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: | ||||
| Law Amendments Committee, Hon. M. Scott | 4329 | |||
| TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS: | ||||
| Anl. Rept., Office of the Ombudsman, The Speaker | 4330 | |||
| STATEMENT BY MINISTERS: | ||||
| Fish. & Aquiculture: Anglers and Hunters Fed. - Fishing | ||||
| Fly Contest, Hon. R. Chisholm | 4330 | |||
| GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION: | ||||
| Res. 2535, Carpan, Bill: Fishing Fly Contest - Congrats., | ||||
| Hon. R. Chisholm | 4332 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 4332 | |||
| Res. 2536, Lions Clubs Int'l. : Efforts - Acknowledge, | ||||
| The Premier | 4333 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 4334 | |||
| Res. 2537, Health - Cancer Care: Stakeholders - Thank, | ||||
| Hon. C. d'Entremont | 4334 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 4334 | |||
| INTRODUCTION OF BILLS: | ||||
| No. 180, Employment Support and Income Assistance Act, | ||||
| Mr. S. MacNeil | 4335 | |||
| No. 181, Tar Ponds Monitoring Act, Mr. G. Gosse | 4335 | |||
| No. 182, Mental Healthcare Accessibility Act, Ms. V. Conrad | 4335 | |||
| No. 183, Broadband Internet Coverage Expansion Act, | ||||
| Mr. H. Epstein | 4335 | |||
| NOTICE OF MOTION: | ||||
| Res. 2538, Nickerson, Tammy - Cape Sable Island/Clark's Hbr. | ||||
| Elem. Schools: Dedication - Congrats., Mr. S. Belliveau | 4335 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 4336 | |||
| Res. 2539, Nat'l. Physiotherapy Mo. (04/07) - Recognize, | ||||
| Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) | 4336 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 4337 | |||
| Res. 2540, Phillips, Myron/Theriault, Gerald/W. Hants Cadets: | ||||
| Vimy Ridge Memorial - Attendance, Mr. C. Porter | 4337 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 4337 | |||
| Res. 2541, Rotary Club (Pictou) - Pajama Game: Performance - | ||||
| Congrats., Mr. C. Parker | 4338 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 4338 | |||
| Res. 2542, Green, Bert: Death of - Tribute, Mr. L. Glavine | 4338 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 4339 | |||
| Res. 2543, Thomas, Betty - Who's Who in Black Canada: | ||||
| Inclusion - Congrats., Hon. J. Muir | 4339 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 4340 | |||
| Res. 2544, MacKinnon, Mike: Sydney FD Prov. Medal (25yr./ | ||||
| Federal Bar (20yr.) - Congrats., Mr. G. Gosse | 4340 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 4341 | |||
| Res. 2545, Environ. & Lbr. - Climate Change: Impact - | ||||
| Acknowledge, Mr. K. Colwell (by Mr. H. Theriault) | 4341 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 4341 | |||
| Res. 2546, Export Success (2007) Awards: Winner - Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. L. Preyra | 4341 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 4342 | |||
| Res. 2547, Econ. Dev. - Rural N.S.: Development - Create, | ||||
| Mr. M. Samson (by Mr. David Wilson, Glace Bay) | 4342 | |||
| ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS: | ||||
| No. 481, Health: Home Care Services - Seniors, Mr. D. Dexter | 4343 | |||
| No. 482, Fin.: Funeral Services Tax - Rebate, Mr. H. Theriault | 4345 | |||
| No. 483, Com. Serv.: Medical Procedures - Coverages, | ||||
| Mr. D. Dexter | 4346 | |||
| No. 484, Environ. & Lbr.: Workplace Violence - Address, | ||||
| Ms. Maureen MacDonald | 4348 | |||
| No. 485, Com. Serv.: Child Care Workers - Stabilization Grants, | ||||
| Mr. L. Glavine | 4349 | |||
| No. 486, Com. Serv.: Community-Based Voc. Programs - | ||||
| Review, Mr. G. Gosse | 4350 | |||
| Review, Mr. G. Gosse | ||||
| No. 487, Com. Serv.: Youth Behavioural Problems - Treatment, | ||||
| Ms. M. Raymond | 4352 | |||
| No. 488, Prem. - Trenton Works: Buyer - Search, | ||||
| Mr. M. Samson | 4353 | |||
| No. 489, Justice: Mental Health Court - Implementation, | ||||
| Mr. D. Dexter | 4355 | |||
| No. 490, Health: Hip Replacement Surgery - Wait Times, | ||||
| Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) | 4356 | |||
| No. 491, Educ.: Tuition Support Program - Extension, | ||||
| Mr. W. Estabrooks | 4358 | |||
| No. 492, PSC: Whistle-Blower Protection - Regulations | ||||
| Introduce, Mr. G. Gosse | 4359 | |||
| No. 493, Educ.: Tuition - Freeze, Mr. L. Glavine | 4360 | |||
| [INTRODUCTION OF BILLS] | ||||
| No. 184, Environment Act, Mr. K. Colwell | 4363 | |||
| GOVERNMENT BUSINESS: | ||||
| GOVERNMENT MOTIONS: | ||||
| HOUSE RESOLVED INTO CWH ON SUPPLY AT 10:38 a.m. | 4363 | |||
| HOUSE RECONVENED AT 2:49 p.m. | 4363 | |||
| ADJOURNMENT: House rose to meet again on Tue. Apr. 10th, at 2:00 p.m. | 4364 | |||
| NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3):^ | ||||
| Res. 2548, Muise, Leslie - Prov. Vol. Event: Representative - | ||||
| Congrats., Hon. C. d'Entremont | 4365 | |||
| Res. 2549, Bourque, Roland & Armand/Doucette, Austin: | ||||
| Hockey Enthusiasm - Thank, Hon. C. d'Entremont | 4366 | |||
| Res. 2550, Stella Maris Church (Inverness) - Anniv. (100th), | ||||
| The Premier | 4367 | |||
| Res. 2551, Environ. & Lbr.: Valley Waste Resource Mgt. - | ||||
| Commend, Hon. M. Parent | 4367 | |||
| Res. 2552, Gero, Brandon: Achievements - Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. P. Dunn | 4367 | |||
| Res. 2553, Morrisey, Jackie: Stellarton Vol. of Yr. - Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. P. Dunn | 4368 | |||
| Res. 2554, Brown, Mike: Truro Sport Heritage Soc. Award - | ||||
| Congrats., Hon. J. Muir | 4368 | |||
| Res. 2555, Langley, Anne - Cdn. Winter Games: Participation - | ||||
| Congrats., Hon. L. Goucher | 4369 | |||
| Res. 2556, Walker, Will -Veterans/Military Personnel: Support - | ||||
| Recognize, Hon. J. Streatch | 4369 | |||
| Recognize, Hon. J. Streatch | ||||
| Res. 2557, Himmelman, Amanda -Veterans/Military Personnel: Support - | ||||
| Recognize, Hon. J. Streatch | 4370 | |||
| Res. 2558, Dorey, Ashley M. -Veterans/Military Personnel: Support - | ||||
| Recognize, Hon. J. Streatch | 4370 | |||
| Res. 2559, Berniquez, Brittany, -Veterans/Military Personnel: Support - | ||||
| Recognize, Hon. J. Streatch | 4371 | |||
| Res. 2560, Russell, Bryce, -Veterans/Military Personnel: Support - | ||||
| Recognize, Hon. J. Streatch | 4371 | |||
| Res. 2561, Boyan, Colby -Veterans/Military Personnel: Support - | ||||
| Recognize, Hon. J. Streatch | 4372 | |||
| Res. 2562, Lenihan, Craig -Veterans/Military Personnel: Support - | ||||
| Recognize, Hon. J. Streatch | 4372 | |||
| Res. 2563, Bell, Dylan -Veterans/Military Personnel: Support - | ||||
| Recognize, Hon. J. Streatch | 4373 | |||
| Res. 2564, Bednar, Emma -Veterans/Military Personnel: Support - | ||||
| Recognize, Hon. J. Streatch | 4373 | |||
| Res. 2565, Holland, Jenna -Veterans/Military Personnel: Support - | ||||
| Recognize, Hon. J. Streatch | 4374 | |||
| Res. 2566, Broome, Jesse -Veterans/Military Personnel: Support - | ||||
| Recognize, Hon. J. Streatch | 4374 | |||
| Res. 2567, Brophy, Joel -Veterans/Military Personnel: Support - | ||||
| Recognize, Hon. J. Streatch | 4375 | |||
| Res. 2568, McDow, Joseph -Veterans/Military Personnel: Support - | ||||
| Recognize, Hon. J. Streatch | 4375 | |||
| Res. 2569, Bell, Kaitlyn -Veterans/Military Personnel: Support - | ||||
| Recognize, Hon. J. Streatch | 4376 | |||
| Res. 2570, Cornelius, Kelsey -Veterans/Military Personnel: Support - | ||||
| Recognize, Hon. J. Streatch | 4376 | |||
| Res. 2571, Turner, Kelsey -Veterans/Military Personnel: Support - | ||||
| Recognize, Hon. J. Streatch | 4377 | |||
| Res. 2572, Dodge, Lucas -Veterans/Military Personnel: Support - | ||||
| Recognize, Hon. J. Streatch | 4377 | |||
| Res. 2573, Fowler, Mike -Veterans/Military Personnel: Support - | ||||
| Recognize, Hon. J. Streatch | 4378 | |||
| Res. 2574, Cook, Mike -Veterans/Military Personnel: Support - | ||||
| Recognize, Hon. J. Streatch | 4378 | |||
| Recognize, Hon. J. Streatch | ||||
| Res. 2575, Reeves, Mitchell -Veterans/Military Personnel: Support - | ||||
| Recognize, Hon. J. Streatch | 4379 | |||
| Res. 2576, Bonnenfant, Nathaniel -Veterans/Military Personnel: Support - | ||||
| Recognize, Hon. J. Streatch | 4379 | |||
| Res. 2577, Huntley, Nikki -Veterans/Military Personnel: Support - | ||||
| Recognize, Hon. J. Streatch | 4380 | |||
| Res. 2578, Elliott, Robert -Veterans/Military Personnel: Support - | ||||
| Recognize, Hon. J. Streatch | 4380 | |||
| Res. 2579, Higbee, Shane -Veterans/Military Personnel: Support - | ||||
| Recognize, Hon. J. Streatch | 4381 | |||
HALIFAX, THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2007
Sixtieth General Assembly
First Session
9:00 A.M.
SPEAKER
Hon. Cecil Clarke
DEPUTY SPEAKER
Mr. Wayne Gaudet
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. We will now commence the daily routine.
PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS
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 bill:
Bill No. 138 - Medal of Bravery Act.
and the committee recommends this bill to the favourable consideration of the House, with certain amendments.
4329
MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that this bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole House on Bills.
TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS
MR. SPEAKER: I have a report as Speaker. I beg leave to table the report, the
Office of the Ombudsman Annual Report.
The report is tabled.
STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
HON. RONALD CHISHOLM: Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters and talk about an initiative they carried out to further promote the sport fishing industry in Nova Scotia. We are fortunate today to have several members of the federation in attendance in your Gallery, and I would like to introduce them. We have Darlene Caldwell, president of the Federation of Anglers and Hunters; Mike Pollard, 1st vice-president; Tony Rodgers, executive director; Bill Carpan and his wife Brenda Carpan from Guysborough County; Kelly Kaiser from Guysborough County; as well as members of the Halifax Wildlife Association, the oldest wildlife organization in North America. I would ask that they rise and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)
Mr. Speaker, the Federation of Anglers and Hunters is a provincial organization that promotes outdoor recreation activities in Nova Scotia. The organization works with the province as we manage our fish and our wildlife species. They are also a strong voice for the interests of their members, as we manage many of the province's natural resources. The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture has an excellent working relationship with the federation. Their members sit on the department's Inland Fisheries Advisory Committee, and they are active participants in our regional advisory process that assists us in managing our sport fishery. The federation is a champion of recreational fishing, and its members are proactive in promoting this sector.
Today, I want to pay special attention to one recent initiative of this organization. Mr. Speaker, the federation ran a contest to design a fishing fly that would represent angling in the province and carry a story about the people of Nova Scotia. Seventy six entries were received from the United States, Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces. The winning entry was announced at the outdoor Sport and RV Show in Halifax in March 2006. Guess what, Mr. Speaker? The winner of the contest is Mr. Bill Carpan, who just happens to be a constituent of mine from Stillwater, Guysborough County. (Applause)
The winning fly has a silver and a blue pattern, with white and gold, and sports the colours of the Nova Scotia flag. The various colours in the fly represent significant aspects of our province. The black hook symbolizes the coal seams that run through Nova Scotia, while the red nose on the fly is representative of aspects of ceremonies by the Mi'kmaq, as well as beautiful sunsets. The white wings represent the background of the provincial flag, as well as the crashing of the waves along our shores. The green underwing signifies our diversified forests, used for work and recreation. The blue hackle symbolizes our historical link to Scotland. The red butt of the fly stands for the Royal Lion that is found in the centre of the flag and the Shield of Arms, as well as the red maple leaf that represents Canada. The gold and silver tag represents prosperity, and the gold tail points upward in the direction we want to grow as a province. Finally, the silver body represents the strength of Nova Scotia and our future.
Mr. Speaker, I applaud the Federation of Anglers and Hunters for their initiative and their continuous efforts to promote the sport fishery. Our sport fishery contributes significantly to the economy, and the Nova Scotia fishing fly is one more way for us to promote sport fishing in our province. Thank you. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Shelburne.
MR. STERLING BELLIVEAU: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to echo the minister's comments and thank the minister for the opportunity to speak to this. I congratulate the winner, Bill, on his work. I too would like to applaud the Federation of Anglers and Hunters, to promote the sport fishery. Many of their members are from Shelburne County, where hunting and fishing is a part of our culture.
Mr. Speaker, the honourable Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture recognized the colour scheme of this award-winning fishing fly, and I just want to comment that politics and fly fishing is a lot alike. Presentation is everything. Usually, after a few years of successful sales of this award-winning fly, a new improved one may come forward. May I dare to suggest some orange color, if you really want to catch the big one. Congratulations. Thank you. (Applause)
[9.15 a.m.]
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Digby-Annapolis.
MR. HAROLD THERIAULT: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I too want to echo the minister's comments, and my colleague's, the member for Shelburne. I congratulate the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters. I have been a fisherman all my life, commercial. I have done a little sport fishing. I see this hook is not real sharp, so I can't use it. (Interruption)
Anyway, I believe what the federation has done over the years is greatly appreciated by anybody who is involved in any kind of fishing. The coastal communities of this province should be looking at the federation and the work they have done in the inland fisheries. There is only one thing more that I think should be pursued, that is to teach our young people better of what the fishery is all about and what it means to this province. It's one of the greatest things that has ever occurred in this province from day one, inshore and coastal communities. As I say, and I will say it again, I just wish that our coastal communities had people like in the federation to work with us, but I don't know if DFO would ever let that happen. It's worth looking into. I thank you very much for being here today. (Applause)
GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION
MR. SPEAKER: 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 the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters is a leader in promoting outdoor recreational activities in our province; and
Whereas the federation held a contest to select a Nova Scotia fly to promote angling in the province; and
Whereas the federation selected the winning fly tied by Mr. Bill Carpan of Stillwater, Guysborough County, Nova Scotia;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Mr. Carpan on his win and applaud the efforts of the Federation of Anglers and Hunters to promote sport fishing in the province with the designation of this Nova Scotia fishing fly as the official fly of the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters.
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.
HON. RODNEY MACDONALD (The Premier): Mr. Speaker, if I might make an introduction that goes along with the resolution?
MR. SPEAKER: Please do.
THE PREMIER: Before I read my resolution, it's a pleasure to introduce three special guests in our gallery today who are representing Lions Club International, Mr. Speaker. We have Vice District Governor Alex Hancox, Past International Director Jim Sherry, and Past Director, District Governor Ralph Williams joining us here today in the east gallery. I know everyone in this House knows of the great work that this club and its members do here and around the globe. So I would ask these fine gentlemen to rise and receive the warm welcome of the House of Assembly. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: 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 Lions Club International is the largest service organization in the world with 1.3 million members in 198 countries and geographic areas; and
Whereas there are 70 Lions Clubs and 1,870 Lions in the Province of Nova Scotia; and
Whereas these 70 Lions Clubs provide many valuable services to their communities;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House acknowledge the tireless efforts of the members of this international service club and salute their work during this Lions Awareness Week 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. (Standing Ovation)
Indeed, we welcome all our visitors to Province House today.
The honourable Minister of Health.
HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, I just want to make a quick comment before I read the resolution. I did have the Pages pass around a pin. This month is Cancer Awareness Month, and I just wanted to make sure that everyone had another pin, and if you need more, I would be happy to try to provide them for you.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Health.
HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas cancer is affecting more Nova Scotians every year, with Cancer Care Nova Scotia's most recent statistical report showing that 1 in 34 Nova Scotians are living with invasive cancer; and
Whereas governments, clinicians, and cancer support agencies have continued to invest more time and energy every year in cancer treatments and supports to ease the burden of this illness for cancer patients and their families; and
Whereas April is Cancer Month, a time when we all have renewed focus on the prevention, screening, treatment and management of cancer care in Nova Scotia;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank all stakeholders for the continued good work for the benefit of Nova Scotians suffering the effects of cancer and offer patients and their families our best wishes and support.
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. 180 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 27 of the Acts of 2000. The Employment Support and Income Assistance Act. (Mr. Stephen McNeil)
Bill No. 181 - Entitled an Act to Require the Monitoring of the Health Effects of the Tar Ponds Site. (Mr. Gordon Gosse)
MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that these bills be read a second time on a future day.
I would just note to all honourable members that bills are introduced and not tabled.
The honourable member for Queens.
MS. VICKI CONRAD: Mr. Speaker, prior to introducing my bill, I would like to make an introduction to the House, please.
MR. SPEAKER: Please do.
MS. CONRAD: I would like to introduce Dr. Stephen Ayer, Executive Director of the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia, who is here today because he has great interest in seeing this bill move forward today, and if the House could give Dr. Ayer a warm welcome. (Applause)
Bill No. 182 - Entitled an Act to Require a Consultation Process Respecting the Accessibility of Mental Healthcare Services in Nova Scotia. (Ms. Vicki Conrad)
Bill No. 183 - Entitled an Act to Require the Expansion of Broadband Internet Coverage to all of Nova Scotia. (Mr. Howard Epstein)
MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that these bills be read a second time on a future day.
NOTICES OF MOTION
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Shelburne.
MR. STERLING BELLIVEAU: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Tammy Nickerson of Clam Point, Shelburne County, has volunteered for the past eight years at the Cape Sable Island and Clark's Harbour Elementary Schools; and
Whereas Tammy devotes her time to various school programs, safe arrival caller, Grade 6 activities and trip fundraiser, and head check committee; and
Whereas Tammy helps in the library, field trip supervisor and is a minor hockey mom volunteer;
Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Tammy Nickerson for her hard work and dedication to the Cape Sable Island and Clark's Harbour Elementary Schools.
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. 2539
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 physiotherapy is a primary care, client-focused health profession dedicated to improving and maintaining functional independence and physical performance; and
Whereas physiotherapists provide assessment, treatment and education for a wide range of health problems, ensuring to make the most of your lifestyle; and
Whereas the Canadian Physiotherapy Association is a voluntary organization representing 9,600 members and students across the country;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly recognize April as National Physiotherapy Month and acknowledge the hard work and dedication these professionals perform each day to increase health and well being.
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 West.
RESOLUTION NO. 2540
MR. CHUCK PORTER: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the National Canadian Vimy Ridge Memorial will celebrate its 90th Anniversary on Easter Monday, April 9th; and
Whereas World War II Veteran Myron Phillips, West Hants Cadet Officer Gerald Theriault and 27 West Hants cadets will be at the National Canadian Vimy Ridge Memorial on Monday to honour the 11,285 Canadians who died during World War I and the 3,598 who fought at Vimy Ridge; and
Whereas the Vimy Memorial has come to symbolize Canada's long commitment to peace as well as a stand against aggression and for liberty and in the rule of international law;
Therefore be it resolved that MLAs in this House of Assembly recognize the efforts of Myron Phillips, Gerald Theriault and the West Hants cadets for going to Monday's memorial and to the Municipality of West Hants and the residents of Windsor-West Hants who assisted in so many ways in making this trip a reality.
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. 2541
MR. CHARLES PARKER: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Rotary Club of Pictou successfully presented the Broadway musical, The Pyjama Game, at the deCoste Entertainment Centre in Pictou on March 29 to 31, 2007, to raise funds for community projects; and
Whereas the three largely attended performances features local actors and actresses, as well as a full behind-the-scenes crew working under director Don Hill, stage manager Linda Munroe and the talents of many others; and
Whereas the lively orchestra under conductor Heather MacLellan and the sponsorship of many local businesses all combined for a very successful event;
Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate the Rotary Club of Pictou, all performers, participants and sponsors for the highly accomplished and successful production of the Broadway musical, The Pyjama Game.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Kings West.
RESOLUTION NO. 2542
MR. LEO GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Bert Green was well known throughout Kings County for his dedication to his family and community and was held in high regard as a councillor; and
Whereas Bert served his constituents with distinction, his commitment to improving Kings County was evident to the number of committees he served and the dedication he showed to his council responsibilities; and
Whereas Bert Green set an example to the residents of Kings County, he will truly be missed;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House extend condolences to Bert's family and the many people who were fortunate enough to call him a friend.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.
[9:30 a.m.]
RESOLUTION NO. 2543
HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Betty Thomas of Dartmouth was included in the Who's Who in Black Canada, which is a contemporary directory of Black success and excellence in Canada; and
Whereas Betty Thomas, perhaps the first Black from East Preston to be hired in retail in 1966, was the first Black woman to be hired as an operator by MT&T and later she was elected as president of the Telephone Employees Union; and
Whereas Betty Thomas, who currently sits on the Nova Scotia Police Commission, the Halifax Public Library Board and the Canadian Library Association received the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, and was placed on the W.P. Oliver Wall of Honour in the Black Cultural Centre in 2001;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Betty Thomas in being included in Who's Who in Black Canada and thank her for her continuing community leadership and wish her continued success in the future.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver.
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. 2544
MR. GORDON GOSSE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas a firefighter's duty is to serve humanity, to safeguard and preserve life and property against the elements of fire and disaster and maintain the proficiency in the art and science of fire engineering; and
Whereas a firefighter's duties are far from ordinary, ranging from fighting fires, performing rescues and teaching fire prevention; and
Whereas Mike MacKinnon of the Sydney Fire Station, a member of the select fraternity, received the 25-year provincial medal and the 30-year federal bar;
Therefore be it resolved the House of Assembly congratulate Mike MacKinnon on receiving the 25-year provincial medal and the 30 year federal bar awards on his dedication and commitment to 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 Digby-Annapolis.
RESOLUTION NO. 2545
MR. HAROLD THERIAULT: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the member for Preston, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas a 1,400 page assessment by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change with contributions by more than 1,000 climate experts on the impact of global warming and the vulnerabilities of economies, eco-systems, and human health will be released on Friday; and
Whereas according to the report, climate change will have a devastating impact on our environment in years to come; and
Whereas the people of our province can make a difference by taking small steps, such as recycling, reducing of emissions and using methods more friendly to the environment;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly acknowledge the impact of climate change on our environment and encourage all to reduce, reuse and recycle.
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 Citadel.
RESOLUTION NO. 2546
MR. LEONARD PREYRA: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas 22 Atlantic Canadian businesses, artists, initiatives and organizations were recently honoured for their achievements in cultural export at the Atlantic Canada Cultural Export Summit in Moncton on March 23, 2007; and
Whereas Halifax was well represented among the award winners with the Atlantic Film Festival, the musical production Drum!, the East Coast Music Association, Michael Donovan, founder of Salter Street Films and Nimbus Publishing all coming home with Export Success 2007 Awards; and
Whereas the Atlantic Canada Cultural Export Summit was the first time an event has brought all four Atlantic Provinces together to meet and discuss the needs and vision of the region's cultural industry;
Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate the Export Success 2007 winners and recognize all Nova Scotia's cultural producers for representing this province on both the national and international stages.
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. 2547
MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the member for Richmond, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Trenton Works plant in Central Nova Scotia has been a pillar of the community for 135 years; and
Whereas last month's census results showed that the population of rural Nova Scotia is decreasing at an alarming rate; and
Whereas rural Nova Scotians deserve to have the infrastructure and economic opportunities in place to buy a home, raise their families and remain in Nova Scotia;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly strongly urge government to heed the call of rural Nova Scotians and create sustainable, long lasting economic development and aid the remaining companies in small towns and ensure their future.
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.
Before we continue with the daily routine I will just reiterate from yesterday for all members to be mindful of both the time and duration for questions and answers.
ORDERS OF THE DAY
ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS
MR. SPEAKER: Question Period will begin at 9:35 a.m. and end at 10:35 a.m.
The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.
HEALTH: HOME CARE SERVICES - SENIORS
MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, my question will be through you to the Premier. Alice White is an active 72-year-old who lives in Eastern Hants County. Unfortunately, Ms. White broke her arm on March 18th and after a visit to the hospital she was sent home with her arm in a cast and sling and a prescription for pain medication. What she needed and couldn't get was home care. Because she lives alone and could not manage without help Ms. White has been forced to live with her brother who is an hour away from her home. My question to the Premier is, why does this government think it's acceptable that seniors should have to leave their homes due to a lack of home care services?
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, I'm disappointed to hear of Ms. White's situation because I am very proud of the health care system we have in Nova Scotia and I'm very proud of the home care workers and the health care workers that we have here as well. The reality is that, as part of the continuing care strategy, one of the areas the government is
focusing on is initial home care services. The Minister of Health has begun to roll out many of the aspects of that - such an example would be the home oxygen opportunities that the minister rolled out in recent weeks. Those are the types of things that the government wants to focus on to keep people in their homes rather than being in health care facilities.
MR. DEXTER: Well I'm pleased to hear the Premier is very proud of the home care workers and he should be, that's part of the irony of Ms. White's situation because she was a home care worker. In fact she was a home care worker for 25 years working and helping countless people in her community. Ms. White has been told she is not an emergency case and therefore not a priority to receive care. They told her if she calls next week, they'll tell her how far down on the waiting list she is. My question to the Premier is this, is it simply his government's hope that they can delay care long enough that Ms. White's arm will heal and then they won't have to provide services anyway?
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, I'll refer that to the Minister of Health to update the Leader of the Official Opposition on what's happening in home care here in our province.
HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, thank you to the member opposite for bringing this issue forward. It's unfortunate that these incidents do happen but through the continuing care strategy, we're working to expand the number of beds that we have across this province and expand home care services in all jurisdictions. Cases like this will become fewer and fewer but, if the member opposite wouldn't mind sharing the information with us, we can see exactly what the specific situation is and see if there's an opportunity for helping this individual.
MR. DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, of course Home Care Nova Scotia has all the information and the minister pretends that this is a case that is an aberration. Unfortunately it is the regular occurrence in home care services in this province. Ms. White's case is by no means the only one. She said to us, if it wasn't for my family I'd be awful hungry and dirty by now. My question is, when will the Premier admit that his government's strategy for home care is inadequate, denies care and pushes responsibility for home care services onto families?
THE PREMIER: Again, I will refer that to the Minister of Health to expand upon his previous answer.
MR. D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, again we'll see, through the continuing care strategy, the recruitment and the training of more continuing care assistants, more LPNs, more RNs in order to provide the service to more Nova Scotians. We will continue to invest in the continuing care strategy to make sure that we have a phenomenal system of home care and long-term care across this province.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Digby-Annapolis.
FIN.: FUNERAL SERVICES TAX - REBATE
MR. HAROLD THERIAULT: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Finance but in his absence, I will direct it to the Premier. The cost of funeral services are continuing . . .
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. I just remind everyone that you are not supposed to refer to the presence or the absence of a member in the House. (Interruption) Order, please. I will leave that to the House Leaders to have that discussion but I just wanted to note to all members, it is not appropriate to refer to the presence or an absence of a member from the Chamber.
The honourable member for Digby-Annapolis has the floor.
MR. THERIAULT: I am sorry for that, Mr. Speaker. I will direct my question to the Premier. The cost of funeral services are continually getting out of the reach of spouses and family members who are on fixed incomes or on financial assistance. The average cost for a funeral in the province is about $6,500 which means the provincial tax is approximately $500 per funeral. For some families, this cost is getting out of reach and they can no longer pay for the process to help themselves and families deal with this very difficult time that a death can bring. My question is, have you looked at the rebate of the provincial tax on funeral services?
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, I will refer that to the acting minister responsible.
HON. ANGUS MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, the honourable member, of course, is asking a question about a subject that is very significant for many people. I can say that it's not a matter, in the scope of my knowledge, that is under active consideration but we will certainly ensure that the Minister of Finance is made aware of this question when I have the opportunity to speak with him.
MR. THERIAULT: Mr. Speaker, constituents have told me, in some cases, $500 to pay for a provincial tax on a funeral is one of their pension payments. A death is very troubling but when it becomes a financial burden as well, I think we need to start looking at where we can begin to provide relief. In some cases, we are forcing people to place themselves in a bad financial situation because they want to provide an adequate funeral service for their friends and loved ones. My question is, will you immediately begin discussions with your Atlantic provincial colleagues to remove the provincial tax from funeral services?
MR. MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, as I indicated in answer to the first question, the suggestion that is implied through the honourable member's question is one which will be brought to the attention of the Minister of Finance.
MR. THERIAULT: Mr. Speaker, the Atlantic Provinces and Quebec are the only provinces who apply provincial tax on funeral services. I think there is something wrong when, as a government, we are collecting taxes on the death of loved ones and close friends. Many people can no longer afford to pay this tax and are forced to make tough decisions. Minister, will you commit to work with your Cabinet colleagues to put a system in place to rebate the provincial tax on funeral services to the families?
MR. MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, the honourable member would know, as all members of the House know, that the arrangement under which this province is operating with respect to the harmonized sales tax, which was in effect when we became government, is one which is a combination of the GST and the provincial sales tax as such. The arrangement that we have is one which puts us in a situation whereby a complete revamp of the whole HST arrangement would be required but, again, as I indicated in answer to the first two questions, the suggestion of the honourable member will be brought to the attention of the Minister of Finance.
[9:45 a.m.]
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.
COM. SERV.: MEDICAL PROCEDURES - COVERAGE
MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, my question will be through you to the Minister of Community Services. Amy Richardson is a 16-year-old who has been diagnosed as requiring surgery and corrective treatment for a severe misalignment in her jaw. Amy suffers from constant headaches and has often had to stop eating because of the excruciating pain in her jaws. Amy's mother, Lisa, relies on income assistance and has been fighting to get Amy's treatment covered for three years and Community Services has flatly refused to pay for this medically necessary procedure.
My question to the minister is this, why, despite the solid documentation and evidence of medical need, does her department continue to refuse medically necessary treatment for Amy Richardson.
HON. JUDY STREATCH: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I thank my honourable colleague, the Leader of the Opposition, for the opportunity to rise today. Of course while I can't speak to the specifics of any case, I do encourage my honourable college to perhaps bring the specifics of any case that he or any opposite member may have to my attention outside of the Chamber. We often find that we are able to deal with things on a one-on-one basis and get the assistance that folks need.
Now, Mr. Speaker, having said that, of course the Department of Community Services has a very committed, dedicated group of staff who work diligently to ensure that all of the needs of our clientele are met. Indeed, we have a $20 million budget for special
needs on the off chance that a need isn't found within the general parameters of the personal allowance or the shelter allowance.
MR. DEXTER: Well again, Mr. Speaker, all of the information with respect to this case is in the possession of the department; they're well aware of this. The problem is that Amy Richardson's case is not extraordinary - it is, in fact, part of the failure of the department to provide the services that people need.
Amy Richardson's orthodontist has indicated that, in fact, her jaw, because of the problems she has, may eventually wear out and break. So, Mr. Speaker, the department is refusing to provide assistance despite the fact that a young person in need is experiencing pain that is getting worse.
My question to the Minister of Community Services is this, why does her department think that her staff knows better than the professionals recommending immediate treatment?
MS. STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, again to my honourable colleague across the way, the dedicated staff of the Department of Community Services - the caseworkers, the frontline workers, the social workers - work diligently with many professionals across this province to ensure that the best possible care for all of our clientele is being delivered, is offered. If there is a specific case that needs to be addressed, then we're always more than happy to look at those specific cases.
Again, I have stood in my place numerous times and I will continue to do so and praise the fine work of the social workers, the caseworkers, the frontline workers at the Department of Community Services.
MR. DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, I'm going to table a letter from Amy's orthodontist. In response to the minister, that's the problem - that's all she does is stand up and spout platitudes, instead of taking the leadership position in her department. (Applause) Many patients who wait too long are beyond help and Amy already had to wait three years longer than she should have. So my question to the Minister of Community Services is this, why won't her department do the right thing and help this 16-year old get the treatment she needs to stop the pain and prevent further damage to her health?
MS. STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, again to my honourable colleague, I am always more than pleased to discuss the specifics of any case outside of the Chamber and bring it to the attention of the proper individuals within the department. I do not believe it is inappropriate for me to stand and commit to the individuals in this room or to the individuals across the province, the phenomenal work that goes on at the Department of Community Services and I stand by the hard work that the staff does.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Needham.
ENVIRON. & LBR .: WORKPLACE VIOLENCE- ADDRESS
MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, my question through you is to the Minister of Environment and Labour. Violence in the workplace is something that unfortunately affects virtually all sectors in our labour market. A recent poll of 400 unionized workers conducted by Vector Research shows the type and the frequency of violence against public sector workers is on the rise. Half the men and half the women polled had been victims of violence at work.
So, Mr. Speaker, after inexcusably waiting for 12 long years, we finally saw regulations come forward yesterday, but those regulations will not come into effect for between six and 12 months, at a minimum. So I want to ask the minister, after making workers wait so long for workplace violence protection, what excuse can there possibly be for delaying their effect for what in all likelihood will be another year?
HON. MARK PARENT: Thank you very much for the question. I am pleased to report that the regulations are in place. I have a copy here, which I'll table if anyone wants to read them. The rationale for phasing these regulations in is a very good rationale. What we're interested in is education and compliance. This is a full-orbited response to violence in the workplace. So what we are trying to do is combine regulations with education, with training, and to have compliance. We have found in our department that as we give time for companies to respond and to grow in, that we get compliance and we don't just have regulations that sit on a shelf and get dusty.
MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, that's not a very good explanation. I think the minister is the one who needs to be educated here, and not the workforce. Despite this minister's response, there are a group of workers out there who have no cause to celebrate today. Unfortunately these regulations, like so many regulations made by this government - remember the Sunday shopping regulations - are also flawed. Instead of getting what should be basic workplace violence protections, workers in group homes, workers in child care facilities, workers outside of retail services and municipal service workers are left with what they had before - nothing at all. (Interruption)
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. One question at a time across the floor.
The honourable member for Halifax Needham has the floor.
MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, my question for the minister is this, why are you treating these groups of workers like second-class citizens and denying them the same protection from workplace violence as other workers?
MR. PARENT: Mr. Speaker, as the honourable member knows, within the occupational health and safety legislation that, already, employers have a duty to protect. So all employers have that. What we have done is for those occupations that are at high risk of
violence in the workplace, that they get special attention because that's where the problem is the greatest. The honourable member opposite, the one who asked the question and the other one who was asking a question off record, should know this - that if they read the International Labour Organization, it targets the same group that we targeted for protection.
MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Well, I think that they may target, but I'm very doubtful that they would say that workers who aren't in high-risk categories don't deserve the same protections in their workplaces as everybody else. (Applause)
Mr. Speaker, you would think that if this government was going to wait 12 years to do something, the least that they could do would be to get it right when they finally followed through. There is no specific mention in these regulations, for example, of bullying, of intimidation, and other forms of psychological harassment. So my final question for the minister is, what excuse do you have today for taking 12 years to do regulations and still not getting them right?
MR. PARENT: Mr. Speaker, I cannot let my opponent's ignorance, however vast, prejudice my own knowledge, however small. These are good regulations and are warmly received by industry.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Kings West.
MR. LEO GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Community Services. In November of 2000, child care professionals from around this province marched on the Legislature demanding better wages for both trained and untrained child care workers. At that time, the Federal Liberals recognized the hard work done by these professionals and created a stabilization grant program whereby each untrained child care worker received $1,000 a year and the trained child care worker received $4,000 per year over and above their regular salaries. The minister committed to extending the payment of these grants from the province to child care professionals until March, 2008.
When asked whether this grant program would continue beyond that date, the minister has avoided the question - I hope I don't get the same reaction today. My question to the minister is, will stabilization grants continue to be paid in the same manner they are now beyond March, 2008?
HON. JUDY STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, I thank my honourable colleague for the opportunity to discuss the 10 year child care plan this government brought in. Often times, I get criticized for speaking too long on my answers. So, I'm going to be short this time. I'm going to tell my honourable colleague that last week when the federal budget passed in Ottawa, it included the extension of those stabilization grants to 2014.
MR. GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, the child care workers of this province are among the best trained in the country, yet after four years of university education, up to 10 years of experience, some of our child care workers are only receiving $23,000 in salary. Stabilization grants have meant an additional $200 a month after tax in the hands of our trained child care workers. These professionals have come to rely on that money to survive. It is time we stopped paying lip service to the hard work and dedication of these child care professionals and show them our real appreciation where it counts - in the pocketbook.
My question to the minister is, $4,000 doesn't buy what it used to, will the minister commit to adjusting the amounts paid under the stabilization grants to account for inflation and standard of living?
MS. STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, again to my honourable colleague, the opportunity to discuss the operating grants which are the components that we brought in last month - a $54 million commitment by this government. Included in that $54 million commitment, part of the operating grant commitment is that 75 per cent of those dollars must go to salaries or benefits for the child care workers.
MR. GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, the minister indicated that yes, the federal government has committed to extending the stabilization grant funds to the Province of Nova Scotia until 2014. However, when asked whether that money would flow through to the hands of the child care workers, the minister was non-committal. It would not be the first time this department has received federal money intended for a child care program - rather than spending it where it desperately needed- it has been hoarded away for a rainy day. We don't want the stabilization money to see the same fate as the $35 million of early learning and child care money that is sitting idle in the government's coffers. So my final question to the minister is, will the minister commit and how much to the workers trained and untrained?
MS. STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, as I stated before in this House, laying the foundation for the child care sector is key. It's for that reason we've taken our time, we're getting it right, we've engaged the stakeholders, we've consulted across this province. We are now taking action. The dollars are being put on the table, they are being spread across the sector, they're being welcomed by the sector. As we have already done with the layout and the consultation, we will continue to roll those dollars out in the different avenues where they need to go. Absolutely. The dollars will flow through to the workers because the quality child care in Nova Scotia absolutely depends on the quality of the child care sector and the quality of the child care workers.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cape Breton Nova.
COM. SERV.: COMMUNITY-BASED VOC. PROGRAMS - REVIEW
MR. GORDON GOSSE: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Community Services. Community-based vocational programs for people with disabilities are struggling
with operating costs that have been frozen since 1994. Understaffing, long waiting lists and aging facilities and equipment. In 2002 a renewal project was announced and encompassed all programs for disabled Nova Scotians. Meanwhile, the process is used as an excuse to defer requests for support. My question to the minister is, how much longer will her department delay helping these programs to continue to operate?
[10:00 a.m.]
HON. JUDY STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, my colleague brings to the floor a very important topic. There's no question that the residential review, the review of the service provider funding has gone on. It's now time to take those reviews and take some action on them, and that's absolutely a commitment of the department. Along with that though, is the importance of those programs that we put in place at the ground level, at the community level, in order to allow for the services for persons with disabilities, to broaden their community base. We saw the tremendous success of the pilot program in Cape Breton. We have expanded that to the northern region immediately, and it will go all across the province, by the end of the year, along with the other two programs that we put in place at the community level.
MR. GOSSE: Mr. Speaker, in 2004, a need for a separate vocational review was identified by the Department of Community Services, but a team wasn't established until 2005 and 2006. Now in the Fall of 2006, a discussion paper was put on hold, until the department attempts to address gaps identified in the review. However, the stakeholders have never been told what those gaps are, what the next steps will be, or what the timeline is. So my question to the Minister of Community Services is, why aren't the timelines more open and transparent?
MS. STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, again to my honourable colleague, it's extremely important that we all recognize that there absolutely are gaps in the services that we provide. We recognize that. It's for that reason I've been working with my colleague, the Minister of Education - to ensure that we take what we've learned from our residential review and service provider funding review, we work together to ensure that the services and the programs that we need to have on the ground for our clientele, for Nova Scotians, are there, in a timely and accessible manner.
MR. GOSSE: Mr. Speaker, I remind the minister again that operating costs have been frozen since 1994. The most vulnerable in our society - programs for disabled adults are struggling with an average of 64 per cent increase in the cost of heat, lights, insurance and other costs, over that time period. So my question to the minister is, how much longer will her department use this stalled review as an excuse to delay increasing funding for these programs, and address long waiting lists?
MS. STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, again, as soon as we can get the budget process out of the way and get that put to rest, we can move forward with implementing some of the very
exciting programs that we have in the department to roll out, on the community level, as well as with our stakeholders across the province, our service providers. It will be my pleasure to roll those out as soon as we possibly can.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Atlantic.
COM. SERV.: YOUTH BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS - TREATMENT
MS. MICHELE RAYMOND: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Community Services. I was contacted earlier this week by the mother of a 15-year-old girl who was diagnosed at six years old with both ADHD and other nonverbal learning disabilities. Now she's experiencing very serious behavioural problems. She is taking, in combination, drugs such as cocaine and ecstacy, drinking, destroying property and harming herself repeatedly. Right now, she's in a government treatment facility where she is assaulting staff, has publicly urinated in front of other clients, has harmed herself, and some nights she hasn't even returned to the facility at all. My question is, what is the government doing to proactively treat the rising levels of serious behavioural problems in youth, before they end up in even more serious trouble after crossing the 16-year-old barrier?
HON. JUDY STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, my honourable colleague brings to the floor a very important issue. We know that there are challenges out there. As society evolves, unfortunately, some of that evolution isn't necessarily what we want to see in society. We know through the Nunn Commission and the report that Merlin Nunn did, we are able to take the lessons that we have learned, some of those hard lessons, and move forward with the implementation of all of the recommendations of Justice Nunn. Even more importantly than just moving forward with recommendations, it's actually breaking down the silos that exist within our departments to ensure that we have the free flow of information to ensure the services and programs are accessible and deliverable for families across the province like the one my honourable colleague referenced earlier.
MS. RAYMOND: Mr. Speaker, I would certainly agree that society is moving faster than this government and we are tired of asking whether youth like this are in fact the responsibility of the Department of Community Services or the Department of Health. On March 21st in this House, the minister spoke about the strategy to bring together all of the resources we have in the province. My question is, on what date will this strategy become reality and in effect, so that youth like this girl are no longer falling between the cracks, between the silos, and can begin receiving the mental health services they need as soon as they're actually seen to need them?
MS. STREATCH: Again, my honourable colleague references the important work that is ongoing at the Department of Community Services as the lead department because as everyone in this House knows it is not a single department's responsibility, it's a collective. We are pleased to take that lead - we are actively engaged in an inter-departmental committee. At the deputy minister level, we are actively seeking the director who will take
the lead with this youth strategy. Specifically to my honourable colleague's question, Justice Nunn provided a framework in which to work. We immediately responded that we would report to Nova Scotians June of this year, within a six month period the strategy and the move forward.
MS. RAYMOND: Mr. Speaker, I'm glad to know the strategy will be reported in June and I hope that the strategy will in fact tell us when the move forward takes place because girls like this, children like this, are on the cusp of adulthood and need treatment. However, a more practical question - the girl's mother has been told that her daughter requires care in a secure treatment facility but, there is no such long-term secure treatment facility in this province. My question is when- if- Nova Scotia will have a secure treatment facility that can provide treatment to youth who need more than 30 days worth?
MS. STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, thank you very much to my honourable colleague. Again, the move forward for the response to Nunn as we committed in June to provide that report, but I don't want anyone to misunderstand that we aren't working aggressively as we move forward to presenting that report so I wanted that on the record. We do have a continuum of services and programs available for youth who find themselves in need of our assistance in this ever evolving society of ours. We do have day programs and we do have a secure treatment facility in Truro, a very successful treatment centre. I visited that treatment centre myself, it's very up-to-date and modern, they do incredible work there. We work closely with the Department of Justice to ensure that the individuals that we're working with there get the best treatment they possibly can. We will continue to provide that continuum of services for the youth of this province.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Liberal Party.
PREM. - TRENTON WORKS: BUYER-SEARCH
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, Trenton Works is a cornerstone of Trenton's economy, 330 jobs have been lost in the most recent closure and over 850 jobs were lost two years ago. These employees and their families need help now. There might still be time to find another buyer for the plant to get these 330 workers and the other 850 previously laid off workers back on the job. My question to the Premier is are you actively working to try to find a buyer for the Trenton Works Plant?
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, as I indicated yesterday the government is more than willing to work and we have already displayed that in the offer that we had put forward, $14.5 million, to try and save Trenton Works. We have officials meeting as we speak, I believe the meeting was at 9 o'clock this morning from NSBI and OED meeting with officials from the company to discuss the present situation and to see of what way the government can be of assistance.
MR. SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, it appears that Greenbrier, the parent company, has already rejected the province's offer. Therefore the question was, is the government looking at anybody else who might be willing to take over the outside of Greenbrier, and apparently that isn't the case. Now is the crucial time, after the closure of a plant, to either immediately find another buyer or put in place transitional supports so that we can get the workers back into the workforce so they can help financially support their families.
Mr. Speaker, as we heard on CBC Radio this morning, some of these workers have been at TrentonWorks for over 25 years and fear where they will be able to find other employment or retraining. Greenbrier has stated that they will spend roughly $10 million to dissolve the plant, but we know that the province had previously guaranteed a loan for $8.8 million back in 2002. Any money received back to the province could be used to help these employees get back into the workforce. Therefore, my question to the Premier is, do you know exactly how much the province will get back for the loan they guaranteed and will you immediately help these employees with traditional programs to get back to work?
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, I will refer that to the acting minister to provide an update with regard to that loan.
HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, in a couple of questions from the Leader of the Third Party. First, one of the things that has been offered and will take place is that the Department of Education will work with the employees there by setting up a sort of training centre for employees to find out and to help them, if they have to go in new directions, to go in new directions. That, by the way, is sort of the same approach that was taken to the recent closure in the Valley.
MR. SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I just remind the honourable minister that it wasn't too many years ago that he sat in the Third Party, and with that kind of attitude he might end up back here sooner than he expected. (Interruption)
Mr. Speaker, the Premier knows that 330 jobs have been lost at Trenton Works, 350 jobs were lost at Maple Leaf Foods, over 200 jobs were lost at Shaw Wood and over hundreds of jobs were lost recently at the EDS call centre in Port Hawkesbury. All of these companies needed help, they need assistance and they need leadership from the Office of the Premier. While we continue to grow our urban areas, your government is allowing our rural economies to wither away. Your rural economic strategy is failing and you are doing nothing to curb the depopulation in our rural communities. My final supplementary to the Premier is, how many more plants have to close before you take notice of your government's failure to develop the economies of rural Nova Scotia?
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, the Interim Leader of the Liberal Party is absolutely wrong. The fact of the matter is, we are more than willing to sit down with TrentonWorks. This government is working on a daily basis, and our officials are working on a daily basis
to see the economy of this province grow, and we will not stop until we provide opportunities for young Nova Scotians not only this year, but in the years to come. I can assure you of that.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Opposition.
MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, my question will be through you to the Minister of Justice. We continue to hear reports in the media of mental health consumers having trouble accessing the services they require to deal with their illnesses. Some are even being brought before the courts instead of being given alternatives and access to the treatment they require. We have been raising with successive Ministers' of Justice the need for alternatives, like mental health courts, for over three years now. When I last asked the minister about the establishment of a mental health court, in November, he said, ". . . our department is presently in the process of looking at other jurisdictions' mental health courts, how it was implemented and how successful they have been." My question to the minister is this, when will your government finally move to implement a mental health court?
HON. MURRAY SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Leader of the Opposition for that very good question. Yes, I did say that in November. I can tell you that the department, and myself, have put a lot of effort in the last number of months to not only look at other jurisdictions but as to what we can do here in Nova Scotia that will address that very serious issue that we have heard about a lot lately, particularly in the last six months to a year. I can tell the honourable Leader as well, with a new deputy minister in the department that one of my priorities is to address that very issue he has talked about. I can tell you that we are aggressively pursuing that issue with the judiciary and other members of, for example, the Bar Society, to see what we can do to address that very serious issue.
[10:15 a.m.]
MR. DEXTER: Well, Mr. Speaker, clearly the government has an obligation to provide necessary treatment services for mental health consumers, so that they never reach the courts in the first place - that's a given - but there are and will continue to be, situations where individuals end up before the courts.
My question for the minister is, after two years of inaction, six more months of study, why has the government not already moved forward with a mental health court?
MR. SCOTT: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and again thank you to the Leader of the Party. I think the fact that the honourable leader has in fact answered his own question. If it was a very simple solution, we would have implemented that some time ago and it is not simple. One thing I want to see is how we can address the issue of those who are arriving in court when possibly they should not be there in the first place, so that's part of the discussion
we're having and that'll be part of the solution. We'll look at other opportunities for those individuals who probably should not be arriving at criminal court to begin with.
MR. DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, I've met with those involved with the mental health court in Newfoundland. My office has been in contact with those involved with mental health courts in Ontario and New Brunswick. I am sure the minister knows that the reports from these courts have been universally positive and they believe that this model has a lot to recommend itself.
In addition, Mr. Speaker, it is also supported by organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association. So my last question to the minister is this, how much longer will you make mental health consumers wait to get the kind of services they need through the justice system?
MR. SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, again thank you to the Leader of the Official Opposition. Only as long as it takes to make sure that we get it right in this province. You're right, there are other examples in this country that have been successful. It requires all those stakeholders in this province to buy into what we were attempting to do. I can reassure this House that we are putting a lot of effort to ensuring that this issue is dealt with - in as quick a manner as possible- and that it is being pursued at this time. Thank you.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Glace Bay.
HEALTH: HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY - WAIT TIMES
MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health. In December of 2005, Health Ministers from across the country met on patient wait time guarantees and came up with wait time bench marks. At that meeting, the ministers agreed that wait times for hip replacement surgeries would be decreased to 26 weeks and the ministers further agreed that all provinces would have detailed action plans on how they were going to achieve those goals by the end of 2007.
My question for the minister is, does his department have a detailed action plan to reduce wait times to 26 weeks, as they agreed, and when will his department reach that goal?
HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. We've had a Wait Time Committee that has been coming up with some recommendations. That committee has tabled their report, that report is now available on the Internet, on our web site. We are now enacting those recommendations.
As you know, we've already committed to a wait time guarantee in the realm of radiation therapy. We'll be providing quicker access to that, by increasing our equipment, by increasing the radiation equipment and, of course, working with more individuals in order
to do that. So, Mr. Speaker, we are well on our way. Pretty much every investment that we make in health care today is at improving access for all Nova Scotians.
MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, currently some patients in this province are waiting 18 months or longer for hip replacement surgery and the entire time they wait, they are in excruciating pain - the only relief comes from medication. Also, 20 per cent of patients who are waiting for hip replacement surgery in Cape Breton are waiting longer than 18 months.
Mr. Speaker, only Saskatchewan has a longer wait list than we do; only Saskatchewan and Ontario have wait lists longer than nine months. Alberta is performing hip replacement surgeries within three months of a referral from a specialist.
My question for the minister, Mr. Speaker, is why are Nova Scotians forced to wait an unacceptably long time, in constant pain, for hip replacement surgery in this province?
MR. D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, we all know that the wait time is far too long in orthopaedic surgery. We will continue to increase the capacity of our system in order to see these patients more quickly, but also, we have a higher rate of that replacement in the province where more and more people are being referred for surgery. We have included a number of initiatives and some dollars in trying to combat the wait lists and trying to bring that issue down, but the rate keeps going up. So we're just barely trying to keep it at an even pace. We do need to continue to invest and, as I said, all investments in health care do aim at increasing access for Nova Scotians.
MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, we know that the province has joined with their federal buddies and announced a new pilot project regarding wait times for orthopedic surgeries and develop a centralized wait list across the province. Currently there are four DHAs that offer hip replacement surgery and the wait times for each are not that different, but the one thing that they all have in common is that the wait lists are all much too long. A single point of entry wait list will not address the root causes of the long wait lists. The issue is with the number of orthopedic surgeons in this province and the amount of time they get in the operating room. So my final question for the minister is, when will the minister address the real issues behind joint replacement wait times - the lack of orthopedic surgeons?
MR. D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, actually it is really not the number of orthopedic surgeons we have in this province, but it is the supports in order to operate the OR, which is an anesthesiologist and other professionals that we need. We will continue to work with those DHAs to make sure that we have full complements of specialists in those hospitals.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect.
EDUC.: TUITION SUPPORT PROGRAM - EXTENSION
MR. WILLIAM ESTABROOKS: Mr. Speaker, my question today is for the Minister of Education. Around this time last year - which of course was election time if you remember - the government promised to extend the tuition support program for students with individualized program plans but for just one more year, just one more year of help. The intention of this program is to provide alternate options for those requiring an education outside the public school system.
Mr. Speaker, many of the students funded by this program received the third year of funding and they're now being told time's up, back to the public school system. So my question for the minister is, how can you say that a child who needed tuition support in the last school year won't need it this school year?
HON. KAREN CASEY: Mr. Speaker, to the member opposite, his information is accurate. The intent of the tuition support program was to provide students a pull-out opportunity to address the specific needs they had that at that point in time were not being met in the public school system. We recognized that for some students that was going to take more than the two years and as a result of that we did extend that to the third year. That third year was designed to be a transition year because the intent of the program has always been that those students would be able to be integrated back into the public school system. Parents of those students were aware of the length of time and the extension for that third year, and we will be working with those parents as we continue to transition students back.
MR. ESTABROOKS: Mr. Speaker, the situation for these students is very stressful for them and their parents because, in most cases, parents will have no other choice but to remove their children from these beneficial programs located across the province. These children who have been failed by chronic underfunding in the public school system are now going to be forced back into that very system that needs help from this Minister of Education. So my second question to the minister is, why won't she guarantee that this program will be available to students for as long as they need it in their school history?
MS. CASEY: Mr. Speaker, to the member opposite and to all members of the House, I have indicated that we are currently doing a review of all the programs that we have in the province to provide special supports to special needs students. That review commenced in February. The report is to be delivered to me in May and out of that report there will be recommendations. Once I see those recommendations, I will be better prepared to give direction as to where we go in the future. One of the programs that will be assessed during that evaluation will be the tuition support program.
MR. ESTABROOKS: Mr. Speaker, I'm waiting for all these announcements, including the minister's report to parents, the teachers teaching out of their specialty areas. It's going to be a busy Spring for the minister and myself.
Not only do Nova Scotia students suffer the indignity of having one of the lowest amounts in Canada spent on their education, now they are being told they are not important - that this need for special needs students is not important enough. It seems what is important and what the priority is, is how much money can the Department of Education save. These students and their parents just want the opportunity to get the best possible start in life for their children. My final question to the minister is, why are students who have not met with success in the traditional school system being put back into that very same system where they will meet unfortunate failure again?
MS. CASEY: Mr. Speaker, to the member opposite, he is correct again. It will be a busy Spring and I look forward to working through these issues with the member opposite.
With respect to students who will be transitioning back, we recognize through the work that is done in our schools and through the work that comes out of the assessments in the special schools where these students have been placed, we will be more familiar with, and perhaps have better strategies, so that when those students come back into our schools, we can develop individualized programs that may be more specific to their needs.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cape Breton Nova.
PSC: WHISTLE-BLOWER PROTECTION - REGULATIONS INTRODUCE
MR. GORDON GOSSE: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Acting Minister of the Public Service Commission. In a survey a few years ago, over 25 per cent of Nova Scotia Government employees reported they had witnessed wrongdoing on the job. Where there are nearly 9,500 civil servants working for this government, that's a troubling number of alleged incidents of wrongdoing. Despite these survey results and repeated calls to bring forward legislated, iron-clad whistle-blower protections, this government chose Cabinet-approved regulations instead. It's little wonder that the most recent annual report shows that not one individual came forward to report an incident of wrongdoing. I ask the acting minister, when will you see that your regulations aren't working and bring forward the necessary regulations?
HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, the regulations, I believe, are working. One thing about the Civil Service in Nova Scotia is that it is a pretty comfortable relationship between employees and managers. I know that, for example, in the department that I had, there are surveys that go out to employees and they are asked honestly to talk about the strengths and the weaknesses of the relationships and also the operations of the department.
MR. GOSSE: Mr. Speaker, even sources within the government structure recognize that the current regulations are, in fact, deterring people from reporting wrongdoing. Last year, the Ombudsman told this minister's department that they have received expressed concerns that the regulations made employees fear disciplinary action if they reported something that was not an immediate threat to life or limb. Instead of making the needed
changes, however, this government has maintained the regulations with the result that not one single person came forward last year. So, again, I ask the acting minister, why did your department, why did you refuse to listen to the Ombudsman's advice to make it easier to report wrongdoing?
MR. MUIR: Like all departments, Mr. Speaker, the Public Service Commission does take very seriously comments and suggestions of the Ombudsman. These concerns were reflected on in the department. It was the determination that the current regulations were working satisfactorily.
MR. GOSSE: I see they are working fine - not one report. On Monday, Manitoba proclaimed its whistle-blowing legislation into force. It's the strongest such protection in this country. Last year, the Ombudsman's office hired a staff person to deal with these issues. They have established a toll-free phone line. Unfortunately, with no reports of wrongdoing last year, the government didn't leave a lot for that staff person to do.
My question for the minister is, when will the government admit that their regulations have been a failure and scrap this system in favour of real legislated protections?
[10:30 a.m.]
MR. MUIR: Mr. Speaker, the honourable member will remember, as indeed will most members of the House, that we did have a couple of very well publicized instances of wrongdoing in the Public Service here in the province, including one in Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. As a result of those incidents, all departments reviewed processes and procedures. Regulations were tightened up, staff training took place, and I'd like to think that those steps taken by the government meant that there is far less wrongdoing going on in the Civil Service than before and I do believe that the regulations that are in place are working.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Kings West.
EDUC.: TUITION - FREEZE
MR. LEO GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Education. Nova Scotia students pay the highest tuition fees in the country. During the 2006-07 academic year alone, students paid approximately $6,571 in tuition fees, $2,224 more than the national average. The minister and this government have promised to reduce tuition fees in this province to the national average by 2010-11. This would require yearly reductions in tuition fees which the government does not plan on doing this year.
My question to the minister, how can the minister fulfill this government's promise to bring tuition down to the national average by freezing tuition for a year?
HON. KAREN CASEY: Mr. Speaker, thank you to the member opposite for the question. The commitment of this government was to move the tuition to the national average by 2010. That is still our goal and our first major step, of course, was in January when we provided a bursary for students. Our second major step is in the budget that we have before us now, which is to freeze tuition and the third step is to provide an additional bursary on top of the freezing. With that strategy and with that aggressive approach, we will have reached the goal by 2010.
MR. GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, Bill C-48, which was a federal grant, provided only Nova Scotia students with a $440 tuition reduction. It is important to remember that this reduction occurred because of federal funding, not provincial funding. This government has yet to disclose how it plans on reducing tuition fees to the national average if federal funding is no longer provided. This is quite possible, considering that Nova Scotia was forced to opt out of a Liberal Atlantic Accord agreement and opt into a Conservative marginalization program.
My question to the minister is, will the minister tell students across the province how it will reduce tuition fees to the national average, if the province no longer receives federal dollars?
MS. CASEY: Mr. Speaker, to the member opposite, each year as the budget is prepared, I believe that this government has made a commitment and will recognize that freezing tuition is a priority for this government and it will be during budget deliberations as we approach our next budget year.
MR. GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, students in Nova Scotia have witnessed first-hand an increase in tuition by more than 35 per cent since 2001-02. Despite the minister's claim at the student rally in February, it really is the result of this government's neglect and under-funding. This government cannot continuously rely on the federal government to fulfil campaign promises.
My question to the minister, will this government pick up the slack, continue to match or exceed the funding for tuition reduction after federal monies run out?
MS. CASEY: Mr. Speaker, to members of the House, I believe that the steps we have taken were well received by the students in this province, in fact they mark that as historic the fact that we were freezing those tuition. (Applause) As you know, we have a memorandum of understanding. We are into the third year of that memorandum of understanding and are currently looking at the conditions within the next one. We will work closely with the university presidents, we have student representation on our MOU council and we will be considering and working diligently to make sure that we can maintain that freeze on tuition.
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The time allotted for the Oral Question Period has expired.
As well, as members know, there are no electronic devices allowed in the Chamber during Question Period. On three occasions now, the member for Kings North has seen fit to use an electronic device. Sergeant-at-Arms, you will note that the member is prohibited for the rest of this sitting to use an electronic device for the duration of this, regardless of what business of the House is on the books. (Applause)
The honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect on an introduction.
MR. WILLIAM ESTABROOKS: Mr. Speaker, that should be also extended to chewing gum in the House, but that's another topic.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to, if I could, direct your attention to the Speaker's Gallery. We have a visitor here today. He's here in mourning, there will be a meeting of the Boston Bruins fan club. I welcome him here for that reason; and that reason only, I introduce the councillor for Preston, Mr. David Hendsbee. Hello, David. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: Indeed, welcome.
The honourable Leader of the Liberal Party.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct the members' attention to the west gallery. As you know, all of our political Parties are blessed with many men and women throughout Nova Scotia who give freely of their time toward the administration of our political Parties and making sure that many of the matters we don't specifically deal with as elected members are dealt with. These people give of their time, leave their profession many hours - that might be billable in some cases - and instead donate them to political Parties here in this province. Today we have with us a gentleman who is not only a friend to our Party but as well a good friend and former law partner of the Minister of Finance. I would ask the members of the House today to give a warm welcome to the President of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party, Mr. Derek Wells. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Liberal Party.
MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, with the consent of the House, I would ask that we revert to the order of business, Introduction of Bills.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request to revert to the order of business, Introduction of Bills.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
[INTRODUCTION OF BILLS]
Bill No. 184 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 1 of the Acts of 1994-95. The Environment Act. (Mr. Keith Colwell)
MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that this bill be read a second time on a future day.
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS
GOVERNMENT MOTIONS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.
MR. PATRICK DUNN: Mr. Speaker, I move that you do now leave the Chair and the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole House on Supply unto Her Majesty.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is carried.
[10:38 a.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Supply with Deputy Speaker Mr. Wayne Gaudet in the Chair.]
[2:49 p.m. CWH on Supply rose and the House reconvened with Deputy Speaker Mr. Wayne Gaudet in the Chair.]
MR. SPEAKER: The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House on Supply reports:
THE CLERK: That the committee has met and made some progress in considering Supply and asks leave to sit again.
MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.
MR. PATRICK DUNN: Mr. Speaker, that concludes the government's business for today. I move that the House be adjourned to sit again on Tuesday beginning at 2:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Following the daily routine will be Oral Question Period and Committee of the Whole House on Supply. If time permits, it will be a pleasure to have Public Bills for Second Reading.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for the House to rise and meet again at the hour of 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The House will sit on Tuesday between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
The House stands adjourned.
[The House rose at 2:51 p.m.]
By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont (Health)
Je vous indique, par la présente intervention, que je soumettrai prochainement à l'assemblée de la résolution suivante:
Attendu que le Semaine de l'action bénévole sera célébrée cette année du 15 au 21 avril; et
Attendu que le 33e rassemblement provincial des bénévoles se déroulera à l'hôtel Westin le 10 avril et sera l'occasion d'honorer plus de 65 personnes; et
Attendu que Leslie Muise de Hubbard's Point, qui oeuvre pour la Légion royale du Canada, les Chevaliers de Colomb et le conseil paroissial de Sainte-Anne-du-Ruisseau et qui a passé d'innombrables heures à faire du porte-à-porte pour diverses associations, a été choisi pour représenter la municipalité d'Argyle;
Il es donc résulu que tous les membres de cette assemblée se joignent à moi pour féliciter Leslie Muise et tous nos bénévoles partout dans la province, qui passent d'innombrables heures à rendre service à nos communautés.
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas National Volunteer Week will be held this year between April 15th and April 21st; and
Whereas the 33rd provincial volunteer event will be held at the Westin Hotel on April 10th honouring more than 65 people during the ceremony; and
Whereas Leslie Muise of Hubbard's Point, who has been active in the Royal Canadian legion, the Knights of Columbus, the Ste. Anne du Ruisseau parish council, and has spent countless hours canvassing for various associations, has been chosen to represent the Municipality of Argyle;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in congratulating Leslie Muise and all of our volunteers throughout the province who spend countless hours dedicated in their service to our communities.
By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont (Health)
Je vous indique, par la présente intervention, que je soumettrai prochainement à l'assemblée de la résolution suivante:
Attendu que l'équipe des Yarmouth Motor Mart Mariners joue au hockey à Yarmouth depuis 5 ans; et
Attendu que M. Roland Bourque, M. Armand Bourque et M. Austin Doucette sont de grands supporters des Mariners et ont assisté à quasiment toutes les parties de l'équipe à domicile, si ce n'est toutes les parties; et
Attendu que Roland, Armand et Austin son désormais connus sous le nom de Sou'Wester Boys en raison des chapeaux hauts en couleurs qu'ils portent depuis que l'équipe a commencé à jouer;
Il est donc résolu que tous les membres de cette assemblée se joignent à moi pour remercier M. Roland Bourque, M. Armand Bourque et M. Ausin Doucette de leur enthousiasme communicatif pour le hockey et pour les encourager à montrer ainsi combien ils aiment ce sport.
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Yarmouth Motor Mart Mariners have been playing hockey in Yarmouth for the past five years; and
Whereas Mr. Roland Bourque, Mr. Armand Bourque and Mr. Austin Doucette are ardent fans of the Mariners, having attended most, if not all, of the team's home games; and
Whereas Roland, Armand and Austin have become known as the Sou'Wester Boys because of the colourful headgear they have worn since the team started playing;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in thanking Mr. Roland Bourque, Mr. Armand Bourque and Mr. Austin Doucette for sharing their enthusiasm for the sport of hockey and in encouraging them to continue to show their love for the sport.
RESOLUTION NO. 2550
By (The Premier)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Stella Maris Church in Inverness recently celebrated its 100th Anniversary; and
Whereas Father Duncan MacIsaac officiated over this special celebration; and
Whereas this parish ministers to some 200 families in the community;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the congregation of Stella Maris in Inverness on this important milestone.
RESOLUTION NO. 2551
By Hon. Mark Parent (Environment and Labour)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the province's solid waste reduction strategy benefits from the support of seven partner regions in the province; and
Whereas Valley Waste Resources, one of the municipal partners, has developed a Lunch and Learn program to encourage waste reduction; and
Whereas this program helps promote good waste management practices to businesses, institutions and community groups;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join the people of Nova Scotia in commending Valley Waste Resource Management on their creative approach to good waste reduction education.
RESOLUTION NO. 2552
By Mr. Patrick Dunn (Pictou Centre)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Brandon Gero is a Grade 12 student at North Nova Education Centre in New Glasgow; and
Whereas Brandon is the co-president of the NNEC Student Council; and
Whereas last year, he was the public relations representative at North Nova Education Centre and continues to participate in the school choir, committees, church and community groups;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Brandon Gero for being a model student and wish him well as he pursues a career in journalism at St. Thomas University in Fredericton.
RESOLUTION NO. 2553
By: Mr. Patrick Dunn (Pictou Centre)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Town of Stellarton has selected Jackie Morrisey as its Volunteer of the Year; and
Whereas Ms. Morrisey's extremely busy schedule includes being the coordinator of a breakfast program at the G.R. Saunders Elementary School, assisting with most school events, programs and is involved in community events such as the Valley Woods Park New Year's Eve celebrations; and
Whereas she is also a dedicated volunteer with Pictou County Minor League Hockey;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Jackie Morrisey for her contribution to her community and providing an excellent example of the thousands of volunteers who help all Nova Scotians.
RESOLUTION NO. 2554
By: Hon. James Muir (Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Mike Brown was named Outstanding Male Senior Athlete by the Truro Sport Heritage Society at its 23rd annual Sports Awards Dinner; and
Whereas the Outstanding Male Senior Athlete award is presented to an active athlete, 50 years or older, for outstanding sport achievement over the preceding year; and
Whereas Mike Brown, as a Masters swimmer in 2006, set provincial records in the 200 free, 50 back, 100 back, 200 back, 200 breast, 50 fly, 100 fly and the 100, 200, and 400 individual medley;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Mike Brown on receiving the Outstanding Male Senior Athlete Award from the Truro Sport Heritage Society at its 23rd annual Sports Awards Dinner and wish him continued enjoyment and success in Masters swimming.
RESOLUTION NO. 2555
By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Tourism, Culture and Heritage)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Anne Langley of Halifax represented Nova Scotia at the 2007 Canada Winter Games; and
Whereas Anne demonstrated excellence in her chosen sport of squash; and
Whereas Anne's skill and dedication to her sport has been recognized by her peers and her efforts applauded by the community of Bedford;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend their congratulations to Anne.
By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas honouring our veterans and current military personnel is important every day of every year; and
Whereas this year I asked students from across Chester-St. Margaret's to express their appreciation for these brave Canadians by participating in a contest that was sponsored by my office; and
Whereas Will Walker is one of 90 students showing his support to our veterans and military personnel;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and thank Will for supporting these very brave Canadians and wish him much success in the years to come.
By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas honouring our veterans and current military personnel is important every day of every year; and
Whereas this year I asked students from across Chester-St. Margaret's to express their appreciation for these brave Canadians by participating in a contest that was sponsored by my office; and
Whereas Amanda Himmelman is one of 90 students showing her support to our veterans and military personnel;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and thank Amanda for supporting these very brave Canadians and wish her much success in the years to come.
By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas honouring our veterans and current military personnel is important every day of every year; and
Whereas this year I asked students from across Chester-St. Margaret's to express their appreciation for these brave Canadians by participating in a contest that was sponsored by my office; and
Whereas Ashley M. Dorey is one of 90 students showing her support to our veterans and military personnel;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and thank Ashley for supporting these very brave Canadians and wish her much success in the years to come.
By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas honouring our veterans and current military personnel is important every day of every year; and
Whereas this year I asked students from across Chester-St. Margaret's to express their appreciation for these brave Canadians by participating in a contest that was sponsored by my office; and
Whereas Brittany Berniquez is one of 90 students showing her support to our veterans and military personnel;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and thank Brittany for supporting these very brave Canadians and wish her much success in the years to come.
By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas honouring our veterans and current military personnel is important every day of every year; and
Whereas this year I asked students from across Chester-St. Margaret's to express their appreciation for these brave Canadians by participating in a contest that was sponsored by my office; and
Whereas Bryce Russell is one of 90 students showing his support to our veterans and military personnel;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and thank Bryce for supporting these very brave Canadians and wish him much success in the years to come.
By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas honouring our veterans and current military personnel is important every day of every year; and
Whereas this year I asked students from across Chester-St. Margaret's to express their appreciation for these brave Canadians by participating in a contest that was sponsored by my office; and
Whereas Colby Boylan is one of 90 students showing his support to our veterans and military personnel;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and thank Colby for supporting these very brave Canadians and wish him much success in the years to come.
By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas honouring our veterans and current military personnel is important every day of every year; and
Whereas this year I asked students from across Chester-St. Margaret's to express their appreciation for these brave Canadians by participating in a contest that was sponsored by my office; and
Whereas Craig Lenihan is one of 90 students showing his support to our veterans and military personnel;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and thank Craig for supporting these very brave Canadians and wish him much success in the years to come.
By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas honouring our veterans and current military personnel is important every day of every year; and
Whereas this year I asked students from across Chester-St. Margaret's to express their appreciation for these brave Canadians by participating in a contest that was sponsored by my office; and
Whereas Dylan Bell is one of 90 students showing his support to our veterans and military personnel;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and thank Dylan for supporting these very brave Canadians and wish him much success in the years to come.
By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas honouring our veterans and current military personnel is important every day of every year; and
Whereas this year I asked students from across Chester-St. Margaret's to express their appreciation for these brave Canadians by participating in a contest that was sponsored by my office; and
Whereas Emma Bednar is one of 90 students showing her support to our veterans and military personnel;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and thank Emma for supporting these very brave Canadians and wish her much success in the years to come.
By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas honouring our veterans and current military personnel is important every day of every year; and
Whereas this year I asked students from across Chester-St. Margaret's to express their appreciation for these brave Canadians by participating in a contest that was sponsored by my office; and
Whereas Jenna Holland is one of 90 students showing her support to our veterans and military personnel;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and thank Jenna for supporting these very brave Canadians and wish her much success in the years to come.
By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas honouring our veterans and current military personnel is important every day of every year; and
Whereas this year I asked students from across Chester-St. Margaret's to express their appreciation for these brave Canadians by participating in a contest that was sponsored by my office; and
Whereas Jesse Broome is one of 90 students showing his support to our veterans and military personnel;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and thank Jesse for supporting these very brave Canadians and wish him much success in the years to come.
By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas honouring our veterans and current military personnel is important every day of every year; and
Whereas this year I asked students from across Chester-St. Margaret's to express their appreciation for these brave Canadians by participating in a contest that was sponsored by my office; and
Whereas Joel Brophy is one of 90 students showing his support to our veterans and military personnel;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and thank Joel for supporting these very brave Canadians and wish him much success in the years to come.
By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas honouring our veterans and current military personnel is important every day of every year; and
Whereas this year I asked students from across Chester-St. Margaret's to express their appreciation for these brave Canadians by participating in a contest that was sponsored by my office; and
Whereas Joseph McDow is one of 90 students showing his support to our veterans and military personnel;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and thank Joseph for supporting these very brave Canadians and wish him much success in the years to come.
By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas honouring our veterans and current military personnel is important every day of every year; and
Whereas this year I asked students from across Chester-St. Margaret's to express their appreciation for these brave Canadians by participating in a contest that was sponsored by my office; and
Whereas Kaitlyn Bell is one of 90 students showing her support to our veterans and military personnel;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and thank Kaitlyn for supporting these very brave Canadians and wish her much success in the years to come.
By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas honouring our veterans and current military personnel is important every day of every year; and
Whereas this year I asked students from across Chester-St. Margaret's to express their appreciation for these brave Canadians by participating in a contest that was sponsored by my office; and
Whereas Kelsey Cornelius is one of 90 students showing her support to our veterans and military personnel;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and thank Kelsey for supporting these very brave Canadians and wish her much success in the years to come.
By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas honouring our veterans and current military personnel is important every day of every year; and
Whereas this year I asked students from across Chester-St. Margaret's to express their appreciation for these brave Canadians by participating in a contest that was sponsored by my office; and
Whereas Kelsey Turner is one of 90 students showing her support to our veterans and military personnel;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and thank Kelsey for supporting these very brave Canadians and wish her much success in the years to come.
By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas honouring our veterans and current military personnel is important every day of every year; and
Whereas this year I asked students from across Chester-St. Margaret's to express their appreciation for these brave Canadians by participating in a contest that was sponsored by my office; and
Whereas Lucas Dodge is one of 90 students showing his support to our veterans and military personnel;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and thank Lucas for supporting these very brave Canadians and wish him much success in the years to come.
By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas honouring our veterans and current military personnel is important every day of every year; and
Whereas this year I asked students from across Chester-St. Margaret's to express their appreciation for these brave Canadians by participating in a contest that was sponsored by my office; and
Whereas Mike Fowler is one of 90 students showing his support to our veterans and military personnel;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and thank Mike for supporting these very brave Canadians and wish him much success in the years to come.
By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas honouring our veterans and current military personnel is important every day of every year; and
Whereas this year I asked students from across Chester-St. Margaret's to express their appreciation for these brave Canadians by participating in a contest that was sponsored by my office; and
Whereas Mike Cook is one of 90 students showing his support to our veterans and military personnel;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and thank Mike for supporting these very brave Canadians and wish him much success in the years to come.
By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas honouring our veterans and current military personnel is important every day of every year; and
Whereas this year I asked students from across Chester-St. Margaret's to express their appreciation for these brave Canadians by participating in a contest that was sponsored by my office; and
Whereas Mitchell Reeves is one of 90 students showing his support to our veterans and military personnel;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and thank Mitchell for supporting these very brave Canadians and wish him much success in the years to come.
By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas honouring our veterans and current military personnel is important every day of every year; and
Whereas this year I asked students from across Chester-St. Margaret's to express their appreciation for these brave Canadians by participating in a contest that was sponsored by my office; and
Whereas Nathaniel Bonnenfant is one of 90 students showing his support to our veterans and military personnel;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and thank Nathaniel for supporting these very brave Canadians and wish him much success in the years to come.
By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas honouring our veterans and current military personnel is important every day of every year; and
Whereas this year I asked students from across Chester-St. Margaret's to express their appreciation for these brave Canadians by participating in a contest that was sponsored by my office; and
Whereas Nikki Huntley is one of 90 students showing her support to our veterans and military personnel;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and thank Nikki for supporting these very brave Canadians and wish her much success in the years to come.
By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas honouring our veterans and current military personnel is important every day of every year; and
Whereas this year I asked students from across Chester-St. Margaret's to express their appreciation for these brave Canadians by participating in a contest that was sponsored by my office; and
Whereas Robert Elliott is one of 90 students showing his support to our veterans and military personnel;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and thank Robert for supporting these very brave Canadians and wish him much success in the years to come.
By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas honouring our veterans and current military personnel is important every day of every year; and
Whereas this year I asked students from across Chester-St. Margaret's to express their appreciation for these brave Canadians by participating in a contest that was sponsored by my office; and
Whereas Shane Higbee is one of 90 students showing his support to our veterans and military personnel;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and thank Shane for supporting these very brave Canadians and wish him much success in the years to come.
