 p.m.]
By: Mr. Chuck Porter (Hants West)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Barbara Hughes of Windsor has embraced the game of tennis with a fantastic enthusiasm for more than 25 years; and
Whereas Barbara, in early June, was presented with a Distinguished Service Award for her devotion, dedication and love of the game of tennis by Tennis Canada President Jack Graham and Tennis Nova Scotia President Dr. Peter Smith; and
Whereas Barbara remains the development coordinator for the Gordon Hughes (Windsor) Tennis Club where she was a member when she won a Nova Scotia Tennis Championship in the early 1980s and where a vibrant program operates today because of her involvement;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House acknowledge the tremendous achievements accomplished by Windsor resident Barbara Hughes in the game of tennis and wish her continued success.
By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Immigration)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Canada's sport of hockey is strong and healthy on the South Shore; and
Whereas the South Shore Irving Bantam AAA hockey team ended the season with a league record of 21 wins; and
Whereas team trainers play a significant role in the development of these players;
Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate team trainer Bertram Hirtle on his time and dedication to these players.
By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Meagan Wood, a graduate of Oxford Regional High School, was acknowledged for her academic achievements on graduation night, on June 29, 2006; and
Whereas Meagan graduated with honours with distinction, the distinction of carrying a 90 per cent or above average for the year; and
Whereas Meagan has demonstrated her persistence in keeping up her honours average throughout her education and has always been a source of pride to her family, friends, her fellow students, and teachers;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Meagan Wood on this outstanding achievement and wish her all the best in all her future endeavours.
By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Meagan Best, a graduate of Oxford Regional High School, was acknowledged for her academic achievements on graduation night, on June 29, 2006; and
Whereas Meagan graduated with the distinction of carrying an 80 per cent or above average for the year; and
Whereas Meagan has demonstrated her persistence in keeping up her honours average throughout her education and has always been a source of pride to her family, friends, her fellow students, and teachers;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Meagan Best on this outstanding achievement and wish her all the best in all her future endeavours.
By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Courtney Bragg, a graduate of Oxford Regional High School, was acknowledged for her academic achievements on graduation night, on June 29, 2006; and
Whereas Courtney graduated with honours with distinction, the distinction of carrying a 90 per cent or above average for the year; and
Whereas Courtney has demonstrated her persistence in keeping up her honours average throughout her education and has always been a source of pride to her family, friends, her fellow students, and teachers;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Courtney on this outstanding achievement and wish her all the best in all her future endeavours.
By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Jamie Bragg, a graduate of Oxford Regional High School, was acknowledged for his academic achievements on graduation night, on June 29, 2006; and
Whereas Jamie graduated with honours with distinction, the distinction of carrying a 90 per cent or above average for the year; and
Whereas Jamie has demonstrated his persistence in keeping up his honours average throughout his education and has always been a source of pride to his family, friends, his fellow students, and teachers;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Jamie Bragg on this outstanding achievement and wish him all the best in all his future endeavours.
By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Rachel Brookins, a graduate of Oxford Regional High School, was acknowledged for her academic achievements on graduation night, on June 29, 2006; and
Whereas Rachel graduated with the distinction of carrying an 80 per cent or above average for the year; and
Whereas Rachel has demonstrated her persistence in keeping up her honours average throughout her education and has always been a source of pride to her family, friends, her fellow students, and teachers;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Rachel Brookins on this outstanding achievement and wish her all the best in all her future endeavours.
By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Sarah Hicks, a graduate of Oxford Regional High School, was acknowledged for her academic achievements on graduation night, on June 29, 2006; and
Whereas Sarah graduated with the distinction of carrying an 80 per cent or above average for the year; and
Whereas Sarah has demonstrated her persistence in keeping up her honours average throughout her education and has always been a source of pride to her family, friends, her fellow students, and teachers;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Sarah Hicks on this outstanding achievement and wish her all the best in all her future endeavours.
By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Tyler Jackson, a graduate of Oxford Regional High School, was acknowledged for his academic achievements on graduation night, on June 29, 2006; and
Whereas Tyler graduated with the distinction of carrying an 80 per cent or above average for the year; and
Whereas Tyler has demonstrated her persistence in keeping up his honours average throughout his education and has always been a source of pride to his family, friends, his fellow students, and teachers;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Tyler Jackson on this outstanding achievement and wish him all the best in all his future endeavours.
RESOLUTION NO. 181
By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Lauren Masters of Oxford was recognized for her accomplishments at a reception hosted by the Oxford Regional High School; and
Whereas Lauren was honoured with the award for her work with the Youth Against Racism (Jr) at the school; and
Whereas Lauren had contributed many hours to the Youth Against Racism (Jr) cause and has made a significant difference;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Lauren Masters on this outstanding achievement and wish her continued success in the future.
RESOLUTION NO. 182
By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Chris Matheson of Oxford was recognized for his achievements at the Oxford Regional High School on June 28, 2006; and
Whereas Chris was awarded the Athletics Volunteer Award at a recognition reception hosted by Oxford Regional High School; and
Whereas Chris has contributed many volunteer hours to the Athletics Department of the Oxford School and has made a huge impact from his contributions;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Chris Matheson on receiving this outstanding award and wish him all the best in the future.
RESOLUTION NO. 183
By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Amanda Mattinson of Oxford was recognized at an award ceremony hosted by Oxford Regional High School on June 28, 2006; and
Whereas Amanda was presented an award for her hours of volunteering to the Youth Against Racism (Sr) cause; and
Whereas Amanda has given many hours of her time to this very worthwhile cause and has made an impact on this program;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Amanda Mattinson on this outstanding award and wish her continued success in the future.
RESOLUTION NO. 184
By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Janelle Patriquin, a graduate of Oxford Regional High School, was acknowledged for her academic achievements on graduation night, on June 29, 2006; and
Whereas Janelle graduated with the distinction of carrying an 80 per cent or above average for the year; and
Whereas Janelle has demonstrated her persistence in keeping up her honours average throughout her education and has always been a source of pride to her family, friends, her fellow students, and teachers;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Janelle Patriquin on this outstanding achievement and wish her all the best in all her future endeavours.
By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)
Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Brittani Purcell, a graduate of Oxford Regional High School, was acknowledged for her academic achievements on graduation night, on June 29, 2006; and
Whereas Brittani graduated with the distinction of carrying an 80 per cent or above average for the year; and
Whereas Brittani has demonstrated her persistence in keeping up her honours average throughout her education and has always been a source of pride to her family, friends, her fellow students, and teachers;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Brittani Purcell on this outstanding achievement and wish her all the best in all her future endeavours.
By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Krista Rector, a graduate of Oxford Regional High School, was acknowledged for her academic achievements on graduation night, on June 29, 2006; and
Whereas Krista graduated with honours with distinction, the distinction of carrying a 90 per cent or above average for the year; and
Whereas Krista has demonstrated her persistence in keeping up her honours average throughout her education and has always been a source of pride to her family, friends, her fellow students, and teachers;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Krista Rector on this outstanding achievement and wish her all the best in all her future endeavours.
By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Alisha Shipley, a graduate of Oxford Regional High School, was acknowledged for her academic achievements on graduation night, on June 29, 2006; and
Whereas Alisha graduated with the distinction of carrying an 80 per cent or above average for the year; and
Whereas Alisha has demonstrated her persistence in keeping up her honours average throughout her education and has always been a source of pride to her family, friends, her fellow students, and teachers;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Alisha Shipley on this outstanding achievement and wish her all the best in all her future endeavours.
By: Hon. Brooke Taylor (Agriculture)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas South Colchester Academy is the 2006 Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Division 1 Girls Slo-Pitch Champions; and
Whereas the 2006 Nova Scotia champions defeated Northeast Kings High School 10-5 in the championship game and West Kings High 14-7 in one of two provincial semifinal games;
Whereas athletic accomplishments such as this provincial championship for the South Colchester Academy Girls Division 1 Slo-Pitch team is a memory that will be cherished for many years into the future, while making for great discussion at any future high school reunions;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House applaud the South Colchester Academy Girls Slo-Pitch Championship Ball Club for an outstanding 2006 season and wish them every success with their future studies and athletic endeavours.
