December 12, 2007

HANSARD 07-15

DEBATES AND PROCEEDINGS

Speaker: Honourable Alfie MacLeod

Published by Order of the Legislature by Hansard Reporting Services and printed by the Queen's Printer.

Available on INTERNET at http://www.gov.n s.ca/legislature/HOUSE_BUSINESS/hansard.html

Second Session

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2007

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS 1509
TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS:
Rept. on Physical Activity Strategy for Children,
Hon. B. Barnet 1510
DHAs Anl. Repts., Hon. C. d'Entremont 1510
STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS:
Environ. & Lbr.: Round Table on Environment and Sustainable
Prosperity - Establishment, Hon. M. Parent 1511
Health Prom. & Protection: Active Kids Healthy Kids Strategy -
Announcement, Hon. B. Barnet 1515
GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION:
Res. 1244, Zatzman, Joseph: Death of - Tribute,
Hon. A. MacIsaac 1519
Vote - Affirmative 1519
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS:
No. 107, Nova Scotia Agricultural College Act,
Hon. B. Taylor 1520
No. 108, Accessibility for Persons' with Disabilities Act,
Mr. S. McNeil 1520
No. 109, Health Authorities Act, Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 1520
No. 110, Motor Vehicle Act, Mr. S. McNeil 1520
NOTICES OF MOTION:^
Res. 1245, Zatzman, Joseph: Death of - Tribute,
Mr. D. Dexter 1520
Vote - Affirmative 1521
Res. 1246, Zatzman, Joseph: Death of - Tribute,
Mr. Manning MacDonald 1521
Vote - Affirmative 1522
Res. 1247, McCaan, Stuart: WWII Serv. - Commend,
Mr. C. Porter 1522
Vote - Affirmative 1522
Res. 1248, Wright, Special Constable Donnie - Pictou Town:
Serv. - Congrats., Mr. C. Parker 1523
Vote - Affirmative 1523
Res. 1249, Lake Echo /N. Preston FD: Work/Dedication -
Recognize, Mr K. Colwell 1523
Vote - Affirmative 1524
Res. 1250, Beaton, Bob: Death of - Tribute,
Mr. P. Dunn 1524
Vote - Affirmative 1525
Res. 1251, Fisher, Aven: Animation Prize - Congrats.,
Mr. L. Preyra 1525
Vote - Affirmative 1526
Res. 1252, Dickson, Margie/RBC Glace Bay - Fundraising,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 1526
Vote - Affirmative 1526
Res. 1253, Thorburn, Chief Wayne - Bridgewater FD: MS Support -
Congrats., Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1526
Vote - Affirmative 1527
Res. 1254, Anthony, Nancy: Music Teaching - Commend,
Ms. V. Conrad 1527
Vote - Affirmative 1528
Res. 1255, Fish. & Aquaculture: Grey Seal Problem - Address,
Mr. H. Theriault 1528
Vote - Affirmative 1529
Res. 1256, Weatherbee, Wayne - Harvey Webber Award (2007),
Mr. G. Gosse 1529
Vote - Affirmative 1529
Res. 1257, Willow Lodge: Continuing Care Workers - Recognize,
Hon. K. Casey 1529
Vote - Affirmative 1530
ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS:
No. 116, Com. Serv. - Small Options Homes: Food Budgets -
Funding, Ms. M. More 1530
No. 117, Agric.: Beef Producers - Aid, Mr. S. McNeil 1531
No. 118, Immigration - Mentorship Fees: Increase - Explain,
Mr. D. Dexter 1533
No. 119, Health - Rural ER Closures: Consideration - Time Frame,
Mr. D. Dexter 1534
No. 120, Environ. & Lbr. - Arrow: Oil - Location,
Mr. M. Samson 1535
No. 121, Health: Senior Couples - Care Options,
Mr. D. Dexter 1536
No. 122, Health: Nursing Homes - Nutrition,
Mr. David Wilson (Sackville-Cobequid 1537
No. 123, Serv. N.S. & Mun. Rel.: Condominium Org. - Formation,
Ms. D. Whalen 1538
No. 124, Health - Surgeries: Equipment - Availability,
Mr. David Wilson (Sackville-Cobequid) 1540
No. 125, TIR - CCG Icebreakers: NL Relocation - Reason,
Mr. K. Colwell 1541
No. 126, Educ.: Student Loans - Repayment Assistance Progs.,
Mr. L. Preyra 1543
No. 127, Serv. N.S. & Mun. Rel.: 211 Serv. Intro. - Time Frame,
Ms. B. Kent 1544
No. 128, Health: Midwifery Act: Proclamation,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 1546
No. 129, Com. Serv.: Fam. & Children's Serv. Comm. -
Membership, Mr. T. Zinck 1547
No. 130, Educ.: Women Skilled Trades Prog. - Introduce,
Mr. P. Paris 1548
No. 131, TIR - Trucking Regs.: Adoption - Confirm,
Mr. M. Samson 1549
No. 132, TIR: Davison Bridge - Replace, Mr. J. MacDonell 1550
No. 133, TIR - Salters Brook Bridge: Priority List - Status,
Ms. V. Conrad 1551
No. 134, TIR - Hwy. No. 101 (Digby-Weymouth): Const. -
Time Frame, Mr. H. Theriault 1552
No. 135, Fish. & Aquaculture - Fish Processors: Capital -
Accessibility, Mr. S. Belliveau 1554
No. 136, Educ. - Glace Bay Jr. HS: Commitment - Status,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 1555
No. 137, Com. Serv.: Autism Services - Availability,
Ms. M. More 1557
No. 138, TIR - Shag Hbr.: Signage - Install,
Mr. S. Belliveau 1558
PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING:
No. 4, Pension Benefits Act 1560
Hon. M. Parent 1560
Mr. C. MacKinnon 1560
Mr. Manning MacDonald 1562
Mr. C. Parker 1563
Mr. K. Colwell 1565
Mr. P. Dunn 1566
Hon. M. Parent 1567
Vote - Affirmative 1568
No. 16, Human Rights Act 1568
Hon. C. Clarke 1568
Vote - Affirmative 1568
No. 36, Liquor Control Act 1568
Hon. L. Goucher 1568
Vote - Affirmative 1569
No. 63, Oil Refineries and L.N.G. Plants Municipal Taxation Act 1569
Hon. J. Muir 1569
Vote - Affirmative 1569
ADJOURNMENT, House rose to meet again on Thur., Dec. 13th at 12:00 noon 1570
NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3):
Res. 1258, Fenstemaker, Bill & Carol - Pineapple Award,
Mr. W. Gaudet 1571
Res. 1259, Digby Reg. HS: Lady Mariners - Soccer Title,
Mr. H. Theriault 1571
Res. 1260, Perry, Hattie Allen: Commun. Hist. - Contribution,
Mr. S. Belliveau 1572
Res. 1261, Ukulele Ceilidh: Giant Ukulele -
Seven Wonders of S. Shore, Ms. V. Conrad 1572
Res. 1262, Liverpool Tim Hortons - Smile Cookie Campaign:
Initiatives - Recognize, Ms. V. Conrad 1573
Res. 1263, CAP Summer Init. - Liverpool: Participants -
Recognize, Ms. V. Conrad 1573
Res. 1264, Robart, Donald - Veterans: Contribution - Commend,
Ms. V. Conrad 1574
Res. 1265, Huskins, Lyman - Woodlot Demonstration,
Ms. V. Conrad 1574
Res. 1266, Liverpool Reg. HS: Fundraising - Recognize,
Ms. V. Conrad 1575
Res. 1267, Loveridge, Michael/Feswick, Tim: Queens Co. Mar. Music
- Recognize, Ms. V. Conrad 1575
Res. 1268, Allison, Mark: War Amps Seminar - Attendance,
Ms. V. Conrad 1576
Res. 1269, Queens Co. Mem. Scout Camp Assoc.: Deed -
Donation, Ms. V. Conrad 1576
Res. 1270, Windsor Plains Commun. Hall: Past Benefit -
Future Ensure, Mr. C. Porter 1577
Res. 1271, Hartlin, Christine: Stand Up and Speak Out Prog. -
Applaud, Mr. C. Porter 1577
Res. 1272, Fiske, Melanie: Entrepreneurial Skills - Applaud,
Mr. C. Porter 1578
Res. 1273, Hants Commun. Hosp.: Palliative Care Professionals
- Applaud, Mr. C. Porter 1578
Res. 1274, Van Zoost, Steven - Lt. Gov.'s Award - Commend,
Mr. C. Porter 1579
Res. 1275, Ross, Keith: Country Music Hall of Fame - Induction,
Mr. C. Porter 1579
Res. 1276, Harvie, Ryan - Maritimer of Wk. Award,
Mr. C. Porter 1580
Res. 1277, Hope for Cole Fundraiser: Attendees - Applaud,
Mr. C. Porter 1580
Res. 1278, RCL Call to Remembrance Comp.: Hants West Teams
- Congrats., Mr. C. Porter 1581
Res. 1279, Vale, Ted & Marian - Camp Mockingee Donation,
Mr. C. Porter 1581
Res. 1280, Windsor Forks Dist. Elem. Sch.: Walk-a-Thon -
Congrats., Mr. C. Porter 1582
Res. 1281, Curry, Traci/Connell, Bev/Falmouth Fruit & Veg. Co.
- Commend, Mr. C. Porter 1582
Res. 1282, Gnemmi, Peter: Apple Computers Expertise -
Applaud, Mr. C. Porter 1583
Res. 1283, Port Williams Commun. Ctr. - Comfort Area,
Hon. M. Parent 1583
Res. 1284, Moody, George/Muttart, Peter -
Kings Co. Achievement Awards, Hon. M. Parent 1584
Res. 1285, ACE Insulators - Kings Co. Bus. of Yr. Award,
Hon. M. Parent 1584
Res. 1286, Bedford South Sch. - Proj. China: Host Families -
Thank, Hon. L. Goucher 1585
Res. 1287, Parsons, Glenda - Bedford South Sch.: Proj. China
- Hosting Thanks, Hon. L. Goucher 1585
Res. 1288, Shiyun, Gong: Bedford South Sch. - Proj. China,
Hon. L. Goucher 1586
Res. 1289, Kuangyi, Jin: Bedford South Sch. - Proj. China,
Hon. L. Goucher 1586
Res. 1290, Smith, Kimberly - Bedford South Sch.: Proj. China
- Hosting Thanks, Hon. L. Goucher 1587
Res. 1291, Shunkang, Li: Bedford South Sch. - Proj. China,
Hon. L. Goucher 1587
Res. 1292, Strum, Marsha & Brad - Bedford South Sch.: Proj. China
- Hosting Thanks, Hon. L. Goucher 1588
Res. 1293, Jingyan, Que: Bedford South Sch. - Proj. China,
Hon. L. Goucher 1588
Res. 1294, Jingyi, Qian: Bedford South Sch. - Proj. China,
Hon. L. Goucher 1589
Res. 1295, Jiacheng, Shao: Bedford South Sch. - Proj. China,
Hon. L. Goucher 1589
Res. 1296, Shiyan, Sun: Bedford South Sch. - Proj. China,
Hon. L. Goucher 1590
Res. 1297, Zheng, Wang: Bedford South Sch. - Proj. China,
Hon. L. Goucher 1590
Res. 1298, Yi, Wu: Bedford South Sch. - Proj. China,
Hon. L. Goucher 1591
Res. 1299, Yonggan & Ping Lu: Bedford South Sch. - Proj. China,
Hon. L. Goucher 1591
Res. 1300, Hodgett, Mary - Duke of Edinburgh Award,
Hon. L. Goucher 1592
Res. 1301, Lefrense, Lindsay: Lawn Bowls - Gold Medal,
Hon. L. Goucher 1592
Res. 1302, Delmas, Peter: U-18 Nat'l. Hockey Team - Selection,
Hon. L. Goucher 1592
Res. 1303, Griffin, Tony - Cancer Fundraising,
Hon. L. Goucher 1593
Res. 1304, Hatton, Lyall: Canoe-Kayak Championships -
Silver Medal, Hon. L. Goucher 1593
Res. 1305, Pancura, Ava: Music Sticker Prog. - Congrats.,
Hon. L. Goucher 1594
Res. 1306, Bedford Vols.: Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 1594
Res. 1307, Edwards, Tony: Historic Bedford - Book Launch,
Hon. L. Goucher 1595
Res. 1308, Lee, Song & Janne: Bedford South Sch. - Proj. China,
Hon. L. Goucher 1595
Res. 1309, Diamond, Robert & Bernice - Bedford South Sch. - Proj. China,
Hon. L. Goucher 1596
Res. 1310, Graves, Michael/M&M Meat Shop Bridgewater:
Service - Congrats., Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1596
Res. 1311, McIntosh, Shawn - Cameron Smith Mem. Award,
Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1597
Res. 1312, Martin, Alex: Katimavik - Participation,
Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1597
Res. 1313, Getson, Kelsey - Cameron Smith Mem. Award,
Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1598
Res. 1314, Harvey, Lora - Therapeutic Rec. Student of Yr. Award,
Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1598
Res. 1315, Hirtle, Connor: Bridgewater U-14 Tier 2 Boys Soccer Team
- Prov. Title, Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1599
Res. 1316, Wamboldt, Graham: Bridgewater U-16 Tier 2 Soccer
- Prov. Championship, Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1599
Res. 1317, Taylor, Matt: Bridgewater U-16 Tier 2 Soccer
- Prov. Championship, Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1599
Res. 1318, Grace, Jenna: S. Shore BMO U-14 Girls Soccer Team
- Silver Medal, Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1600
Res. 1319, Harlow, Emma: S. Shore BMO U-14 Girls Soccer Team
- Silver Medal, Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1600
Res. 1320, Pitman, Olivia: S. Shore BMO U-14 Girls Soccer Team
- Silver Medal, Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1601
Res. 1321, Wolter, Mattias: Leg. Nat'l. Track & Field Championships
- Gold Medal, Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1601
Res. 1322, Bryson, John & Martha/Safe Home Security -
VOXCOM Award, Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1601
Res. 1323, Rhodenizer, Kassie: Academic Achievements -
Congrats., Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1602
Res. 1324, Herman, Kirk: Academic Achievements - Congrats.,
Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1602
Res. 1325, Rodenhizer, Darren Gregory - Lt.-Gov.'s Medal,
Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1603
Res. 1326, MacPhee, Katrin Rae - Lt.-Gov.'s Medal,
Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1603
Res. 1327, Eisener, Timothy Duane - Lt.-Gov.'s Medal,
Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1604
Res. 1328, Colp, Alexandra Marie - Lt.-Gov.'s Medal,
Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1604
Res. 1329, Tuchendler, Jacob - Lt.-Gov.'s Medal,
Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1605
Res. 1330, Wong, Jessica - Lt.-Gov.'s Medal,
Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1605
Res. 1331, Smith, Gwen/Tea Brewery - Export Achievement Award,
Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1606
Res. 1332, Veinotte, Mabel & Lawrence: Lawrence S. Veinotte Enterprises
- Grassroots Award, Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1606
Res. 1333, Chaplin-Saunders, Christine: Artifacts in Clay -
Entrepreneurial Achievement Award, Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1606
Res. 1334, Burgoyne, Shelley/Barry, Wade/Mahone Insurance -
Large Bus. Award, Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1607
Res. 1335, Armstrong, Calvin & Judy/Calvin's TV Sales & Serv.
- Small Bus. Award, Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1607
Res. 1336, Wellard, Jeremy/HB Studios -
Innovation Achievement Award, Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1608
Res. 1337, RCL Br. 24 Bridgewater - Anniv. (80th),
Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1608
Res. 1338, LeBlanc, Darryl - Yarmouth Sport Vol. of Yr.,
Hon. C. d'Entremont 1609
Res. 1339, Landry, Lyndon/Doucette, Bruce -
Harvester of Yr. Award (2007), Hon. C. d'Entremont 1609
Res. 1340, Amirault, Troy/Vols. - Scouting Award,
Hon. C. d'Entremont 1610
Res. 1341, d'Entremont, Kenneth - Mobious Award,
Hon. C. d'Entremont 1610
Res. 1342, LeBlanc, May - Birthday (100th),
Hon. C. d'Entremont 1611
Res. 1343, Morrison, Daniel James - Lt.-Gov.'s Medal,
Hon. M. Scott 1612
Res. 1344, Milner, Betty: Oxford Vol. FD Aux. Serv. (35 Yrs.)
- Congrats., Hon. M. Scott 1612
Res. 1345, Miller, Margaret - MADD: Nat'l. Pres. - Appt.,
Hon. M. Scott 1613
Res. 1346, Marshall, Doris: Oxford Vol. FD Aux. Serv. (15 Yrs.)
- Congrats., Hon. M. Scott 1613
Res. 1347, Henderson, Rob/Team - Candlepin Championship,
Hon. M. Scott 1614
Res. 1348, Dobson, Maxine - CD Release, Hon. M. Scott 1615
Res. 1349, RCACC Springhill Cadet Corp. (1859) -
Marksmanship Championship, Hon. M. Scott 1615
Res. 1350, Corrections Services Can. (Springhill Instit.) -
Anniv. (40th), Hon. M. Scott 1616
Res. 1351, Wood, Willard - Pumpkins: Donation - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 1616
Res. 1352, Wood, Jonathan - Remembrance Day Proj.,
Hon. M. Scott 1617
Res. 1353, Rushton Darren: Oxford FD Serv. (15 Yrs.) -
Congrats., Hon. M. Scott 1617
Res. 1354, Scott, Alexander: Lt. Gov.'s Medal, Hon. M. Scott 1618
Res. 1355, Mullins, Rosemary: PSC Serv. (30 Yrs.) -
Congrats., Hon. M. Scott 1618
Res. 1356, NSCC - Students/Staff: Vol. Projects - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 1619
Res. 1357, Jackson-Tarlton, Caitlin - Lt. Gov.'s Medal,
Hon. M. Scott 1619
Res. 1358, Springhill Fencebusters/Melanson, Jim/Chatfield, Doug:
Ball Uniforms - Donation, Hon. M. Scott 1620
Res. 1359, Springhill Cast Iron Pipe Century Club,
Hon. M. Scott 1620
Res. 1360, Wagstaff, Andrew - Parrsboro Citizen of Yr.,
Hon. M. Scott 1621
Res. 1361, Wilson, Raelene: Team N.S. - Selection,
Hon. M. Scott 1622
Res. 1362, Fedora, Wanda - Cdn. Dental Hygienists Assoc.: Pres. - Appt.,
Hon. A. MacLeod 1622
Res. 1363, Lun. Co. Senior Citizens Police Acad.: Organizers/Participants -
Congrats., Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1623
Res. 1364, White - Women of Excellence Award,
Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1623
Res. 1365, Group of Nine: Contribution - Recognize,
Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1624
Res. 1366, Davidson, Shirley and Michael - Remarkable Senior Awards,
Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1624
Res. 1367, Ainsworth, Marguerite - Remarkable Senior Award,
Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1625
Res. 1368, Patriquin, Claire - Remarkable Senior Award,
Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1625
Res. 1369, Chisholm, Duncan - Remarkable Senior Award,
Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1626
Res. 1370, Atwood, George - Remarkable Senior Award,
Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1626
Res. 1371, Poirier, Leo - Remarkable Senior Award,
Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 1627
Res. 1372, Hearn, Cyril: Pierscape 2007 Featured Artist - Congrats.,
Mr. G. Gosse 1627
Res. 1373, McCarron, Kayla: Athletic Achievement - Congrats.,
Mr. G. Gosse 1628
Res. 1374, Lundrigan: Cdn. Cancer Soc.50 yr. pin - Congrats.,
Mr. G. Gosse 1628
Res. 1375, MacLeod, Chief Edgar: Policing Career - Congrats.,
Mr. G. Gosse 1629
Res. 1376, Timmons, Stephen(Ness) - Coach of Yr.,
Mr. G. Gosse 1629
Res. 1377, Snow, Kiley: All-Star Team - Selection,
Mr. G. Gosse 1630
Res. 1378, Roy, Olivier: Athletic Achievement - Congrats.,
Mr. G. Gosse 1630
Res. 1379, Gray, Earl(Curly): Career - Acknowledge,
Mr. G. Gosse 1631
Res. 1380, Cdn. Cystic Fibrosis Fdn. (C.B. Chapter): Inaugural
Meeting - Congrats., Mr. G. Gosse 1631
Res. 1381, Creighton, Don/Next Step Recovery: Women's Facility -
Opening, Mr. P. Dunn 1632
Res. 1382, Smith, Lisa/Pictou C. Early Intervention Assoc.:
Work (10 yrs.) - Congrats., Mr. P. Dunn 1632
Res. 1383, Trenton Elem. Sch.: Playground - Equipment Fundraising,
Mr. P. Dunn 1633
Res. 1384, Cunningham, Andy: UNICEF Fundraising Campaign - Congrats.,
Mr. P. Dunn 1633
Res. 1385, Lorimer, Gage: Cdn. U-18 Nat'l. Soccer Team - Tryout Congrats.,
Mr. P. Dunn 1634
Res. 1386, Kirkendall, Chase - Cdn. U-18 Nat'l. Rugby Team: Tryouts -
Congrats., Mr. P. Dunn 1634
Res. 1387, A.G. Baillie Elem. Sch: UNICEF Trick-or-Treat Campaign -
Fundraising, Mr. P. Dunn 1635
Res. 1388, NSCC Pictou Campus: Reach Out N.S. Prog. - Thanks
Mr. P. Dunn 1635
Res. 1389, Pictou C. Progress Club: Work - Recognize,
Mr. P. Dunn 1636

[Page 1509]

HALIFAX, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2007

Sixtieth General Assembly

Second Session

11:00 A.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Alfie MacLeod

DEPUTY SPEAKER

Mr. Wayne Gaudet

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please.

The honourable Premier on an introduction.

HON. RODNEY MACDONALD (The Premier): Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity today to welcome some very special guests here to our province, some of my colleagues from the Atlantic Provinces, for our Council of the Atlantic Premiers meetings and so far, so good. They wanted to come over to see how minority government works in Nova Scotia. I indicated it works extremely well. They may not want to have that in their own province, but it works very well here. (Interruption) Yes, I brought some friends with me.

Mr. Speaker, in your gallery, three very distinguished individuals and I will start off with the elder statesman of those three and, of course, that is our friend from Newfoundland and Labrador, Deputy Premier Tom Rideout. I would like to welcome Tom here to Nova Scotia. (Applause)

[Page 1510]

1509

Mr. Speaker, the eldest of the Maritime Premiers, from New Brunswick, at the age of late 30s, our friend from New Brunswick, Premier Shawn Graham. (Applause)

Mr. Speaker, the baby of all the Premiers, the youngest of all the Premiers and a good friend to Nova Scotia, as was his father when he was in his position, Premier Robert Ghiz. (Applause)

Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome them here. Unfortunately, I will not be here for Question Period.(Interruption) I know the Opposition is disappointed, but I will be sending my thank-you to my colleagues from the other Atlantic Provinces for the timing of this meeting. So thank you very much for joining us. (Standing Ovation)

MR. SPEAKER: We would also like to extend a warm welcome to all visitors in the gallery here today.

We will commence the daily routine.

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Health Promotion and Protection.

HON. BARRY BARNET: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table a report entitled A Physical Activity Strategy for Children, Youth and Families in Nova Scotia - Active Kids Healthy Kids.

MR. SPEAKER: The report is tabled.

The honourable Minister of Health.

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table the DHA Annual Reports for South Shore, South West Nova, Annapolis Valley, Colchester East Hants, Cumberland, Pictou County, Guysborough, Cape Breton, and Capital Health, as well as the IWK.

MR. SPEAKER: The report is tabled.

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

[Page 1511]

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

HON. MARK PARENT: Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to inform the House that a very significant committee has been established, a Round Table on Environment and Sustainable Prosperity, to advise and to assist government on issues of economic prosperity and environmental sustainability. The round table consists of 19 members, some organizations were invited to participate and some individual members responded to our call to let their names stand for representation on this committee.

Our chosen panel of 19 members includes representatives of the legal and academic communities, as well as people from industry and from the environment sectors. I am pleased to inform the House that the individuals on the round table represent organizations from almost every region of this great province of ours.

I'm also glad to report that Mr. Ray Côté has graciously agreed to chair the round table. Mr. Côté is Professor of Environmental Studies at the School for Resources and Environmental Studies. He's also Director of the Eco-Efficiency Centre at Dalhousie University. The Deputy Ministers of Environment and Labour and Economic Development will also participate in this round table and they will provide a direct link to the government's Deputies' Forum on Sustainable Prosperity.

[11:15 a.m.]

A complete list of round table members can be found on the Department Environment and Labour's Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/enla. Selecting the members of this round table was a very difficult task and it was a very difficult task because of the high calibre of expertise we saw in all the candidates who applied. It truly was heartening to see the great surfeit of riches of individuals who are willing to give of their time to help move the government forward and the province forward, in terms of its economic and environmental prosperity and sustainability goals. In fact, it is likely that there will be times that the round table will be asked to create a working group on particular issues and we have these candidates' names on file and we can turn to them to request their participation in these working groups.

I want to thank everybody who applied and who let their name stand because, as I said, I was overwhelmed by the quality of people who are willing to give of their time to help the Province of Nova Scotia.

This government is creating a new path forward which brings together its economic plan, Opportunities for Sustainable Prosperity, along with its recently released social plan, Social Prosperity Framework. The Round Table on Environment and Sustainable Prosperity will provide one way for Nova Scotians to have input to the government's new path forward.

[Page 1512]

In particular, as I mentioned, the round table will be asked to give advice on issues referred to them by government relating to environmental sustainability and economic prosperity.

The government will also request that the round table carry out a comprehensive public review of the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act every five years. That Act, as you know, is unique across the world really and lays out government's environmental goals and commitments until the year 2020. I will also seek the advice of the round table when preparing annual reports on the progress of government in attaining these significant goals.

The round table and the role this government has laid out for it shows our commitment to consulting with stakeholders on important social and environmental issues here in the Province of Nova Scotia. I would like to publicly, once again, thank the 19 round table representatives who have put their names forward to serve their province in this way.

I would also like to ask the House to recognize those round table members who were able to brave the weather to be here today in the gallery for this announcement. I invite the House to join me in acknowledging their presence and their commitment to serve Nova Scotia in the future as members of the round table.

So if I may, before the Opposition and the Liberal Party respond to the statement, if I may ask those in the gallery to stand and we'll recognize them and thank them: Raymond Côté, the chairperson; Martin Janowitz, Robert Grant, Dr. Edith Callaghan, Dwight Whynot, Peter Lund, Ann Janega, Peggy Crawford, Steven Talbot, Mark Butler, Tamara Lorincz and her son, William, who is what we're doing this all for, Judy McMullen and Stephen Hawboldt. I want to ask the House to give them a very warm welcome. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Fairview.

MR. GRAHAM STEELE: Mr. Speaker, I rise as the Environment Critic for the Official Opposition to say that it is a good day for the environment in Nova Scotia when people of this quality and stature step forward to assist the minister by giving him advice on the way that he carries out his duties and, in particular, on the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act.

This puts into place, Mr. Speaker, the second of the three essential parts of any good environmental sustainability regime, but there still is one part missing which I'll get to in a moment. What we do know is that the minister will now receive good advice. The people who have stepped forward today represent all sectors of the Nova Scotia economy, including agriculture and forestry. They represent manufacturing and mining interests. They represent environmental activists, people who are knowledgeable in environmental law, people who have devoted their lives to study and promotion of sound environmental practices. There are people representing municipalities. There are people representing the aboriginal community.

[Page 1513]

Mr. Speaker, this is a fine group of people and we're all very pleased that they have stepped forward to serve on this round table. Good advice is only one part of the three parts that are necessary. The second part which this Legislature passed earlier this year was to have appropriate and laudable goals for environmental promotion and sustainable prosperity. We passed that earlier this year unanimously, and the goals are good.

Mr. Speaker, it's the third piece that is still missing, and that is real enforceable accountability for the goals that have been laid out in the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act. The only accountability mechanism in the Act is an annual report by the minister to the House and, as we know from other situations that have come to our attention, the government tends to treat annual reports as marketing opportunities. There are no rules, no guidelines, no restrictions on what it is that the minister says, what he puts in and what he leaves out.

That is why we in this caucus have proposed the establishment of the office of the environment commissioner who will be attached to the Office of the Auditor General, just as is done at the federal level, because that person will be independent, professional and arm's length, well respected, and well funded to ensure that Nova Scotians get accurate reports on government's progress towards meeting these environmental goals.

So, Mr. Speaker, two of the three parts are in place. We have proposed the third and we look forward to the government finally accepting real enforceable accountability mechanisms so that we can all move forward for what we all want, and certainly the people in the gallery today want, and that is an environmentally sustainable Nova Scotia.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Preston.

MR. KEITH COLWELL: Mr. Speaker, it's with great pleasure I rise today to commend the minister and the government for setting up a Round Table on Environment and Sustainable Prosperity. I think this is long overdue. I couldn't be more pleased with the selection of people he has chosen. It's well rounded and will truly represent all the different views in Nova Scotia and all the views that we so badly need to put in place to ensure that our children and our grandchildren live in a healthy and safe environment. Also for industry, industry that can operate in a healthy and environmentally positive way will make more money and, indeed, help our economy grow and prosper, and I think that's very important too.

The only real concerns I have is that I hope the government takes the recommendations of the round table and acts on them, doesn't delay them but acts on them. We've seen the government pass, I think, a very regressive bill on windmill taxation here last year. That put us backwards in Nova Scotia. We need clean, affordable energy and that bill did not do anything to help that. I hope that the round table will look at those types of issues

[Page 1514]

and make recommendations to government to change these things and, indeed, make it a healthier and safer place to live in Nova Scotia.

As we move forward and we see the concerns being raised every day regarding the environment, we see just how serious it is. As time goes on, I think it's going to become more obvious that these issues have to be addressed now. We can't wait to address these issues and they have to be done now. As far as hiring someone else in another position to do that, I think the round table works well, it will do a good job and do that. We don't need to add to our bureaucracy, we need to invest money in renewable energy and in other things that will help our economy grow and make it a safer and healthier place to live.

This government, they tout their new bill and the only thing I didn't like about their new bill is it didn't have the goals in it that I think we should have, the really hard, solid things that need to be done that we know about today.

We talk about so many things as we go through and see what has happened with illness and illnesses are being tied to different things that we thought were so safe. Ten years ago, 12 years ago, if you talked about stopping smoking, everybody was up in arms. Even the smokers today now want to stop smoking, they don't want to smoke in places and there were some very positive amendments made, or are going to be made, in this Legislature regarding smoking. That's only one part of it. We have to address the big picture.

Again, I want to commend the minister for setting this round table up, a very impressive group of people who will be working on this. The only caution I have, if the government doesn't listen to them, we will be after the government to ensure that they do and do what is best for Nova Scotia and make sure Nova Scotians have the cleanest and healthiest place to live in the world. Thank you.

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

HON. MARK PARENT: Mr. Speaker, if I may be allowed to make an introduction of a member who just arrived, who is on the round table, who I'd like the House to welcome.

MR. SPEAKER: Please do.

MR. PARENT: Mr. Laurence Nason, the Executive Director of the Federation of Agriculture, is also on the round table and was able to make it for this announcement. I'd ask the House to recognize and welcome Mr. Nason. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Health Promotion and Protection.

HON. BARRY BARNET: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If I may, I'd like to make an introduction before I read my statement. Seated in the east gallery today is Dawn Stegen,

[Page 1515]

Executive Director of Recreation Nova Scotia; Janice Silver, Halifax Regional School Board; Anne Cogden, the IWK; Fran Dunn, the Nova Scotia Fitness Association; Mary Kikuchi, Gymnastics Nova Scotia; Allen McAvoy and Brianne Lynch from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia; Janet Barlow, the Ecology Action Centre; Dr. Phil Campagna from Dalhousie University; Dr. Angie Thompson from St. Francis Xavier.

As well, Mr. Speaker, are members of my staff, Farida Gabbani, Mike Arthur, Natasha Warren, Lucas Wide and Duff Montgomerie. I'd ask them to please rise and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Health Promotion and Protection.

HON. BARRY BARNET: Mr. Speaker, I rise in my place today to address what can only be referred to as a crisis in our province. That crisis is the physical inactivity of our children and youth. Letting kids be kids used to mean allowing them the freedom to play outside and to use their imagination to create new and spontaneous games, to stay after school for a pickup game of soccer or baseball or hockey. Getting home on time for dinner was a challenge for many of us growing up. Now that same call for the dinner is no longer made by our mothers or our fathers on the porch outside to the local playground; it's made to the local TV room or the computer room. The reply of five minutes is the same, but now it's wanting to get to the next level of a video game, not to do one more lap on their bicycle.

Mr. Speaker, childhood inactivity and obesity is not a unique concern in our province, it is a nation-wide challenge. Today, I was proud to announce the launch of the province's renewed Active Kids Healthy Kids strategy. This $5.3 million strategy is aimed at continuing to improve the opportunities and support for our communities across the province to help our kids become more active and healthy. Like all strategies that come from the Department of Health Promotion and Protection, it is based on strong research, evidence and best practices.

Research has told us that a greater focus must be placed on our teenagers, especially our young women. The most recent physical activity levels of children and youth in Nova Scotia showed that we have a positive impact with children in Grade 3; however, it also showed that we have work to do with our high school students. This renewed strategy will address those gaps and build on our successes. We are committed to meeting the challenge head on and we will re-evaluate our progress again in 2009.

As I stand before my colleagues, I know there's not one simple answer that is going to solve this issue. That is why this strategy is only one part of the overall plan to make physical activity accessible to all Nova Scotians.

Getting children active is about more than just telling them to get outside and run around. We need to create a culture that will support healthy choices. We have a vision for a "new" Nova Scotia and that vision includes providing safe, accessible, healthy places for

[Page 1516]

our children to go and to be active. This renewed strategy is another thread in our government's overall social policy framework for Nova Scotians and will support the goal and themes of children and youth strategy as well as the crime prevention strategy. By providing children with new opportunities and places to be more physically active, we are providing them with further support and mentors to help them grow and become well-rounded and responsible teenagers and adults.

[11:30 a.m.]

We invest $3 million annually toward recreation facility development. These investments help communities build new playgrounds, update existing sports and recreation facilities and support healthy and safe communities.

We have also started a new program called, Building Facilities and Infrastructure Together, or, BFIT. This is a $50 million, 10 year commitment that will be used specifically for the construction of, or renovation to major sport facilities. The "new" Nova Scotia includes $600,000 for a new indoor soccer field in Pictou County; $400,000 for a new outdoor track and field facility in the Annapolis Valley; over $800,000 for a new multi-sport recreation field house in Bridgewater; and $5 million for a new sports facility in Queens municipality.

The "new" Nova Scotia will have more safe and accessible places for our children, for our youth and families and our seniors to go and be active. We also know that one barrier to children participating in physical activity is the associated costs. That is why we introduced a tax credit that will be used for sport and recreation registration fees. Since the launch, we have increased that tax credit to $500 per child, per family. We also fund Kids Sport programs where children and families can access up to $300 to cover their child's registration fee.

All school boards have access to sport animators program that is run in partnership between my department and the Department of Education. These animators are the bridge that gap between school and recreation programs and help facilitate new opportunities for kids to participate and get active.

Four years ago, these positions did not exist and today, they have implemented programs across the province that help get more children outside and moving. These are just some of the initiatives and programs already underway to help our communities become healthier and safer.

Mr. Speaker, as I close my remarks, I want to ask for the support of all members of the Legislature, we all have a vested interest in this. Inactivity leads to child obesity which can also lead to chronic diseases, such as Type II diabetes. Inactivity has the potential to put an increased demand on our health care system and it is all preventable. We have a role to

[Page 1517]

play in setting an example for our children and youth. I encourage everyone to get active and to become a role model for physical activity.

I thank everyone involved in the Active Kids Healthy Kids - my staff and the community leaders across the province. I also want to thank the Premier, who held this portfolio before me and whose support has been invaluable in the development of this renewed strategy. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Dartmouth East.

MS. JOAN MASSEY: Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the minister for his remarks on his new strategy and I would like to thank all the people who are participating and have participated in the involvement of this new strategy and who are here in the gallery today.

I agree, one of the first things that he mentions in his speech is that there is a crisis in Nova Scotia that has to do with physical activity. While it is nice to receive some glossy material today, there are things that have happened in the province recently that the government has failed to address, and I hope they will move forward in addressing those issues.

I would like to take a few moments to talk about some of the issues in my own constituency revolving around healthy issues for youth and children. One of the things this government did was they did not address the issue, in my constituency, of the closing of one of our rinks. People are trying to get a new rink built, but we are not sure if that's going to happen so they're still looking for some help from the various departments at all levels of government. We have a field - Beazley Field in Dartmouth East - that's looking toward hosting the national senior baseball and they need upgrades to that field. There is something else that can be done.

The government is talking about investing $3 million annually in recreation facility development, so I'm not sure if they're talking about developing new facilities or perhaps fixing the ones that we already have or replacing the ones that we recently lost. Another issue, which the government needs to address, is the access to our P3 schools in the province because there's a cost attached to that, and I am a little bit concerned about the road that the government is going down in looking at building more of these schools.

We also look at the issue of busing children out of their own communities to other communities, especially in high school where they don't have an opportunity or the same opportunities to get involved with organized sports or even things like going to the library after school. We have basically, right now, I think, 750 students being bused out of the Eastern Passage area to go to a school that's not in their own community, and I believe that would have an impact on what happens to those youth and their healthy lifestyles after school.

[Page 1518]

Mr. Speaker, there is also an issue - and I'm not sure if through this strategy the department is going to address the issue of food security for children and youth in the province. I know the minister talked about children from Primary to Grade 3, that there has been a positive impact so far with this department operating and that we have to look at those other age groups, because apparently the junior high school and the high school students fall out of the physical activity and I know a lot of people are pushing for more physical activity

in school.

I would like to say there is a lot that can be done, there is a lot that has been done that needs to be fixed and I hope the minister has a lot of luck in going forward with this, especially the people who are going to be helping him from the various communities. I do believe, in closing, that preventive measures and being proactive in our health care may be one of the very important steps that we can take to address the huge resources in the health care sector right now that we are facing, and maybe this is one of the roads that we need to go down and look at very carefully for the future of health care in the province, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Glace Bay.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the minister and congratulate him on his initiative that he has announced today, but knowing full well - and I think the minister knows full well - these are first steps that are being taken. There is much more that needs to be done. I also agree with my colleague from the NDP that preventive measures and being proactive in this is very important. Those are buzzwords, of course, but we know that they have to be followed by action in order to make anything out of this.

Our children are under a great deal of stress today, much more so than when we were children. They find themselves in a lot of situations regarding their health, regarding their safety, regarding physical activity and whether it's legislation that comes through this session of the Legislature that deals with smoking or deals with preventing crime among our youth, or it just protects their safety and health in general, then we have to treat it as good legislation, something that should be done and will be done by us, as legislators, in order to protect our children and to protect the future of this province.

I will give you an example of what I'm talking about, that it can be difficult for children and for groups that deal with children - and usually it's adults who run groups that deal with children - to obtain funds to do the necessary physical events or activity that the minister is talking about. When you talk about such a large figure - for instance, as $50 million and spread it out over 10 years, that's $5 million a year - that doesn't even scratch the surface of the infrastructure needs that are required in this province to deal with such things as kids involved in physical activity and promoting physical activity on a higher level.

For example, I've been involved for some time, or I was before I became an MLA, with the Glace Bay Little League. We held national championships in Glace Bay. It was

[Page 1519]

difficult several times to get any kind of substantial money from governments to run those tournaments. I think in the past, probably the largest amount we ever got was about $20,000 from the federal government. Those tournaments cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to run, but the benefit far outweighs the amount of money that you put into them. Not only do they benefit the direct participants, which may be a small number, but the message that it sends out that physical activity and being involved in sports and recreation is an important part of your everyday life.

Again, I don't mean to be too critical, I did congratulate the minister and the Active Kids Healthy Kids is a great step. The amount of money we can always question in this Legislature, but I did want to just make those few points and, again, congratulate the minister on a fine start to this initiative. Thank you.

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Deputy Premier.

RESOLUTION NO. 1244

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

Whereas the cities of Halifax and Dartmouth have lost an important figure who helped push the development of the region in many capacities; and

Whereas Joseph Zatzman has passed away after a full 95 years, highlighted by many achievements, including serving as the first Jewish Mayor of Dartmouth; and

Whereas during his term as mayor in the 1960s, Mr. Zatzman helped to establish Burnside Industrial Park and accomplished so much more, both professionally and in volunteers roles;

Therefore be it resolved that all members salute the tremendous contribution of this Order of Canada recipient for his work to better his beloved community and send our sincere sympathies to his family and friends on their loss.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

[Page 1520]

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Agriculture.

HON. BROOKE TAYLOR: Mr. Speaker, in concert with introducing a bill, I would like to introduce some people in the gallery, some hearty souls who have in a number of cases driven many miles to come in for the introduction of the bill today. I would begin with Dr. Bernie MacDonald, co-president of the NSAC; Dr. Leslie MacLaren, the other co-president of the Agricultural College. I would like to introduce as well, Mr. Jim Goit, Executive Director of Development at the NSAC. These folks are in the east gallery.

As well, if I might, in the west gallery we have Dr. Glen Stratton, a faculty member and member of senior management, and an individual who worked extremely hard on this legislation; we have Karen Stratton from the Environmental Sciences Department and a lab instructor; as well we have Dr. Vasantha Rupasing. I wonder if our guests would rise and receive a warm round of applause from the members in the Legislature. (Applause)

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 107 - Entitled an Act Respecting the Nova Scotia Agriculture College. (Hon. Brooke Taylor)

Bill No. 108 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 130 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Disabled Persons' Commission Act. (Mr. Stephen McNeil)

Bill No. 109 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 6 of the Acts of 2000. The Health Authorities Act. (Mr. David Wilson, Glace Bay)

Bill No. 110 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 293 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Motor Vehicle Act. (Mr. Stephen McNeil)

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

[11:45 a.m.]

NOTICES OF MOTION

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Opposition.

RESOLUTION NO. 1245

[Page 1521]

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

Whereas Joseph Zatzman served as the Mayor of Dartmouth from 1964 to 1967, demonstrating vision with his commitment to development of the Burnside Industrial Park and wide respect for his community spirit; and

Whereas Joseph Zatzman served the province, public institutions, and many charities, while also pursuing a successful business career, leaving a legacy for his children and community; and

Whereas Joseph Zatzman's intelligence and ability to work with all members of the community helped to break down barriers of bigotry and discrimination in Nova Scotia society;

Therefore be it resolved that this House extend its deepest condolences to the family and many friends of Joseph Zatzman upon his passing at age 95, and commemorate the personal, community, business and political progress that he achieved.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Cape Breton South.

RESOLUTION NO. 1246

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

Whereas Joseph Zatzman, a former Mayor of Dartmouth and successful entrepreneur who was integral to the economic prosperity which Dartmouth, Halifax, and the surrounding area now enjoy, passed away on Monday, December 10, 2007, at the age of 95; and

[Page 1522]

Whereas Mr. Zatzman had a love for his community, serving in such organizations as the Halifax-Dartmouth United Appeal, Canadian Heart Fund and the United Jewish Appeal; and

Whereas in 1997, Mr. Zatzman received the highest honour awarded to a Canadian, the Order of Canada;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly take time to reflect on the life of Mr. Joseph Zatzman and offer our sincere condolences to his family.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Hants West.

RESOLUTION NO. 1247

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

Whereas Windsor's Stuart McCaan, a resident of College Road, remembers World War II like it was yesterday, even though it was 67 years ago; and

Whereas Mr. McCaan was only 20 years old at the time, married with one child, but enlisted as an artillery gunner and served with the 5th Armoured Division; and

Whereas Stuart was one of eight brothers who enlisted to fight in World War II, all who went overseas, with all eight brothers returning, an almost unheard feat of its own;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly commend Stuart McCaan of Windsor for his heroic service during World War II, a veteran who can convey many accounts of historical proportion during his service overseas.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

[Page 1523]

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. 1248

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

Whereas Special Constable Donnie Wright recently retired after 28 years of dedicated service to the Town of Pictou; and

Whereas Constable Wright was responsible for enforcing town bylaws, traffic control and other duties but is remembered for his cheerful way and for taking the time to talk with people, locals and tourists alike; and

Whereas Constable Wright now has more time for his hobbies as a talented folk artist, painting scenes on bottles and as an avid gardener;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Special Constable Donnie Wright for his long and dedicated service to the people of Pictou and wish him an active and enjoyable retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

[Page 1524]

The honourable member for Preston.

RESOLUTION NO. 1249

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

Whereas in early 1973, the Lake Echo Fire Department was established consisting of Fire Chief Brian Cox and 42 volunteers; and

Whereas in 1976 the first full-time firefighter, Alfred Crouse, was hired and in 1979 a second full-time firefighter, Gerald Crooks, was hired and in 1990 Joan Kennedy became one of the first female fire chiefs in Halifax County and ultimately the first female fire chief in the Halifax Regional Municipality; and

Whereas at present, Robert Patey is the fire chief commanding a membership of 29 members between Station 21 Lake Echo and Station 22 North Preston, responding to an average of 350 emergency calls per year;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly recognize the members of the Lake Echo and North Preston Fire Departments for their hard work and dedication to our community for the past 34 years and wish them well as they protect our community.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Pictou Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 1250

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

[Page 1525]

Whereas legendary Pictou County native Bob Beaton passed away recently at the grand age of 94; and

Whereas Mr. Beaton will be remembered for a plethora of things, not excluding years spent as a Stellarton town councillor and insurance executive; and

Whereas it will likely be sports and his long-time connection to boxing that he will be most associated with as Mr. Beaton was a champion fighter, turning to refereeing in 1935 and went on to handle 500 main events, 41 Canadian championships and six British Empire title fights, as well as a world championship;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House send their condolences to the family of legendary Pictou County resident Bob Beaton on the occasion of his recent passing, providing yet another example of the long history of extraordinary people who come from Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Halifax Citadel

RESOLUTION NO. 1251

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

Whereas Aven Fisher started his film, Herbert, as part of the Atlantic Film Festival's Viewfinders International Film Festival for youth in 2006; and

Whereas Aven Fisher, a student at Citadel High School, recently won the Adobe Prize for Best High School Animation for his film titled, Herbert, at Ottawa International Animation Festival in September, 2007; and

[Page 1526]

Whereas judges at the Ottawa International Animation Film Festival described Herbert as a rich and enjoyable film with a warm and understated sense of humour;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Aven Fisher on being named the winner of the Adobe Prize for Best High School Animation for his film, Herbert, and wish Aven much success in his future endeavours.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Glace Bay.

RESOLUTION NO. 1252

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the employees of Glace Bay's branch of the Royal Bank of Canada made a donation of $1,254 to the Glace Bay Food Bank; and

Whereas Margie Dickson, manager, and the staff of the Royal Bank raised $254 through a silver collection and barbeque; and

Whereas a $1,000 corporate donation was added to that, and the cheque was presented to Sandra MacPherson and Patricia Hurley of Glace Bay Food Bank;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Margie Dickson and her RBC staff for their generosity in fundraising for the Glace Bay Food Bank.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

[Page 1527]

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Human Resources

RESOLUTION NO. 1253

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

Whereas many worthwhile causes depend on the support of volunteers; and

Whereas Muscular Dystrophy Canada benefits from the contributions provided by individuals and groups who volunteer their services; and

Whereas the Bridgewater Fire Department received honours from Muscular Dystrophy Canada as Nova Scotia's Fire Department of the Year for its outstanding contribution as volunteers for the organization;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House congratulate Chief Wayne Thorburne and the members of the Bridgewater Fire Department for their generous support to Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Queens.

RESOLUTION NO. 1254

[Page 1528]

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

Whereas for over 38 years, piano students in the Liverpool, Queens County area were able to study with one of the province's best piano teacher; and

Whereas it is so paramount of a piano teacher to have lots of patience, be very giving of their time and have the confidence in their students; and

Whereas Nancy Anthony recently retired from teaching private piano, but still enjoys playing piano for churches, weddings and funerals throughout Queens County;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly recognize Nancy Anthony for her many years of teaching the gift of music, through piano, to students in the Queens area and commend Nancy for her belief that everyone has it within themselves to succeed.

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. 1255

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

Whereas the grey seal population around the coast of Nova Scotia is expanding exponentially and has increased from less than 10,000 animals 40 years ago to levels exceeding 300,000 today; and

Whereas the huge grey seal population is preventing the recovery of the groundfish stocks around Nova Scotia as well as infecting remaining cod stocks with seal worm parasites; and

[Page 1529]

Whereas the potential harvest of the grey seal resources is being prevented by lack of access to areas where populations congregate and accessibility to sealers;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Legislature recognize the urgent need to address the grey seal problem and help in facilitating 2008 grey seal harvest by recognizing the long-established sealing activity on Hay Island as a traditional harvest and grant access to the island for the purpose of an orderly and humane upcoming season.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Cape Breton Nova.

RESOLUTION NO. 1256

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

Whereas on April 18, 2007, the United Way Board of Directors announced the winner of the Harvey Webber Award; and

Whereas this award is presented annually to an individual who has made an exemplary contribution as a community leader; and

Whereas dedicated volunteer Wayne Weatherbee, well known for his enthusiasm and community pride, was the recipient of this prestigious award;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Wayne Weatherbee on being named as the 2007 recipient of the Harvey Webber Award and on Wayne's dedication and commitment to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

[Page 1530]

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Education.

RESOLUTION NO. 1257

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

Whereas the month of September was Continuing Care Month and this year's theme was Above and Beyond: Because We Care; and

Whereas continuing care programs and services help people to maximize their independence, promote their well-being, sustain or enhance their quality of life and support families to meet the ongoing care needs of their loved ones; and

Whereas the continuing care employees at the Willow Lodge in Tatamagouche not only provide high quality care but reveal energy, compassion and empathy in their daily work;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the continuing care workers of the Willow Lodge for the many ways they go above and beyond to contribute to the community and to enrich the lives of Nova Scotians.

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.

[12:00 noon]

[Page 1531]

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS

MR. SPEAKER: The time is now 12:01 p.m. and we will go until 1:31 p.m.

The honourable member for Dartmouth South-Portland Valley.

COM. SERV. - SMALL OPTIONS HOMES: FOOD BUDGETS -

FUNDING

MS. MARILYN MORE: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Community Services. Small options homes offer community-based, homelike environments for disabled adults. However, this department's budget for food for clients and their live-in staff is woefully inadequate. At one small options home, the budget is $480 per month for three clients and their live-in caregiver. That is less than $4 per day per person in base funding for all their food needs. My question for the minister is why does her department underfund the food budgets for these residents and live-in staff?

HON. JUDY STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, I thank my honourable colleague for bringing this important issue to the floor. Indeed, through the services for persons with disabilities, we do provide assistance to thousands of Nova Scotians who find themselves in need of our assistance, through a variety of programs, independent living programs in the community, as well as small options homes, as well as the more complex cases that are dealt with on an individual basis. We attempt to assist those Nova Scotians to the very best of our ability.

MS. MORE: Mr. Speaker, well vulnerable people in Nova Scotia should be able to eat according to Canada's Food Guide. One worker described these residents as eating a lot of cereal, bread and milk, only the milk delivery service became too expensive so they had to convert to powdered milk a few months ago. Any meat they do eat is bought from the clearance pile and if it weren't for this meat, the staff person says they would live on a lot of pasta. My question to the Minister of Community Services is, when will her department review the food allowances for residents and small options homes?

MS. STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, as with all of our programs, we review them on an annual basis and we will continue to do so.

MS. MORE: Mr. Speaker, many of these clients already struggle with obesity and other chronic health conditions. They cannot eat a healthy diet on $4 per day. I ask the minister, how can she justify $4 per day to feed these residents and their live-in staff?

[Page 1532]

MS. STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned before, through a variety of programs we provide assistance for individuals in their homes. As well, we provide assistance for individuals who require a more elevated level of care. We do so to the best of our ability and we will continue to do so.

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

AGRIC.: BEEF PRODUCERS - AID

MR. STEPHEN MCNEIL: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Agriculture. On Sunday, the three Maritime Provinces and the federal government committed money for aid to the beef processing plant in Prince Edward Island. While this processing plant is important to the cattle industry, it does little to help the imminent concerns faced by cattle farmers here in Nova Scotia. My question to the minister is, what is your government doing to immediately aid beef producers in Nova Scotia?

HON. BROOKE TAYLOR: Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the Leader of the Opposition for that question, it's a very good question. The government is working with the other provincial Agriculture Ministers across this country, Canada, it's certainly a national concern. Just recently this government put together a proviso, a plan, that will enable the cattle producers in this province to apply for an interim payment through the federal program, CAIS.

MR. MCNEIL: Mr. Speaker, the cattle industry is in jeopardy in our province and this Progressive Conservative Government must respond with action, not reports, advisory committees, or panels. Financial aid to the Atlantic beef producers is a fine step, but many farmers are wondering if they will even be around in the coming year to ship product to that plant. My question to the minister is, what is your government's plan to develop a long-term strategy for the cattle producers of Nova Scotia who have lost about 50 per cent of their income this year?

MR. TAYLOR: Mr. Speaker, I'm very proud of the work this government has done in concert with the Liberal Government in P.E.I. and the Liberal Government in New Brunswick. Yes, we did - no pun intended - take the bull by the horns along with the federal Minister responsible for ACOA, the Honourable Peter MacKay, $12 million was invested in the plant in Borden, Prince Edward Island. We are working, in fact, with the Maritime Beef Council, but we're not going to sit back and issue directives to the cattle industry, we want to work with them. This is a national problem and certainly it's very challenging for the farmers right here in Nova Scotia.

I believe that we will put in place some programs, but we want to make sure that the programs work to the best advantage of the Nova Scotia producer and, in fact, that will be

[Page 1533]

part of the strategy. We're not going to just throw money at the program, we want to make sure there are conditions in place that will ensure the cattle industry sustains.

MR. MCNEIL: Mr. Speaker, we've seen how this Progressive Conservative Government mishandled the crisis in the hog industry. They said they offered financial help to those in that industry, yet many of those industries are in financial ruins and those farmers are on the brink of bankruptcy. The P.E.I. Government is responding to the cattle industry in Prince Edward Island, they're not handing it off to the federal government. What Nova Scotia cattle producers want to know is, what is your government going to do to make sure that there is a cattle industry in this province, that it doesn't end up like the hog industry and go by the wayside?

MR. TAYLOR: Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition seems to be quite animated today, but I do want to tell the honourable member that, in fact, this government is working with the pork producers, we are working with the beef sector and the fact of the matter is this government, on this side of the House, since 2000, has invested $16.5 million into the pork industry and this government, since 2000, has invested - get this, Mr. Speaker- over $26 million into the beef sector alone. So we are doing a lot on this side of the House.

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

[Page 1534]

IMMIGRATION - MENTORSHIP FEES: INCREASE -

EXPLAIN

MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Immigration. It is reported this morning that in December 2002, the province recommended that the mentorship fees, under its about-to-be-launched program, should be increased from $75,000 to $100,000. Now, between the I don't knows and I can't remember, the minister told The ChronicleHerald that he would check the record and find out why this was done. So my question to the minister is this, why did this government decide that immigrants who chose Nova Scotia should pay an additional $25,000 from their own pocket to take part in a program that ultimately failed most of them?

HON. LEONARD GOUCHER: Mr. Speaker, I guess, as the honourable Leader of the Opposition knows, I could probably fall behind the statement and say there's a lawsuit in progress and not answer it, but I guess there was a release yesterday by Mr. Lockyer with 14 questions and answers. One of them was on the issue of the actual fee, well, it's not a fee, but the $75,000 that was charged as part of the Mentorship Program and whether or not the government indeed did raise that to $100,000, I can tell you, yes, the government did do that. But that was part of a negotiation that went on and also part of that was the salary that was going to be paid to the immigrants as part of that program. That salary, with regard to the proposal that was put forward was $12,000, with the range maybe up to $22,000 or $23,000. So that was negotiated as well.

Mr. Speaker, I have no intention of going too much further with it, but the other issue here is the question is being asked and it's very clearly laid out in documents that were put before - I guess I've got to be very careful with my wording here, I don't want to upset anybody - but document number one, that was put before the Public Accounts Committee, clearly shows that it was changed from $75,000 to $100,000. Again, there is a lawsuit under way against the province right now and I guess that's about the best answer, and as far as I can go with the answer, but the answer is yes.

MR. DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, despite the importance of immigration to Nova Scotia's economic future, a point that has been made to the Progressive Conservative Government many times by the business community here in this province, the minister said that immigration just wasn't a priority and that it was, "low on the pecking order". So my question, now that the minister has reviewed the record on how fees were set for the Nominee Program, will he tell Nova Scotians if his government made any other decisions that caused this program to be less attractive and less effective for the talented immigrants who are needed by our province?

MR. GOUCHER: Mr. Speaker, without question, the government of the day and this government have made a lot of decisions which have taken the immigration program from

[Page 1535]

1991to 1995 to current day and doubling the numbers that we've brought into this province. We have definitely made decisions and good ones.

MR. DEXTER: Well, Mr. Speaker, this is a pattern by this minister. He tries to distract attention from the Progressive Conservative's mishandling of this file by talking about the number of immigrants by Nova Scotia in 2006. Ironically, in a document that was released to the media yesterday, Cornwallis Financial points out that it ran the Nominee Program until June 2006 and that it wanted a better deal for immigrants. Cornwallis claims credit for any increase last year. So my question for the minister is this, does the minister agree that Cornwallis Financial can claim credit for its part in achieving the 2006 immigration results and, if not, why does the minister state that only his government can claim credit?

MR. GOUCHER: Gee whiz, you know, I guess, Mr. Speaker, I wonder if I should question the word mishandling as an appropriate word, but anyway I guess I'll leave it there.

Mr. Speaker, this government has done a great job with the immigration program. Understand, you know, I think if they were as worried about the immigrants of this province,

as much as they were about the politics, things might be a lot different right now.

Now, Mr. Speaker, there are four other streams to our Nominee Program and those four other streams have brought in record numbers this year, so this government is doing a good job. We will introduce a new economic stream in the new year once we're finished with the current process that is going on within the Public Accounts Committee and also the Auditor General. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition.

HEALTH - RURAL ER CLOSURES: CONSIDERATION -

TIME FRAME

MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, my question now will be for the Minister of Health. On July 21st the Health Minister toured the Lillian Fraser Memorial Hospital in Tatamagouche. That very day the minister seemed unconcerned that the ER wasn't open, even though he was touring the riding with the Education Minister who represents those constituents. He told The Daily News, "Does Tatamagouche need a 24-hour Emergency Department?" I don't know, but the community feels it does. So my question, Mr. Speaker, for the minister is, how long has the minister been considering closing down rural ERs in Nova Scotia?

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, I have never considered closing rural ERs.

[Page 1536]

MR. DEXTER: Well, thank you. Mr. Speaker, we know the minister was already thinking about the Corpus Sanchez report at this time because he told the reporter there was an ongoing facility review, but in fact he had already decided to cut off rural constituencies from emergency care - I'll table a March 21, 2007 briefing note that shows to deflect attention away from the problem, he is willing to blame it on doctors and is considering closing ERs.

My question for the minister is, which ERs is the Health Minister going to close - Digby? New Waterford? Tatamagouche? When the Corpus Sanchez report comes out, who will it be?

[12:15 p.m.]

MR. D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, this government has no intention of closing rural ERs.

MR. DEXTER: It is sophistry, because in those briefing notes they talk about changing roles. This is where this minister is going. The minister is simply stalling the release of this report; he doesn't want to be in the House when the news comes out about the ERs, so I challenge the minister to release the $1.1 million report. It is the people's money, it is the people's report - in draft form or not, release it.

MR. D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, as the member opposite fully knows, the facilities report is going to be before me very soon. I plan on releasing it to all Nova Scotians, with an implementation strategy, in the second week of January.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Richmond.

ENVIRON. & LBR. - ARROW: OIL - LOCATION

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, on February 4, 1970, the Liberian oil tanker Arrow sank in Chedabucto Bay, breaking in half and spilling 8,000 tons of crude oil into the Strait of Canso. Winter winds and currents spread the oil 14 kilometres, from Petit-de-Grat to the mouth of the Strait, and covered 18 kilometres of coastline in eastern Guysborough and Richmond Counties. The Arrow spill left behind 3.5 million gallons of bunker sea oil, and now this nearly 40-year-old environmental disaster may be coming back to haunt us.

Mr. Speaker, questions have been raised as to where this oil was deposited and what monitoring has been done since that time. My question is, will the Minister of Environment and Labour indicate to this House the exact sites where the Arrow oil was buried and what monitoring has been done by his department?

[Page 1537]

HON. MARK PARENT: Mr. Speaker, the member raises a good question. I know that this has been an issue that has been in the news, and certainly my department has over the years been monitoring the situation. No traces of the oil contamination have been found to date, but we have an ongoing interest in this and I would be happy to sit down with the member and discuss further steps that might be taken to assure the residents of that area of their environmental health and safety.

MR. SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, this was one of the worst environmental disasters to ever hit Canada. The environmental impacts of the oil spill was a massive tragedy affecting species from shellfish, lobsters, fish, plankton, aquatic plants and seabirds. In addition to large slicks pushing their way around the bay, affecting the beaches, rivers, lakes, lagoons, ponds and coves. Now we have learned that after the cleanup, the remains of this bunker-C oil may have been dumped in close proximity to residential areas. The Department of Environment and Labour staff have indicated seven sites exist in Richmond County, namely Janvrin Island, Cape Auguet, West Arichat, Doyles Road, L'Ardoise and MacIntyres Lake. Residents in all of these communities rely upon private wells for their drinking water. My question to the minister is, since he has indicated that ongoing monitoring has taken place, will the minister commit to tabling in this House the exact details of the monitoring done by his department since 1970?

MR. PARENT: Absolutely, Mr. Speaker, and I will even table any monitoring that was done or was not done when the member opposite was minister.

MR. SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, the cleanup of the Arrow oil spill lasted two years and was carried out by the Canadian Armed Services and the federal Department of Transportation yet we now know the oil was buried in municipal landfills, Crown land and even private property. This clearly falls under the jurisdiction of the provincial Department of Environment and Labour. Residents are concerned over possible contamination of the their private wells and surrounding land. My final supplementary is, what plan does the minister have to monitor these sites and address any possible contamination to address the fear of residents of Richmond County.

MR. PARENT: Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the question. I have been speaking with my staff as of Monday about the Arrow and the oil spill from that Liberian tanker and any possible contamination. Certainly I will be happy to share with the honourable member and to work with him to make sure that his residents feel that their safety is protected.

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

HEALTH: SENIOR COUPLES - CARE OPTIONS

[Page 1538]

MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, my question will be for the Minister of Health. Kevin Tobin is just one of hundreds of family care givers who have been hit hard by the long waits for nursing homes beds. He has not one but three elderly relatives with various needs but none can access the care they need. His aunt requires care and after several falls, the family decided to pay $91 a day to put her in a private facility. Her husband requires light care and their different health needs mean that they must live apart. So my question for the Minister of Health is, why aren't there more options to help senior couples stay together?

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, the member opposite knows the answer to that question and it really revolves around the number of beds that we do have available in this province and the levels of service that they do provide. Through the continuing care strategy, we will continue to expand the services available in communities. We will continue to expand the services available in long-term care facilities and we will have the right slate of options for all Nova Scotians as they move on to that phase of their lives.

MR. DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, Mr. Tobin's other elderly aunt lives alone in seniors' housing. She has dementia and has been declared incompetent. Her doctor recommended adult protection because she won't accept home care. His aunt doesn't have a working stove because her frequent burning of food was a fire risk and so power was cut to the stove. Yet adult protection has refused to assess her. My question to the Minister of Health is, why is adult protection refusing to assess a senior whose own physician has recommended action?

MR. D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, the member opposite knows full well I cannot speak to the specifics of any case. If he can provide me with that information, I would be more than happy to look into it.

MR. DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, this elderly woman has started wandering at night. She is incapable of buying groceries. She is relying on elderly relatives to provide meals and this is not an isolated case and that is the point. Mr. Tobin is worried for her safety. So my question for the Minister of Health is, why can't seniors in danger get an assessment to ensure they are safe and properly cared for?

MR. D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, through adult protection, I know that when there are cases that are identified, that they review those with stringent measures. I know that those individuals will be taken care of as best they can but we don't want to be taking people for absolutely no reason. If the member opposite could provide me with the information that he is speaking to, I would be more than happy to look into it.

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

HEALTH: NURSING HOMES - NUTRITION

[Page 1539]

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health. Webb Frizzell's wife, Angela, is a resident of Cedar Stone in Truro. Mr. Frizzell's concerned about the quality of food served in nursing homes throughout Nova Scotia. He says seniors are frequently served processed foods and they have very little access to fresh fruit and vegetables. He was so concerned he took pictures of her meals, which I'll table. My question to the Minister of Health is, how much attention is paid to the quality of food served in nursing homes to ensure they follow the Canada Food Guide?

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, long-term care facilities and the operators of those facilities have to fit into strict guidelines of the services they do provide to our seniors. Through monitoring and evaluation, we do check on a regular basis of the things that are going on within those homes. I know that our providers are doing the best they can and will provide the healthiest meals possible.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): Mr. Speaker, Mr. Frizzell says that often one item runs out and he frequently sees residents getting up to leave without eating their meal. He frequently pays out of his pocket to provide meals and fresh fruit for his wife. The Homes for Special Care Act says very little about food quality. I'd like to ask the minister, why won't he ensure that dietary staff in nursing homes have the adequate budget to provide appealing, fresh and healthy foods that conforms with the Canada Food Guide?

MR. D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, I know that through the department and through the budgets that we do provide adequate funding to take care of our seniors within those facilities. I know that our operators are doing the best they possibly can to provide healthy meals for those individuals. Again, if the member opposite provides me with information, I would be more than happy to look into it.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): Mr. Speaker, some nursing homes don't even prepare fresh food on site and others are contemplating sourcing out their food services. Our seniors deserve to have healthy, fresh meals no matter where they call home. I'd like to ask the minister, when will he commit to talking with Mr. Frizzell and working with his staff to ensure that all nursing homes serve healthy and appealing food to their residents?

MR. D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, I know that through our office of continuing care, we provide as much as we possibly can to the operators of our province. I will table a document that I have before me which talks about the growth summary in long-term care. I also want to say, during this government, it has grown in long-term care from 2002-03 of $204 million to $342 million to provide services and food and safe lodging for our seniors.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Clayton Park.

SERV. N.S. & MUN. REL.: CONDOMINIUM ORG. -

[Page 1540]

FORMATION

MS. DIANA WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. In recent years, there has been an alarming number of complaints about shoddy workmanship in the building of condominiums. Owners are finding themselves on the hook for huge additional payments to cover deficiencies in the building. In a resolution a year ago, I called attention to this issue. In the last year or so, the Registrar of Condominiums has seen a surge in complaints and it is so serious, there is now a new organization in our province called CONS that has formed to represent the issues and concerns of the owners of condominiums. My question to the minister is, why has it taken so long for your government to listen?

HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, this is a government that does listen. We have listened and we have acted indeed. Unfortunately, there have been some condos that have been constructed in this province and I guess the ones we hear most about are in the Halifax area where certainly the quality of workmanship left a lot to be desired. There's no question about that. unfortunately, in this day and age we're hearing more complaints about residential home building and commercial construction too. So, it's not just an issue with condos, although the honourable member has made a very good case for the condo issue, as has my colleague for Bedford who has been speaking about that ever since he arrived, with great eloquence, yes, thank you very much. (Laughter)

Anyway, it is an issue and I thank the honourable member for bringing it to the floor of the House today. Our government is acting on it, but I say it's not only an issue for condominiums, we're looking at the whole homebuilding sector.

MS. WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, to follow up on that, if the minister is serious about looking at the whole building sector, I wonder why he's not listening to the Atlantic Home Building and Renovation Sector Council who has been calling on government to improve the building quality and increase consumer protection by having a commission formed that would make it mandatory for builders to be licensed. They brought their concerns to the government. They have brought them to a committee of the Legislature. They've spoken to both caucuses in the Opposition, and yet the government has not moved to bring in the legislation which they have already had drafted and ready to go. Could the minister answer why he's not willing to move forward with legislation to create a residential construction commission that will license builders and hold them responsible?

MR. MUIR: I have indeed, Mr. Speaker, met with the representatives of that group on at least two occasions, and their concerns certainly are legitimate. My colleague, the Minister of Health Promotion and Protection, also has raised this issue. We are working with that group. To be quite frank, there were some things in their proposal that we felt needed to be modified and they have gone back and they have, I think, adjusted some of the proposals that they have made and they will be revisited by government.

[Page 1541]

[12:30 p.m.]

MS. WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, licensing would go a long way to solving the problems that we've seen in the condominium and the other residential building sectors but due to inaction on the part of government, I'm sure that many more substandard condominiums have been built in Nova Scotia in the last year. In other provinces, there are warranties for homes and condominiums of three, five, and even 10 years in length. These protect condominium owners for a longer period of time against poor workmanship but here in Nova Scotia condo owners are only protected for one year, not nearly long enough to see substandard structural problems.

MR. SPEAKER: Question.

MS. WHALEN: My question to the minister is, will you commit to protecting condominium owners in this province and increase the warranty for condominiums immediately?

MR. MUIR: Mr. Speaker, this government is investigating public concern over residential construction, including condos, and we'll be doing in the near future some public consultation to help specify the issues and possible solutions which will be acceptable to all parties. We're also reviewing the Condominium Act at this time and there has been a committee formed for the purpose of determining what course of action is most appropriate to address the issues and to make recommendations how solutions can be put in place and whether they can be best addressed through legislation or through some other way.

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

HEALTH - SURGERIES: EQUIPMENT -

AVAILABILITY

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health. Last Thursday, the minister stated, "Mr. Speaker, this government is fully aware of the issues in the health care system which is why we are fixing them." That's good to know, because we all want to know that the health care system will be there when we need it. Capital Health is currently borrowing electro-surgical units with smoke evaporators that are necessary to perform surgeries, because the current equipment is old and obsolete. So I would like to ask the Minister of Health, what is the minister doing to ensure surgeries aren't cancelled because of a lack of proper equipment?

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, through our relationship and our workings with the Capital District Health Authority, I can say that we are working hard to ensure that they meet their targets as put up and keeping the promise that Dr. Jaap Bonjer from Dal Surgery put forward, to make sure that they provide the type of surgeries in the type

[Page 1542]

of time that they promised. We will continue to work through their business planning process, through their capital process, to make sure that they have the equipment they need to perform the surgeries that all Nova Scotians require.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): Mr. Speaker, investing in proper infrastructure and maintaining the proper equipment is the hallmark of good planning, so surgeries aren't cancelled. It should come as no surprise that many of the operating tables at the Victoria General Hospital and many at the Halifax Infirmary are over 45 years old. These tables are so old, they are collapsing in the middle of operations due to metal fatigue, stated the Capital District Health Authority's capital equipment request. I would like to ask the minister, what is the minister doing about this safety hazard in our operating rooms?

MR. D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, I thank the member opposite for the question. Through the process with the Capital District Health Authority they are identifying the capital requirements from here to 10 years hence on what equipment they will need and what kind of facilities they will need and I look forward to having that report on my desk very soon.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): Mr. Speaker, there's little use for equipment without the proper staff to use it. CDHA warns that staffing shortages in many areas are critical and all programs will be affected. Their 2007-08 business plan states that there is a need to reach collective agreements quickly to support recruitment and retention. I would like to ask the minister, why has this minister allowed his colleagues to introduce offensive legislation when he claims to know how to fix the health care system?

MR. D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, I believe that working with our district health authorities, making sure that they have the right type of infrastructure is what is required, making sure that they have the equipment to provide the service that all Nova Scotians expect. We will continue to work with those individuals to make sure we have the best system that Nova Scotians can possibly afford.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Preston.

TIR - CCG ICEBREAKERS: NL RELOCATION - REASON

MR. KEITH COLWELL: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. In April of this year, the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans announced it would be moving the two large Canadian Coast Guard vessels from HRM to ports in Newfoundland and Labrador. There is no reason to move these icebreakers from their ports in Dartmouth, which is currently providing excellent service to ports in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Argentia. Other than political manoeuvring by the Conservative Prime Minister and this Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, we have heard little from the provincial Progressive Conservative Government

[Page 1543]

on this issue and I think it's time they explained their role in the matter. My question is, what discussions have you had with your federal Conservative counterparts regarding this devastating blow to the economy of HRM, another in the series of job losses, such as the Moirs candy factory?

HON. MURRAY SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank the honourable member opposite for a great question. He's absolutely right - the federal government made that announcement earlier this year. My colleague, the honourable Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture for the Province of Nova Scotia, met with the federal minister in that regard. A commitment was made that yes, those boats are being moved to Newfoundland and Labrador, but there's a commitment of two things, there will be no jobs lost to Nova Scotia and smaller boats will be put in there to service this area, so it will be business as usual.

MR. COLWELL: Mr. Speaker, this sudden and irrational move will directly remove close to $25 million annually from our local economy and directly affect 150 well-paid jobs here in HRM, not to mention the various spinoff work from commercial companies employed in performing maintenance and upgrades to these ships. This is political patronage from a federal Cabinet Minister, who is struggling at home and it's nothing else. My question to the minister is, what is your government's plan to stay the negative economic impact this will have on HRM and Nova Scotia?

MR. SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, again to the honourable member, we have that commitment from the federal government and as I said earlier there are new boats on their way for this location. To the honourable member, I will take it up with my federal colleague in regard to the issue that he brought before the House today.

MR. COLWELL: Mr. Speaker, representatives of the Coast Guard have spoken out about this move and they know that this is a short term political decision by a Conservative Government without proper consultation with . . .

MR. SPEAKER: Do you have a question?

MR. COLWELL: . . . officials and correct analysis. Newfoundland and Labrador does not have the infrastructure to support the vessels, meaning new facilities will have to be created, rather than have government invest more money in upgrades to the ports here in HRM. While this is a federal issue, the Progressive Conservative Government must deal with the . . .

MR. SPEAKER: Question.

MR. COLWELL: . . . provincial economic damage that will follow this poor decision.

[Page 1544]

MR. SPEAKER: Question.

MR. COLWELL: My question is, will you commit to pressuring the federal Conservative Government counterpart to stop this unnecessary and ill-advised decision that will have a long-term negative effect on Nova Scotia's economy?

MR. SCOTT: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Citadel.

EDUC.: STUDENT LOANS -

REPAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGS.

MR. LEONARD PREYRA: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Education. A survey of 2003 university graduates by the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission provided insights into the crushing debt burden being borne by Nova Scotia's students. The survey found that 65 per cent of the undergraduates from the class of 2003 borrowed to achieve their first degree and half of those are having trouble making their student loan payments.

Despite this, according to the MPHEC report, only a small group of them are aware of the availability of repayment assistance programs. My question to the minister is, what is she doing to better inform Nova Scotia graduates of repayment assistance programs?

HON. KAREN CASEY: Mr. Speaker, to the member opposite, thank you for the question. It is a question that I have asked students when I have been meeting with them, how can we better communicate to students what programs are available. I agree with the member opposite that many students are not aware. We have the programs listed on our Web site, but we're also looking at ways, through school newspapers, that we can communicate that information directly to the university students.

MR. PREYRA: I thank the minister for that answer. I'm looking forward to a better communication strategy because clearly a number of students, the most needy students, are falling between the cracks.

Mr. Speaker, the MPHEC report also showed a link between parents' level of education and income and indebtedness incurred by graduates. Graduates whose parents had a high school education or less accumulated 37 per cent more debt than graduates from the most highly educated families. We also know that 40 per cent of those families had family members who did not go on to university or college, because they were afraid of taking on this debt. There is a clear link between socio-economic background and high student debt and participation rates.

[Page 1545]

My question to the minister is, why does her department continue to refuse to establish a targeted, needs-based grants program for students whose families did not go to university or college and who do not participate for that reason?

MS. CASEY: Mr. Speaker, to the member opposite and to all members of the House, I believe that the reputation this province has for quality education and university education is well-known across Canada. I would like to perhaps share a few statistics myself, that Nova Scotia has the highest university enrolment as a percentage of the total population. Compared to the national average we are above the national average and, in fact, the comment about our Nova Scotia residents not having degrees or post-secondary education, 60.5 per cent of Nova Scotia's population between the ages of 25 and 54 have a post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree.

MR. PREYRA: Mr. Speaker, the question was about Nova Scotia's students carrying the highest debt burden of students across Nova Scotia and the fact that we are one of only two provinces that do not have a targeted, needs-based grants program. More than half of all graduates in 2003 enrolled in further study; three-quarters of these graduates were continuing their studies while carrying a debt load averaging $28,000 each. We also found a correlation between higher debt and lower participation rate.

So given that post-secondary education is so important for research and innovation and economic development, my question to the minister is, when will she join with other Canadian provinces and introduce a graduate scholarship program for students in Nova Scotia?

MS. CASEY: Mr. Speaker, there are a number of programs within our department and a number of programs that this government funds to provide support for students, either in the form of reducing tuition or looking at ways for them to pay back their debt or to look at scholarships that are available for needy families.

We will continue to do that, we have done an internal review of that. We have a consultation process going on across the province where people can come out and talk to us about the student assistance programs that we have and how we may improve that. We are always open to change.

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

SERV. N.S. & MUN. REL.: 211 SERV. INTRO. -

TIME FRAME

MS. BECKY KENT: My question is for the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. Mr. Speaker, 211 is an easy-to-remember telephone number that connects approximately 137 million U.S. citizens and millions of western Canadians to a full

[Page 1546]

range of non-emergency, community health, social and governmental services in their community. Information and referral specialists answer calls, assess each caller's need and link them to the best available services by consulting a comprehensive database. I ask the minister, when is this government going to introduce a 211 service?

HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, the honourable member is correct. There are a certain number of Nova Scotians who are advocating the establishment of a 211 service. They have met with government on at least one or two occasions. We actually gave the group a significant amount of money to do a study to try to establish that it was a service needed in Nova Scotia. They came back, at one time, and they were looking for a considerable amount of dollars. This is one of these programs that has proved some value. Another thing, in Nova Scotia, we are looking at it and I can say that I suspect, at some time in the future, it will come. But I'm not optimistic that it's going to come in the near future.

[12:45 p.m.]

MS. KENT: Mr. Speaker, the United Way has stated that it is committed to funding 5 per cent of ongoing operational costs as well as assisting in the developmental funding, or in-kind support for startup costs, which would be less than $0.5 million. The United Way would like the province to pay for the other 95 per cent. It works out to less than $1 million per year. I ask the minister, when is this government going to provide funding for this essential service to our community?

MR. MUIR: Mr. Speaker, in 2005, the province received a proposal from the United Way, Halifax, to establish the 211 service. The proposal indicated that startup funding for the 2006-07 fiscal year would be $400,000 with a $1 million a year minimum needed after that. Funding in the amount of $100,000 was to be provided to my department to complete a review of the United Way proposal and to provide further information to government. To this end, we engaged Deloitte, who has experience, with the establishment of a 211 service in another Canadian province, to undertake a review of the proposal, and a review was completed in October 2006. If funding is available, the government finds itself in a very positive financial situation, then it's likely that funding for 211 will come. If we don't find ourselves in a very positive financial situation, then it's likely that the implementation would be delayed.

MS. KENT: Mr. Speaker, the benefits of a 211 services won't just apply to its clients. The centrepiece of a 211 service is the efficiencies that it creates. It reduces misdirected calls to the government agencies. It reduces calls to 911; 211 data helps to identify new challenges in communities and enables governments to plan more flexible, effective responses to those challenges. I ask, what is it that's preventing the government from adopting 211 as it appears to be a win-win investment?

[Page 1547]

MR. MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I am probably going to get in trouble for making this statement.

AN HON. MEMBER: Don't make it.

MR. MUIR: Don't make it? In my just about nine years as Cabinet Minister, I have had lots of people come to me and say that if you do this, you're going to save the government money and in my honest experience, the only way you save the government money is if you don't do something.

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The honourable member for Glace Bay.

HEALTH: MIDWIFERY ACT - PROCLAMATION

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The last comment by the minister was just too much, I'm not even going to go there.

My question is for the Minister of Health, Mr. Speaker. Midwives in this province finally won their battle with the government last Fall when they received passage of the Midwifery Act. The midwives have been patiently waiting now for the ability to provide their services independently to mothers and families throughout the province, but like so many other professional organizations before them, they are still waiting on government to proclaim the legislation. So my question to the minister is, when is this Act going to be proclaimed?

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: I want to thank the member opposite for the question. I can't really thank the member for Glace Bay for his interventions, as interesting as they may seem.

Mr. Speaker, there is an operational group that is working on the regulations that go along with this Act. I know they're doing a tremendous amount of work in having them ready so we can have them in place as soon as possible. Also, I was very happy to make an announcement a number of weeks ago that this government will be funding midwives to be part of primary health care teams.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, during debate on the bill, during Law Amendments Committee, our caucus and the midwives themselves were there to voice their concern at the amount of work that is still left to be done on regulations and certification and transition teams. The minister said at that time, don't worry, it'll get done. Now, over a year later, we're expecting proclamation of the bill any minute now. So my question to the minister is, will the regulations be ready and will issues of transition and certification be resolved before the Act is proclaimed?

[Page 1548]

MR. D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, as the regulation process is a little bit out of my hands, what I can probably do is come back and report to the House exactly where it is within the process and provide a more substantial date when the proclamation can happen for those regulations. I know that there are a number of people, including midwives and people in my department, who want to make sure that those regulations are ready for usage with the bill.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, the minister knows that the Midwifery Act is proclaimed in whole, without the regulations and transitional provisions and without the resolution of the certification issue, that midwives are going to be offside on their own legislation. The government would actually be putting these midwives in the position of practising illegally. So my final question for the minister is, how will the minister ensure that the Midwifery Act is proclaimed expeditiously, while still ensuring that midwives can continue their practice?

MR. D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, we need to thank the members of the Midwifery Association for bringing this issue forward. They are working so hard to make sure that those regulations are as good as they possibly can be, making sure that we have the legislation. I'm very proud to be the Minister of Health who brought the Midwifery Act in, just as I was proud yesterday to bring in and see third reading of the Dental Hygienists Act.

So, Mr. Speaker, we'll continue to make sure that that piece of regulation, and that piece of legislation, will be enacted upon as soon as we have those pieces ready.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Dartmouth North.

COM. SERV.: FAM. & CHILDREN'S SERV. COMM.

- MEMBERSHIP

MR. TREVOR ZINCK: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Community Services. I'll table a newspaper article dated December 15th, 2005. The headline states, "Minister Ordered to Bring Back Committee". The courts ordered the Minister of Community Services to re-activate the Children and Family Services Committee and have members in place by the end of December, 2005. That was two years ago. My question for the Minister of Community Services is, are all the positions on this committee filled today?

HON. JUDY STREATCH: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The group that the honourable member brings forward is a very important group. At the Department of Community Services, we look to our community partners for various levels of expertise. This committee is one of those levels of expertise that we look to and we will continue to seek out members for that committee - as you know, it is not at a full complement.

MR. ZINCK: Mr. Speaker, according to documents obtained through the Freedom of Information, the committee has struggled to find members and has barely made quorum

[Page 1549]

for some meetings. Community groups have difficulty getting information on meetings, and requests to present to the committee go unanswered. One of the challenges is finding parents whose children are, or may be, in need of care. I ask the minister, what assurances can she offer that every seat on the committee is now filled, will be filled, with representatives of the appropriate population?

MS. STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, again I thank my honourable colleague for bringing the issue of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Children and Family Services to the floor. Again, we recognize there are many components to this very important group and we recognize that it's challenging, as we've all experienced, to find members of communities to step forward. We will continue to work hard; we'll continue to advertise in an attempt to get all of those positions filled.

MR. ZINCK: Mr. Speaker, these parent members are a voice for parents who may have a child protection or apprehension issue. One of the seats was filled by a Community Services staffer in February - he has since left the committee, but that left a bad taste in the mouths of parents whose kids are in care. I ask the minister why, two years after a court order, are there still so many issues surrounding the Children and Family Services Act Committee?

MS. STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, I've spend a considerable amount of time with my honourable colleague across the way on these very important issues of child welfare. I know that he brings these questions to the floor of this House out of a sense of sincere passion and compassion, and I respect him for that.

But, Mr. Speaker, I certainly will not allow the reputation of any of the employees of the Department of Community Services to be taken into question. The honourable member knows very well that the member who was on that committee resigned when he realized that it was inappropriate to be there. His intentions, as the executive director under the new division of the department, have been applauded by all members of the province, all members of the communities that are involved in that child abuse strategy. I certainly have full confidence in his ability, as I know Nova Scotians do.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank.

EDUC.: WOMEN SKILLED TRADES PROG. - INTRODUCE

MR. PERCY PARIS: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Education. In March of this year, Ontario invested over $1 million to help low-income women develop new skills and find employment in the trade - the Women in Skilled Trades program enables women to achieve journey person status in highly lucrative trades such as carpentry, welding, construction, landscaping, and metal working. This program will help over 100 Ontario

[Page 1550]

women to work their own way out of low income. I would like to ask the minister, when is her department going to introduce similar opportunities for women in Nova Scotia?

HON. KAREN CASEY: Mr. Speaker, to the member opposite, obviously I would be an advocate for any program that would help provide education for women and men. I would also suggest that I have attended some of the apprenticeship graduation programs and was very impressed by the number of women who are getting their journey person certificate.

MR. PARIS: Mr. Speaker, and I'm sure the minister will be aware of this, the rate of acceptance of apprenticeships in Nova Scotia is worryingly low at the moment. A recent survey published by the department shows only 8 per cent of high school graduates are going into the trades, and less than one-quarter of these graduates are women. When will the minister agree to develop programs that offer a strong incentive to women who may not realize how good a career the trades can be?

MS. CASEY: Mr. Speaker, I will say to the member opposite that any programs we can develop that will encourage any graduate to go into any program would be something that I will always continue to support.

MR. PARIS: Mr. Speaker, the latest figures for apprenticeship to Nova Scotia show that there are 167 women apprentices in Nova Scotia - that's 5 per cent of the total number of 4,100 apprentices. Over half of these women were apprentice cooks. Isn't it about time that we made sure that the trades provide equity of opportunity for women and for men?

MS. CASEY: Mr. Speaker, the statistic that's shared, 167, is encouraging. I would expect if there was a comparison to the statistics of 10 years or 20 years ago, we would see significant growth, and we'll continue to see growth.

[1:00 p.m.]

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Richmond.

TIR - TRUCKING REGS.: ADOPTION - CONFIRM

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, the federal government has recently introduced new trucking regulations. It appears that the Province of Nova Scotia will be adopting these regulations which, on the surface, will place an additional burden on small businesses in our province. A small trucking and excavation business in Richmond County is questioning the need for these new regulations, which will clearly add additional paperwork and administrative burdens on their business. So my question to the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal is will he indicate if his government will be adopting these new trucking regulations as presented by the federal government?

[Page 1551]

HON. MURRAY SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, I would say to the honourable member that we in this province are looking at our own issues around trucking and trying to do what we can to support the trucking industry. I know the federal government has moved on some initiatives as well and I would ask the honourable member, if he has more statistics, to bring them to my attention and I'll do what I can to address the issue.

MR. SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I would be more than happy to do that. These new regulations will severely impact small trucking and excavation businesses in our province, which are important employers throughout Nova Scotia. For example, these new regulations would require dump truck drivers to keep a daily log, although we know many of these drivers will also end up, during the run of a day, operating a backhoe or a bulldozer. While these new regulations have questionable safety value, they will certainly add more paperwork and red tape to these small businesses.

MR. SPEAKER: Question.

MR. SAMSON: So my question - since your government has committed to reducing red tape for business, why would you adopt regulations that will create more administrative burdens for Nova Scotia's small businesses?

MR. SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, again to the member opposite, I thank him for the question and, obviously, these are issues around if the federal government has jurisdiction over the National Safety Code and Council. Certainly we advocate on behalf of the truckers in this province and we will continue to do so in the future - in fact I've met with the president of the association here in Nova Scotia and truckers in my own area, and I've heard their concerns and we'll continue to advocate on their behalf.

MR. SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, safety is a concern for all Nova Scotians, yet we know that most employees of small trucking and excavation businesses travel very short distances and are required to multi-task during the day - keeping a daily log book will mean more paperwork for the drivers and for office staff. At the same time, one has to question what government staff will actually be reviewing these logs for accuracy. So my final supplementary is that since the government wants to reduce red tape for business, will the minister commit to consulting with these small businesses prior to adopting the proposed federal regulations?

MR. SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, certainly we'll consult. I want to consult with the individuals the honourable member talks about here today. We're trying to find a balance between ensuring the regulations protect the safety of all those motorists who use our highways, and as well to support an industry that's facing challenges on a daily basis - but absolutely, I look forward to consulting with those in the industry and to work with them towards an agreeable end.

[Page 1552]

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Hants East.

TIR: DAVISON BRIDGE - REPLACE

MR. JOHN MACDONELL: Mr. Speaker, my question will be for the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal as well. I want to draw the minister's attention to a bridge on Route 14 in my constituency; in fact it's the last bridge before entering Hants West and referred to as the Davison Bridge. The issue is that this bridge is concrete, and for some years pieces of concrete have been falling from the bridge, exposing the reinforcing steel. I've been talking to a bridge engineer in the department who tells me he's been trying to get to get this bridge on the top of the priority list for three years. So I want to ask the minister, in light of the tragedies in Quebec, when can the people of my constituency who use this bridge expect to hear of it being replaced?

HON. MURRAY SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, I thank the member opposite for a good question. Yes, absolutely there was a tragedy in Quebec that we want to avoid in this province. In fact, as a result of that, an assessment was done of bridges across this province. The only bridge in Nova Scotia, actually, that reflects the same type of structure would be the one in Fairview and we intend to replace that bridge next year.

MR. MACDONELL: I am glad to hear about that. I would like to hear about my own bridge, if I could. Mr. Speaker, my second question for the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal is regarding another bridge in my constituency, in Mill Village near Shubenacadie. Some of the staff in the department seem to think the bridge is sinking and others feel that it just may be shifting. They seem to indicate they think it's safe but they are concerned about having it replaced. Because of habitat issues in streams, there is a narrow window to get work done in the summer. So my question for the minister is, when can the people who use the Mill Village bridge expect that bridge to be replaced?

MR. SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, I will undertake to get the information for the honourable member on both bridges and report back to him as soon as I can gather it for him.

MR. MACDONELL: Mr. Speaker, I think that is a pretty fair answer. Almost 10 years ago, after being elected to this House, I attended a meeting at the East Hants municipal chamber on the issue of the Lantz interchange which will connect Highway No. 102 to Highway No. 2. Presently, traffic exiting Highway No. 102 at Exit 8 in Elmsdale at the supper hour is often backed up from Highway No. 2 right to the off ramp. In 1998, department staff were predicting approximately 10 years before the interchange would be in place. So my question for the minister is, the 10 year time frame is upon us and can the minister tell me when the residents can expect action on the Lantz interchange?

MR. SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, I thank the member opposite for another good question. We are facing a huge challenge in this province in regard to infrastructure deficit but also,

[Page 1553]

we have indicated through our Throne Speech and through our budgets that we will continue to allocate additional dollars each year in regard to infrastructure. The member brings forward a question that, in this particular area of HRM, in the perimeter, we are seeing increased population, increased traffic and obviously the issue he brings forward before the House will have to be addressed, like other areas that are close to HRM. I will undertake to get that information for the member and bring it forward to him right away.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Queens.

TIR - SALTERS BROOK BRIDGE: PRIORITY LIST -

STATUS

MS. VICKI CONRAD: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. Salters Brook Bridge is a 51-year-old timber structure that handles a lot of heavy traffic. Local residents use this bridge every day, as do school buses, waste management vehicles, as well as numerous logging trucks. The bridge continues to deteriorate and with Spring thawing and flooding, there will be added stress to this structure. My question is, where is Salters Brook Bridge on the minister's priority list?

HON. MURRAY SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, I, again, appreciate the question from the member opposite. I believe that would be the one the honourable member brought forward to my attention a week or so ago. I can tell you an assessment has been done to that bridge and work is forthcoming.

MS. CONRAD: Mr. Speaker, residents and myself have been consulting with the minister on this bridge since March 2007. In a reply from the department dated June 26, 2007, it was noted that during an inspection, the bridge was given a poor rating as per the National Bridge Inspection Standards. Repairs were said to be slated for this summer and nothing has happened. Again, we are promised in an October letter for this Fall. I will table those letters and responses. To date, no work has been carried out. My question for minister is, since the bridge has received a poor rating, why was work not completed as stated in these letters?

MR. SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, again, to the honourable member opposite, if she would provide me with those letters, I will ascertain to get the information for her before the House closes today.

MS. VICKI CONRAD: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I do want the minister to be a little bit more specific because this is a well-traveled bridge and if this bridge collapses, this will be a very, very serious situation. As the minister's Web site says, this year there was $34.5 million for capital work on our bridges. My question for the minister, for the safety and well-being of the residents of Riversdale and Charleston, when will this bridge be replaced?

[Page 1554]

MR. SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, the honourable member brings a very good question before the House. The issue around bridges in this province is important to all of us. As I mentioned earlier, an assessment has been done of our bridges, timelines are given in regards to certain bridges that require work being done on a priority basis and again, the honourable member's bridge is important to those who travel it and I will attempt to gather the information for her as soon as I can.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Digby-Annapolis.

TIR - HWY. NO. 101 (DIGBY-WEYMOUTH): CONST. -

TIME FRAME

MR. HAROLD THERIAULT: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is Christmas time and it is a time for giving. My question is to the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

Mr. Speaker, I'm going to raise an issue again today that has been raised many times in the House of Assembly and that issue is the unfinished 101-Series Highway from Digby to Weymouth. For over 30 years, the people who have lived on this dangerous road have been asking, when will we get this increasing Highway No. 101 traffic off our front doors.

My question to the minister, when can these people expect to see this Highway No. 101, between Digby and Weymouth, built?

HON. MURRAY SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, the highway the honourable member brings before this House is very important to transport in this province. The Premier has made a commitment in regards to twinning and modernizing our highways from Sydney all the way to Yarmouth. There is a portion of the highway he talks about that is under construction now and we'll continue to work on that until we have it completed, all the way to Yarmouth.

MR. THERIAULT: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To repeat the minister, in this Fall's Speech from the Throne the Premier stated, to grow our economy for the 21st Century, we will improve our road system through a program to twin and modernize highways from Yarmouth to Sydney. The people from Digby to Weymouth are asking, how do you twin something you don't have? They really don't care about having that section twinned, all they care about is getting this present one off their doorsteps and having it modernized. They just want a single-access, controlled highway, away from their homes. My question is, will the minister make a commitment to first modernize this section of highway, before he goes on twinning any more?

MR. SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, you know as a province, we signed an agreement with the federal government a few short weeks ago and we look forward to some tremendous announcements over the next while, particularly in the area the member is talking about.

[Page 1555]

MR. THERIAULT: It's sounding like Christmas. (Laughter) Mr. Speaker, for over 30 years, this question has been raised in this House. The people who live along this dangerous piece of road have nearly lost all hope of ever getting that traffic off their doorsteps. Mr. Speaker, I've made a commitment to the people of that area to stay at this job until that highway is built, so if you want to get rid of me, you've got to build that 26 kilometres of highway. (Applause) Will the minister make a commitment today to at least cut a path through the alders to give people hope that that road will be built?

AN HON. MEMBER: Let's build that road soon to get clear of him.

MR. SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, I thought the old saying was, if you build it they will come; he's saying if they build it he will leave, eh? (Laughter)

AN HON. MEMBER: We like the member opposite. It's Christmas, Murray, give him a good one.

MR. SCOTT: I'm getting lots of help here, Mr. Speaker, you know, but the honourable member raises a very good issue. I can assure the honourable member that the work that he's asking about along Highway No. 101, which covers a lot of that area all down through that part of the province, is very important and we'll continue to work on that as we've outlined in the past. We've allocated much in our budgets past and will in the future.

The honourable member mentions about the alder bushes. You know, Mr. Speaker, he asked me before about alders and I just want to remind him that the woodcock - which is a bird that's very important to this province, and this is its migratory path through Nova Scotia - we want to be careful eliminating all the alders because it could, in fact, jeopardize the future of the woodcock. Just in case the member is not aware of it, I will table that for his information. I know he's very interested in alders but we want to be careful not to eliminate the natural habitat of the woodcocks.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Shelburne.

FISH. & AQUACULTURE - FISH PROCESSORS:

CAPITAL - ACCESSIBILITY

MR. STERLING BELLIVEAU: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Many families that run fish processors across Nova Scotia have limited access to working capital to allow them to compete for the purchase of product early in the season. For instance, a lobster buyer can have millions of dollars tied up in a very short time at the beginning of a lobster season in South West Nova. These buyers and processors provide needed jobs in our communities. My question for the minister is, will the minister work with the industry and review current lending policies to help processors gain short-term access to capital?

[Page 1556]

HON. RONALD CHISHOLM: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the honourable member across for that question because it is indeed a good one. Seafood processing is a very important part of our economics in Nova Scotia, especially our coastal communities, and that's why we've initiated a study that has been done by Gardiner Pinfold. One of the recommendations that has come forward from that report is a review of the provincial financial assistance policy, and we'll be working with industry to come up with programs and different aspects of that industry.

[1:15 p.m.]

MR. BELLIVEAU: Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the minister for endorsing my good question. Again to the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, many fish processing workers across Nova Scotia ask why we are sending under processed fish products out of Nova Scotia. We feel that we should be working to develop new markets for finished products. My question is, how does this minister plan to work with the processors to seek out these new markets for the benefit of our coastal communities?

MR. CHISHOLM: Mr. Speaker, again to the honourable member through you, we do have, like I said, we have done our study through Gardiner Pinfold. We're working with the recommendations for that for our processing sector right across the province from one end to the other. As everyone knows in this House, processing has been a big part of my riding in Guysborough-Sheet Harbour with the Canso Fish Plant. You go into Louisbourg, you go into Glace Bay, and how important the processing sector is to those communities. So, anyway, we're working with the industry. We'll continue to work with the industry to make it better for everyone.

MR. BELLIVEAU: Mr. Speaker, fish processors understand the market opportunities but find themselves held back by a lack of research in market development. With some help in research and development, we have an opportunity to create more employment based on our fisheries. My question to the minister is, will he work with his department and all stakeholders to research and develop new market opportunities?

MR. CHISHOLM: Again, Mr. Speaker, that is part of the consultant's report for the processing sector. The issue of financing processing plants and processors around the province is a contentious one. It's one where we have to be very careful what we do. We don't want to give financial assistance to one processor at the detriment of another one. So we've got to be very careful what we do and how we handle that. We will work with the industry as we move forward.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Glace Bay.

EDUC. - GLACE BAY JR. HS: - COMMITMENT - STATUS

[Page 1557]

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Education. The government announced - Mr. Speaker, I'm having a little problem hearing, there's a little too much noise from the people on the left, to my right.

Mr. Speaker, the government announced the construction of a new junior high school in Glace Bay in 2003. The opening of the school was scheduled for 2007. The construction is yet to begin. The government assured the people of Glace Bay that the project would get underway immediately but the opening of the school has been delayed for another two years and will not open until 2009. My question for the minister, Mr. Speaker, is the minister still committed to the construction of Glace Bay Junior High School?

HON. KAREN CASEY: Mr. Speaker, thank you to the member opposite for the question and for those people who may not have heard of Glace Bay Junior High, I will perhaps give you a little bit of background. In 2003, Glace Bay Junior High was one of the schools that was approved for capital construction and in that process, as the member opposite would know, there is a process where a site selection has to be undertaken and a safe site located before the construction can begin.

We have committed to working through that process. It has taken longer than we anticipated because of subsidence issues in the area. I can tell the member opposite that our commitment to Glace Bay Junior High still holds and I will be glad to be there with him when we officially open that building.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, the construction and location of the new Glace Bay Junior High School is extremely important to the area, because the students and parents and school administrators have been patiently waiting for it. One of the three possible sites that had been identified for the new school is located outside of the riding of Glace Bay.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Shame, shame.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): I don't think it's funny.

Mr. Speaker, there are about 750 students who will attend the school and busing them outside of the area is totally unacceptable. My question to the minister is, will the minister not only keep her promise to build Glace Bay Junior High, but also assure the people of Glace Bay that it will be built in their community?

MS. CASEY: Mr. Speaker, as I indicated in my earlier response, subsidence has been an issue with us and site selection has taken longer because of that. Within the last few months, we were able to find a site within the residential area of Glace Bay and have been able to put together a package of properties that would be large enough to accommodate that

[Page 1558]

school. At this point in time, we are looking at doing assessments on that site to see if, indeed, the subsidence issues are not there.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, I am aware. Is the minister aware that that site she is talking about is located in Glace Bay? The other site that is also under consideration, is not in Glace Bay. The creation of that new junior high school has been a priority of the Cape Breton Victoria School Board since 2003 and the conditions there now, as the minister knows very well, the schools are deteriorating with decaying infrastructure and overcrowded classrooms. This is to better the lives and learning experience of the students of Glace Bay. My final question for the minister is, will the minister make the students of Glace Bay her top priority, commit to the construction of the Glace Bay Junior High School in Glace Bay?

MS. CASEY: Mr. Speaker, my commitment will be to the students of Glace Bay to build them a $16 million school on a safe site. Thank you.

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

COM. SERV.: AUTISM SERVICES - AVAILABILITY

MS. MARILYN MORE: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Community Services. The U.S. Centre for Disease Control estimates that one in 150 people have some form of autism spectrum disorder. For families in Nova Scotia, the struggle continues to ensure that all children benefit from early childhood intervention.

The minister's pilot project is only serving a small portion of the children under six who would benefit from intervention. My question to the minister is, why are so many children with autism going without the services that offer them the best chance in life?

MS. STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, to my honourable colleague across the way, we have invested over $140 million in early learning and childcare plan for the very purpose of ensuring that we give children and youth in this province an opportunity to partake in all aspects of the best possible advantages, at an early age, that we can. Components of that plan include a wide variety of options and programs and we'll continue to work with early interventionists, our childcare teachers across the province and we will continue to do the very best we can for the very young in this province.

MS. MORE: Mr. Speaker, specialized childcare in this province is far more expensive than other families have to pay and not every child is able to get into those special placements. Equally concerning to families of autistic children is the lack of respite services. The service is income-tested, excluding many families from qualifying for relief. Parents of

[Page 1559]

children with autism spectrum disorder face high personal and financial costs. Those income limits should be raised. I ask the minister, when will she review the income limits for respite care for these families?

MS. STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, again, I thank my honourable colleague for the opportunity to stand and speak to the early learning and childcare plan introduced by this government, with an investment of over $140 million, a plan that I'm extremely proud of and that I know all Nova Scotians are very pleased with. Part of that plan includes many components . . .

MR. SPEAKER: It's getting very difficult to hear.

MS. STREATCH: You can't hear me? (Laughter) Mr. Speaker, that's likely the first time in my life anyone's ever said they couldn't hear me.

MR. SPEAKER: That would tell you how difficult it is to hear.

MS. STREATCH: I'll try my best to speak a little louder. My goodness, I don't think I've ever been accused of not being able to be heard.

MR. SPEAKER: Maybe if we just cut down on the noise so you don't have to speak any louder.

MS. STREATCH: Okay, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, the $140 million early learning and childcare plan that we're extremely pleased with, part of that - I was extremely pleased just this past month to be able to announce the income levels for subsidized childcare would be adjusted to allow for more low income families to take part in those very valuably needed, subsidized, childcare spaces.

MS. MORE: Mr. Speaker, these families are exhausted and they need help now. Another factor that excludes many families from respite care assistance is a child's IQ. As many families will tell you, autistic children, with relatively high IQs, can still have extremely challenging behaviour. I ask the minister, will she sit down with the families of children of autism and look for ways to improve respite and other supports?

MS. STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, again, I cannot believe that I would have to actually shush the audience again to be heard, but I'm going to get over that. To my honourable colleague and to all members of this House, to a very important issue, and that is our commitment of the Department of Community Services, this government's commitment to children, to families in this province. We seek information on a regular basis. We review policies and regulations and I'm always more than willing to discuss, with any members of the sector for improvements. Indeed, I have met with numerous teachers and operators of

[Page 1560]

child care centres and we have adopted a lot of those great ideas that they brought to us and I will continue to do so.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Shelburne.

TIR- SHAG HBR.: SIGNAGE - INSTALL

MR. STERLING BELLIVEAU: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. In October 1967, a UFO incident occurred in Shag Harbour. With the great interest in all things UFO-related, the Shag Harbour Incident Society opened a museum on June 15th of this year, the problem being expressed to the society is that people are having problems in finding the community due to the lack of signage for Shag Harbour. My question to the minister is will he have his department put in the proper signage for this village?

HON. MURRAY SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, I guess I didn't hear all of the question. Was he asking for signage to find UFOs? (Interruptions) The honourable member mentioned about signs. If he would get the information to me, I understand it's community signs he is looking for. There is a process in place where a community can apply through the department for consideration for signs. If the honourable member would give that information to me, I will certainly ask on his behalf.

MR. BELLIVEAU: Mr. Speaker, there are no signs at the exit leading to the Municipality of Barrington to direct visitors where they should turn to get to Shag Harbour. We know that visitors want to find Shag Harbour, as the incident in 1967 clearly shows. So while the visitors from throughout this universe want to be able to find the museum, the local community is hoping that they will not have to wait light-years for signage. My question is, will the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal beam up these signs and make it so for the Shag Harbour Incident Society?

[1:30 p.m.]

MR. SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, I am not sure if the honourable member was on that ship that lost their way to try to find the community. (Laughter) I will endeavour to take that up with the department. There is a process in place to apply for community signs and I will work with the honourable member to see those signs get in place for his community.

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

The honourable Minister of Health.

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, I would like to stand on a couple of points of order. I said I would provide some information by the end of today's

[Page 1561]

session on the Midwifery Act to the member for Glace Bay. The regulatory committee, as far as I understand, is on schedule. Draft regulations are being sent to the lawyers in mid-December, that is very shortly, anticipating a Spring proclamation. The implementation committee is working in tandem with the regulatory committee anticipating the implementation, again, in Spring 2008. As soon as we get closer to that date, I will let the member opposite know.

On the second item, to my response during QP yesterday, I made reference to a comment of the member for Queens about a visit to a BC P3 diamond centre. I may have misconstrued everyone's enthusiasm during the subsequent discussion in social time. With that, I retract my comment and I apologize to the member for Queens.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Queens.

MS. VICKI CONRAD: Mr. Speaker, I certainly appreciate the comments from the minister today and thank you for retracting your comments. I knew you were an honourable member, so thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Agriculture.

HON. BROOKE TAYLOR: Mr. Speaker, during Question Period today, I inadvertently had said that the government put $26.4 million into the beef sector since the year 2000 and I should have said that the government put $26.4 million into the beef sector since 2003 and I do apologize to the House for misinforming them.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

MR. SCOTT: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. No, it's not about UFOs or woodcocks. The honourable member asked me a question in regard to Davison Bridge during Question Period, this morning. I just wanted to inform him - it's too bad it wasn't Christmas year-round but anyway- the answer is that bridge will be done this year, upcoming. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Opposition House Leader.

MR. FRANK CORBETT: That completes our business for the day, Mr. Speaker, so I turn it over to the Government House Leader, through you.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, I would ask the concurrence of the House to go to the order of business, Public Bills for Third Reading.

[Page 1562]

PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 4.

Bill No. 4 - Pension Benefits Act.

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

HON. MARK PARENT: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It is my pleasure to move third reading of Bill No. 4, an Act to Amend Chapter 340 of the Revised Statutes of 1989, the Pension Benefits Act.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Pictou East.

MR. CLARRIE MACKINNON: I rise in support of Bill No. 4 and I would like to first begin with some congratulations. I would like to extend congratulations to the United Steelworkers Union, to the folks who worked so hard to keep this issue in the forefront. Many of us participated, many members participated, in a walk that was organized from Trenton to Carmichael Park in New Glasgow, where a number of important speeches were made. I know, Mr. Speaker, that you yourself were even present that day, and a number of others, including the Leader of the Official Opposition.

In particular, I would like to thank some of the local union people, Dave Fanning, the President and Don Murphy and also Lawrence MacKay. We had support, very passionate support, from Ontario, from Reed Kelly and Dennis Deveau.

Now, Mr. Speaker, I certainly am pleased that Bill No. 4 has come forward from the minister and that it didn't have to be a Private Member's Bill. Having said that, I do have some concerns. One of the concerns is that when this bill receives Royal Assent, that it come into force immediately upon that Royal Assent. This is of the utmost importance.

We heard today the member for Glace Bay talking about the Midwifery Act during Question Period and the fact that that has been given Royal Assent a year ago and that it is still waiting to be proclaimed. So, Mr. Speaker, my concern is that when Royal Assent is given to this bill, it be proclaimed immediately. This is of great importance.

Now, Mr. Speaker, I know that there were some presentations to Law Amendments Committee and I know that a former Premier of Nova Scotia got a considerable period of time at the Law Amendments Committee to speak against this bill. That, of course, was former Premier Gerald Regan, who has been the chairman of Greenbrier, here in Nova Scotia. I have a fundamental concern that this bill may, in fact, be held for some period of

[Page 1563]

time and I think that we have to think about the 1,200 workers who used to be employed there - 1,200 Pictonians who were employed there just over two years ago. We have to think of the retirees who are being affected by this. We are in a situation where there is a shortfall of 10 per cent, 10 per cent of the pension fund is in shortfall.

We talked last night, Mr. Speaker, about some of the situations that do exist and some of those pensions are very, very low. We talked about pensions of being $300 and $400 per month to some of the current retirees. Well, the member for Pictou West and I are aware of situations where we're talking less than $200 a month coming in in pension and those folks have been notified that they would be cut back 10 per cent. We dealt with one person who was getting approximately $180 a month and was going to lose $18 of that. We are in a desperate situation as far as these workers are concerned. Now, do we listen at this time to Greenbrier, a company that decided to go to Mexico where there was cheap labour? Do we forget about the workers who gave their working lives to that plant? These are Nova Scotians who have dedicated their lives to that plant, to that place of employment.

Now, Mr. Speaker, there are a number of people whom I would like to commend at this time. I would like to talk for a moment about some of the situations that I have personally been considered of occasions, it has been necessary to make arrangements with Nova Scotia Power, involved in with some of the laid-off workers. On a number of occasions, to ensure that power is kept on in some of the homes of former workers. We have had some very good co-operation from some of the people at Nova Scotia Power Inc.. who have been willing to accept partial payments and keep the power on in the houses of some of the former workers.

These are desperate situations, Mr. Speaker, and certainly Ken Perusse from Nova Scotia Power Inc., has worked with a number of MLAs. Rob O'Brien also has been most helpful in some of these situations. Also the Community Services people in Pictou County have gone above and beyond the normal call of duty to try to look after some of the people who have been affected. One of the calls that I got was most touching. I think of a situation where a person who had worked in Trenton Works for 13 years. For 13 years a person had worked at Trenton and had never, of course, received any benefits from Community Services and came forward to me in a situation where there was no baby food in the house, where there was no food for other children as well, and no food for the family. So quickly arrangements were made with a food bank and we had some good work done by Community Services.

Mr. Speaker, there are a number of things that I could say about the social problems that have been the result of Greenbrier moving much of its operation to Mexico, but I do want to say that we've had some positive things that have occurred as well. One of those things is the transition centre that has been set up and this transition centre has done some excellent work. The transition centre has helped a lot of people in retraining, in trying to get

[Page 1564]

jobs elsewhere and certainly people like Robin Jardine, from the Department of Education, they have done tremendous work. I could name a considerable number of people.

There is good work being done by the Pictou Regional Development Commission as well. I certainly realize that others want to speak on this, but I am very passionate about the situation. I will confine my remarks to the fact that we are dealing with December 14th as the date for the bid proposals to come forward.

This really accentuates the need for this bill to be proclaimed, upon Royal Assent, to actually come into force when it does receive Royal Assent. We cannot see a situation where this sits around for any period of time, because Greenbrier may in fact be gone from there.

Let's be concerned, not about the - we have to look at all concerns, of course, but our primary concern should be to the workers at Trenton, the displaced workers. Please, get this proclaimed as quickly as possible. That's my plea on behalf of the people of Pictou County. Thank you very much.

[1:45 p.m.]

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

MR. MANNING MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, I'll just be a couple of moments on this bill. There are a couple of things I would like to say on it. First of all, I'd like to congratulate the government for bringing this bill forward, because it is a serious situation for the workers at Trenton. The fact that the government brought it forward sends a signal to me, and I hope to all members of the House, that the government is as concerned about the workers at Trenton as the other two political Parties are here in the House.

Most people know my views philosophically on what happens in this House on Royal Assent. I've always said that the House should have the ability to know that when they leave this Chamber, the bills that are duly passed here are going to be proclaimed, or going to be in effect, because this is the will of the House. It's the will of the House of Assembly that a bill that passes third reading become law in this province.

In terms of this particular bill, number one, the bill is going to pass through the House, and that's good for the workers at Trenton. It's good as a bill that could perhaps be used in the future for other similar situations that occur, from time to time, with business leaving the province. What I heard during the debate last evening was a commitment from the government that this bill would be proclaimed.

I accept that as the government's word. If the government's telling me they're going to proclaim this bill, in the interests of the workers at Trenton, we support the bill and I believe that to be the case. I've talked to the Government House Leader and he tells me that's

[Page 1565]

going to be the case and that satisfies the Liberal Party and let's just get on with proving this bill and have this bill come into law for the protection of the workers at Trenton and other workers in the province who may need that protection in the future. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Pictou West.

MR. CHARLES PARKER: Mr. Speaker, I too am pleased to have a few minutes to stand and rise in support Bill No. 4, the Pension Benefits Act - I guess it's officially known as an Act to Amend Chapter 340 of the Revised Statutes, 1989, the Pension Benefits Act. I certainly support this as being good legislation. In fact, we were quite prepared to bring a Private Member's Bill forward, as I know others were in this House, because it's the right thing to do.

People, after they work, a lifetime at work in an industry, whether it's at Trenton Works or at a chocolate factory, or at a fish plant, or at a chicken processing facility, it's important that they do get a pension. They do deserve a good quality of life after retirement and that's what this bill is trying to do, to protect pensions in situations where companies, perhaps, find themselves in difficulty and decide to close their doors, and there may well be an underfunded liability there that's not going to provide full protection, or full pension benefits, to the people who have really worked so hard.

A pension really is like a deferred salary. When you work in a place and you agree to a particular wage or salary and also if a pension is included, well, that's really what you've bargained for and it's really just deferring part of your salary for a future date when you're hopefully going to enjoy a good retirement.

Of course, this legislation, as you know, Mr. Speaker, has really come forward from the position of the underfunded liability that occurs at TrentonWorks. I can remember back last Spring, here in the House - I think it was April 4th - when the news came down that Greenbrier's board of directors had decided they were no longer going to be operating in Nova Scotia, after 135 years of continuous operation by them or previous companies in the Town of Trenton and Pictou County. It was certainly a blow to all of us in northern Nova Scotia and to more than 1,200 families that depended on a paycheque from building railcars and other components there at that facility.

So I would certainly want to give full credit to the United Steelworkers for pushing this forward with the local members in Pictou County and with this government, to make sure that we got legislation that would protect those pensions. In particular, I want to thank Dave Fanning, the president of Local 1231 and also Frances MacMillan, the president of Local 4253, the two union locals at TrentonWorks, but also all the workers there who are the hard-working members of that particular union. I know Don Murphy is vice-president of Local 1231 and some of the senior staff in the union, Lawrence McKay, Dennis Deveau, Marie Kelly and others have really pushed this forward and it's the right thing to do.

[Page 1566]

I can remember marching with a number of those workers and laid-off workers in the days after the announcement on April 4th. In fact, I think it was in June, we had a march from the Town of Trenton, up through New Glasgow, and ended up at the Carmichael Park, just to show support. There were a number of MLAs there and a number of workers, certainly they were in the hundreds for sure. I can also remember attending the meeting in Stellarton where the issue of pensions was raised. It was alarming to hear that 10 per cent of the pensions were going to be taken away. Some of those pensions were so very small to begin with that it was just not right that they lose 10 per cent.

I can remember one constituent of mine, I'll mention him by name, Donald Corkum, he lives in Loch Broom in Pictou County. He had worked at Trenton Works pretty near all of his life and is retired now. His pension was $184.20, you know, really, really inadequate, after a lifetime of work, and hard work, at a facility, at Trenton Works. If you take 10 per cent of that away, you're down to about $166 a month - a month. It's really, really inadequate.

This bill is good and I think it's the right thing to do. As was mentioned by previous speakers, and from our little discussion on a previous day, we've pushed to have this legislation become law on Royal Assent. I still think it was the right thing to do. As we've heard, there have been a number of other bills that have not seen the light of day, even though it was the will of this House that it be passed. The Midwifery Act was mentioned. I can remember, in my time as Transportation and Public Works Critic, there was a bill to bring in interlock legislation. It sat on the books for seven years and never was proclaimed. I understand there are many, many other bills out there that were passed by this House but never became the law of the province, and that's not right. That's the concern, that's the worry that we had that it might be proclaimed and yes, the government can give their word, but if it's going to pass it would have been nice to have it on Royal Assent. Hopefully, we can continue to take the government at its word that yes, it will proclaim it ASAP. It's important for the workers not only at TrentonWorks, but at a number of other businesses around this province.

The only other thing I want to mention is that the growing clause is still in this legislation, that's a good thing. It allows workers, when a business closes down, to continue to grow into a pension at age 55, using their years of experience and age to receive a pension. I know workers at the CEP Local at Neenah Paper have pushed long and hard to see that happen.

Finally, it was mentioned by my colleague for Pictou East, the importance of the transition centre in the Town of Trenton - it is a very valuable program there. A lot of the Trenton workers that have been laid off are able to go there and get advice on pensions, get advice on retraining, or on jobs that might be available in the local area, or elsewhere in Canada, it has helped a lot of workers. If there's one message I can leave with government in that regard is that it is important to continue to fund that transition centre. We're just now

[Page 1567]

starting to see a number of the people whose EI has run out and they need that help more than ever, so that transition centre has to remain as a viable force here in Northern Nova Scotia.

This bill is not just about the Trenton workers, not just about Trenton works, but it's about all workers in Nova Scotia and their right to pensions. I look forward to this bill passing third reading and becoming law as soon as possible, and let's make it happen. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Preston.

MR. KEITH COLWELL: Mr. Speaker, I'm just going to speak briefly on this bill. I, too, want to congratulate and thank the government for bringing this very important bill forward. We talk a lot about TrentonWorks and one issue that I brought up before and I'm very nervous about for the workers of Trenton is indeed, can we enforce the bill. Hopefully the answer is yes and hopefully the government will have some innovative ways to do that.

I also want to briefly talk about the Moirs candy factory - that seems to get lost here when we go through and talk about TrentonWorks, which is very important. Moirs candy factory has been around here, from what I understand, a lot longer than TrentonWorks and they will never come back to Nova Scotia. We've lost a tremendous number of well-paid jobs in the community here in HRM. The only difference is HRM is a lot bigger area and people have more employment opportunities than they do, but the economic impact on the individuals is just as difficult. Families won't realize this until they find out that indeed, if this bill hadn't been passed that the pension was maybe only 90 per cent of what they thought it would be.

I just wanted to add that and again, I wanted to concur that we fully support this bill and hopefully it will help workers in the future to ensure when they retire that they have a good retirement income and they will be able to look after their families. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, in conferring with the honourable House Leaders, we have the four bills and this one that is currently being heard. I was just looking for the concurrence of the House to continue until we finish these bills.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion before the House is for us to continue with these bills.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

[Page 1568]

The motion is carried.

We will continue with Bill No. 4.

The honourable member for Pictou Centre.

MR. PATRICK DUNN: Mr. Speaker, I'm very pleased to be able to stand here and talk about the legislation that has been put forth by the government to help the employees not only at the Trenton plant facility, but across the province. Also, I would like to mention my disappointment in the Legislature last night when the NDP caucus put forth an amendment on Bill No. 4, the Pension Benefits Act. This particular legislation is extremely important to the working class and the employees of the province.

Mr. Speaker, allow me to put the following on record. The legislation that I requested and demanded that the Minister of Environment and Labour - my colleague on the government side - to bring forth this legislation. Legislation to protect the employees of TrentonWorks and the province. I gave my word that this legislation would be fully supported by our caucus and I want to mention my honourable colleague, the member for Pictou East, mentioned several names during his brief comments this morning and last night, union officials Dave Fanning, the president of the local union; Don Murphy, vice-president; Lawrence McKay, Marie Kelly, Dennis Savoy. I have met with all of these members in my office, in the caucus room. I've spent many conversations with the president, Dave Fanning, on the phone discussing this important legislation.

[2:00 p.m.]

Mr. Speaker, we talk about being connected with the Trenton employees at TrentonWorks. Well, if there's anyone that's connected to the employees at TrentonWorks, it's the member for Pictou Centre who's standing here in this House right now. I personally know the majority of workers in the Trenton plant. I grew up in the Town of Trenton. I grew up with these people and played on numerous sport teams with many, many of the employees. I taught many of their sons and daughters through the Trenton school system. In fact, I've worked with many of these employees in that very plant and I have the greatest respect for these highly skilled employees who have worked and toiled for many, many years in this plant.

Mr. Speaker, employees are depending on us and depending on every member in the Legislature to put politics aside and do the right thing. This legislation - I'm very happy that it is moving very quickly now and the moment where it will be taken care of at the end of the

[Page 1569]

session. To be able to present this to the employees in Trenton will be a very satisfying thing for me.

Mr. Speaker, talking about connections with the employees in the Trenton plant, may I take this moment to say that my great-grandfather, James Dunn, was a member of the first crew that poured steel in British North America which occurred in 1883 at the Trenton facility. He worked for a period of 64 years in this plant - retiring at the age of 84 in 1947. (Interruption) And I'm working for him now. His son, Allan Dunn, worked for 54 years in this plant. My father worked 46 years in the machine shop at the Trenton facility.

So, Mr. Speaker, I'm glad common sense is prevailing. This important legislation has been put forth in the House and I'm very pleased to see it being carried through to its completion. I've given my word to the union executive, all the employees, my friends, that every member of this House would certainly support this important legislation. I'm very pleased that the Minister of Environment and Labour - when I spoke to him back in July, he promised me that he would take this legislation to the House to support the workers, the plight of the workers in Trenton, to improve their pension in the future years to come. We will deliver this pension legislation.

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

The honourable Minister of Environment and Labour.

HON. MARK PARENT: Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all the members from all sides of the House for their support for this Legislation and their concern for the workers. I want to assure the House that I have already asked my staff to begin the process of proclamation as soon as humanly possible. With that I close the debate and move third reading.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is to move third reading of Bill No. 4. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

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

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 16.

Bill No. 16 - Human Rights Act.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Justice.

[Page 1570]

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise to move third reading of Bill No. 16, An Act to Amend Chapter 214 of the Revised Statutes of 1989, the Human Rights Act. Very briefly, I want to thank all my colleagues in the House, from all sides, who have provided their input and feedback on this bill and I want to assure them that we are all committed to making sure we have the strongest human rights legislation in this province and through this Legislature we are achieving that, working with the Human Rights Commission. Again, I want to thank all members for their interventions with this bill.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 16. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

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

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 36, the Liquor Control Act.

Bill No. 36 - Liquor Control Act.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister responsible for the Liquor Control Act.

HON. LEONARD GOUCHER: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to bring forward An Act to Amend Chapter 260 of the Revised Statutes of 1989, the Liquor Control Act. I would so move third reading.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 36. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

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

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 63.

Bill No. 63 - Oil Refineries and L.N.G. Plants Municipal Taxation Act.

[Page 1571]

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

HON JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the colleagues on all sides of the House for their support and I now move third reading of Bill No. 63, the Oil Refineries and L.N.G. Plants Municipal Taxation Act.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 63. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

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

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all members of the House for their concurrence to have third reading. That concludes the Government Business as afforded by the members of the House today. I move that the House do now rise to meet tomorrow at the hour of 12:00 noon. The House will meet until 8:00 p.m. Following the daily routine, we will have Committee of the Whole House on Bills. We will deal with Public Bills for Second Reading, Bill No. 79, the Elections Act. We will have Private and Local Bills Committee with regard to Bill No. 83, the Halifax Water Commission and there may be an opportunity, depending on the will of the House, with the Law Amendments Committee potentially reporting back any other bills. That concludes the business for the day.

MR. SPEAKER: Thank you. The motion for adjournment has been made. Is the House ready for the question?

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

The motion is carried.

The House will now rise to sit again tomorrow at 12:00 noon. The House stands adjourned.

[ The House rose at 2:08 p.m.]

[Page 1572]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

RESOLUTION NO. 1258

By: Mr. Wayne Gaudet (Clare)

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

Whereas the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia has recently presented its 2007 Pineapple Awards; and

Whereas the Pineapple has become the international symbol of hospitality and is widely displayed in residences and businesses to extend a warm welcome to visitors; and

Whereas Carol and Bill Fenstemaker, owners of Á la Maison d'Amitié/House of Friendship B & B in Cape St. Mary's, were awarded a 2007 Pineapple Award by the Nova Scotia Tourism Industry;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Bill and Carol Fenstemaker for receiving this award for outstanding personal service to the tourism industry in Nova Scotia and wish them continued success.

RESOLUTION NO. 1259

By: Mr. Harold Theriault (Digby-Annapolis)

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

Whereas on November 2nd and 3rd ,Digby Regional High School played host to the provincial high school soccer championship, their second in as many years; and

Whereas local businesses, individuals and the town worked together to prepare for the event, which they only had 12 days to organize; and

Whereas not only was the event a complete success, but as well, the Lady Mariners, the school's soccer team, won the provincial championship, which was a first for the high school;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize the efforts of the community in preparing for this event and congratulate the Lady mariners on their first provincial soccer title.

[Page 1573]

RESOLUTION NO. 1260

By: Mr. Sterling Belliveau (Shelburne)

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

Whereas Hattie Allen Perry of Barrington, Shelburne County, graduated from Nova Scotia Teacher's College in 1939, being presented with a Certificate of Award in 1978 by the Mitre Corporation as the American Federation of Scientists credited her with having provided the Rosetta Stone for the discovery of the sonic boom; and

Whereas in 1982 Hattie received the prestigious Certificate of Commendation from the American Association for State and Local History, and in 1988 Hattie became a certified genealogist and became an honourary life member of the Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia in 1993 and was awarded with Canada's Commemorative Medal and the Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee Medal in 1992; and

Whereas Hattie owns Spindrift Publishing and is the author of 15 books, with her first book being called This Was Barrington and her last book, launched on April 25, 2007, in Barrington Passage, called Under the Doctors Care;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Hattie Allen Perry for being an example of the various kinds of work a person can do for their community, whereby preserving the history of a community is an immeasurable contribution and will continue to be for generations to come, and commend Hattie for touching the lives of many people around the world with her wisdom and extend best wishes on Hattie's continued good health and happiness.

RESOLUTION NO. 1261

By: Ms. Vicki Conrad (Queens)

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

Whereas famed ukulele player, J. Chalmers Doane, donated a giant ukulele in 2005 to the Ukulele Ceilidh of Nova Scotia Society; and

Whereas this 17-foot tall ukulele is now located in the Hank Snow Museum in Liverpool, Nova Scotia; and

[Page 1574]

Whereas this ukulele was the centerpiece for the 2nd Annual International Ukulele Ceilidh held in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, in October 2007;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly recognize the fact that the 17-foot tall ukulele was named as one of the seven wonders of the South Shore by readers of Lighthouse Publishing Ltd.'s media publications.

RESOLUTION NO. 1262

By: Ms. Vicki Conrad (Queens)

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

Whereas the Tim Horton's employees in Liverpool were recently able to present a cheque to the Queens General Hospital Foundation; and

Whereas through the support of staff and those in the community during the Tim Horton's Smile Cookie Campaign, donations were collected; and

Whereas this donation will be used to purchase two pulse oximeters for Queens County Hospital;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly recognize the staff of the Liverpool Tim Horton's for their initiative and efforts throughout the Smile Cookie Campaign to raise funds on behalf of the Queens General Hospital Foundation.

RESOLUTION NO. 1263

By: Ms. Vicki Conrad (Queens)

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

Whereas the Community Access Program (CAP) Summer Youth Initiative theme this past summer was Go Green @ CAP; and

Whereas the initiative identified measures that can be easily taken to reduce fossil fuel consumption and help the environment in general; and

Whereas these measures included recycling and composting, reusing envelopes and paper, use of the Internet and CAP sites for paying bills online, producing electronic reports,

[Page 1575]

reusing toners and cartridges, adopting and cleaning sections of highways and programmable thermostats;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly recognize Youth CAP interns, Derick Smith and Cara Ryan, along with curator, Sandra Rowter of the North Queens Heritage House Museum in Caledonia, and public presenters: Canada Post, North Queens Nursing Home, Valley Credit Unions and N.F. Douglas Lumber on their initiative to develop and launch the summer youth initiative, Go Green @ CAP.

RESOLUTION NO. 1264

By: Ms. Vicki Conrad (Queens)

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

Whereas Donald Robart, a former resident of Greenfield, Queens County, was recently presented with the Minister of Veteran Affairs commendation; and

Whereas this commendation recognized the generosity, devotion and dedication that was made by Donald to improve the lives of our veterans and their families; and

Whereas Donald has been a very active Royal Canadian Legion member for over 60 years and has worked extensively to build a veteran's memorial in his hometown of Greenfield, Queens County;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly commend Donald Robart, former Greenfield resident, on his contribution, generosity, devotion and dedication on the care and well-being of veterans.

RESOLUTION NO. 1265

By: Ms. Vicki Conrad (Queens)

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

Whereas the Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute is such an important part of the sustainable forest management and local research projects that have taken place over many years in this province; and

[Page 1576]

Whereas members of the community were able to see selective forest management in action, learn about new silviculture funding for uneven-aged management and talk about a new book about restoring values on woodlands in the Acadian forest; and

Whereas members of the community were also able to talk about invasive plant species, salamanders, lichens, old forests and species at risk with researchers;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly recognize Lyman Huskins for hosting this demonstration on his woodlot in Milton that he has worked and lived in for all his life. Lyman Huskins has such great respect for his land and his management philosophy.

RESOLUTION NO. 1266

By: Ms. Vicki Conrad (Queens)

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

Whereas the students of Liverpool Regional High School and members of the community of Queens hold a number of fundraisers to raise money for their school; and

Whereas a warrior walk-a-thon was held in October, along with a Halloween dance; and

Whereas the Fall fair held by the students included events like tethered soccer, jousting, popcorn sales, min-hockey and motorized toilet bowl races;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly recognize the students of Liverpool Regional High School who raised more than $7,200 for their school through fundraising events at their school.

RESOLUTION NO. 1267

By: Ms. Vicki Conrad (Queens)

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

Whereas arts and culture in Queens County has always been important in the past number of years, Queens County has hosted some of the most important musical events to be held in Nova Scotia; and

[Page 1577]

Whereas two residents of Queens County have been instrumental in expanding the Mersey House Little Theatre to include a recording studio, art gallery and Internet café; and

Whereas being able to provide Maritime music distribution for performers at an affordable price and very accessible by way of the Internet;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly recognize Michael Loveridge of the Mersey House and Tim Feswick of Feswick Productions in Broad Cover for their very innovative support for Maritime music in Queens County.

RESOLUTION NO. 1268

By: Ms. Vicki Conrad (Queens)

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

Whereas the War Amps 2007 Atlantic Child Amputee (CHAMP) Seminar was held in St. John's, NL; and

Whereas these seminars provide information on the latest developments in artificial limbs, advice on issues such as teasing, staring and future independence and a forum to share concerns; and

Whereas CHAMPS develop a Winners Circle philosophy of overcoming their amputation and living life to the fullest;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly recognize Mark Allison of Hunts Point, Queens County, on his attendance at the War Amps 2007 Atlantic Child Amputee Seminar where he benefited from the association's long tradition of amputees helping amputees.

RESOLUTION NO. 1269

By: Ms. Vicki Conrad (Queens)

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

Whereas increased need for green space and parklands for use by all members of Queens County is so important for the health and fitness of all residents; and

[Page 1578]

Whereas the Queens County Memorial Scout Camp Association has found that there has been a decrease in demand for summer camps; and

Whereas the Queens County Memorial Scout Camp Association passed the deed to the Scout Camp in Greenfield over to the Region of Queens Municipality;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly recognize the Queens County Memorial Scout Camp Association for their generous donation and I look forward to the opening of this new parkland for public use.

RESOLUTION NO. 1270

By: Mr. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas until 1963, the Windsor Plains Community Hall was the former Five Mile Plains school, one of the last segregated schools in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas since the closure of the Five Mile Plains school 43 years ago, a community hall has continued to thrive under the dynamic leadership of a devoted group of committee members and volunteers; and

Whereas a walk through the Windsor Plains Community Hall will show a vast array of history including articles and pictures on the wall that honour many historical events that transpired at the hall location;

Therefore be it resolved that this House commend all the supporters of the Windsor Plains Community Hall who are working to benefit from the hall's historic past and to make certain of its future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1271

By: Mr. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas Stand Up and Speak Out is a global call to take action against poverty; and

[Page 1579]

Whereas West Hants Middle School Guidance Counselor Christine Hartlin saw poverty firsthand in Africa participating as a volunteer teacher in Project Overseas in 2004 while assisting other local women in 2005 with the creation of a community orphanage; and

Whereas Christine returns each Summer to the orphanage while stressing, in an address to some 600 students at Hants West Middle School, poverty is not a foreign issue, it is a global issue, while expressing a firm desire to her students to remain a firm believer of fighting poverty worldwide, including their own communities;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly applaud Christine Hartlin on her initiative for bringing the Stand Up and Speak Out global call against poverty message to over 600 students at West Hants Middle School in Brooklyn.

RESOLUTION NO. 1272

By: Mr. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas horse owners across North America refer to Fiske's Hoof Lotion as the bible of hoof care; and

Whereas it was a recipe of the late Leon Fiske from Lawrencetown, Annapolis County, whose daughter, Melanie Fiske, is now producing and selling this magical hoof care in Windsor while keeping her father's rich legacy alive; and

Whereas the late Mr. Fiske protected his hoof and hide balm diligently, but without question would be so proud of his daughter, Melanie, a constituent of mine, who is ensuring her father's legacy lives on;

Therefore be it resolved that all MLAs in this Legislature applaud Melanie's entrepreneurial skills in working to ensure the bible of hoof care is available to horse owners everywhere.

RESOLUTION NO. 1273

By: Mr. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

[Page 1580]

Whereas palliative care is primarily directed at providing relief to terminally-ill individuals through symptom management while providing comfort and maintaining the highest possible quality of life for as long as it remains; and

Whereas the palliative care unit at the Hants Community Hospital in Windsor consists of a team of valuable healthcare professionals who work so hard during a loved one's, and their family's, time of crisis; and

Whereas a commemorative memorial bench has been established at the hospital where each Spring a ceremony is held to honour the memory of those who have passed away over the past year and to those who were there until the end to comfort and assist, while surrounding those who face death with love to make them feel safe and comfortable;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House applaud the significant contributions of the health care professionals who work in palliative care at the Hants Community Hospital, who assist individuals and their families, whether they remain in the hospital, go to a long-term care facility or remain in their homes until the end.

RESOLUTION NO. 1274

By: Mr. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas Lieutenant Governor Mayann Francis described him as a teacher who wants his students to write, to understand and to think; and

Whereas Lieutenant Governor Francis was describing 36-year-old Avon View High School teacher Steven Van Zoost as she presented him with the Lieutenant Governor's Award for Teaching earlier this Fall at Province House; and

Whereas Mr. Van Zoost describes his teaching as determining a lot about his students' economic future in terms of preparing them for the workforce but also creating an ethical citizen, someone who understands what it means to work in a democracy;

Therefore be it resolved that all MLAs in this House of Assembly commend Avon View High School teacher Steven Van Zoost on being the recipient of the 2007 Lieutenant Governor's Teaching Award, for his tremendous contributions to teaching both locally and globally and for his ardent interest in the life of all his students.

RESOLUTION NO. 1275

[Page 1581]

By: Mr. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas in 1941, Tex Cochrane, one of Nova Scotia's early recording artists, gave his six-year-old nephew, Keith Ross, his guitar; and

Whereas this gift to Keith, who was living on a farm at the time, has resulted in a lifetime of music as Keith became an accomplished musician, performer, composer and teacher, with 12 recordings, while also playing the fiddle or guitar in a variety of bands; and

While Keith Ross was inducted into the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame on September 15th;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Keith Ross, an original Hants County musician who puts his heart and soul into his trademark blue fiddle each and every time he picks it up to play.

RESOLUTION NO. 1276

By: Mr. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas Jordan Stephens, who suffers from cerebral palsy and spends considerable time in a wheelchair, met a special friend by the name of Ryan Harvie in the Summer of 2006, at the pool in Windsor; and

Whereas both Jordan and Ryan wanted to swim together when the new Hants Aquatic Centre in Windsor opened in July so Ryan could come in early each day to volunteer with Jordan and help him enhance his abilities outside of his wheelchair; and

Whereas Ryan's exceptional bonding skills and care he showed toward a special young person in Jordan resulted in Ryan Harvie being presented with CTV Halifax's Maritimer of the Week Award in mid-August;

Therefore be it resolved that all MLAs in this House of Assembly take this opportunity and applaud Ryan on his efforts while wishing him continued success with his plans to continue working with special needs children while studying psychology at university.

[Page 1582]

RESOLUTION NO. 1277

By: Mr. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas an exceptionally special fundraiser took place at Pockets Lounge last Spring in the ongoing Hope for Cole campaign; and

Whereas Cole Cox suffers from a rare immune disorder called Zap-70, which claimed the life of his sister, Renee, in2004; and

Whereas nearly 300 people attended this auction fundraiser and dance which was organized by Erin and Marcel Amirault, Holly Archibald, Cheryl Crowell, Emilie Smith, Renee Baker and Kelly Slauenwhite, which raised an amazing amount of over $17,000;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly applaud the special community spirit alive and well in Erin, Marcel, Holly, Cheryl, Emilie, Renee, Kelly, and everyone who attended in making this fundraiser for Cole so very special.

RESOLUTION NO. 1278

By: Mr. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas Royal Canadian Legion branches from across the Annapolis Valley held a Call to Remembrance competition on October 26th in which 12 teams took part; and

Whereas the competition involved teams from Zone 8, which includes Legion branches from Windsor to Kingston and Zone 9 Legions from Annapolis County, and involved questions on Canada's military and Remembrance heritage; and

Whereas teams from West Hants represented the local area incredulously by placing first and second, with the first place team who will represent Zone 8 in provincial finals next year, consisting of Kevin Brown, Ryan Greenham, Ian Mancini and Myles Wilbur, while the second place team was Kings-Edgehill A made up of team members David Hatcher, Matthew Murphy, Andrea Sutherland and Evan Taylor;

Therefore be it resolved that all members in this Nova Scotia Legislature, through this resolution, send out our congratulations to the two Hants West teams for a job well done.

[Page 1583]

RESOLUTION NO. 1279

By: Mr. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas the Vale House, a dormitory building at Camp Mockingee, was officially named on October 1, 2007; and

Whereas Ted Vale, a Windsor Rotarian, and his wife, Marion, of Hantsport, took their time to renovate an unused building into an all-season dormitory which sleeps 24 people; and

Whereas Ted and Marion have volunteered many long hours at the camp;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Nova Scotia Legislature, through this resolution, applaud the worthwhile efforts of Ted and Marion Vale for their exceptional contribution to this facility.

RESOLUTION NO. 1280

By: Mr. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas Windsor Forks District Elementary School celebrated its 6th annual walk-a-thon on October 18th with a two kilometre hike through forest trails at Ski Martock; and

Whereas more than 120 students joined teachers, parents, volunteers and former students as they walked to raise funds for school trips and to assist with school user fees; and

Whereas the students also donated a portion of the money they raised to Vaughan's Fire Station, the SPCA and the Children's Wish Foundation;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Nova Scotia Legislature, through this resolution, recognize the great efforts of principal, Mrs. Shelley King, the teaching staff, and President, Lisa Daniels, and the Windsor Forks Home and School Association for their support in making the 2007 fundraiser an outstanding success.

RESOLUTION NO. 1281

[Page 1584]

By: Mr. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas Falmouth Fruit and Vegetable Company owners, Traci Curry and Bev Connell, have recently expanded their business; and

Whereas the farm market now consists of a bakery that sees all their goods made from scratch and, to support local farmers, all produce sold comes from no more than a 50-mile radius of Falmouth except, of course, for produce that cannot be grown locally; and

Whereas the Falmouth Fruit and Vegetable Company employs seven to 12 full-time local individuals;

Therefore be it resolved all MLAs in this Nova Scotia Legislature, through this resolution, commend Traci and Bev and their employees at Falmouth Fruit and Vegetable Company who support the buy local initiative, and who are great supporters of the West Hants area.

RESOLUTION NO. 1282

By: Mr. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas Peter Gnemmi is a well-known individual in the Hantsport-Hants border area through a variety of talents; and

Whereas Mr. Gnemmi's talents go beyond his acting and music, as he is the only individual in the Maritimes with a certification from Apple Computers and he is the only technician coordinator for Apple Computers east of Quebec City; and

Whereas Mr. Gnemmi is also actively involved in putting Apple Computers into universities as well as recycled computers into Nova Scotia schools;

Therefore be it resolved all MLAs in this Nova Scotia Legislature, through this resolution, applaud Peter Gnemmi of Hantsport for his expertise with Apple Computers and for assisting so many Nova Scotian students.

RESOLUTION NO. 1283

[Page 1585]

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 communities always work to ensure they are ready in the time of crises such as power outages, especially during cold weather; and

Whereas the Port Williams Fire Department and Port Williams Lions Club have worked jointly to establish a comfort area that has been established at the Port Williams Community Centre, in which all village residents will have access to in a time of severe and cold weather when power outages impact the local area; and

Whereas Port Williams Village Commission Chairman Lewis Benedict and King Lion Jerry Atwater played a key role in the establishment of this comfort centre with the support of the Municipality and Kings County Emergency Measures Organization Co-ordinator Gary Smith;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Legislature applaud the community spirit exercised so strongly by the Village of Port Williams in conjunction with a $10,000 donation from the Municipality of Kings, coupled with other funding sources, allowing for the purchase of a generator for the Port Williams Community Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 1284

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 13th annual Kings County Business Awards Dinner for 2007 took place in early November; and

Whereas former MLA George Moody, and Peter Muttart, were each honoured and presented with Kings County Business Lifetime Achievement Awards; and

Whereas Peter's business acumen goes back to 1970, when he and 2 partners formed the law firm now known as Muttart Tufts DeWolfe and Coyle, and, since that time, has served the business community well on an array of boards and committees, while George, in his vast experience, always took the point of view "the customer's opinion is very important", and exemplified this in his political roles as well;

[Page 1586]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Legislature applaud the significant achievements of both George Moody and Peter Muttart on being presented with Kings County Business Lifetime Achievement Awards.

RESOLUTION NO. 1285

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 13th annual Kings County Business Awards Dinner for 2007 took place in early November and saw 22 local businesses nominated in three separate categories; and

Whereas the Outstanding New Business of the Year was ACE Insulators of Canning; and

Whereas ACE (Atlantic Canada Expert) Insulators is an active member of the Nova Scotia Home Builders' Association, as well as being an environmentally-conscious cellulose insulation and air sealing company specializing in residential retrofits and whole home energy audits;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Legislature congratulate ACE Insulators of Canning for being named the 2007 Outstanding New Business of the Year in Kings County.

RESOLUTION NO. 1286

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas Bedford South School is participating in Project China, which is a program to allow students from Suzhou, China, to learn and experience Nova Scotian and Canadian culture with a host family; and

Whereas by providing a home and relationship for these students, the host families have the greatest impact of teaching the Nova Scotian culture and language; and

Whereas these visiting students, upon their return home, will have vastly improved their English language skills and be able to attest to their family and friends in China what a remarkable culture we have in Nova Scotia;

[Page 1587]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend their thanks to the Bedford South School host families for being teachers of our culture and sending these children back with a truly Nova Scotian experience.

RESOLUTION NO. 1287

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas Bedford South School is participating in Project China, which is a program to allow students from Suzhou, China, to learn and experience Nova Scotian and Canadian culture with a host family; and

Whereas by providing a home and relationship for these students the host families have the greatest impact of teaching the Nova Scotian culture and language; and

Whereas these visiting students, upon their return home, will have vastly improved their English language skills and be able to attest to their family and friends in China what a remarkable culture we have in Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend their thanks to Glenda Parsons for opening her home to these students and sending these children back with a truly Nova Scotian experience.

RESOLUTION NO. 1288

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas Project China is a program conducted by the Halifax Regional School Board and the Government of China to allow 60 Grade 8 students to attend school in our province; and

Whereas eight of these students attend Bedford South School and are integrated into regular classes where they share, with our students, Chinese culture through activities and events; and

Whereas these students will leave a lasting impression of the Chinese culture on our students and their host families;

[Page 1588]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House welcome Gong Shiyun from Suzho, China and thank her for bringing her culture into our classrooms and community.

RESOLUTION NO. 1289

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas Project China is a program conducted by the Halifax Regional School Board and the Government of China to allow 60 Grade 8 students to attend school in our province; and

Whereas eight of these students attend Bedford South School and are integrated into regular classes where they share, with our students, Chinese culture through activities and events; and

Whereas these students will leave a lasting impression of the Chinese culture on our students and their host families;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House welcome Jin Kuangyi, from Suzho, China and thank her for bringing her culture into our classrooms and community.

RESOLUTION NO. 1290

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas Bedford South School is participating in Project China, which is a program to allow students from Suzhou, China, to learn and experience Nova Scotian and Canadian culture with a host family; and

Whereas by providing a home and relationship for these students, the host families have the greatest impact of teaching the Nova Scotian culture and language; and

Whereas these visiting students, upon their return home, will have vastly improved their English language skills and be able to attest to their family and friends in China what a remarkable culture we have in Nova Scotia;

[Page 1589]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend their thanks to Kimberly Smith for opening her home to these students and sending these children back with a truly Nova Scotian experience.

RESOLUTION NO. 1291

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas Project China is a program conducted by the Halifax Regional School Board and the Government of China to allow 60 Grade 8 students to attend school in our province; and

Whereas eight of these students attend Bedford South School and are integrated into regular classes where they share, with our students, Chinese culture through activities and events; and

Whereas these students will leave a lasting impression of the Chinese culture on our students and their host families;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House welcome Li Shankang, from Suzho, China, and thank him for bringing his culture into our classrooms and community.

RESOLUTION NO. 1292

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas Bedford South School is participating in Project China, which is a program to allow students from Suzhou, China, to learn and experience Nova Scotian and Canadian culture with a host family; and

Whereas by providing a home and relationship for these students, the host families have the greatest impact of teaching the Nova Scotian culture and language; and

Whereas these visiting students, upon their return home, will have vastly improved their English language skills and be able to attest to their family and friends in China what a remarkable culture we have in Nova Scotia;

[Page 1590]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend their thanks to Marsha and Brad Strum for opening their home to these students and sending these children back with a truly Nova Scotian experience.

RESOLUTION NO. 1293

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas Project China is a program conducted by the Halifax Regional School Board and the Government of China to allow 60 Grade 8 students to attend school in our province; and

Whereas eight of these students attend Bedford South School and are integrated into regular classes where they share, with our students, Chinese culture, through activities and events; and

Whereas these students will leave a lasting impression of the Chinese culture on our students and their host families;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House welcome Que Jingyan, from Suzho, China, and thank her for bringing her culture into our classrooms and community.

RESOLUTION NO. 1294

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas Project China is a program conducted by the Halifax Regional School Board and the Government of China to allow 60 Grade 8 students to attend school in our province; and

Whereas eight of these students attend Bedford South School and are integrated into regular classes where they share, with our students, Chinese culture, through activities and events; and

Whereas these students will leave a lasting impression of the Chinese culture on our students and their host families;

[Page 1591]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House welcome Quin Jingyi, from Suzho, China and thank her for bringing her culture into our classrooms and community.

RESOLUTION NO. 1295

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas Project China is a program conducted by the Halifax Regional School Board and the Government of China to allow 60 Grade 8 students to attend school in our province; and

Whereas eight of these students attend Bedford South School and are integrated into regular classes where they share, with our students, Chinese culture through activities and events; and

Whereas these students will leave a lasting impression of the Chinese culture on our students and their host families;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House welcome Shao Jiacheng, from Suzho, China, and thank him for bringing his culture into our classrooms and community.

RESOLUTION NO. 1296

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas Project China is a program conducted by the Halifax Regional School Board and the Government of China to allow 60 Grade 8 students to attend school in our province; and

Whereas eight of these students attend Bedford South School and are integrated into regular classes where they share, with our students, Chinese culture through activities and events; and

Whereas these students will leave a lasting impression of the Chinese culture on our students and their host families;

[Page 1592]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House welcome Sun Shiyan, from Suzho, China and thank her for bringing her culture into our classrooms and community.

RESOLUTION NO. 1297

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas Project China is a program conducted by the Halifax Regional School Board and the Government of China to allow 60 Grade 8 students to attend school in our province; and

Whereas eight of these students attend Bedford South School and are integrated into regular classes where they share, with our students, Chinese culture through activities and events; and

Whereas these students will leave a lasting impression of the Chinese culture on our students and their host families;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House welcome Wang Zheng, from Suzho, China and thank her for bringing her culture into our classrooms and community.

RESOLUTION NO. 1298

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas Project China is a program conducted by the Halifax Regional School Board and the Government of China to allow 60 Grade 8 students to attend school in our province; and

Whereas eight of these students attend Bedford South School and are integrated into regular classes where they share, with our students, Chinese culture through activities and events; and

Whereas these students will leave a lasting impression of the Chinese culture on our students and their host families;

[Page 1593]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House welcome Wu Yi, from Suzho, China,

RESOLUTION NO. 1299

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas Bedford South School is participating in Project China, which is a program to allow students from Suzhou, China, to learn and experience Nova Scotian and Canadian culture with a host family; and

Whereas by providing a home and relationship for these students, the host families have the greatest impact of teaching the Nova Scotian culture and language; and

Whereas these visiting students, upon their return home, will have vastly improved their English language skills and be able to attest to their family and friends in China what a remarkable culture we have in Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend their thanks To Yonggan and Ping Lu for opening their home to these students and sending these children back with a truly Nova Scotian experience.

RESOLUTION NO. 1300

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas Mary Hodgett, a resident of Bedford, was recipient of the bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award; and

Whereas the Duke of Edinburgh Award sets objectives for participants to meet in community service, life-skill development, and physical recreation; and

Whereas Mary has met and exceeded all bronze-level objectives, having selflessly served her community while maintaining high academic standing;

[Page 1594]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend their congratulations to Mary on her bronze-level achievement.

RESOLUTION NO. 1301

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas Lindsay Lefrense, of Bedford, competed in Canadian 18 and under lawn bowls championship in Charlottetown; and

Whereas the Canadian 18 and under lawn bowls championship brings the top bowlers of this age group across the country to this competition; and

Whereas Lindsay, who is only 14 years old, captured gold at the Canadian 18 and under championship;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend their congratulations to Lindsay on her gold medal performance.

RESOLUTION NO. 1302

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas Peter Delmas, a resident of Bedford, was selected to Canada's under 18 national hockey team; and

Whereas Peter was the only Nova Scotian to be selected to the under 18 national team; and

Whereas Peter's goaltending skill has met and exceeded the expectations to play at this elite level;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend their congratulations to Peter Delmas on his selection to the under 18 Canadian national hockey team.

RESOLUTION NO. 1303

[Page 1595]

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas Tony Griffin has cycled 7,000 kilometres across Canada and Ireland to raise money for cancer research; and

Whereas Tony's cycling tour helps raise awareness of the importance of cancer research and research funding; and

Whereas Tony's efforts will provide a financial gift and inspire many with and without cancer;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the inspiration and dedication of Tony in his dream to fight cancer.

RESOLUTION NO. 1304

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas Lyall Hatton, of Bedford, alongside teammate Connor Taras, participated in the world junior canoe-kayak championships in Racice, Czech Republic; and

Whereas the world junior canoe-kayak championships bring out the best canoe-kayak competitors in the world; and

Whereas Lyall's team captured silver at the world junior championships;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend their congratulations to Lyall for his silver medal performance.

RESOLUTION NO. 1305

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

[Page 1596]

Whereas Ava Pancura, a resident of Bedford and student at Fort Sackville School, has drawn the winning design for Music for Young Children sticker; and

Whereas Music for Young Children has a sticker program that recognizes contributions to music by young gifted children; and

Whereas Ava's design will be given to 13,000 children worldwide;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend their congratulations to Ava's recognition for her artistic ability.

RESOLUTION NO. 1306

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas volunteers are people from all walks of life and all ages with a common desire to make a difference in their community - and in their own life - by giving of their time and expertise; and

Whereas volunteers in Bedford are the lifeblood of our communities, providing support in virtually every aspect of society including health, education, social services, youth, sports and recreation, culture, the arts, and the environment; and

Whereas 22 volunteers from Bedford were recognized on November 28, 2007, by HRM Mayor Peter Kelly and councillors, for their selfless act of giving of themselves to their community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the invaluable efforts made by all volunteers in their communities, and congratulate Bedford volunteers for their contribution to the community and the people of HRM.

RESOLUTION NO. 1307

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas Tony Edwards, a lifelong resident of Bedford, wrote a book entailing some of Bedford's history; and

[Page 1597]

Whereas the work contained in Tony's book is a collection of fascinating pictures, accompanied with careful research of Bedford's history; and

Whereas Tony's book will be a useful tool for future generations to learn and appreciate Bedford's historic past;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend their congratulations to Tony Edwards for the completion and launch of his book, Historic Bedford.

RESOLUTION NO. 1308

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas Bedford South School is participating in Project China, which is a program to allow students from Suzhou, China, to learn and experience Nova Scotian and Canadian culture with a host family; and

Whereas by providing a home and relationship for these students, the host families have the greatest impact of teaching the Nova Scotian culture and language; and

Whereas these visiting students, upon their return home, will have vastly improved their English language skills and be able to attest to their family and friends in China what a remarkable culture we have in Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend their thanks to Song and Janne Lee for opening their home to these students and sending these children back with a truly Nova Scotian experience.

RESOLUTION NO. 1309

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas Bedford South School is participating in Project China, which is a program to allow students from Suzhou, China, to learn and experience Nova Scotian and Canadian culture with a host family; and

[Page 1598]

Whereas by providing a home and relationship for these students, the host families have the greatest impact of teaching the Nova Scotian culture and language; and

Whereas these visiting students, upon their return home, will have vastly improved their English language skills and be able to attest to their family and friends in China what a remarkable culture we have in Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend their thanks to Robert and Bernice Diamond for opening their home to these students and sending these children back with a truly Nova Scotian experience.

RESOLUTION NO. 1310

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Human Resources)

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

Whereas small businesses are the backbone of our economy; and

Whereas small businesses provide an excellent service to their communities; and

Whereas M&M Meat Shops in Bridgewater have celebrated their 10 years of growth;

Therefore be if resolved that all members of this House congratulate M&M Meat Shops owner Michael Graves for the excellent service which he provides to the citizens of Bridgewater and area.

RESOLUTION NO. 1311

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Human Resources)

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

Whereas sportsmanship in any game is key; and

[Page 1599]

Whereas sportsmanship is best used to describe a player's attitude toward others, the ability to laugh at your own mistakes and try your best to fix them; and

Whereas Shawn McIntosh of Hebbville Academy was presented with the Cameron Smith Memorial Award, which is given every year to a male and female who best demonstrates the qualities of positive attitude, good sportsmanship and who also competes in multiple school sports;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Shawn McIntosh on being chosen by his coaches for the Cameron Smith Memorial Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1312

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Human Resources)

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

Whereas volunteerism is essential to improving the lifestyle and health of individuals and communities; and

Whereas volunteerism is delivered in many forms by all age levels and all experience levels; and

Whereas Katimavik provides opportunities for youth to become involved in volunteering in a variety of communities and providing a wide variety of experiences;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Alex Martin of Bridgewater, N.S., for his participation in Katimavik and his volunteer work in Quebec, Manitoba and Ontario.

RESOLUTION NO. 1313

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Human Resources)

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

Whereas sportsmanship in any game is key; and

[Page 1600]

Whereas sportsmanship is best used to describe a player's attitude toward others, the ability to laugh at your own mistakes and try your best to fix them; and

Whereas Kelsey Getson of Hebbville Academy was presented with the Cameron Smith Memorial Award, which is given every year to a male and female who best demonstrates the qualities of positive attitude, good sportsmanship, who also competes in multiple school sports and is always there for her teammates;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Kelsey Getson on being chosen by her coaches for the Cameron Smith Memorial Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1314

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Human Resources)

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

Whereas university students can contribute to society as a result of their research and initiative; and

Whereas some university students demonstrate their exemplary skills resulting in direct benefit to various segments of society; and

Whereas Lora Harvey of Conquerall Bank, Lunenburg County, was awarded the Therapeutic Recreation Student of the Year Award, which is a national award;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Lora Harvey of Conquerall Bank for her demonstration of exemplary skills contributions to her field of study and for reaching beyond academic performance.

RESOLUTION NO. 1315

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Human Resources)

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

[Page 1601]

Whereas the sport of soccer continues to grow in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas teams travel all over the province to compete in tournaments; and

Whereas the Bridgewater Under 14 Tier 2 boys won the provincial soccer championship title;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate team member Connor Hirtle of the Bridgewater Under 14 Tier 2 boys soccer team on winning the provincial title.

RESOLUTION NO. 1316

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Human Resources)

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

Whereas the sport of soccer continues to grow in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas teams travel all over the province to compete in tournaments; and

Whereas the Bridgewater Under 16 Tier 2 boys won the provincial soccer championship title;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate team member Graham Wamboldt on winning the Under 16 Tier 2 provincial championship.

RESOLUTION NO. 1317

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Human Resources)

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

Whereas the sport of soccer continues to grow in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas teams travel all over the province to compete in tournaments; and

Whereas the Bridgewater Under 16 Tier 2 boys won the provincial soccer championship title;

[Page 1602]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate team member Matt Taylor on winning the Under 16 Tier 2 provincial championship.

RESOLUTION NO. 1318

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Human Resources)

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

Whereas the sport of soccer continues to grow in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas team sports help promote team spirit; and

Whereas the South Shore BMOs Under 14 girls' soccer team won a silver medal at the provincial championship game;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate team member Jenna Grace of the South Shore BMOs Under 14 girls' soccer team on winning the silver medal.

RESOLUTION NO. 1319

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Human Resources)

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

Whereas the sport of soccer continues to grow in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas team sports help promote team spirit; and

Whereas the South Shore BMOs Under 14 girls' soccer team won a silver medal at the provincial championship game;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate team member Emma Harlow of the South Shore BMOs Under 14 girls soccer team on winning the silver medal.

RESOLUTION NO. 1320

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Human Resources)

[Page 1603]

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

Whereas the sport of soccer continues to grow in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas tem sports help promote team spirit; and

Whereas the South Shore BMOs Under 14 girls' soccer team won a silver medal at the provincial championship game;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate team member Olivia Pitman of the South Shore BMOs Under 14 girls' soccer team on winning the silver medal.

RESOLUTION NO. 1321

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Human Resources)

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

Whereas athletes improve their skills by participating in experiences which test their performances; and

Whereas Mattias Wolter participated in the 2007 Legion National Track and Field Championships; and

Whereas Mattias won a silver medal in the boys 17 and under 2,000 metre steeple chase;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Mattias Wolter for all his hard work and endurance and winning the silver medal.

RESOLUTION NO. 1322

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Human Resources)

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

Whereas all businesses strive for excellence; and

[Page 1604]

Whereas VOXCOM Security recognizes its dealers who demonstrate outstanding achievement; and

Whereas Safe Home Security of Bridgewater received the Service Excellence Award for all of Eastern Canada;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate John and Martha Bryson of Safe Home Security who received the VOXCOM's President Award for Outstanding Overall Achievement last year and followed by this year's award of Service Excellence for all of Eastern Canada.

RESOLUTION NO. 1323

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Human Resources)

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

Whereas education is key to success; and

Whereas Kassie Rhodenizer of Hebbville Academy was awarded the Female Academic Excellence Award with an average of 96.5; and

Whereas she was also awarded the Danny MacDonald Mathematics Award with a 97.7 average;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Kassie Rhodenizer for her academic achievements at the Junior High level and wish her well into her high school years and beyond.

RESOLUTION NO. 1324

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Human Resources)

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

Whereas maintaining a healthy study habit pays of in the end; and

Whereas education is key to success; and

Whereas Kirk Herman of Hebbville Academy was awarded the Male Academic Excellence Award with an average of 97.5; and

[Page 1605]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Kirk Herman for his academic achievements at the Junior High level and wish him well into his high school years and beyond.

RESOLUTION NO. 1325

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Human Resources)

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

Whereas the Lieutenant Governor's Education Medal is presented annually to two students in each school who have performed at a high academic level; and

Whereas the medal is awarded to Grade 11 students who have been nominated by their school; and

Whereas the 2007 male recipient from Park View Education Centre was Darren Gregory Rodenhizer;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Darren Gregory Rodenhizer for his strong community and school involvement, leadership and achieving excellent academic marks and congratulate him on receiving the Lieutenant Governor's Education Medal.

RESOLUTION NO. 1326

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Human Resources)

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

Whereas the Lieutenant Governor's Education Medal is presented annually to two students in each school who have performed at a high academic level; and

Whereas the medal is awarded to Grade 11 students who have been nominated by their school; and

Whereas the 2007 female recipient from Park View Education Centre was Katrin Rae MacPhee;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Katrin Rae MacPhee for her strong community and school involvement, leadership and achieving

[Page 1606]

excellent academic marks and congratulate her on receiving the Lieutenant Governor's Education Medal.

RESOLUTION NO. 1327

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Human Resources)

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

Whereas the Lieutenant Governor's Education Medal is presented annually to two students in each school who have performed at a high academic level; and

Whereas the medal is awarded to Grade 11 students who have been nominated by their school; and

Whereas the 2007 male recipient from New Germany Rural High School was Timothy Duane Eisener;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Timothy Duane Eisener for his strong community and school involvement, leadership and achieving excellent academic marks and congratulate him on receiving the Lieutenant Governor's Education Medal.

RESOLUTION NO. 1328

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Human Resources)

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

Whereas the Lieutenant Governor's Education Medal is presented annually to two students in each school who have performed at a high academic level; and

Whereas the medal is awarded to Grade 11 students who have been nominated by their school; and

Whereas the 2007 female recipient from New Germany Rural High School was Alexandra Marie Colp;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Alexandra Marie Colp for her strong community and school involvement, leadership and achieving excellent

[Page 1607]

academic marks and congratulate her on receiving the Lieutenant Governor's Education Medal.

RESOLUTION NO. 1329

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Human Resources)

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

Whereas the Lieutenant Governor's Education Medal is presented annually to two students in each school who have performed at a high academic level; and

Whereas the medal is awarded to Grade 11 students who have been nominated by their school; and

Whereas the 2007 male recipient from Bridgewater Junior/Senior High School was Jacob Tuchendler;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Jacob Tuchendler for his strong community and school involvement, leadership and achieving excellent academic marks and congratulate him on receiving the Lieutenant Governor's Education Medal.

RESOLUTION NO. 1330

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Human Resources)

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

Whereas the Lieutenant Governor's Education Medal is presented annually to two students in each school who have performed at a high academic level; and

Whereas the medal is awarded to Grade 11 students who have been nominated by their school; and

Whereas the 2007 female recipient from Bridgewater Junior/Senior High School was Jessica Wong;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Jessica Wong for her strong community and school involvement, leadership and achieving excellent

[Page 1608]

academic marks and congratulate her on receiving the Lieutenant Governor's Education Medal.

RESOLUTION NO. 1331

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Human Resources)

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

Whereas small businesses contribute to a healthy economy; and

Whereas it is essential that we celebrate the business successes in our communities; and

Whereas the Bridgewater Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 4th Annual Lunenburg County Business Excellence Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Gwen Smith of the Tea Brewery for being the recipient of the Export Achievement Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1332

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Human Resources)

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

Whereas small businesses contribute to a healthy economy; and

Whereas it is essential that we celebrate the business successes in our communities; and

Whereas the Bridgewater Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 4th Annual Lunenburg County Business Excellence Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Mabel and Lawrence Veinotte of Lawrence S. Veinotte Enterprises for being the recipient of the Grassroots Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1333

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Human Resources)

[Page 1609]

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

Whereas small businesses contribute to a healthy economy; and

Whereas it is essential that we celebrate the business successes in our communities; and

Whereas the Bridgewater Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 4th Annual Lunenburg County Business Excellence Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Christine Chaplin-Saunders of Artifacts in Clay for being the recipient of the Entrepreneurial Achievement Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1334

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Human Resources)

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

Whereas small businesses contribute to a healthy economy; and

Whereas it is essential that we celebrate the business successes in our communities; and

Whereas the Bridgewater Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 4th Annual Lunenburg County Business Excellence Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Shelley Burgoyne, Wade Barry and staff of Mahone Insurance Group for being the recipient of the Large Business Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1335

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Human Resources)

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

Whereas small businesses contribute to a healthy economy; and

[Page 1610]

Whereas it is essential that we celebrate the business successes in our communities; and

Whereas the Bridgewater Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 4th Annual Lunenburg County Business Excellence Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Calvin and Judy Armstrong of Calvin's TV Sales and Service for being the recipient of the Small Business Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1336

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Human Resources)

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

Whereas small businesses contribute to a healthy economy; and

Whereas it is essential that we celebrate the business successes in our communities; and

Whereas the Bridgewater Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 4th Annual Lunenburg County Business Excellence Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Jeremy Wellard and staff of HB Studios for being the recipient of the Innovation Achievement Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1337

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Human Resources)

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

Whereas The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #24 in Bridgewater obtained its charter on August 11, 1927; and

Whereas Branch #24 has a membership of around 800 people; and

Whereas Branch #25 recently celebrated 80 years of comradeship;

[Page 1611]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate all the members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #25 in Bridgewater on their 80th Anniversary.

RESOLUTION NO. 1338

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont (Health)

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

Whereas the 31st annual Yarmouth County Athletic Awards Banquet was held on November 16th at the Yarmouth Fire Hall, where individual athletes and teams were honoured for their sports achievements of the past year; and

Whereas the dinner features special awards that were presented to five individuals specifically - Official of the Year, Athlete of the Year, Sport Volunteer of the Year, Fair Play Award, and Coach of the Year; and

Whereas Darryl LeBlanc was named Sport Volunteer of the Year in recognition of his involvement in different sports over many years, including minor baseball and soccer, and was a member of the organizing committee for the National Old Timers baseball tournament held locally in 2006;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in congratulating Darryl LeBlanc for receiving this award for his dedication to sports over the years and, indeed, to all volunteers who spend countless hours promoting all levels of sports and fair play throughout the province.

RESOLUTION NO. 1339

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont (Health)

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

Whereas each year, Acadian Seaplants Limited recognizes Harvesting Excellence to individuals or teams that exemplifies harvesting best practises, specifically those that record consistent harvest amounts, keeps good compliance reports, is safety aware and has been known to go beyond the call of duty; and

[Page 1612]

Whereas in 2003, the company experienced the untimely passing of Mike Bourque, one of their employees who was well-known throughout the company as the best a harvester could be, and was prompted to create the Mike Bourque Harvester of the Year Award to pay tribute to an outstanding man and, to the day, continues to recognize harvesting excellence; and

Whereas on October 15th, the award was presented to the harvesting team of Lyndon Landry and Bruce Doucette as the 2007 recipients of the Harvester of the Year Award;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in congratulating Acadian Seaplants for creating the award to honour Mike Bourque and congratulating Lyndon Landry and Bruce Doucette for a job well done, and to encourage them to continue their hard work, diligence and excellence in their work.

RESOLUTION NO. 1340

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont (Health)

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

Whereas throughout 2007, scouting marks its 100th anniversary in 155 countries around the world; and

Whereas on May 12, 2007, Scouts Canada held an award ceremony in Halifax to present the Commemorative Centennial Medal to many outstanding volunteers that are integral parts of the scouting movement in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Mr. Troy Amirault of Lower West Pubnico was a recipient of one of these awards for his hard work and dedication to the scouting movement;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in congratulating Mr. Amirault, and all the volunteers, who have invested many hours, day, weeks and years in the development of youth and scouting in this province.

RESOLUTION NO. 1341

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont (Health)

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

[Page 1613]

Whereas Nova Scotia is widely recognized for its waste reduction system, which helps protect the environment, create jobs and enables us to become ecologically sustainable; and

Whereas on April 25, 2007, the Resource Recovery Fund Board held its ninth annual Mobius Environmental Awards luncheon where they recognize Nova Scotians who have made a significant contribution towards protecting our environment; and

Whereas Kenneth d'Entremont of Lower West Pubnico was recognized for his Individual Excellence in Waste Reduction;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in congratulating Kenneth d'Entremont for his contribution towards reducing the size of Nova Scotia's ecological footprint and encourage others to do the same.

RESOLUTION NO. 1342

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont (Health)

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

Whereas on April 1, 2007, a very special celebration was held in Wedgeport, N.S. in honour of May LeBlanc, better known as Tante May, who celebrated her 100th birthday on March 30, 2007; and

Whereas in 1924, May, at the very young age of 18, left Wedgeport to work and live in New York City as a cook for a wealthy couple who taught her the fine art of haute cuisine and etiquette and went on to plan and host many receptions for some very influential people; and

Whereas in 1967, she returned home to take care of her aging parents, and gave cooking and etiquette lessons out of her home that were recognized by the Minister of Education and, in 1990, she married Albert LeBlanc, the couple retired to Wedgeport, and although Albert died in 2003, she has continued to live in her own home because she has been blessed with reasonably good health, having also been a breast cancer survivor;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in congratulating May LeBlanc on this remarkable milestone in her life and wish her many more happy birthdays.

Attendu que le 1er avril 2007, une célébration très spéciale a eu lieu à Wedgeport, N.-É. en l'honneur de May LeBlanc mieux connu sous le nom de Tante May, qui a célébré son 100e anniversaire de naissance le 30 mars 2007;

[Page 1614]

Attendu que en 1924, alors qu'elle était âgée de 18 ans seulement, May a quitté Wedgeport pour aller vivre et travailler à New York comme cuisinière pour un couple riche qui lui a enseigné la haute cuisine et l'étiquette, ce qui lui a permis d'organiser de nombreuses réceptions pour des gens très influents;

Attendu que en 1967, elle est revenue à la maison pour s'occuper de ses parents et a donné des cours de cuisine et d'étiquette reconnus par le ministère de l'Éducation à partir de chez elle; en 1990, elle a marié Albert LeBlanc, le couple s'est installé à Wedgeport à la retraite, et bien que Albert soit décédé en 2003, elle est demeurée dans sa maison puisqu'elle a bénéficié d'une santé relativement bonne, malgré avoir survécu au cancer du sein;

Par conséquent, il est résolu que tous les members de cette assemblée se joignent à moi pour féliciter May LeBlanc d'avoir atteint cette étape remarquable de sa vie et pour lui souhaiter de nombreux autres joyeux anniversaires.

RESOLUTION NO. 1343

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Daniel James Morrison of Oxford Regional High School was the proud recipient of the Lieutenant Governor Medal for 2006/2007; and

Whereas the Lieutenant Governor's Award was instituted and is administered by the Department of Education, Province of Nova Scotia, which is awarded to one boy and one girl in each school who has commendable performance in the courses in which they are enrolled and who has demonstrated qualities of leadership and service in the school and community; and

Whereas open to all Grade 11 high school students and first year vocational school program, students were nominated by their school and the students nominated are certainly worthy recipients of this award

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Daniel James Morrison on receiving the Lieutenant Governor's Medal and we wish him all the best in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 1344

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

[Page 1615]

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

Whereas Betty Milner of Oxford, Cumberland County, was one of several who were recognized for their dedicated service to the Oxford Volunteer Fire Department's Auxiliary by receiving service awards; and

Whereas on November 10th, friends, family, firefighters and auxiliary gathered together in Oxford to honour the years of service of those members who give so unselfishly of their time and efforts to help ensure the safety of their community and surrounding areas, and it is essential that the volunteer auxiliary be recognized for their service as they play such an important and crucial role in the success of any department; and

Whereas Betty Milner was recognized on that evening for 35 years of dedicated service to the Oxford Fire Department Auxiliary;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Betty Milner for her 35 years of dedicated service to the auxiliary, her community and to the Province of Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 1345

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Margaret Miller of Nova Scotia has become the new President of MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers National Organization; and

Whereas Margaret's son, the late Constable Bruce Miller, a member of the Springhill Police Department, was killed by an impaired driver in Prince Edward Island; and

Whereas Margaret is using this tragedy in her and her family's life to advocate for changes across this country in regards to impaired drivers and eliminate them from the highways of our country to ensure that other families do not go through the same grief as the Miller family has endured;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Margaret Miller on her recent appointment as the National President of MADD and wish her all the best and success in her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 1346

[Page 1616]

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Doris Marshall of Oxford, Cumberland County, was one of several who were recognized for their dedicated service to the Oxford Volunteer Fire Department's Auxiliary by receiving service awards; and

Whereas on November 10th, friends, family, firefighters and auxiliary gathered together in Oxford to honour the years of service of those members who give so unselfishly of their time and efforts to help ensure the safety of their community and surrounding areas, and it is essential that the volunteer auxiliary be recognized for their service as they play such an important and crucial role in the success of any department; and

Whereas Doris Marshall was recognized on that evening for 15 years of dedicated service to the Oxford Fire Department Auxiliary;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Doris Marshall for her 15 years of dedicated service to the auxiliary, her community and to the Province of Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 1347

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Rob Henderson of Springhill went to the 2007 World Candlepin Championship tournament in Halifax, in November, with one thing on his mind - to take back what was his, the championship; and

Whereas Rob accomplished just that by reclaiming the World Candlepin Championship that his team, MacLaughlin's Truck and Trailer, owned from 2002 to 2005, but ended up losing in 2006; and

Whereas not only did his team reclaim the title, but they did it in style by crushing the team that knocked them out of the playoffs last year;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Rob Henderson and his team on this outstanding achievement and we wish them continued success in the future.

[Page 1617]

[Page 1618]

RESOLUTION NO. 1348

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Maxine Dobson from Oxford exceeded her lifelong dream in November when she recorded two CDs, one being a 12 song gospel and the other a 13 song country; and

Whereas recording her own CD is something that Marine wanted to do since she was a child and with the encouragement of family and friends she has made that dream come true; and

Whereas the CD was a surprise for her friends and family and first played for her mother, Margaret Dobson, and the photograph featured on the country CD is of a painting that occupies a prominent spot on her living room wall, painted by her friend Shirley Thomas;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Maxine Dobson on the release of her two CDs and we wish her all the best of luck with her future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1349

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas members of the 1859 RCACC Springhill Cadet Corp have won the opportunity to represent their peers and the Province of Nova Scotia at the 32nd annual National Cadet Marksmanship Championship held in London, Ontario; and

Whereas Cadets Justin Chapman, David Ferguson, Edward Ferguson, Matthew Robinson, Tyler Sangster and their coach, Lt. Cynthia Crowe, travelled to London to compete in air rifle marksmanship matches against more than 130 of the top cadets across the country; and

Whereas the Cadet Marksmanship program is an integral part of the cadet training in that it teaches the cadets self-discipline, builds their confidence and allows them to compete equally in a recreational sport that is gender neutral;

[Page 1619]

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the 1859 RCACC Springhill Cadet Corp on representing their peers and the Province of Nova Scotia at the 32nd annual National Cadet Marksmanship Championship and we wish them continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1350

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Corrections Service Canada, Springhill Institution has marked its 40th year in service in October, 2007; and

Whereas the institution provides jobs to 345 employees and is the area's major employer, which is located on 167 hectares on the outskirts of this former mining community where the facility was built as the community struggled with the closure of the coal mines, following the 1958 bump; and

Whereas the facility houses 455 male inmates who have the option to join in several programs that deal with everything from violence to substance abuse and literacy, to help enable them to better cope when they are released from custody, these programs have given inmates the opportunity to work outside the fence with forestry companies, homes for mentally challenged people and inside the fence making things for charitable organizations or hosting events like the recent Olympiad for special needs children;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Corrections Service Canada, Springhill Institution on its 40 years of service and we wish them continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1351

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas the week before Halloween, the Grade Primary to Grade 3 students at Oxford Regional Elementary School were in for a Halloween surprise; and

[Page 1620]

Whereas Willard "Wid" Wood, a long-time resident of Oxford, who just happens to harvest pumpkins, backed his truck up to the elementary school and to the amazement and excitement of the children, handed out a free pumpkin for every student and teacher; and

Whereas Willard Wood went out of his way to add to the joy and excitement that these children feel on Halloween with his generosity;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Willard Wood on this generous act that would certainly add to the joy of these young children and we wish him many years of health and happiness.

RESOLUTION NO. 1352

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Jonathan Wood, a student at West End Memorial School in Springhill, was one of three Grade 5 students who had his Remembrance Day project chosen to be presented at their Remembrance Day Program; and

Whereas family, friends, teachers, students and local dignitaries gathered at the school to pay their respect to the soldiers who fought for our freedom and those who continue to do so; and

Whereas Jonathan Wood showed his respect to the veterans with his project that was presented during the ceremony;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Jonathan Wood on having his Remembrance Day project chosen to be presented at this very important ceremony and we wish him continued success in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 1353

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Nova Scotians realize the dedication and hard work of their volunteer firefighters and were honoured to gather together to recognize their efforts; and

[Page 1621]

Whereas on November 10th, friends, family and firefighters gathered together in Oxford to honour the years of service of those members who give so unselfishly of their time and efforts to help ensure the safety of their community and surrounding areas; and

Whereas Darren Rushton was recognized on that evening for 15 years of dedicated service to the Oxford Fire Department including six years as fire chief;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Darren Rushton for his 15 years of dedicated service to the department, his community and to the Province of Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 1354

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Alexander Scott of Parrsboro Regional High School was the proud recipient of the Lieutenant Governor's Medal for 2006-07; and

Whereas the Lieutenant Governor's Award was instituted and is administered by the Department of Education, Province of Nova Scotia, which is awarded to one boy and one girl in each school who has commendable performance in the courses in which they are enrolled, and who has demonstrated qualities of leadership and service in the school and community; and

Whereas open to all Grade 11 high school students and first-year vocational school program, students were nominated by their school and the students nominated are certainly worthy recipients of this award;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Alexander Scott on receiving the Lieutenant Governor's Medal and wish him all the best in all future endeavors.

RESOLUTION NO. 1355

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

[Page 1622]

Whereas Rosemary Mullins was honoured on October 22, 2007, for her 30 years of dedicated service to the Province of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Rosemary Mullins has worked for the Department of Community Services for 30 years; and

Whereas the Government of Nova Scotia recognized their workers for their achievements made in support of business objectives, high quality client service and dedication to public service, recognizing the accomplishment of employees contributes to a supportive work environment and supports the attraction and retention of committed and engaged employees;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Rosemary Mullins on her 30 years of service and wish her all the best in all future endeavors.

RESOLUTION NO. 1356

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Nova Scotia Community College students and staff from the Cumberland Campus in Springhill volunteered their time and talents on community projects in October 2007; and

Whereas Cumberland Campus was participating in Reach Out to Nova Scotia, a first ever province-wide volunteer initiative carried out by a post-secondary institution; and

Whereas approximately 10,000 NSCC students and staff volunteered for about 300 projects across the province to show their appreciation to Nova Scotians for supporting the development of NSCC in Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the staff and students of NSCC for their participation in this very worthwhile program and wish them continued success in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 1357

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

[Page 1623]

Whereas Caitlin Jackson-Tarlton of Springhill Regional High School was the proud recipient of the Lieutenant Governor's Medal for 2006-07; and

Whereas the Lieutenant Governor's Award was instituted and is administered by the Department of Education, Province of Nova Scotia, which is awarded to one boy and one girl in each school who has commendable performance in the courses in which they are enrolled, and who has demonstrated qualities of leadership and service in the school and community; and

Whereas open to all Grade 11 high school students and first-year vocational school program, students were nominated by their school and the students nominated are certainly worthy recipients of this award;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Caitlin Jackson-Tarlton on receiving the Lieutenant Governor's Medal and wish her all the best in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 1358

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas the Fencebusters baseball team in Springhill, Cumberland County, along with Jim Melanson and Doug Chatfield, proved that baseball is a universal language that children speak throughout the world when they decided to pack up their old ball uniforms and send them off to children in Cuba who love the sport of baseball as much as they do; and

Whereas Doug Chatfield will take the uniforms to Cuba to the children so much less fortunate than ours; and

Whereas the extra uniforms became available after little leaguers obtained 102 new Fencebusters uniforms over the summer and that is when it was decided that they would share in their good fortune with those less fortunate than themselves;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the Springhill Fencebusters, Jim Melanson and Doug Chatfield, on this wonderful act of kindness and wish them continued success in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 1359

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

[Page 1624]

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

Whereas in a special presentation to the Town of Springhill during the October 2007 regular council meeting De Agostinis inducted Springhill into the Cast Iron Pipe Century Club, making it one of only 29 municipalities in Canada to receive the award and the fourth in the province; and

Whereas more than 100 years ago, town planners for the Town of Springhill had a tough choice to make to minimize their budget when installing water lines to the community or break their backs and the bank installing cast iron piping, they decided on the latter of the two and that is worth commemorating; and

Whereas installing Springhill's cast iron water main in1904 on the Herrett Road, De Agostinis commented, would have been a major infrastructure project and a feat of human endurance, but he assured the council that they went with the best material available and made the right choice which would last them for many years to come;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the Town of Springhill on being inducted in the Cast Iron Pipe Century Club and wish them all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1360

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas what other people take for granted is what separates Andrew Wagstaff from the majority of people along the Parrsboro Shore; and

Whereas Andrew Wagstaff, a reporter/photographer for Amherst Daily News and the Citizen was roasted and toasted at the Parrsboro Board of Trade's annual banquet in July 2007; and

Whereas Andrew was honoured with the title of Citizen of the Year for his strong sense of community and the tenacity to help make life better for all those around him and most recently named Editor of the Amherst Daily News;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Andrew Wagstaff on receiving this prestigious award and appointment and wish him the best of luck in all future endeavours.

[Page 1625]

RESOLUTION NO. 1361

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Raelene Wilson, 13-year-old student from Oxford, Cumberland County, continues to gain respect as a baseball player; and

Whereas Raelene earned a second consecutive spot on Team Nova Scotia Under 16 Bantam Girls' Baseball Team, which headed off to the nationals in Quebec City in August 2007; and

Whereas Raelene is the only girl from Cumberland-Colchester Counties to represent Nova Scotia at the national level and she has been a star player in Cumberland County baseball for 10 years;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Raelene Wilson on being chosen as a member of Team Nova Scotia and wish her continued success in all future endeavors.

RESOLUTION NO. 1362

By: Hon. Alfie MacLeod (Speaker)

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

Whereas Sydney River resident Wanda Fedora is the new President of the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association; and

Whereas Wanda has served on the national board for three years and also as President of the Nova Scotia Dental Hygienists Association; and

Whereas Wanda will represent between 16,000 and 20,000 members and oversee the policy development implementation process that will benefit dental hygienists from St. John's to Victoria Island;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House compliment Wanda Fedora on being named President for 2008 of the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association.

[Page 1626]

RESOLUTION NO. 1363

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Seniors)

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

Whereas the safety and security of all Nova Scotians in their homes and neighbourhoods is essential for vibrant communities; and

Whereas the Senior Citizens Police Academy was designed to give seniors an opportunity to learn hands-on about crime prevention and safety in their homes and communities; and

Whereas Dale Saulnier of the Bridgewater Police Services, Constable Susan Foote of the Chester RCMP and Leslie Taylor of the Lunenburg VON work hard to inform seniors about safety issues in Lunenburg County;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate all the organizers and participants of the Lunenburg County Senior Citizens Police Academy for their contributions to the maintenance of safety and security for themselves and others in their communities.

RESOLUTION NO. 1364

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Seniors)

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

Whereas the Canadian Progress Club, Halifax-Cornwallis, annually presents its Women of Excellence Awards to extraordinary women whose impressive achievements spanning six business sectors make a powerful impact on our community; and

Whereas Valerie White, CEO, Department of Seniors, was one of this year's recipients of the ward for outstanding women in the area of management and the professions; and

Whereas for over 25 years, Valerie White has been contributing to the advancement of seniors' issues across Nova Scotia;

[Page 1627]

Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate Valerie White for being named a woman of excellence for her many years of dedicated service to the Department of Seniors and advancing the needs of seniors in this province.

RESOLUTION NO. 1365

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Seniors)

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

Whereas the Group of IX Seniors' Advisory Council of Nova Scotia serves as an advocate for seniors across the province; and

Whereas member organizations of the Group of IX consult formally and informally with other seniors, ethnic, professional and special interest groups so they may be fully informed and representative of the senior population of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the Group of IX meets regularly with the Department of Seniors to discuss issues affecting the well-being and quality of life of seniors in Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the generous contribution by members of the Group of IX Seniors' Advisory Council of Nova Scotia as they bring the voice of Nova Scotia seniors to government.

RESOLUTION NO. 1366

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Seniors)

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

Whereas every year at the Seniors' 50+ Expo, awards are presented to Nova Scotia seniors who made outstanding contributions to create a better quality of life for seniors in their community; and

Whereas the Remarkable Senior Award recognizes contributions in areas of leadership, volunteerism and community service; and

Whereas Shirley and Michael Davidson serve with local seniors' clubs and community groups and are actively involved in various programs at their local church;

[Page 1628]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Shirley and Michael Davidson of Antigonish on receiving the Remarkable Senior Award for their volunteer efforts that enrich the lives of young and old in their community.

[Page 1629]

RESOLUTION NO. 1367

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Seniors)

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

Whereas every year at the Seniors' 50+ Expo, awards are presented to Nova Scotia seniors who made outstanding contributions to create a better quality of life for seniors in their community; and

Whereas the Remarkable Senior Award recognizes contributions in areas of leadership, volunteerism and community service; and

Whereas for 63 years, Marguerite Ainsworth has volunteered by taking a strong leadership role in various church and community programs;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Marguerite Ainsworth of Halifax on receiving the Remarkable Senior Award for her loyalty and commitment to her community.

RESOLUTION NO. 1368

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Seniors)

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

Whereas every year at the Seniors' 50+ Expo, awards are presented to Nova Scotia seniors who made outstanding contributions to create a better quality of life for seniors in their community; and

Whereas the Remarkable Senior Award recognizes contributions in areas of leadership, volunteerism and community service; and

Whereas for almost 50 years, Claire Patriquin has been an active volunteer at her local hospital, church and community centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Claire Patriquin of Wentworth on receiving the Remarkable Senior Award for dedicated volunteerism.

[Page 1630]

RESOLUTION NO. 1369

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Seniors)

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

Whereas every year at the Seniors' 50+ Expo, awards are presented to Nova Scotia seniors who made outstanding contributions to create a better quality of life for seniors in their community; and

Whereas the Remarkable Senior Award recognizes contributions in areas of leadership, volunteerism and community service; and

Whereas for over 55 years, Duncan Chisholm has been an active volunteer in building community partnerships, fundraising for community facilities and participating in community events and clubs;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Duncan Chisholm of St. Andrew's on receiving the Remarkable Senior Award for his commitment and dedication to the community of St. Andrew's and Antigonish County.

RESOLUTION NO. 1370

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Seniors)

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

Whereas every year at the Seniors' 50+ Expo, awards are presented to Nova Scotia seniors who made outstanding contributions to create a better quality of life for seniors in their community; and

Whereas the Remarkable Senior Award recognizes contributions in areas of leadership, volunteerism and community service; and

Whereas for almost 70 years, George Atwood has devoted his time and talent as a member to both the Royal Canadian Legion and the Sackville District Fire Department and was instrumental in the development of recreational sports facilities in his community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate George Atwood of Lower Sackville on receiving the Remarkable Senior Award for his dedication to enriching the lives of those around him.

[Page 1631]

RESOLUTION NO. 1371

By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Seniors)

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

Whereas every year at the Seniors' 50+ Expo, awards are presented to Nova Scotia seniors who made outstanding contributions to create a better quality of life for seniors in their community; and

Whereas the Remarkable Senior Award recognizes contributions in areas of leadership, volunteerism and community service; and

Whereas over the past 40 years, Leo Poirier has played an important role by actively serving on community councils;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Leo Poirier of Dartmouth on receiving the Remarkable Seniors Award for his role in making communities strong and connected.

RESOLUTION NO. 1372

By: Mr. Gordon Gosse (Cape Breton Nova)

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

Whereas the pride of Whitney Pier, Cyril Hearn, is a journeyman steel fabricator by trade as well as a self-taught wood carver and steel sculptor; and

Whereas Cyril is renowned as the creator of the world's largest fiddle which stands prominently at the Sydney Marine Terminal; and

Whereas this year, Cyril received the illustrious distinction of being named Featured Artist of Pierscape 2007;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Cyril Hearn on his noteworthy achievement on being named the Featured Artist of Pierscape 2007 and wish Cyril all the best in his future endeavours.

[Page 1632]

RESOLUTION NO. 1373

By: Mr. Gordon Gosse (Cape Breton Nova)

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

Whereas from August 14-18, 2007, the National Women's Under 15 Basketball Championships were held in Vancouver, British Columbia; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia Under 15 team defeated British Columbia to capture the bronze medal; and

Whereas Sydney's own Kayla McCarron, received the illustrious distinction of being selected to the tournament all-star team;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Kayla McCarron on her outstanding athletic achievement on being selected to play on the tournament all-star team and wish Kayla all the best in her future hoop endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 1374

By: Mr. Gordon Gosse (Cape Breton Nova)

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

Whereas the Canadian Cancer Society is a volunteer organization which strives to enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer; and

Whereas at its annual tea in Sydney, Nova Scotia, the society pays tribute to its longtime volunteers; and

Whereas one of those such volunteers was Helen Lundrigan who received her pin for over 50 years of service;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Helen Lundrigan on receiving the 50 years of service pin from the Canadian Cancer Society and for her dedication and commitment to the fight against cancer.

[Page 1633]

RESOLUTION NO. 1375

By: Mr. Gordon Gosse (Cape Breton Nova)

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

Whereas Chief Edgar MacLeod began is policing career in 1973, serving on police departments across the Maritime Provinces and culminating with his appointment as chief of Police for the Cape Breton Regional Police Services in 1993; and

Whereas on December 10, 2007, Chief Edgar MacLeod will receive the Tom Miller Human Rights Award, awarded to an individual for recognizing that human rights must be protected by the law and promote education initiatives in the community; and

Whereas in January 2008, Chief Edgar MacLeod will retire from the Cape Breton Regional Police Services after 32 years of illustrious serve and will commence his new mission as Executive Director of the Atlantic Police Academy;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Chief Edgar MacLeod on his outstanding policing career, wish him all the best in his new position and thank him for his dedication and commitment to his community.

RESOLUTION NO. 1376

By: Mr. Gordon Gosse (Cape Breton Nova)

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

Whereas on November 1, 2007, Atlantic University Sport announced its 2007 major award winners for women's basketball; and

Whereas Stephen "Ness" Timmons was chosen Coach of the Year for the fourth time; and

Whereas Ness guided the Capers to their second straight first place finish, third straight Atlantic championship and their first national championship;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Stephen "Ness" Timmons on his outstanding athletic achievements, dedication and commitment to the soccer

[Page 1634]

program, and on being named as the Coach of the Year and wish Stephen all the best in this future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 1377

By: Mr. Gordon Gosse (Cape Breton Nova)

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

Whereas third year back Kiley Snow was selected to the 2007 Atlantic University Sport first all-star team; and

Whereas Kiley was also named to the Canadian Inter-university Sport first all-Canadian team;

Whereas Kiley was also selected Most Valuable Player at the Canadian Inter-university Sport National Championships;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Kiley Snow on her outstanding athletic achievement as being selected to the 2007 Atlantic University Sport first All Star Team and wish Kiley all the best in her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 1378

By: Mr. Gordon Gosse (Cape Breton Nova)

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

Whereas on November 2, 2007, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League announced its players of the month for October; and

Whereas Cape Breton Screaming Eagles backstopper Olivier Roy was named rookie of the month; and

Whereas Olivier Roy won nine of his ten starts, including two shutouts, with a 2.14 goals against average and .916 save percentage;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Olivier Roy on his outstanding athletic achievement and wish him all the best in his future backstopping endeavours.

[Page 1635]

RESOLUTION NO. 1379

By: Mr. Gordon Gosse (Cape Breton Nova)

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

Whereas on October 17, 2007, Earl "Curly" Gray passed away at the age of 83 years; and

Whereas Earl joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1941, spending four years on convoy duty in the North Atlantic and taking part in the D Day invasion on June 6, 1944; and

Whereas Earl was a charter, life member and former President of Branch No. 138, Ashby Legion, was very active in the Poppy Campaign, past President of the Cape Breton Naval Veterans Association and the Cape Breton Veteran's comfort fund; and

Whereas Earl was awarded the Military Medal of Merit as well as the Normandy Medal for his participation in the D Day invasion;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly acknowledge the distinguished career of Earl "Curly" Gray and may his legacy live on in our hearts forever and ever.

RESOLUTION NO. 1380

By: Mr. Gordon Gosse (Cape Breton Nova)

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

Whereas the mission of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to help people with cystic fibrosis by funding research toward the goal of a cure or control for CF and supporting high quality CF care; and

Whereas on October 22, 2007, the Cape Breton Island Chapter of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis held its very first meeting in Sydney, Nova Scotia; and

Whereas organizer Bob Fortier and those in attendance stressed the importance of having a local chapter where information and issues can be brought forward;

[Page 1636]

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate the Cape Breton Island Chapter of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on their inaugural meeting and wish them all the best in their goal, creating a world where cystic fibrosis is no longer a progressive, life-shortening disease.

RESOLUTION NO. 1381

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 Next Step Recovery House, in New Glasgow, has recently opened a new facility exclusively for women; and

Whereas the founder of the centre that provides a stable place for those recovering from drug and/or alcohol addiction, Don Creighton, maintains that women face unique challenges when trying to turn their lives around; and

Whereas Creighton opened the first centre, for men, one year ago and hopes to include a centre for adolescents and families in the future, and much of the furniture for the house was donated by the Salvation Army and local charity outlets often provide food for residents, but most importantly, there are people getting help in making their lives better for themselves and those closest to them;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House send their congratulations to Don Creighton and all the residents and staff at Next Step Recovery, on the opening of the new facility for women and for giving back to the community in such an important way.

RESOLUTION NO. 1382

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 for 10 years, the Pictou County Early Intervention Association has been providing support for families with developmentally-delayed children with home visits and resources; and

Whereas Lisa Smith, program director, says that over the years, more than 100 children have taken part and because of the nature of the support, many have been with the program for as many as four years, starting in early childhood, until they enter school; and

[Page 1637]

Whereas last year the group signed an agreement with the Department of Community Services for year-to-year funding which will offer the program more stability and allow for it to expand and offer more to families, such as in-house playgroups and parent support groups;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House send their congratulations to Lisa Smith and all of the staff and families at the Pictou County Early Intervention Association on 10 years of tremendous work as it plans for the next 10 years and beyond.

RESOLUTION NO. 1383

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 for the first time in 40 years, students at Trenton Elementary School will be playing on brand new playground equipment; and

Whereas the school raised roughly $40,000 to make the new space fantastic, not only for the school, but the community as a whole, with 106 businesses, organizations and private donors coming together to raise the funds; and

Whereas Principal Tim Teiman acknowledged the help of Sandra Tupper for her fundraising efforts, the Kinsmen of New Glasgow, in addition to the Department of Health and Health Promotion and, of course, the carpenter Ivan DeCoste and the local children "inspected" the new space and upon meeting with their approval, the playground was promptly opened in time for the start of the new school year in September;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House send their congratulations to Trenton Elementary School and the greater community of Pictou County for the inspirational co-operation in ensuring that such an important element to school life was available for Trenton's kids.

RESOLUTION NO. 1384

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 North Nova Education Centre was part of a Canada-wide fundraising campaign this Fall that aims to purchase mosquito nets for African families; and

[Page 1638]

Whereas the program, Spread the Net, is part of a UNICEF initiative that aims to bring 500,000 anti-malaria mosquito nets to children in Liberia and Rwanda over the next two years; and

Whereas event organizer and North Nova student, Andy Cunningham, arranged for a night of music to kick-off the campaign with a show featuring local acts, including his own band, We Are Pioneers, plus two bands from Toronto with tickets costing $10 each;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House send their congratulations to Andy Cunningham and the entire North Nova Education Centre community for their kind acts and thoughtfulness towards those in need, beyond our shores, in Africa.

RESOLUTION NO. 1385

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 North Nova Education graduate Gage Lorimer joined other Canadians his age when he travelled to Toronto this summer to play rugby; and

Whereas the Trenton native spent a week with the Canadian Under-18 national squad, hoping to earn a spot on the team; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia Under-18 team member valued the experience of a lifetime, even if he finds out he did not make the team;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House send their congratulations to Trenton native and rugby player, Gage Lorimer as he rose to a challenge and learned from it, all the while representing the best of Nova Scotia's youth.

RESOLUTION NO. 1386

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 North Nova Education Centre Grade 12 student, Chase Kirkendall travelled to Toronto this summer to train with Canada's finest young rugby players; and

[Page 1639]

Whereas the New Glasgow native was one of three Nova Scotians vying for a spot on the Canadian Under-18 national rugby team; and

Whereas he is pleased to get the experience and claims that while players from B.C. and Ontario are tough, competing against them only makes him work harder;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House send their congratulations to Chase Kirkendall on representing Nova Scotia at such an elite sporting level, demonstrating the best that our youth have to offer their communities and themselves.

RESOLUTION NO. 1387

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 last Fall the students and teachers at A.G. Baillie Elementary School in New Glasgow received a gift of thanks, all the way from Africa; and

Whereas the school received a brick from UNICEF for raising the most funds in Nova Scotia during its Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign 2006 and the brick symbolizing the construction that has been done in Malawi since; and

Whereas the school raised $2,060 towards the Canadian campaign that has, so far, built 18 schools, trained 100 teachers and outfitted each facility with school supplies and clean drinking water;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House send their heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to the students and staff at A.G. Baillie Elementary School on raising the most money in Nova Scotia for the 2006 UNICEF Trick-or-Treat campaign, demonstrating, yet again, the warm hearts that this province is famous for.

RESOLUTION NO. 1388

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 students and faculty at the Nova Scotia Community College, Pictou Campus took part in Reach Out Nova Scotia, recently; and

[Page 1640]

Whereas the program is a province-wide initiative that sees NSCC students share their expertise and skills to help community-based projects; and

Whereas the students took part in 53 separate projects, ranging from painting the 4-H Club building to helping construct a Haunted House for the United Way, and this initiative builds on the legacy of the $11.8 million the Pictou Campus received as part of the $123 million investment in the NSCC by the Provincial Government, implemented in 2003;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House send their thanks and appreciation to the students and faculty of the Nova Scotia Community College, Pictou Campus, on a successful and inspirational Reach Out campaign, demonstrating the world class level of education and skills found at work everyday in this province.

RESOLUTION NO. 1389

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 Pictou County Progress Club recently handed out more than $21,000 to deserving community organizations; and

Whereas organizations that received donations include Pictou County Early Intervention, Pictou County Helpline and Pictou Island Community Centre, to name but a few; and

Whereas the Progress Club contributes to many local charities throughout each year and last year alone members worked more than 670 community service hours to over a dozen events;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the good works of the Pictou County Progress Club and the range of community involvement that it commits to throughout the year, ensuring a variety of outlets can help those, in Pictou County, who need it the most.