April 28, 2008

HANSARD 08-19

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

MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION:
Res. 2038, Volunteer Wk. (04/27-05/03/08): Vols. - Recognize,
The Premier 2141
Vote - Affirmative 2142
Res. 2039, Nat'l. Day of Mourning (04/28/08): Safer Workplaces -
Commitment, Hon. M. Parent 2142
Vote - Affirmative 2143
Res. 2040, Nat'l. Wildlife Wk. (04/06-04/12/08) - Recognize,
Hon. D. Morse 2143
Vote - Affirmative 2144
Res. 2041, Black Loyalist Soc. - Anniv. (235th),
Hon. B. Barnet 2144
Vote - Affirmative 2144
Res. 2042, Mulgrave Park Tenants Assoc. - WinterLights Celebration
Award, Hon. J. Streatch 2145
Vote - Affirmative 2145
Res. 2043, McNeil, Ms. Allison - Canada's Outstanding Principals Award,
Hon. K. Casey 2145
Vote - Affirmative 2146
Res. 2044, Nat. Res.: Shubenacadie Prov. Wildlife Park - CNTA Award,
Hon. D. Morse 2146
Vote - Affirmative 2147
Res. 2045, Elliott, Jane: Anatomy of Prejudice Presentation - Congrats.,
Hon. B. Barnet 2147
Vote - Affirmative 2148
Res. 2046, SMU: SMUtube - Communications Award,
Hon. K. Casey 2148
Vote - Affirmative 2148
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS:^
No. 135, Municipal Elections Act, Hon. J. Muir 2149
No. 136, Energy Resources Conservation Act,
Mr. H. Epstein 2149
No. 137, Income Tax Act, Ms. D. Whalen 2149
No. 138, Municipal Government Act, Hon. J. Muir 2149
No. 139, Autism Working Group Act, Ms. B. Kent 2149
No. 140, Income Tax Act, Ms. D. Whalen 2149
No. 141, Consumer Reporting Act, Mr. G. Steele 2149
NOTICES OF MOTION:
Res. 2047, Nat'l. Day of Mourning: Safer Workplaces - Commitment,
Mr. D. Dexter 2150
Vote - Affirmative 2150
Res. 2048, Nat'l. Day of Mourning (04/28/08) - Recognize,
Mr. S. McNeil 2150
Vote - Affirmative 2151
Res. 2049, Nuts4Ribs: Men's Health Issues - Awareness,
Hon. L. Goucher 2151
Vote - Affirmative 2152
Res. 2050, Lill, Wendy - "50 Significant Canadian Plays": Inclusion -
Congrats., Ms. M. More 2152
Vote - Affirmative 2153
Res. 2051, McNeil, Stephen: Liberal Leadership - Anniv. (1st),
Mr. Manning MacDonald 2153
Vote - Affirmative 2153
Res. 2052, Fred Page Cup: Organizers/Participants/Sponsors - Congrats.,
Mr. P. Dunn 2153
Vote - Affirmative 2154
Res. 2053, Hants North Flames Senior's Basketball Team -
Championship, Mr. J. MacDonell 2154
Vote - Affirmative 2155
Res. 2054, Sobey Bus. Award: Recipients - Congrats.,
Ms. D. Whalen 2155
Vote - Affirmative 2156
Res. 2055, Baddeck Pee Wee "B" Bobcats - Hockey Championship
Mr. K. Bain 2156
Vote - Affirmative 2156
Res. 2056, Heighton, Eleanor - Prov. Vol. Award,
Mr. C. Parker 2157
Vote - Affirmative 2157
Res. 2057, MacCormick, Dr. Ron - Mentor of the Year Award,
Mr. Manning MacDonald 2157
Vote - Affirmative 2158
Res. 2058, Spurr, BJ - Nat'l. Math League Award,
Mr. C. Porter 2158
Vote - Affirmative 2159
Res. 2059, McKendry, Karen - Youth Environmental Leadership Award,
Mr. L. Preyra 2159
Vote - Affirmative 2160
Res. 2060, Vance, Cecil/Mun. Contracting Ltd.: Downey Rd. Cemetery
Soc. - Generosity, Mr. K. Colwell 2160
Vote - Affirmative 2160
Res. 2061, MacDonald, Lisa: Accomplishments - Praise,
Mr. P. Dunn 2160
Vote - Affirmative 2161
Res. 2062, Holland Rd. Elem. Sch. - "A Kids' Guide to Making and
Being a Friend": Launch - Congrats., Mr. P. Paris 2161
Vote - Affirmative 2162
Res. 2063, Health - ERs: Opening - Ensure,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 2162
Res. 2064, Barron, Coun. Lawrence/Smokey Rec. Soc.: Hockey
Promotion - Congrats., Mr. K. Bain 2163
Vote - Affirmative 2163
Res. 2065, Brooklyn Power Corp.: Agricultural Wood Ash Prog. -
Congrats., Ms. V. Conrad 2163
Vote - Affirmative 2164
Res. 2066, Digby County Courier: Better Newspaper Comp. - Congrats.,
Mr. H. Theriault 2164
Vote - Affirmative 2165
Res. 2067, Martin, Jenna: Athletic Accomplishments - Congrats.,
Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 2165
Vote - Affirmative 2166
Res. 2068, Seal Island - Residents: Rescue (08/18/08) - Congrats.,
Mr. S. Belliveau 2166
Vote - Affirmative 2166
Res. 2069, Herbin, Joshua - Agri-Food Award,
Mr. L. Glavine 2167
Vote - Affirmative 2167
Res. 2070, Sequeira, Les: Vol. Contribution - Congrats.,
Hon. D. Morse 2167
Vote - Affirmative 2168
Res. 2071, East. Passage Lions Club - Commun. Efforts: Recognize -
Congrats., Ms. B. Kent 2168
Vote - Affirmative 2169
Res. 2072, Musquodoboit Ground Search & Rescue Team - Anniv. (25th),
Hon. B. Taylor 2169
Vote - Affirmative 2170
Res. 2073, Cdn. Fed. of Univ. Women: Dart. Club - Anniv. (60th),
Ms. M. More 2170
Vote - Affirmative 2170
Res. 2074, Gov.-Gen.'s Medals of Bravery: C.B. Recipient - Congrats.,
Hon. C. Clarke 2171
Vote - Affirmative 2171
Res. 2075, MacDonald Gov't.: French Immersion Progs. - Protect,
Mr. P. Paris 2171
Res. 2076, Jordan, Mrs. Laurene: African Heritage Mo. Banquet -
Honoree, Hon. J. Muir 2172
Vote - Affirmative 2173
Res. 2077, Liverpool Pee Wee "B" Team - Gold Medal Performance,
Ms. V. Conrad 2173
Vote - Affirmative 2173
Res. 2078, Fraser, Dana: Athletic Performance - Congrats.,
Hon. K. Casey 2174
Vote - Affirmative 2174
Res. 2079, Lockeport Seacaps Baseball Team: Championships (1939) -
Recognize, Mr. S. Belliveau 2174
Vote - Affirmative 2175
Res. 2080, Springhill "Bump" (1958) - Remembrance,
Hon. M. Scott 2175
Vote - Affirmative 2176
Res. 2081, Southeastern Commun. Health Bd.: Work -
Recognize/Congrats., Ms. B. Kent 2177
Vote - Affirmative 2177
PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING:
No. 117, Securities Act 2178
Mr. G. Steele 2178
Mr. M. Samson 2178
Hon. J. Muir 2180
Vote - Affirmative 2180
No. 123, Public Service Act 2180
Hon. L. Goucher 2180
Ms. M. More 2182
Mr. H. Theriault 2184
Mr. M. Samson 2185
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 2196
Hon. J. Muir 2201
Mr. L. Glavine 2203
Hon. L. Goucher 2206
Vote - Affirmative 2206
ADJOURNMENT, House rose to meet again on Tue., Apr. 29th at 2:00 p.m. 2207
NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3):
Res. 2082, Prem. - Gas Pricing: Plan - Develop,
Mr. M. Samson 2208
Res. 2083, Clare Acadiens Midget "A" Hockey Team - Championships,
Mr. W. Gaudet 2208
Res. 2084, Bragg, John & Fam./Oxford Frozen Foods - Anniv. (40th),
Hon. M. Scott 2209
Res. 2085, Landry, Pierre - Springhill Bus. Person of Yr.,
Hon. M. Scott 2209
Res. 2086, Bragg, John L. - ICD Fellowship Award,
Hon. M. Scott 2210
Res. 2087, Tibbetts, Eric - Parrsboro Youth Vol. of Yr.,
Hon. M. Scott 2210
Res. 2088, Yorke, Jake: Rhodes Scholarship - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 2211
Res. 2089, Yorke Fam. - Vol. Fam. of Yr.,
Hon. M. Scott 2212
Res. 2090, Clarke, Beverley - Parrsboro Vol. of Yr.,
Hon. M. Scott 2212
Res. 2091, Mattinson, Brett: Athletic Achievement - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 2213
Res. 2092, Corbett, Carol - Super Host Award (CNTA)
Hon. M. Scott 2213
Res. 2093, York, Lyle - CNTA Award,
Hon. M. Scott 2214
Res. 2094, Johnston, Bud: Death of - Tribute,
Hon. M. Scott 2214
Res. 2095, Springhill United Baptist Church - Anniv. (150th),
Hon. M. Scott 2215
Res. 2096, Wentworth Elem. Sch.: Fire Hall Mural - Congrats..,
Hon. M. Scott 2215
Res. 2097, Springhill Lady Golden Eagles - Basketball Championship,
Hon. M. Scott 2216
Res. 2098, Springhill HS Golden Eagles: Girls Basketball - Bronze Medal,
Hon. M. Scott 2216
Res. 2099, Spicer, Richard: Book Publication - Thank,
Hon. M. Scott 2217
Res. 2100, Parrsboro Band Hall Assoc.: Save the Hall Campaign -
Heritage Trust List, Hon. M. Scott 2217
Res. 2101, Oxford Mini Girls B-Team - Basketball Championships,
Hon. M. Scott 2218
Res. 2102, Oxford FD Ladies Auxiliary: Support - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 2218
Res. 2103, Oxford Jr. Girls Golden Bears: Basketball Title - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 2219
Res. 2104, Margeson, Brian: Basketball - 2000th Career Point,
Hon. M. Scott 2219
Res. 2105, Harrison, David - Hunter Educ. Instructor of the Year,
Hon. M. Scott 2220
Res. 2106, Crowe, Seth: Hockey Achievements - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 2220
Res. 2107, Begin, Dr. Paul & Carol - Namibia: Volunteering - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 2221
Res. 2108, Wells, Frank: Commun. Work - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 2222
Res. 2109, Zwicker, Dot: Commun. Work - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 2222
Res. 2110, Zwicker, Terry: Commun. Work - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 2222
Res. 2111, Atherton, John: Commun. Work - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 2223
Res. 2112, Dominey, Gail: Commun. Work - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 2223
Res. 2113, Feener, Ethel: Commun. Work - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 2224
Res. 2114, Hart, Muriel: Commun. Work - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 2224
Res. 2115, Hiltz, Linda: Commun. Work - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 2224
Res. 2116, Hume, Anita: Commun. Work - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 2225
Res. 2117, Stevens, Arthur: Commun. Work - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 2225
Res. 2118, Walker, Donald: Commun. Work - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 2226
Res. 2119, Andrews, David - Hubbards & Dist. Vol. FD: Serv. (25 yrs.) -
Thank, Hon. J. Streatch 2226
Res. 2120, Emms, Hazen - Chester Vol. FD: Serv. (25 yrs.) - Thank,
Hon. J. Streatch 2227
Res. 2121, MacLean, Hal - Hubbards & Dist. Vol. FD: Serv. (30 yrs.) -
Thank, Hon. J. Streatch 2227
Res. 2122, MacLean, Kim - Hubbards & Dist. Vol. FD: Serv. (30 yrs.) -
Thank, Hon. J. Streatch 2228
Res. 2123, Morash, Douglas - Chester Vol. FD: Serv. (30 yrs.) - Thank,
Hon. J. Streatch 2228
Res. 2124, Payne, Grant - Chester Vol. FD: Serv. (35 yrs.) - Thank,
Hon. J. Streatch 2229
Res. 2125, Schnare, Barry - Chester Vol. FD: Serv. (35 yrs.) - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 2229
Res. 2126, Stevens, Philip - Chester Vol. FD: Serv. (25 yrs.) - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 2230
Res. 2127, Stokkeskog, Hans - Hubbards & Dist. Vol. FD:
Serv. (30 yrs.) - Thank, Hon. J. Streatch 2230
Res. 2128, Bone, Pastor Bev/Fellowship Commun. Church: Generosity -
Thank, Hon. J. Streatch 2231
Res. 2129, Murray, Christina: Choral Conductors Comp. - Success Wish,
Hon. J. Streatch 2231
Res. 2130, Lunenburg Co. United Way: Efforts - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 2232
Res. 2131, Larsen, Michelle: Berwick Vol. Award - Congrats.,
Mr. L. Glavine 2232
Res. 2132, Chase, Faye: Berwick Vol. Award - Congrats.,
Mr. L. Glavine 2233
Res. 2133, Jotcham, Jim: Berwick Vol. Awards - Congrats.,
Mr. L. Glavine 2233
Res. 2134, Rolfe, Norma: Berwick Vol. Award - Congrats.,
Mr. L. Glavine 2233
Res. 2135, McMahon, Heather: Berwick Vol. Award - Congrats.,
Mr. L. Glavine 2234
Res. 2136, Dempsey, Todd: Berwick Vol. Award - Congrats.,
Mr. L. Glavine 2234
Res. 2137, Ward, Judy: Berwick Vol. Award - Congrats.,
Mr. L. Glavine 2235
Res. 2138, Taylor, Philip: Berwick Vol. Award - Congrats.,
Mr. L. Glavine 2235
Res. 2139, Hall, Howard: Berwick Vol. Award - Congrats.,
Mr. L. Glavine 2236
Res. 2140, MacLennan, Mary Catherine: Berwick Vol. Award -
Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine 2236
Res. 2141, Carter, Florence: Berwick Vol. Award - Congrats.,
Mr. L. Glavine 2236
Res. 2142, Rhodenizer, Jocelyn: Berwick Vol. Award - Congrats.,
Mr. L. Glavine 2237
Res. 2143, Taylor, Brian: Berwick Vol. Award - Congrats.,
Mr. L. Glavine 2237
Res. 2144, Harris, Joan: Berwick Vol. Award - Congrats.,
Mr. L. Glavine 2238
Res. 2145, Lamb, Susan: Berwick Vol. Award - Congrats.,
Mr. L. Glavine 2238
Res. 2146, Kelly, Emerald: Berwick Vol. Award - Congrats.,
Mr. L. Glavine 2239
Res. 2147, Smith, Randy: Berwick Vol. Award - Congrats.,
Mr. L. Glavine 2239
Res. 2148, Bull, Peter: Berwick Vol. Award - Congrats.,
Mr. L. Glavine 2239
Res. 2149, Palmer, Greg: Berwick Vol. Award - Congrats.,
Mr. L. Glavine 2240
Res. 2150, Tersakian, Eden: Berwick Vol. Award - Congrats.,
Mr. L. Glavine 2240
Res. 2151, Tersakian, Estelle: Berwick Vol. Award - Congrats.,
Mr. L. Glavine 2241
Res. 2152, Yarmouth YMCA - Anniv. (150th): Board Members/Staff/Vols.
- Congrats., Hon. R. Hurlburt 2241
Res. 2153, West Hants Pee Wee "B" Warriors: Hockey Season -
Commend, Mr. C. Porter 2242
Res. 2154, Smith, Chandler: Hockey Skills Comp. - Congrats.,
Mr. S. Belliveau 2242
Res. 2155, Buchanan, Chett - Food for Shelburne Co. Fundraiser:
Volunteering - Thank, Mr. S. Belliveau 2243
Res. 2156, Buchanan, Chett - Osprey Arts Ctr.: Support - Recognize,
Mr. S. Belliveau 2243
Res. 2157, Atkinson, Chris - Island & Barrington Passage Vol. FD:
Serv. (20 Yrs.) - Congrats., Mr. S. Belliveau 2244
Res. 2158, Shelburne Co. Annual Birding & Nature Fest. -
Anniv. (6th), Mr. S. Belliveau 2244
Res. 2159, Haliburton, Claire - Shelburne Curling Club Prize:
Congrats., Mr. S. Belliveau 2245
Res. 2160, Walsh, Colin/Locke, Alan - Tri-Co. Reg. Science & Tech. Expo:
Prize - Congrats., Mr. S. Belliveau 2245
Res. 2161, Scott, Colleen - Physical Activity Challenge: Prize -
Congrats., Mr. S. Belliveau 2246
Res. 2162, Claussen Walters & Assoc. - Osprey Arts Ctr.:
Support - Recognize, Mr. S. Belliveau 2246
Support - Recognize, Mr. S. Belliveau
Support - Recognize, Mr. S. Belliveau
Support - Recognize, Mr. S. Belliveau
Support - Recognize, Mr. S. Belliveau
Support - Recognize, Mr. S. Belliveau

[Page 2141]

HALIFAX, MONDAY, APRIL 28 , 2008

Sixtieth General Assembly

Second Session

6:00 P.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Alfie MacLeod

DEPUTY SPEAKER

Mr. Wayne Gaudet

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. We'll commence the daily routine.

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Premier.

RESOLUTION NO. 2038

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

[Page 2142]

2141

Whereas every year during National Volunteer Week we celebrate and recognize the important contribution of more than 377,000 Nova Scotia volunteers who give of themselves every day; and

Whereas this year's campaign theme, Volunteers - from compassion to action, encompasses the inspiration that drives volunteers as they donate their time, energy, and skills to better their communities and their country; and

Whereas Nova Scotia's volunteers are essential to our high quality of life and part of the fabric and spirit that makes Nova Scotia's communities prosperous both socially and economically;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate all volunteers in Nova Scotia as we mark Volunteer Week from April 27th to May 3rd.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Labour and Workforce Development.

RESOLUTION NO. 2039

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

Whereas the National Day of Mourning, initiated by the Canadian Labour Congress in 1984 as a day to acknowledge the ultimate sacrifice of workers, is recognized by more than 80 countries around the world; and

Whereas today we join families, co-workers and friends to remember those workers who were killed on the job and honour those injured; and

[Page 2143]

Whereas today we remember and pay tribute to the 12 Nova Scotian workers who lost their lives on the job in 2007;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join the people of Nova Scotia in working towards a safer and healthier workplace for all people in Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Natural Resources.

RESOLUTION NO. 2040

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

Whereas the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources was pleased to partner with the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History and the Canadian Wildlife Federation to celebrate 2008 National Wildlife Week from April 6th to April 12th; and

Whereas the theme Pollinators: from flowers to food to our future, means that without pollination, many plants could not reproduce and therefore entire ecosystems would collapse; and

Whereas Nova Scotians can assist pollinators by planting a variety of wildflowers and perennials in their backyards and by reducing the use of pesticides, especially at blooming time;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House and all Nova Scotians recognize the importance of pollinators and the successful celebration of 2008 National Wildlife Week.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

[Page 2144]

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs.

RESOLUTION NO. 2041

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

Whereas 235 years ago a group of Black Loyalists settled in Birchtown, Shelburne County and with a population of more than 2,500, Birchtown became the largest settlement of free Blacks outside Africa at that time; and

Whereas even though few settlers received the Crown land they were promised, many persevered and survived, contributing to the social, economic and cultural identity of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas for close to two decades, the Black Loyalist Heritage Society has preserved the history of these early settlers and will host several events this August to commemorate their arrival and contribution to this province;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in acknowledging the contribution of Black Loyalists to our province and in wishing the Black Loyalist Society luck and success commemorating their 235th Anniversary this summer.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

[Page 2145]

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Community Services.

RESOLUTION NO. 2042

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

Whereas the WinterLights Celebration, the cold-weather partner of Communities in Bloom, recently awarded five stars to the Mulgrave Park Tenants Association in Halifax; and

Whereas the WinterLights Committee recognized the association for demonstrating a common focus of community participation, beautification, neighbourhood and heritage awareness; and

Whereas the Department of Community Services is proud to support the proactive work of the Mulgrave Park Tenants Association, through the Metropolitan Regional Housing Authority;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the Mulgrave Park Tenants Association for its positive influence that is evidenced not only by their five-star designation, but also by a decrease in vandalism and graffiti in the area.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Education.

RESOLUTION NO. 2043

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

[Page 2146]

Whereas Allison McNeil, who is currently the principal of Trenton Middle School, has been selected as one of Canada's outstanding principals for 2008 and will be inducted into the National Academy of Principals; and

Whereas Ms. McNeil is the only Nova Scotia principal named to this list of 33 distinguished educators from across Canada who share the honour of being named outstanding principal; and

Whereas Ms. McNeil was invited to participate in a five-day leadership program between February 24th and 28th, where she and other winning principals had the opportunity to discuss and reflect on leadership issues;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Allison McNeil on being named one of Canada's outstanding principals for 2008, and thank her and all principals for their leadership and immeasurable contributions to our public school system.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Natural Resources.

RESOLUTION NO. 2044

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

Whereas the Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park recently earned the Central Nova Tourism Association's Attraction of the Year Award; and

Whereas the tourism association's citation of the park notes that more than 100,000 people travel to the Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park each year to enjoy a wide range of outdoor recreational and educational opportunities; and

[Page 2147]

Whereas the wildlife park's pathways, trails, wildlife and habitat displays, and the associated Ducks Unlimited Greenwing Legacy Interpretive Centre, provide visitors with an unrivalled opportunity for connecting with our natural world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Legislative Assembly congratulate the Department of Natural Resources' Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park for its recognition as one of the province's treasured family outing destinations.

[6:15 p.m.]

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs.

RESOLUTION NO. 2045

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

Whereas the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs worked with federal, provincial and municipal partners, and various private sector and community organizations, to sponsor the recent visit to Nova Scotia of internationally known diversity educator and activist Jane Elliott; and

Whereas in recognition of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, March 21st, Ms. Elliott presented her lecture on the Anatomy of Prejudice to high school students, the business community, and government employees; and

Whereas Ms. Elliott's presentation stressed that traits such as gender, skin colour, height and age are not achievements and should not be used as a basis to judge people, and she urged present and future decision makers to work to combat racism and racial discrimination in our society, in our education system, in the workforce, and in general;

[Page 2148]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House congratulate all participants and partners in the Jane Elliott project and pledge to continue to work towards the elimination of racial discrimination in Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Education.

RESOLUTION NO. 2046

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

Whereas SMUtube, a video-based recruitment Web site developed by Saint Mary's University, was awarded a gold medal by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education at the 2008 Communications Awards in Boston; and

Whereas universities and colleges everywhere are recognizing the importance of using new and interactive technology and the media when undertaking comprehensive recruitment campaigns to reach potential students; and

Whereas SMUtube has helped Saint Mary's University achieve a 5 per cent increase in enrolment in 2007-08;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House congratulate Saint Mary's University for creating a modern and effective recruitment tool that is already showing results.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

[Page 2149]

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 135 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 300 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Municipal Elections Act. (Hon. James Muir)

Bill No. 136 - Entitled an Act to Promote Greater Energy Efficiency in Nova Scotia. (Mr. Howard Epstein)

Bill No. 137 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 217 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Income Tax Act, Respecting Public Transit. (Ms. Diana Whalen)

Bill No. 138 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 18 of the Acts of 1998. The Municipal Government Act. (Hon. James Muir)

Bill No. 139 - Entitled an Act to Establish the Autism Working Group. (Ms. Becky Kent)

Bill No. 140 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 217 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Income Tax Act, Respecting Fuel-efficient Vehicles. (Ms. Diana Whalen)

Bill No. 141 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 93 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Consumer Reporting Act. (Mr. Graham Steele)

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

The honourable Minister of Immigration on an introduction.

HON. LEONARD GOUCHER: Mr. Speaker, I would like to introduce, in the Speaker's Gallery, a group of individuals who work and are volunteers for an organization called Nuts4Ribs. This organization promotes the discussion among men, the issue surrounding testicular cancer. I would like to, first of all, introduce Michael Kydd, who is a board member; also Derek Land, who is a board member; Mike McCarthur, also a board member; Aaron Murphy, a board member; Mark Carras, also a board member; volunteers Gary and Bev Scott, Jennifer Scott - and where is Sophie? Oh, there's Sophie. That's great. It's nice to see a baby in the Chamber - Leslie Mulcahy and Julian Marentette from the Canadian Cancer Society; and also Kevin and Donna Whitman, who are with them as

[Page 2150]

volunteers. It's wonderful to have you in the Chamber tonight and maybe we could receive the applause from the House. (Applause)

NOTICES OF MOTION

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

RESOLUTION NO. 2047

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

Whereas the labour movement's campaign for safe, healthy workplaces has been motivated by the recognition that an injury to one is an injury to all; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour's call for Nova Scotians to observe today, the National Day of Mourning for those injured and killed on the job, urges that we mourn for the dead and fight for the living;

Whereas workplace safety requires the dedication and vigilance of workers, employers and government;

Therefore be it resolved that this House commend the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour, its affiliates, and all of the working people who today renewed their commitment to making workplaces safer and healthier for everyone.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Leader of the Liberal Party.

RESOLUTION NO. 2048

[Page 2151]

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

Whereas April 28th marks the National Day of Mourning, a day commemorating lives lost or injured in the workplace; and

Whereas 12 workers lost their lives last year in Nova Scotia as a result of work- related incidents; and

Whereas on the National Day of Mourning we bring into focus the importance of precautionary planning, and the daily effort to make the workplace as safe as possible for workers throughout this province;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly recognize today, April 28th, as National Day of Mourning, and let us renew our commitment to bringing the message of safety to workplaces throughout Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Immigration.

RESOLUTION NO. 2049

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

Whereas in August 2007, Nuts4Ribs was the first event of its kind in Canada to raise awareness and funds towards testicular cancer; the purpose of this ribfest is to provide a venue for men to openly discuss men's health issues, enjoy the finest barbeque ribs and entertainment Nova Scotia has to offer and spend quality time with their families and proceeds from this year will go toward testicular cancer awareness with the Canadian Cancer Society; and

[Page 2152]

Whereas more than 850 Canadian men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year and with it being the most common cancer among men between the ages of 15 to 35, it is important to bring attention to some of the facts surrounding this disease; and

Whereas I see this as an opportunity to thank the individuals involved in making this event a reality and I wish them all the best in 2008 as they continue to educate Nova Scotians on the facts surrounding testicular cancer;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Nuts4Ribs as an event for all men and their families in Nova Scotia to celebrate healthy living and raise awareness towards men's health issues in Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Dartmouth South-Portland Valley.

RESOLUTION NO. 2050

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

Whereas a list of 50 significant Canadian plays was released to celebrate World Theatre Day, March 27, 2008, as part of its 50th Anniversary celebrations by the Manitoba Theatre Centre; and

Whereas numerous respected theatre professionals across Canada were consulted for their nominations; and

Whereas two of the top Canadian 50 were written by Dartmouth playwright and former NDP MP, Wendy Lill - The Fighting Days and The Glace Bay Miners' Museum;

[Page 2153]

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Wendy Lill for having two plays listed in 50 significant Canadian plays and her incredible creative talent recognized by Canadian theatre professionals.

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.

[6:30 p.m.]

The honourable member for Cape Breton South.

RESOLUTION NO. 2051

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

Whereas April 28th marks the one-year Anniversary of the election of Stephen McNeil as Leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party; and

Whereas Stephen is working tirelessly to build a strong Liberal team and to engage all Nova Scotians on the issues that matter to them; and

Whereas Stephen is committed to working with the Liberal caucus to bring forward constructive, common-sense solutions that are in the best interest of all Nova Scotians;

Therefore be it resolved that we join together to congratulate Stephen for his hard work and dedication to the Province of Nova Scotia on this, the 1st Anniversary of his leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

[Page 2154]

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. 2052

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

Whereas before a sold out John Brother MacDonald Stadium in New Glasgow yesterday, the Pictou County Crushers won the 2008 Fred Page Cup, symbolic of Junior "A" Hockey supremacy in Eastern Canada; and

Whereas the Crushers defeated the Pembroke, Ontario Lumber Kings 4-1 and now advance to the Royal Bank Cup National Junior "A" Hockey Championship, beginning this Saturday in Cornwall, Ontario; and

Whereas Fred Page Cup Tournament co-chairs, John K. Lynn and Wade Taylor, also act as Crushers' Governor and President, who, along with Head Coach Troy Ryan and his Assistant Coaches Matthew MacGillivray and Clary Melanson all did a sensational job in organizing and developing a championship calibre tournament and team;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House applaud John, Wade, the Crushers' coaching staff and all tournament organizers and sponsors for successfully hosting the 2008 Fred Page Cup in New Glasgow, while also recognizing Crushers' Jason Rinzler for being named to the tournament All-Star Team and Jordan Knox for being named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

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 2155]

The honourable member for Hants East.

RESOLUTION NO. 2053

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

Whereas team sports build character and healthy bodies; and

Whereas high school basketball is a highly competitive sport; and

Whereas on March 1st, the Hants North Flames Seniors basketball team won the Division 3 provincial championship on home court;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate the Hants North Flames Seniors basketball team members and coaching staff on capping their season with their championship win.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Halifax Clayton Park.

RESOLUTION NO. 2054

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

Whereas each year the Frank H. Sobey Awards for Excellence in Business Studies presents six university business students with awards of $10,000 each; and

Whereas the Deans of Business at Atlantic universities nominate the candidates for these awards based on academic standing, entrepreneurial interest and community activities; and . . .

[Page 2156]

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The chatter is getting a little high and it is hard to hear the member. The honourable member has the floor.

MS. WHALEN: Whereas four of the award winners are Nova Scotians: Alison Starratt, a Mount Allison student from Halifax; Blaire Lindsay Cooke of Sydney, a student at Cape Breton University; Jessica Wise of Halifax, an MBA student at Dalhousie; and Saint Mary's University student Charlene McDonald of Glace Bay;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate these students on receiving the Frank H. Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies and wish them all the best in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Victoria-The Lakes.

RESOLUTION NO. 2055

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

Whereas the Baddeck Bobcats Pee-Wee "B" hockey team captured the Aliant Cup in provincial championship play in Brooklyn, Hants County, on March 30th with a 3-2 win over the Bedford Blues; and

Whereas Baddeck, under head coach Rob MacLean and assistant coach Jason Bernard advanced to the championship final with a 2-1-1 record in round robin play; and

Whereas the Bobcats two round robin wins came against West Hants and the Berwick Bruins of Kings County by scores of 6-1 and 4-3;

[Page 2157]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House applaud the championship laurels garnered by the Baddeck Pee Wee Bobcats during the 2007-08 minor hockey season and wish the coaching staff and all players continued success in 2008-09.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Pictou West.

RESOLUTION NO. 2056

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

Whereas Eleanor Heighton of Pictou was recognized at the Provincial Volunteer Awards on April 24th as the representative volunteer for the Town of Pictou; and

Whereas Eleanor has volunteered throughout her life and is active with the Monarchists League of Canada, Northumberland Branch, the Canadian Bible Society and has supported door-to-door campaigns such as the Canadian Cancer Society and the Kidney Foundation; and

Whereas Eleanor has been active in her church, St. James Parish, and often has been the first one to organize something for those in need and actively supports the sick;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Eleanor Heighton for being selected by the Town of Pictou as the 2008 Volunteer of the Year at the Provincial Volunteer Awards on the April 24, 2008.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

[Page 2158]

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. 2057

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

Whereas Dr. Ron MacCormick, an oncologist with the Cape Breton District Health Authority and Medical Director of the Cape Breton Cancer Centre, has been named Mentor of the Year for the Atlantic Region, an award given by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons; and

Whereas this award is bestowed upon a member of the college who demonstrates his or her commitment to high levels of patient care, clinical care and ethical conduct; and

Whereas Dr. MacCormick was recognized for his commitment to training and mentoring medical staff in Sydney and medical students at Dalhousie University and the University of British Columbia;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize the efforts of Dr. Ron MacCormick and congratulate him on being named Mentor of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Hants West.

RESOLUTION NO. 2058

[Page 2159]

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

Whereas BJ Spurr is the proud grandson of William and Barbara Spurr of Windsor; and

Whereas BJ, a Grade 6 student at Halifax Grammar School, had the top score in Nova Scotia for the 2008 National Math League contest, which was open to all students in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas besides being number one in our province, BJ also had the second highest score in Atlantic Canada;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate BJ Spurr, son of Bill Spurr, known to many as the well versed ChronicleHerald features scribe, and his wife Kathy, for his outstanding work ethic and accomplishments and for being the shining light of skilled achievement in both his parents' and grandparents' eyes.

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. 2059

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

Whereas Karen McKendry is a Master's student in Environmental Studies at Dalhousie University, a local environmental activist and the Chair of the Terrestrial Committee for the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society . . .

[Page 2160]

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The chatter is just getting a little too high and it is very hard to hear the member. The honourable member has the floor.

MR. PREYRA: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Whereas Karen McKendry was recently awarded the Nova Scotia Environmental Network's Youth Environmental Leadership Award for establishing the Young Naturalists Club of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the Young Naturalists Club allows children to connect with nature and learn about the environment through fun, hands-on experiences;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Karen McKendry on her Youth Environment Leadership Award and wish her every success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Preston.

RESOLUTION NO. 2060

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

Whereas Municipal Contracting Limited has been doing business in Nova Scotia for more than 40 years; and

Whereas in 2007 Cecil Vance, of Municipal Contracting Limited, provided materials to expand the Downey Road Cemetery in North Preston, resulting in a significant cost saving to the community; and

Whereas not every company would provide such a generous donation;

[Page 2161]

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly recognize Cecil Vance and Municipal Contracting Limited for their tremendous generosity to the Downey Road Cemetery Society.

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. 2061

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

Whereas the CAO of the Town of New Glasgow, Lisa MacDonald, was the focus of a release in a local paper recently as an example of the variety of careers women find themselves in all over the globe, in honour of International Women's Day, March 8th; and

Whereas she started with the Pictou Regional Development Commission as a project officer, became executive director and, when the opportunity to fill the CAO position for the Town of New Glasgow came up, MacDonald jumped at the opportunity; and

Whereas she does acknowledge that many of her career decisions are based on some personal sacrifices, she would maintain that those are easy decisions to make when a person is passionate about what they do for a living and their community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House take this opportunity to praise New Glasgow's CAO, Lisa MacDonald, for her selfless commitment to the town, and providing us with an example of what Nova Scotia can offer women in recognition of International Women's Day.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

[Page 2162]

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 Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank.

RESOLUTION NO. 2062

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

Whereas the 340 students of Holland Road Elementary School in Wellington worked together to write and illustrate a children's book; and

Whereas this book explores the idea of multiculturalism, advocating acceptance, tolerance, and kindness toward all people; and

Whereas through writing and illustrating this book, these Primary to Grade 6 students learned and practised tolerance, respect, and teamwork;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate the students of Holland Road Elementary School on the launch of their storybook, A Kid's Guide To Making and Being A Friend.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Glace Bay.

RESOLUTION NO. 2063

[Page 2163]

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, per usual, Cape Breton emergency rooms continue to close and the government is doing nothing to fix the problem; and

Whereas Glace Bay Hospital, New Waterford Consolidated, and Northside General - which just happens to be in the Justice Minister's riding of Cape Breton North - are being forced to close their doors due to a lack of physicians to cover shifts; and

Whereas among those three hospitals there have been 727 hours of ER closures so far this year - an unacceptable amount;

Therefore be it resolved that the Premier and Minister of Health take action on this health care crisis and ensure that this province's ERs will stay open.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

I hear several Noes.

The notice is tabled.

The honourable member for Victoria-The Lakes.

RESOLUTION NO. 2064

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

Whereas there are approximately 17,500 children registered in minor hockey across Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the Smoky Recreational Society recently received tremendous news from the National Hockey League Players Association when they learned they'd be receiving 50 sets of new hockey equipment from the association valued at $20,000; and

[Page 2164]

Whereas Municipality of Victoria Councillor Lawrence Barron said the new equipment will be loaned out by the Smokey Recreational Society to players who simply can't afford it otherwise, who will then trade it in once they outgrow it;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly commend Councillor Lawrence Barron and all members of the Smokey Recreational Society for doing whatever is possible to promote hockey and the physical fitness of youth.

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. 2065

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

Whereas wood ash is a wood waste produced by one of many mills in Nova Scotia, and the Brooklyn Power Corporation Agricultural Wood Ash Program was set up to provide the wood ash free to farmers and help pay a trucking subsidy; and

Whereas an estimated 180 ton of wood ash is being produced per week and is being moved onto farm land as a 30 ton load of wood ash, which is equal to $2,000 worth of lime and fertilizer benefiting farmland, as ash helps to increase PH levels to buffer acid rain problems; and

Whereas an estimated 80 per cent of fields in Queens, Lunenburg, Shelburne and Yarmouth Counties are too acidic because of acid rain;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly commend the Brooklyn Power Corporation for putting in place a program that uses a product much cheaper than lime and

[Page 2165]

fertilizers, keeps the wood ash out of the landfill, and benefits the general public by increasing PH levels.

[6:45 p.m.]

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Digby-Annapolis.

RESOLUTION NO. 2066

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

Whereas it has been an exciting year for Digby's weekly newspaper, the Digby County Courier; and

Whereas the Canadian Community Newspaper Association has awarded the Courier second place in the best all-around newspaper division in their Better Newspapers Competition; and

Whereas the Canadian Community Newspaper Association will present the award to the Digby County Courier on May 9th in Toronto at their annual convention;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate the Digby County Courier on being recognized in the Better Newspapers Competition and wish them many more years of success.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

[Page 2166]

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. 2067

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 being a sprinter takes years of physical training, stamina, determination and strength; and

Whereas Jenna Martin of Bridgewater, the defending Canadian Junior Athlete of the Year, finished top-six in the NCAA 400-metre and achieved all-American status; and

Whereas Jenna Martin is currently ranked first in Canada for both the 200- and 400-metre sprints;

Therefore be it resolved all members of the House congratulate Jenna Martin for her accomplishments and wish her all the best in her goal to make the 2008 Olympic team this summer.

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. (Applause)

The honourable member for Shelburne.

RESOLUTION NO. 2068

[Page 2167]

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

Whereas Susan Quinlan and 12 others left Pubnico aboard the Amanda & Allison for an August 18, 2007 excursion to Seal Island, Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the passengers disembarked on the island when a tempest storm of lightning, wind and hail-like rain forced the vessel's bowlines to snap from the wharf leaving the women and children stranded on the shore; and

Whereas the island residents came to their rescue giving them dry clothes, an abundance of food and very comforting old-fashioned hospitality, they were even conveyed to the church service the next day in a carted four-wheeler;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly thank the residents of Seal Island for their generous and thoughtful hospitality to Susan Quinlan and the 12 others who were stranded during the tempest storm on August 18, 2007.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Kings West.

RESOLUTION NO. 2069

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

Whereas the Agri-Food Innovation Award was established to recognize and celebrate ingenuity in the agricultural industry; and

[Page 2168]

Whereas Wolfville farmer, Joshua Herbin, has received the first ever Agri-Food Innovation Award for his idea to grow organic hops for high-end specialty beer production; and

Whereas with the support given through this award, Joshua will be able to further develop his vision of locally grown organic hops and greater sustainability in the farm-to-brewery relationship;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Joshua Herbin on receiving the Agri-Food Innovation Award and wish him success in his future studies and development.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Natural Resources.

RESOLUTION NO. 2070

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

Whereas Les Sequeira, formerly from Uganda and a current resident of the Village of New Minas since 1973, has been recognized as New Minas' Volunteer of the Year; and

Whereas Les has been active for years as a Beaver leader, Cub leader, on the Executive Board of the Running Club, minor soccer coach, Field Marshall of the Gunn Balderson Girls Soccer Tournament, member of the Acadia Axeman Soccer Supporters Club Committee for fundraising, and member of Lions, serving as both treasurer and president; and

Whereas Les is presently a member on the Village of New Minas Recreation Advisory Committee for 12 years, serves on a certain Kings South constituency executive,

[Page 2169]

and is also a parishioner of the Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Wolfville, serving as chairman of the pastoral council;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Les Sequeira and thank him for his contribution and commitment through volunteering to making New Minas a good place to live.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage, with a short resolution.

RESOLUTION NO. 2071

MS. BECKY KENT: Thank you Mr. Speaker; in fact, it is.

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

Whereas volunteers play a vital role in Canadian society providing programs and services that improve and enhance the lives of people in our communities; and

Whereas the Lions Club in Eastern Passage is active and thriving in the community, providing financial assistance to community groups, blood donor clinics, Christmas boxes, and vision programs to name just a few; and

Whereas the Lions Club in Eastern Passage is a fundamental part of the community in this time of so many cutbacks where they provide many of the community groups the means to survive;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly recognize and congratulate the Eastern Passage Lions Club on its work in and for the community of Eastern Passage and Cow Bay and support them in their ongoing efforts.

[Page 2170]

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Agriculture.

RESOLUTION NO. 2072

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

Whereas on Thursday, May 1st, at the River Oaks Golf Club in Meagher's Grant, the Musquodoboit Valley Ground Search and Rescue team will celebrate 25 years of dedicated volunteer service; and

Whereas Search and Rescue Team President Charlie Milner recognizes the significant changes which have been undertaken such as the switch from compasses to maps to GPS technology; and

Whereas the Musquodoboit Ground Search and Rescue team works cohesively with the Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue Association to provide a superior level of service when called upon in the time of need;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize the superior volunteer team work exemplified by the Musquodoboit Ground Search and Rescue team as they celebrate 25 years of dynamic community service this week.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

[Page 2171]

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Dartmouth South-Portland Valley.

RESOLUTION NO. 2073

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

Whereas the Canadian Federation of University Women promotes women's engagement in all aspects of public affairs including political, social, cultural and scientific aspects, for the benefit of all citizens; and

Whereas the Dartmouth Club provided significant leadership over 60 years in many aspects of community life and progress, especially in education, environment, social justice and arts and culture; and

Whereas many women credit the Dartmouth Club for valuable leadership training and support;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate the Dartmouth Club of the Canadian Federation of University Women as it celebrates its 60th Anniversary and thank its members for their significant leadership and service to 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 Minister of Justice.

RESOLUTION NO. 2074

[Page 2172]

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

Whereas Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presented 41 Medals of Bravery at a ceremony at Rideau Hall, on Friday, February 29, 2008; and

Whereas three Cape Breton Regional Police Service officers received medals as a result of their heroic efforts to protect and preserve lives; and

Whereas Constable Darren Wayne Barrington, Constable Mel Birmingham and Acting Sergeant Wayne MacDonald deservingly received these medals for acts of bravery;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in extending sincere congratulations to these three officers and thank them for their actions that went above and beyond the call of duty.

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 Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank.

RESOLUTION NO. 2075

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

Whereas fewer than 20 per cent of Canadians can speak both our official languages nearly 40 years after Canada's Parliament passed the Official Languages Act; and

Whereas Nova Scotia's Learning for Life policy aims to double the number of students who graduate with good French language skills; and

[Page 2173]

Whereas both Canadian Parents for French and the Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers stress the importance of early French Immersion programs beginning in Grade 1, because French Immersion schooling is a proven and effective way to foster bilingualism;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly calls on the MacDonald Government to protect early French Immersion programs and encourage participation in these programs in our public school system.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

I hear several Noes.

The notice is tabled.

The honourable Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

RESOLUTION NO. 2076

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

Whereas Mrs. Laurene Jordan was the Special Honoree at Truro's 2008 African Heritage Month Banquet, whose theme was "Strong Black Women"; and

Whereas Mrs. Laurene Jordan, a faithful Deacon of Zion United Baptist Church for more than 30 years and now Deacon Emeritus, was also active in the CNIB and a leader in her community; and

Whereas Deacon Laurene, who celebrated her 101st birthday this month, has throughout her life been a role model for all and a mentor to many;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Mrs. Laurene Jordan on being the Special Honoree at Truro's 2008 African Heritage Month Banquet as an exceptional example of a strong Black woman and thank her for her years of service to her community.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

[Page 2174]

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.

[7:00 p.m.]

The honourable member for Queens.

RESOLUTION NO. 2077

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

Whereas March Break in our communities find many hockey teams competing in tournaments around the province; and

Whereas the Pee Wee B Division was held during March Break in Chester where the Liverpool Cougars competed; and

Whereas the representatives from Queens County ran their record up to four wins and no losses with Liverpool players being named Most Valuable Players;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly recognize players Michael Crabbe, Rowan Freeman, Peter Gillis, Matthew Langille, Cole Matlock, Bailey Oliver, Mark Wentworth, Nigel Whynot, Jeremy Dalby, Stephen Karavos, Catherine McLellan, Mary McLellan and Ty Whalen on their gold medal performance at the Chester March Break Tournament.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

[Page 2175]

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Education.

RESOLUTION NO. 2078

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

Whereas Tatamagouche athlete Dana Fraser began his hockey career in the North Colchester Minor Hockey Association; and

Whereas in spite of his rookie status with the Bearcats, Dana scored four goals and assisted on nine others to help the Bearcats with a strong finish in the Maurice Bent Division; and

Whereas Dana's hockey smarts and slick play earned him the league's top scorer last year and saw him finish fourth in the Bearcats scoring parade this year;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Dana Fraser for his playing performance and for being chosen Bearcat of the Week and Rookie of the Month for February.

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 Shelburne.

RESOLUTION NO. 2079

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

[Page 2176]

Whereas the Lockeport Seacaps Baseball Team of Lockeport, Shelburne County, won the Nova Scotia Baseball Championships in Truro in 1939; and

Whereas the Seacaps won the county title as they demolished the Liverpool, Halifax and Glace Bay teams, taking home the championship with the best-in-five series; and

Whereas baseball is a team sport that requires hands-on skill and precision and has been long regarded as more than just a sport, it is a national pastime with Lockeport having a proud history of the Seacaps Baseball Team as a significant part of their heritage and fame;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly recognize the Lockeport Seacaps Baseball Team of Lockeport, Shelburne County, on wining the Nova Scotia Baseball Championship in Truro in 1939.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

RESOLUTION NO. 2080

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

Whereas 50 years ago, on October 23, 1958, Springhill, Cumberland County, faced tragedy for the third time: the first being in 1891 by the fire in the mines killing 125 miners and injuring dozens; the second in 1956 when an explosion occurred on November 1, 1956, when 88 miners were rescued and 39 killed; and

Whereas once again the small community was hit with another horrifying blow by a bump on October 23, 1958, which was the most severe bump, or underground earthquake, in North American mining history, devastating the people of Springhill with the casualties of 174 miners who were trapped, 100 were rescued and 74 died; and

[Page 2177]

Whereas now, 50 years later, as we do every year, we remember the bump and the lives of the miners that it claimed, we also remember the strength and perseverance of the people of Springhill who were strong enough to be there for each other in the time of the disaster after the loss of so many of their friends and family and also the town's economic lifeblood, which is still finding the strength to rebuild their lives in their community, in the strong, caring community that it is today;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House remember the 50th Anniversary marking the year of the 1958 "bump" in the Springhill coal mines, remembering those miners who lost their lives on that dark day.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage on an introduction.

MS. BECKY KENT: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to take an opportunity to direct everyone's attention to some visitors in the House this evening in the Speaker's Gallery. These are members of an organization that is certainly near and dear to me. I have been a long-standing, active member in Scouts Canada, no doubt many of you are supporters as well.

The 3rd Eastern Passage Scout Troop is here this evening. This is a group of terrifically engaged young people in our communities. They get great things done in the community of Eastern Passage, Cow Bay and surrounding area. In this year of celebrating 250 years of democracy, it is particularly relevant for them to be here this evening and tour the Legislature.

I would ask for them to stand and rise and be acknowledged by the members of the House, and welcome them this evening. (Applause)

If I could just acknowledge them for the record, please, with their names: Scouter James Logan, Scouter Jason Garnier, Scouter Dwayne Penny, and youth member Scouts

[Page 2178]

Jordan Logan, Alex Gorell, Morgan Garnier, Tyler Hughes, Nathan Rupert and Austin Evans. Welcome this evening. (Applause)

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

RESOLUTION NO. 2081

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

Whereas the Southeastern Community Health Board is a partnership of Capital Health and community stakeholders, providing research and support to communities on issues related to health and well-being of the residents in its communities; and

Whereas coordinator Anna Jacobs, co-chair Laurie Lewis, interim co-chair Dorothy Boudreau, Dolly Williams, Darcy Gray, Rose Willis, Ryllonna Stewart, Stewart Sparks, Mitchell Hampson, Colter Simmonds, Brianna Kaiser, Mark Fernando, Phyllis Marsh-Jarvis, Kelly Stoddard, and Martina Izzard are all members of the Southeastern Community Health Board serving residents of the area; and

Whereas each year, the Southeastern Community Health Board awards grants to many groups in assisting them in their ongoing efforts effecting health and wellness;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly recognize and congratulate the Southeastern Community Health Board, as well as all other community health boards across this province on their ongoing work.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

[Page 2179]

MR. CHUCK PORTER: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would you please call the order of business, Public Bills for Second Reading.

PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. CHUCK PORTER: Would you please call Bill No. 117, The Securities Act.

Bill No. 117 - Securities Act.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Fairview.

MR. GRAHAM STEELE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to rise to make some very brief remarks about this bill to amend the Securities Act. It is something, of course, that our caucus supports because this carries out some commitments that Nova Scotia has made with the other provinces of Canada to make the securities system work better.

We do realize, however, as the government does, that this is an interim step on the road. Canada must be one of the only countries in the world that assigns the jurisdiction for securities regulation to sub-national units. Most other countries would have this regulated at the national level but Canada finds itself with 10 different securities regulators, and this has created a problem in a world where capital moves around so easily.

This bill that is before us helps to further something called the passport system which, essentially, is that if a company wants to register in one province, they are automatically registered in the others. The main problem with the passport system, Mr. Speaker, is it is not supported by the largest single securities regulator in Canada, namely Ontario.

Now, there has been talk about a national securities regulator, the problem there being it is not supported by the Government of Quebec. Now that has more to do with national politics where Quebec simply won't sign on to a national system of any kind - they simply don't agree that there's a national solution to anything. But it is important, I think, that our government go ahead with the other provinces to work on the national securities regulator, recognizing that to do it may require a constitutional amendment, and we all know how difficult that is to obtain.

In any event, with that by way of context, it is a step forward. It's good to see Nova Scotia participating with the other provinces in making securities regulation work better so, of course, we'll support this bill on second reading and at further stages before the House. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Richmond.

[Page 2180]

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, it's a pleasure to rise and make a few comments on second reading of Bill No. 117, amendments to the Securities Act and I do so on behalf of my colleague, our Finance Critic, the honourable member for Halifax Clayton Park.

As has been mentioned by both the Finance Critic for the NDP and the minister when introducing this bill in second reading, these amendments will help streamline and harmonize Nova Scotia's securities rules with other provinces and further enhance consumer protection. The amendments will modernize registration requirements for businesses offering investment services. Market participants will be able to deal with one principal regulator and apply securities laws that are harmonized with the rest of Canada. In theory, that is what this hopes to achieve but unfortunately, we are just one of the players in the whole scheme of this and it requires everyone to be on board to make this a reality. The changes will also give Nova Scotia Securities Commission certain enforcement-related powers to enhance consumer protection.

This is a part of a series of legislative and regulatory changes made by Nova Scotia, since the province signed on to the passport initiative in 2005, part of the provincial-territorial memorandum of understanding regarding securities regulation. As was mentioned, one of the major hurdles that remains in place from allowing this to be a reality of having one securities regulator for the entire country is the fact that you have both Ontario and Quebec that continue to raise concerns about this which, again, is unfortunate.

The Province of Nova Scotia has been doing its part in making changes and bringing laws forward to deal with a number of nation-wide changes to the way we do business here in Canada. I know, for example, we've had a number of Justice bills that have come forward in the last number of years which, again, were part of streamlining the process and bringing us to the same standards being applied throughout the entire country. This is another step but in order to make it a success, we do need Ontario and Quebec to be on board. Unfortunately Nova Scotia is not in a great position to be able to force that to happen, but certainly we're doing our part and I believe we have been doing the responsible thing by making these changes.

The minister spoke about his attempts to reduce red tape in this province and as I mentioned - unofficially, off the record, when he made those comments - I find it most interesting to hear the minister talk about reducing red tape, coming from the same minister who brought in regulation in the province which is certainly having the result of increasing red tape and increasing costs to businesses and, most importantly, increasing costs to consumers. I will be curious to see how the minister pursuing the reduction of red tape will explain to us how regulation has brought less red tape to those businesses impacted by it and, in the end, consumers' pockets - who have been forced to pay for that system - but I digress.

[Page 2181]

Mr. Speaker, allow me to finish by saying, again, on Bill No. 117, our caucus will certainly be supporting the changes and we hope that both Ontario and Quebec will see the intent of this legislation and the value of joining this nation-wide program of having one securities regulator. With that, I would end my comments on second reading of Bill No. 117. Thank you.

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

The honourable Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I want thank colleagues on the opposite side of the House for their support of this bill and recognize that it is a step forward to make it easier for companies to do business in Nova Scotia, offer greater consumer protection. I would say though that some of the comments from the honourable member for Richmond, which were apart from the bill, I do not necessarily agree with those. But in the spirit of this thing, I do appreciate it.

[7:15 p.m.]

The other thing the honourable member pointed out, which I did not do in my opening comments, he talked - I indicated the real issue with the national securities system, or a single national system, has to do with the reluctance of two large provinces, particularly Ontario and Quebec, to come aboard. I want to thank him for including that in his comments.

Mr. Speaker, with those few comments, I want to close debate on Bill No. 117 and ask for the vote on second reading.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 117. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

Ordered that this bill be referred to the Committee on Law Amendments.

The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. CHUCK PORTER: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 123.

Bill No. 123 - Public Service Act.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Immigration.

[Page 2182]

HON. LEONARD GOUCHER: Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to rise and speak on second reading for the amendments of the Public Service Act. These changes update the Public Service Act and confirm by Statute the establishment of the Department of Seniors, which was created by Order-in-Council September, 2007.

The changes to the Public Service Act are administrative in nature and define the role of the Minister of Seniors and the administration of the Senior Citizens' Secretariat. The Public Service Act allows the new departments to be created by Order-in-Council. Often new departments are created by the Order-in-Council and then the Public Service Act is updated at a later date.

Support for seniors has always been, and continues to be, a priority for our government. (Applause) The task force on aging initiative began as a commitment in the Blueprint for a Better Nova Scotia and became the process by which the strategy for aging was developed.

We're guided by the Strategy for Positive Aging in Nova Scotia; advancing the implementation of the strategy is the clear mandate of the new department. It's not only a tool for helping all sectors and all levels of government plan for aging populations, but it's also encouraging Nova Scotians to become more aware of aging issues and get involved in creating community-based solutions.

By creating a Department of Seniors, government has furthered implementation for the Strategy for Positive Aging and has opened up possibilities for new programs and services available for seniors throughout the province.

The Government of Nova Scotia is a leader in Canada. We led the way with the Strategy for Positive Aging. (Interruption) It's not a laughing matter, it is a fact. We led the way for a Strategy for Positive Aging in Canada and our Strategy for Positive Aging is emulated and used by many governments in Canada - both Liberal and NDP. They have emulated our strategy here in this province.

We had thousands of participants with the Strategy for Positive Aging. We had 34 meetings, we had 190 recommendations come out of it and nine goals to reach. Those goals included celebrating seniors, something very important to all of us, and also financial security, something we all think about as we get a little older. I can tell you, I'm thinking a lot about that myself. Health and well-being, maximizing independence, housing options, transportation, respecting diversity, employment, life transitions in support of communities - these are all very important issues.

This government has also brought forward new funding initiatives: a Positive Aging Fund for communities, where they could get up to $10,000 to promote seniors' issues within their own communities; Age-Friendly Communities Programs for municipalities, where the

[Page 2183]

municipality would match up to a $5,000 grant from the province; and probably one of the most important ones, Mr. Speaker, is the senior safety programs, in which we share with the RCMP and police forces around the province in creating the safety and security for our seniors in this province.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Seniors continues to provide advice to other departments and promote policies and programs in the broader community, which supports seniors' health and well-being, maximizing independence, housing options, transportation, respecting diversity, among others. I know that all members in this House recognize the Minister of Seniors, the MLA for Lunenburg West, and her dedication to this department. Seniors in Nova Scotia have been well served by this minister and she has raised the department's profile and given it a strong voice in Cabinet. (Applause) I'm sure I speak for everybody in this room that we are so happy and so glad to have the minister back with us in the House and I look forward to her full return here, hopefully in the next few months, as she recovers.

Mr. Speaker, it's also important to be aware of a few facts. Seven hundred Nova Scotians turn 65 each month. Currently there are over 138,000 seniors in this province; that represents over 15 per cent of our population. That population and that percentage is going to double by 2031. Nova Scotia has an average age, I believe, of around 41.8 years, and that is going to increase to 48.5 in 2031. This department and this government recognize the seniors in this province as a resource. Their ability within the workplace, within the communities as volunteers, is critical to the success of this province. As a government we look forward to moving forward with our Strategy for Positive Aging and our new Department of Seniors.

With those comments, Mr. Speaker, I'm going to take my seat and I look forward to hearing the comments from my colleagues. Thank you.

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

MS. MARILYN MORE: Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise and speak on second reading of Bill No. 123. I've mentioned in this Chamber many times before the fact that I have had the distinct privilege of working alongside seniors from one end of this province to another for over 15 years, helping them develop volunteer programs and services. The issues affecting our older residents are ones that are very dear to my heart, and certainly an increasing number of residents within my own constituency are aging as well.

I find it interesting that retroactively we're going back and confirming by Statute the establishment of the Department of Seniors. In fact, it's been in operation for over half a year and it's interesting because I don't see any better coordination, programs, services, or action on seniors' issues than done previously. I think perhaps the weakness in this legislation and in the approach that the government has taken is the fact that, like the Senior Citizens'

[Page 2184]

Secretariat, the new Department of Seniors does not have the ability to action its policies, programs and services. It has to work through, for the main part, other departments. I think it could be a little more proactive on the Strategy for Positive Aging if it had the mandate to make the needed changes instead of having to work, for the most part, through the other departments.

I wanted to mention, for example, the utter chaos that happened this Spring, late Winter, over the changes to the Seniors' Pharmacare Program. Certainly the Group of Nine, which acts as the advisory committee to the Department of Seniors and the Minister of Health on the Seniors' Pharmacare Program, perhaps should have been better prepared for the outcome of those changes. We are still getting calls from seniors around the province who are confused about the changes, who aren't sure how they are impacted and are very apprehensive and upset and concerned over what is happening.

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. I am having trouble hearing the speaker. The honourable member for Dartmouth South-Portland Valley.

MS. MORE: Mr. Speaker, so I do hope that with this change in legislation that the government will look seriously at giving a bit more authority, power and responsibility to the Department of Seniors so they can have added value to what the Seniors' Secretariat has been doing. And I do want to give credit to the Seniors' Secretariat. Within their limited function, they were doing a lot of research and consultation with seniors around this province and trying to move slowly forward on important issues such as abuse of seniors, senior care givers and the seniors' help line, some of these issues. Again, the fundamental flaw or weakness in the legislation is that it doesn't go far enough.

I also wanted to mention, I do hope that this new Department of Seniors will look seriously at some of the underfunding of organizations that are trying to support seniors, especially those living at home in their communities. We constantly hear from the seniors' centres around the province that they are very seriously underfunded and this certainly needs to be an issue because they are a very good investment of public money. The coordinate programs and services within the community setting based on the priorities and needs of seniors in those communities. They are a very effective way of delivering community- based programs and services. So I certainly hope that is an issue that the new Department of Seniors is going to take a closer look at.

The Seniors' Secretariat implemented a Seniors' Help Line - I would encourage the new Department of Seniors to take a closer look at this. It is only in operation during the official business hours of the department and obviously seniors run into trouble or need basic information 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I think this might be another reason why the new Department of Seniors should be supporting the 211 proposal that has received a broad support from hundreds of organizations and government departments at all levels of government around this province. That would be a way to service seniors from one end of

[Page 2185]

the province to the other in terms of basic information and matching them up with much-needed programs and services. This would be a very cost-effective way of meeting the information needs of seniors in Nova Scotia.

I also wanted to speak briefly about the increasing number of calls that MLAs are receiving in their offices from seniors who are suffering from inadequate income. This seems to be increasing year after year, particularly from older women, especially older women who have perhaps some form of disability, who belong to an immigrant community or the African Nova Scotian community. They really are not able to provide the basic necessities of life and with increasing costs on very front, they are returning to political leaders to understand that they need some sort of guaranteed minimum income in order to survive in their homes and in their communities.

[7:30 p.m.]

Also I wanted to talk a little bit about caregiving needs. I know that the Senior Citizens' Secretariat has done some important work around caregiving concerns throughout the province. Certainly our health care system and our social service system could not survive without family caregivers looking after loved ones at home. Seniors in particular - because they may have some mobility, income and other problems themselves - bear the brunt of these caregiving responsibilities. So I do hope that the new Department of Seniors will take some leadership in helping resolve some of these issues so that particularly women caregivers are able to do the job that they do out of their love for their family member. Sometimes they're not given the aids, or the devices, or the hospice, or respite services that they need in the home to keep their loved one at home, and it sometimes forces an early entry into the much more expensive long-term nursing home system, continuing care system.

So I want to finish my remarks, Mr. Speaker, by suggesting that it isn't enough for the new Department of Seniors to rest on its laurels in terms of doing research, consultation and making recommendations to other departments. They have to take some responsibility for making sure that those recommendations and much needed changes do take effect. I would like to see a strengthening of the mandate of the new department so that when we have in 2031 double the demographics in terms of seniors, that the programs and services that they have worked so hard for all through their lives will be in place to make their later years as productive, healthy and engaged in their community as possible.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Pictou East on an introduction.

MR. CLARRIE MACKINNON: Mr. Speaker, I'm very delighted to introduce in your gallery a well-known Pictou County resident, Gary Morrison of New Glasgow. (Applause)

[Page 2186]

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

MR. HAROLD THERIAULT: Mr. Speaker, I want to say that I'm very pleased to rise to speak on Bill No. 123 - a bill that we, the Liberals, introduced a year and a half ago, I guess . We needed a department for seniors. More seniors were going to be in this province and we've got to take care of them because a lot of us are heading there, too - the ones who are lucky enough to get there. A lot of us can raise our hands here and join, so we've got to take care of our seniors.

I'll just get to the bill for a moment and I won't take long, Mr. Speaker. According to the government Web site, the Department of Seniors is the provincial government department responsible for coordinating the planning and development of policies, programs and services for seniors in the leading of the implementation of the strategy for positive aging of Nova Scotia. It serves as a single entry point to the Government of Nova Scotia on aging issues, provides information of programs and services for seniors, and listens and responds to the concerns of seniors and others.

Mr. Speaker, it sounds like the mandate previously of the Senior Citizens' Secretariat. If that's the way it's going to stay, we may as well not put the department name in front of it and leave it as it is. We believe that the true department would have the authority to develop programs and to create new programs and not coordinate planning and development of them in other departments of this province. This department should include such programs as a Seniors' Pharmacare Program, seniors' housing programs, and even long-term care programs.

Mr. Speaker, it should be a one-stop shopping department for our seniors; one that is not complicated and easy to access and easy to understand. If you do that, I believe the seniors of this province will be truly appreciative, because if you make things complicated as they have been - and I have talked to a lot of seniors and things do seem to be complicated when it comes to getting help, so the easier we can make it for the seniors the better.

Seniors should be able to make one call to the Department of Seniors and have ready access to the staff of the Seniors' Pharmacare Program, not speak to someone who could listen to their concerns, only to have it passed on to another department. That is problematic.

While the creation of this department is a good first step, there's much more that needs to be done to better serve the needs of our seniors because, Mr. Speaker, we need to take care of our seniors, they are our parents and they are our grandparents. If we don't take care of them, no one else will. So, with that, I'll take my seat. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Richmond.

[Page 2187]

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's a pleasure to rise and make some comments on Bill No. 123, the Public Service Act, which in essence is the legislation for the creation of the new Department of Seniors. My colleague from Digby-Annapolis did provide us with a bit of history as to what has brought this legislation before us. He mentioned that our caucus tabled legislation calling on this some time ago, and I'm pleased to say that we were the only Party in the last provincial election to call for the creation of a new Department of Seniors here in Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, the purpose of that was because we recognized the need to have a minister and a voice responsible to speak for seniors in Nova Scotia on so many of the issues which affect them. Unfortunately what we have heard to date is an important first step, but there are certainly many questions that remain as to what exactly the Department of Seniors will be doing as an advocate for seniors in Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, I'm sure I don't need to remind anyone in this House of the importance seniors play in our communities, and the special needs which face seniors throughout Nova Scotia.

One of the programs which we were hoping the new Department of Seniors might be now responsible for, for example, is the Seniors' Pharmacare Program. Mr. Speaker, obviously the title of the program makes it fairly obvious who the program is targeted for - it is clearly meant to assist seniors with high drug costs in Nova Scotia.

Let me give you a bit of history as well on the Seniors' Pharmacare Program because that was initially brought in under the previous Liberal Government in Nova Scotia. I remember at the time, Mr. Speaker, it was meant as a program to help seniors, knowing that they just simply could not afford to pay the high cost of drugs in light of the fact that many of them were on a fixed income, and many had absolutely no drug coverage to start off with. Yet I recall so vividly that at the time the then-Leader of the Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative Party, Dr. John Hamm, lambasted the Liberal Government for suggesting there should be a premium to be paid under the Pharmacare Program. Dr. Hamm at the time said seniors shouldn't have to pay a cent for this program; it should be borne by the Government of Nova Scotia. So when Dr. Hamm got elected in 1999, naturally I expected, in light of those comments, that he would remove the premium for seniors in Nova Scotia under the Pharmacare Program.

We all know, first of all, he did not remove the premium which he thought was such a terrible idea at the time it was introduced, but, Mr. Speaker, what is most disappointing is it is one thing to criticize a premium being put in place and not removing it, it's a whole other thing to have continually, on almost a yearly basis, increased the premiums and the cost to seniors in Nova Scotia under that program.

[Page 2188]

Mr. Speaker, I am sad to say that that practice has been continued by the current Premier and the current administration, for they as well have increased the premiums to seniors in Nova Scotia under the Pharmacare Program, at a time when seniors are seeing all of their costs going up. This again from a Party which initially, at the time in Opposition, believed seniors should not have to pay any premiums at all. Tomorrow, we'll await to see whether there will be any relief for seniors in Nova Scotia, under such programs as the Pharmacare Program - if I'm not mistaken, I believe the Minister of Health has already given notice that those premiums will increase again this year so we don't need to wait for the budget to find that out. But again, maybe something will be in the budget to deal with the Pharmacare premiums and the cost to seniors in Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, the cost to seniors of living and maintaining their own homes and drug coverage, while doing so on a fixed income, is beyond belief. I'm sure, like so many colleagues here in this House - when seniors come to see me at my office and they bring me their Notice of Assessment from Revenue Canada which shows what their yearly income was. These are people who are having to maintain older homes, some have a vehicle, and they try to maintain an active lifestyle. It's beyond my understanding as to how they manage to do it on such a fixed income. Yet, as they mentioned, the government is certainly not increasing their pension cheques, but is certainly more than happy to hit them in the pocketbook with an increase, such as the Seniors Pharmacare Program.

I'm curious now with this new Department of Seniors, maybe the acting minister will be able to inform us as to whether he sees the role of the Minister of the Department of Seniors as an advocate for seniors in Nova Scotia for such things as the Seniors Pharmacare Program. Maybe in his closing comments he will be able to indicate that to us.

Mr. Speaker, I know that the acting minister got a bit upset as he was making his comments, but lately one thing I notice from the Premier and from his ministers is that they're so quick to say, we are leaders in the country, they keep saying it. Maybe there's some reality to what they're saying, but for a minister to simply stand and say that the Ministry of Seniors, we're leading the country, and then not give any further information, that's just not acceptable. Nova Scotians watching are saying how are we leading? Which other province is copying Nova Scotia? Which other province has come in and said, Nova Scotia, please show us what you're doing because we think you've got it right? Now if he can stand in his place, Mr. Speaker, and list off those provinces, list off those jurisdictions, and tell Nova Scotia and tell this House who exactly is trying to reproduce what we're doing in Nova Scotia then possibly there is credibility to that statement that we are leaders in the country. To simply make that statement without any further information is simply unacceptable.

Now I don't blame the minister for making that statement because I'm sure the speech writers are the same that the Premier uses because, as far as the Premier is concerned, we're leading the country in everything and yet he simply doesn't tell us why. One thing he

[Page 2189]

hasn't told us we're almost leading the country in the price of gas here in Nova Scotia, but I haven't heard him mention how we're leaders in that field as well. If I'm not mistaken, I think we're one of the leaders, as well, in the highest taxes on gas here in Nova Scotia throughout Canada, yet somehow he hasn't talked about leading us there either.

Mr. Speaker, the reason I mentioned that, which I'm sure you're wondering why does he mention gas prices when talking about seniors - this all goes to the cost of living for seniors. What a significant reaction this weekend to the news that the Premier was telling Nova Scotians if you think the price of gas is too high, take a bus. Well, Mr. Speaker, in my riding and in so many other ridings, if seniors are to stand at the curbside to wait for the bus to pick them up, I fear they are going to be waiting for a very long time. What an insult it was to seniors and to Nova Scotians, from one end of the province to the other, for the Premier to say, take the bus.

This is a government that we have fought with for years to try to support transit initiatives throughout Nova Scotia. Now the Premier says there will be one in the Strait area. That is an initiative that has been pursued for almost the entire length of this Party's administration. Almost since 1999, that has been pursued and yet it has fallen on deaf ears. How many times have we had, in front of the Committee on Community Services, representation from transit organizations, from groups throughout Nova Scotia saying, we need better transit services in our rural communities? How many times? And, yet, it took all this time for the Premier to finally invest money in the Strait Area Transit Authority. I commend him for that investment, but how many other communities throughout Nova Scotia do not have that as an opportunity. How many seniors in Nova Scotia, on a percentage, have access to transit services or any local transportation services in their area? Mr. Speaker, I would submit to you that percentage is very low.

[7:45 p.m.]

Many seniors in Nova Scotia do not own a vehicle as a luxury, they own it as a necessity. We know that under home care, for example, once upon a time home care workers were able to go out and pick up groceries and pick up drugs for the clients. That was done away with a number of years ago, so that's no longer an option. Seniors need to be able to find a way to be able to get their groceries, get their drugs, attend appointments. Unfortunately, there are no transit services, in many areas not even any taxi services to bring them to those much needed appointments.

One of the costs, as well, as I mentioned, is maintaining a home. This government is telling seniors - and telling all Nova Scotians - you should make renovations to your home, make it energy efficient, try to be friendly to the environment, but at the same time try to save costs. Many seniors have heeded that call because they're calling my office and saying, we hear the Premier saying that I should be getting insulation in my home, I should be replacing

[Page 2190]

my electrical system, I should be upgrading my heating system and I should be getting new windows and maybe a new roof.

There are programs for that. The Minister of Community Services would be well aware that there are programs for that. Back home they're known as housing grants; that is how they're referred to. While many Nova Scotians have been helped, many of the Nova Scotians in my riding are single individuals. When we looked into it, if you're a husband and wife and you're earning the basic minimum income you can earn in this country - which is the old age and the supplement and sometimes even the Canada Pension Plan. But even if you have the Canada Pension Plan, if you're getting the supplement, that means it's only bringing you to a basic income.

What is that basic income? For two individuals living in a household, it would be in the range of $25,000 a year. That is the minimum, yet what is the cap for a housing program for seniors in Nova Scotia? It's $23,000. So, if you're a husband and wife in Nova Scotia living on $25,000, this government is telling those seniors, you earn too much money. You earn too much money at $25,000, in the Province of Nova Scotia, in the eyes of the Premier and this government. If you can't afford to make the renovations to your home, if the insurance is cancelled, your policy, because of problems with your home, too bad, we are not going to provide you with assistance. Or, we'll give you a loan.

I love that word - loan. You're 70 years old, you're 80 years old and this government wants to give you a loan. Who, at that age - what kind of respect for seniors are we having when we're telling them at that age, when they're on fixed incomes, we're offering them loans? Yet that is what exists right now in Nova Scotia.

I don't blame the Minister of Community Services because I know that under her direction there have been some increases in that CAP. It has gone up, but it hasn't gone up far enough. Maybe tomorrow - I hold out hope because I have seniors who call me and I say, wait for the budget. There may be good news in the budget. One gentleman asked, what do I do? I wrote to the Deputy Minister of Community Services and I jokingly suggested that I should advise this gentleman to leave his wife, to separate, and then he can get a grant to stay in his own home. I did so facetiously, but that's the situation we're in. If you're single, living alone, this government will help you. But if you are husband and wife living in a home, you make too much money. You make too much money at $25,000. The supplement is to bring you to a basic level of income. Yet this government's programs say you make too much money.

Tomorrow, this government has an opportunity to make that right. I can tell you what's happening in my community, I can tell you what's happening in many communities in Nova Scotia. Those seniors are moving out of their homes, they're putting up the for sale sign and they're going somewhere else. Whether it's an apartment or some sort of housing facility, they're moving out. Do you know what, Mr. Speaker? We're losing them from our

[Page 2191]

communities. We're losing people who gave a lot to our communities, who are part of the fabric of our communities and they're leaving - not by their own choice, but because they feel they don't have an option. They can't stay in their homes, because of issues that exist that they simply can't get the government to help them out with.

My question again is, will the new Minister of the Department of Seniors be the advocate to call upon the Premier and the Minister of Finance to say, these housing grants are a priority? We need to help these seniors, we need to keep them in their own homes, we need to provide them with the housing repairs necessary to be able to do so. Will that minister be doing so? Right now, Bill No. 123 certainly does not indicate that - it's fairly silent on that. It is certainly our hope that's the type of program this new department will be looking at.

In my riding and in so many other ridings, one of the main issues facing seniors in their old age is long-term care facilities and the ability to know there will be a place to take care of them when they are no longer able to care for themselves. The Minister of Health and this government well know the waiting lists that exists. It is simply unacceptable that, in 2008, we have the amount of people we have waiting for placement in nursing homes.

The Premier would have received a letter recently from Mr. David Sampson, Chair of the Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority, telling him the percentage of individuals in hospitals throughout GASHA, District 7, who are in hospitals beds waiting for placement in long-term care facilities. In most of the facilities, it was between 40 per cent and 70 per cent of those beds that were taken up by individuals waiting for placement that there was simply no bed for them. It's no wonder that we have a crisis in our health care system, that we see a health care system that simply is becoming unaffordable to us here in Nova Scotia due to a lack of planning and vision by the government. The minister can stand in his place and the Premier can say, we're going to have beds in 2010, what do we do today?

I called the Department of Health a few weeks ago and said, someone has just been approved for placement in a long-term care facility in Richmond County - how long are they waiting? I was told 12 months, the best-case scenario. So this is an individual whose family has accepted they can simply no longer care for them at home, who needs 24-hour care and the family is being told it could be up to 12 months. What is the family to do? What do they do with their loved one for 12 months? Who is going to care for them if they need 24-hour care during those 12 months? That is the situation faced by families from one end of this province to the next - it's simply unacceptable. Yet, what do we tell those families when they call us and tell us that?

In Richmond County, we have the construction of a brand-new, long-term care facility, Richmond Villa. Between the Richmond Villa and St. Anne's Community and Nursing Care Centre, we should have enough beds to take care of the needs of the residents of Richmond County. Yet unfortunately, while we have the brand-new facility in St. Peter's

[Page 2192]

and the wonderful facility in Arichat, Richmond County residents are waiting. Are they waiting because the beds are filled with people from Richmond County? Unfortunately, that is not the case because many of the beds are filled with people from Sydney, Baddeck and Antigonish. Why are they in Richmond County? Because this government has not planned to have enough beds in those areas, we are seeing it as almost a stopping place for people who need long-term care and there are no beds available in their area.

The people of Richmond County are very hospitable people and we enjoy having people from outside come visit us and everything else. But, Mr. Speaker, how do you explain to a family from Richmond County that has supported our nursing care facilities, that has supported their fundraisers, their bingos, their auctions, when their loved one needs a bed and a bed becomes available they say, sorry, it's someone from outside the county who is taking up the bed? How do you explain that to them? How can anyone think that's the way a well-functioning health care system should be? That's the reality that we have here in Nova Scotia.

Here is one of the other issues we face, Mr. Speaker - and in one sense I'm proud of this and in another sense it saddens me - we now have residents who come from outside the jurisdiction placed in one of the beds in Richmond County, and when a bed becomes available in their home area, they're refusing it because they say the hospitality is so great here in Richmond County they don't want to go. In one sense that's a testament to the staff, the administration and the volunteers of our facilities, but how sad it is that I'm now trying to figure out whether I should be calling on the minister to pass regulations to force those individuals to have to go when a bed becomes available in their area, because I cannot in good conscience tell the people of Richmond County that you should stay on that waiting list because someone who's from outside the area thought it was a real nice place to stay - but those are the type of situations that this government has created.

Nine years of Progressive Conservative rule in Nova Scotia is what has allowed this to happen. The days of the Premier blaming previous administrations are gone. Those are gone because after nine years, if you haven't had a chance to make things right and to plan and to have a vision, don't be blaming others. Nine long years, Mr. Speaker. So I ask, will the new Minister of Seniors be advocating for more nursing home beds, for an end to the 100- kilometre rule, for some sort of priority for residents of Richmond County, for example, to get into the beds in Richmond County facilities? Will that new minister be doing so? Again, maybe the Acting Minister of Seniors will be able to comment on that in his closing comments on second reading.

Mr. Speaker, one of the other programs which has been near and dear to my heart for many years was the old program under the Liberal Government known as the In-Home Support Program. That was a program that was created to recognize that caregivers in Nova Scotia deserved a break from the government, that people who are willingly not going into

[Page 2193]

the workforce so that they could remain at home to care for a loved one deserved some consideration by the provincial government.

At the time, Mr. Speaker, qualifying caregivers were given $400 per month in recognition of the fact that they were caring for a loved one at home who technically could have possibly been qualified for a nursing home facility. There's no argument over the numbers - the cost per month to have someone in a long-term care facility in Nova Scotia is three to four times what it was for the $400 investment that we were making as a Liberal Government with these families.

[8:00 p.m.]

Mr. Speaker, when John Hamm got elected and the Tories came to power, in the year 2000 they said they were going to put a freeze on the program because they would like to have a review of the program. My own experience has shown me always be afraid when the government says it's putting a freeze on a program to make a review, because right up until 2007 there was no new program for these families. Yet if you were receiving benefits prior to the freeze in 2000, you could continue receiving benefits. So while you may have been caring for a loved one at home, receiving nothing from the government because they would tell you, oh, I'm sorry, there's a freeze, we're reviewing the program, we're planning on announcing one very soon - soon, very soon, I think is what the government likes to say - yet your neighbour next door could be receiving the program.

This from a government that I remember when it came to the property tax rebate that had been frozen under previous Liberal Government, they were the government that so proudly said how unjust it was to freeze a program and let people who were already in collect the tax rebate but not give it to other Nova Scotians, and we're going to right that wrong - and yet when they had a chance, they did the exact same thing. Again, this is from the same government - as I mentioned, the Premier who had said seniors should not pay one cent in premium for Seniors' Pharmacare, and yet, under his administration, continually increased that premium.

So in 2000 they froze the program. If I'm not mistaken, the then minister at the time was the former member - former, former member, I guess - for Halifax Citadel, I believe she was the minister who froze the program. She said a new program is coming. I have the letters in my office. After her, I believe it was the current Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. (Interruption) Oh, maybe it was the Minister of Economic Development then, I'm not sure which one came first. Regardless, I think my colleague, the member for Glace Bay, refers to them as the former Ministers of Health. Well, both former Ministers of Health, Mr. Speaker, both the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations and the current Minister of Economic Development also wrote me letters saying we're just about to announce a new program, it's right on the way, relax, don't worry, the review is almost completed.

[Page 2194]

So it started in 2000. I've received letters in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, yet lo and behold, Mr. Speaker, no program, no replacement, until last year's budget, where at least the government said we are going to undertake a pilot project to see if we cannot bring back what I will always call the In-Home Support Program. I believe they have a different name for it but, in essence, it's the same thing.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased, I will say that the Leader of the Official Opposition has started to promote a similar-type program. In essence, what he is promoting is the old Liberal In-Home Support Program, just by a different name, but it will, in effect, be the same program. That's fine, and I'm pleased that he is now advocating that. Personally, I wish he would have been advocating that back in 2000 when the government first froze it, and ever since, because together maybe we could have encouraged the government to move a little faster.

I digress, but I am pleased that his Party is now at least starting to talk about providing some financial compensation to caregivers here in Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, I will wait until tomorrow before making any comments on that pilot program. The minister knows my concerns, her deputy certainly knows my concerns, and I believe the Premier is aware of those as well. It was good intentions in the pilot but there are significant problems and significant shortfalls which, tomorrow, I will be watching to see if those will be corrected. If they will, I will certainly stand in my place, because if we can help Nova Scotia families, whether they are from Richmond or whether they are from anywhere else, and provide them with help to keep loved ones at home, it is not an expenditure of the government, I consider it to be an investment by the government, because at the end of the day you are spending money to save a lot more money. That is what this program was meant to do and that's the success that it had. We may not have as many people waiting for placement in long-term care facilities if we were providing better assistance to caregivers here in Nova Scotia under such programs as the In-Home Support Program.

So, within hours I will have the answer to my question, Mr. Speaker, and I will be able to call, because I already have about a dozen constituents who have been calling me, because I told them if they called me, I said look, the minute you hear the budget is coming, give me a call because then I'll be able to tell you whether your family might qualify, because right now they don't. Many families don't, and, again, I won't get into that because I still hold out hope that it is going to be corrected. Unfortunately, as I am speaking, the budget is probably written and the speeches are probably done, and it's impossible for me to, at this point, encourage the government to do something if they haven't already decided to do it. But tomorrow, if that is corrected, it will be a success for all Nova Scotians, and we must do whatever we can.

Mr. Speaker, as I've said before, this program not only was to help caregivers keep loved ones at home, but in many ways many of the caregivers we have here in Nova Scotia

[Page 2195]

are women. While they are out of the workforce - many of them were out of the workforce having children and the federal government has recognized that with the child drop-out provision, but many of them now are again out of the workforce because they are caring for a loved one. They are not paying into a private pension plan, they are not paying into the Canada Pension Plan, and this will have negative repercussions on them in the future when they do start drawing their pension. The least we can do, as a province, is provide them with $400 or $500 or more a month in compensation for what they are doing not only for their loved one, but what they are doing for our province. It is the least we can do. There are so many different elements to this program.

Mr. Speaker, I've seen the families that have benefited from this program when I was first elected, and it has been such a disappointment for me over the years to have to keep telling them the program is frozen but the current Minister of Health tells me that it is coming any time. As I mentioned, I went to three Ministers of Health and it is only the current one who has made it a reality, but it wasn't really him who made it reality because it is in Community Services. Maybe I was writing to the wrong minister the whole time.

Mr. Speaker, in a sense I have to laugh because it was so frustrating. Families would call me and say, why can't I get it if my neighbour is getting it, and I having to explain to them, well your neighbour applied before 2000 and was approved before 2000. It wasn't easy to explain and I will tell you it was extremely disappointing. Hopefully, tomorrow it will be better news but this is an issue for which we need a Department of Seniors to keep pushing for these types of programs.

Mr. Speaker, home care services, again, is an issue which impacts seniors in Nova Scotia. Many Nova Scotian families are asking for more hours and yet, in many ways, there is a maximum they are being allotted. I know that the workers and administration are doing what they can to give families as much help as possible but at the end of the day they cannot be there 24 hours a day, someone has to be. As I mentioned before, when you tell a family that a loved one may have to wait 12 months for placement, somebody needs to be there. So we certainly need to see better home care services in Nova Scotia in the sense of more home care services.

We have great workers throughout Nova Scotia and I know that within the last year we had an event in Richmond County where people came together and families came together to honour our home care workers in Richmond County. To say thank you for the work that they do, for their dedication, for the friendship they have shown, for the love and care they have provided to our loved ones in Richmond County. We are blessed to have them but at the end of the day, they only have so many hours that they are permitted to work with their clients in Nova Scotia under the current rules that exist. So maybe tomorrow we will see in the budget, enhanced home care services for seniors.

[Page 2196]

Mr. Speaker, again, we must find means of being able to keep seniors in our communities. As I mentioned before, because of all the costs of the programs or the lack of services from these programs, you are seeing For Sale signs going up throughout rural Nova Scotia and other parts of Nova Scotia from seniors who simply cannot afford to run their own homes. Not because they are incapable or unwilling but they simply cannot make ends meet. So we have a duty, as legislators, out of respect for our seniors, out of respect for our communities, out of respect for our province, to find means of being able to allow our seniors to stay in their own homes and stay in their communities.

The cost of living continues to increase which is why we brought, on the first day of the House, we brought the issue of the rising price of gas. Mr. Speaker, this is having a devastating impact on seniors in Nova Scotia because they are on a fixed income. Almost every cent is accounted for and yet when you see the increases that we have seen in the price of gas, it is simply not sustainable. Yet they simply can't stop driving their car. They can't do, as the Premier said, wait for the bus. There is no bus. There is no taxi in many communities. They have no choice but to drive their car.

Mr. Speaker, we are also the Party that raised the issue of the cost of home heating oil. I had the opportunity myself to fill my oil tank at home, in Richmond County - over $700 to fill that tank. I remember when the government was encouraged to bring in the Keep the Heat program. At the time, the program was brought in because the price of oil was such that seniors and many Nova Scotians on fixed incomes simply could not afford the cost of oil. At the time, the cost of filling your oil tank had gone above $500 and that is where the government saw it was needed to act. Yet now that it is at $700, this government does not offer that kind of program. Instead, the government followed the lead of the NDP and adopted the tax rebate.

Mr. Speaker, now, though, Nova Scotians have done the numbers. Nova Scotians on fixed incomes and seniors have done the numbers and they see that they got a rotten deal out of this and that they are not getting the same amount of assistance that they did under the Keep the Heat program, yet the government hasn't done anything. Now, again, with my criticism I hold out hope because tomorrow's the budget and maybe in the budget there will be something to help seniors, low income Nova Scotians, people on fixed incomes and families, with the cost of home heating oil and, let's never forget, the cost of electricity - Nova Scotia Power, that's an issue I'll save for another day because I'm good for a few hours on Nova Scotia Power - but that is part of the equation facing seniors in this province. So for an acting minister to simply stand in his place and say here's what we're creating, here are a few of the programs, without even touching on the real issues facing Nova Scotians. It's just not good enough.

Nova Scotians deserve better, they demand better and when our party called for the creation of a Department of Seniors, it was these issues that we expected a Minister of Seniors would be able to stand in his or her space and be able to address and yet we have not

[Page 2197]

seen that up until now. It is a first step but we are certainly hoping - for example, in tomorrow's budget - that there may be more funding for the Department of Seniors. That there may be funding to hire more staff or to move staff around and to start having some of these programs administered by a minister whose sole focus is on the issues facing seniors in this province. Maybe we will see that tomorrow, that remains to be seen, but I certainly hold out hope that can take place.

Mr. Speaker, Nova Scotian statistics tell us our population is getting older, it's not getting younger. For the last number of years our death rate has exceeded our birth rate so the numbers aren't that good. The acting Minister of Seniors - also the Minister of Immigration - realizes, I'm sure, that we're just not keeping up. We have to do something as a province to realize that, that the age is going to continue to increase.

We are also seeing, as well, that many Nova Scotians are leaving the workforce well before the age of 65. We know of some of the shortages that we're already being told about in the workplace for skilled workers here in Nova Scotia and yet many companies are still wondering why is the government not acting upon this. They fear they're going to have to bring in workers from outside Nova Scotia with certain skills because we haven't been training them here in Nova Scotia. There are a whole host of issues that affect this province because of the fact our population is getting older and all of the issues that come with that.

Mr. Speaker, as has been mentioned by the acting minister himself, one day he will be a senior. One day hopefully all of us will be seniors - some will be getting there a little quicker than others will. Just the same, while we are here in this House, we have an opportunity to be able to make real investments and real policy decisions in the best interest of seniors in Nova Scotia. Bill No. 123 is a first step, but there is so much more that needs to be done. It is my hope that the government will have taken into consideration the comments I have raised, the issues I have raised, and that they will be taking action whether it's in the budget delivered tomorrow or as we move forward as an assembly so that together, if we're truly going to build a stronger Nova Scotia, we can't say we're doing that if we forget about the issues facing the seniors from one end of this province to the next. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Glace Bay.

MR. DAVID WILSON(Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, as always it's a pleasure to stand in my place and address a lot of the issues. It's always a pleasure to hear the member for Richmond speak. Of course, in his usual elegant style, he speaks a lot of truth. He speaks because he cares about the people in his own riding and he rose tonight to speak because he cares about the people of Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, this bill, Bill No. 123, as you've heard various speakers say here tonight, it deals with seniors. We understand that, we know that. The whole issue that we

[Page 2198]

should be talking about is seniors. The confusing part of this is - as the member for Digby-Annapolis raised earlier - that what should happen in this case is that the department should be serving as a single entry point of the Government of Nova Scotia on the issues of aging. So you should be able to provide information on programs and services for seniors. You should be able to listen and respond to the concerns of seniors and others but in this case, basically what you're getting for our money is a 1-800-number that takes you to some staff who will listen to your concerns and pass you on to some other department. That's all it does. That's not a real Seniors Department. It's not a real department that should include programs, as the previous speakers have said, such a Seniors' Pharmacare, seniors' housing programs, and long-term care programs.

[8:15 p.m.]

Mr. Speaker, just that one example, on the Seniors' Pharmacare, the changes that were announced earlier this year - now, I don't know about anybody else in this House but I had more calls to my office on that one issue than I've had in many years concerning one issue in Nova Scotia. The calls were there because there was so much confusion associated with the changes, no one understood what was going on. There was more confusion when the government introduced the changes to Pharmacare. The last time I can recall that much confusion was probably the last Tory leadership convention.

So, you know what happened in this case - and we saw the end result of that, Mr. Speaker. What's happening in this regard is that the minister has stood in his place today introducing this bill and has led us to think that everything is rosy. As he said, it's no laughing matter, he wanted to point out to the Opposition - it's no laughing matter. Well, he's absolutely right - what's happening to seniors in this province is no laughing matter. You know when you have seniors who are forced to chose between medication and food, that's no laughing matter. When you have seniors who are forced to chose between food and heat, that's no laughing matter. When you have seniors who can now no longer drive their car down the street because they can't afford to buy gas in this province, that's no laughing matter for seniors, not at all. When you have seniors who are being forced from their homes by the policies of this government, that is no laughing matter.

Mr. Speaker, that's exactly what seniors are facing in this province now. To many of those concerns, ministers from that government including the top banana over there, the Premier - they will come back with. . .

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Is that unparliamentary?

MR. SPEAKER: It certainly is and I would ask the honourable member to withdraw that comment.

[Page 2199]

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Okay, I withdraw the banana remark, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER: Thank you.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): The head honcho, the head guy, the Premier, numero uno, premiere etoile. Is that the French? The Premier himself knows, as the head of that government, that this is no laughing matter what's happening to seniors in this province. Instead of giving out some trite remark - take the bus, as he did say on the issue of gas prices. If you're going to take a bus in a lot of places in Cape Breton, then the Premier better drive it there because there are none. There is no bus service in many parts of the island. It shows that you cannot apply one answer to all parts of this province because we have very many different things that are happening in different parts of this province.

So, Mr. Speaker, it fits in line with this bill, Bill No. 123 . . .

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please.

The honourable Minister of Justice.

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, the honourable member for Glace Bay indicates the Premier said something with regard to take a bus and if he has an answer or a copy of that, if he could present it, but that's not the intent of what I know the Premier to have indicated in the media scrum.

MR. SPEAKER: That is definitely not a point of order.

The Chair will now recognize the honourable member for Glace Bay.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, if the Minister of Justice wants to read that, buy a copy of The Chronicle-Herald, you know, instead of interrupting debate here in the House of Assembly. I didn't say it, the Premier said it. So, you know, turn to him and ask him.

Mr. Speaker, while we're debating this in terms of the creation of the Department of Seniors and supposedly looking after seniors, as the minister himself said, again - and both the minister and several Cabinet Ministers, and the Premier included, seemed to be quite touchy when we talk about this subject. I can understand them being exactly in that way because of the fact that really when you look at the overall situation in this province, there's not much that has been done for seniors lately. Even the Minister of Health has said, as the member for Richmond referred to before, you may not have had an increase in Pharmacare costs lately, but you will get one. It is coming and you're not going to avoid it. As the member for Richmond - again I refer to him - said earlier, there was a past Progressive

[Page 2200]

Conservative Government under the leadership of John Hamm who said that would not be the case in this province anymore but it's been the case ever since they first came to power in 1999.

The only thing that has changed is that the costs have gone higher; the costs of everything have gone higher. Again, the member for Richmond referred tonight to the Department of Community Services and what happens in the case of a couple who lives together and the combined incomes that stop people from getting housing grants - as we refer to them back home - as well.

I had a case last week of a gentleman who came into the office and because of a change in his income from 2006 to 2007 - this was a senior citizen - he was refused a grant from the Department of Community Services. He was $53.69 over the allowable limit and therefore did not qualify for that grant. This senior had absolutely no means to go anywhere else. He could not go to a bank and get a loan, he could not borrow money anywhere - he had no means whatsoever to get a grant to fix up his home which is over 100 years old and in desperate need of repair. Not little repairs, I'm talking about repairs that would keep - you know the integrity of the home was threatened, the structure was threatened. These are what we refer to at home as company houses - many people would refer to them as duplexes, at home we call them company houses and that housing stock is so old that in a lot of cases it takes a lot of money to repair them.

The minister says this is the best province in the country for taking care of seniors? Come with me to Glace Bay, I'll introduce you to that gentleman and see if he agrees this is the best province in this country for taking care of seniors. Mr. Speaker, I'd gladly take the minister or anybody else to Glace Bay and introduce them to seniors who have been forced into that difficult position of whether or not they had to get medicine or whether or not they had to eat. It is not just a choice that they are making every now and then - it is a choice now that they are making on a daily, weekly, monthly basis.

That's the situation seniors find themselves in this province. We don't lead the way; we don't lead the way. I cannot believe that, in any way shape or form, we lead the way in this country and how our programs give seniors more access to what they deserve. I can't believe that any more than I would believe we lead the way in wait times in this province. We have some of the worst wait times in the country.

That applies a lot to seniors. In my community, in Cape Breton, in my community right now you'll find a lot of seniors. Why? Of course it's because we have an aging population, and the other reason is because our youth are leaving in droves. It affects a lot of areas across this province - the youth going to Fort McMurray, or whatever the case may be, there are no youth left behind.

[Page 2201]

Depopulation is a reality in Cape Breton, a reality, and it leads people to do a lot of things. For instance, it leads mayors of certain municipalities to probably sue the province because they believe those municipalities should have more, that they're not being treated fairly. It also leads people to believe that this government is not doing enough for certain segments of society - seniors included. I would suggest seniors are foremost in that argument, that indeed they're not being treated as they should be, they are not being given the access to programs that they should be because those programs, first of all, do not exist for seniors.

If the government truly believes that seniors deserve help in this province and they're willing to help, then the government would have a stand-alone department for seniors. That department would cover any issues that had to do with seniors in this province. If the government, the Premier, truly believed that was the case, it would make perfect sense, first of all because in our aging society, seniors - and we'll all be there some day - are becoming the biggest segment. Why wouldn't you have a separate, stand-alone department to help with the biggest segment in your society? It would only make sense.

Again, it could serve as that single entry point for the government when someone, a senior, was in need of some help; they would simply pick up the phone; they would call the Department of Seniors - I'm not suggesting you have to call that but it might be a good name, the Department of Seniors- they'd pick up the phone and they'd get access to any program that they needed help with and they would get put straight through to the people who are making those decisions. They would have access because that's what they deserve in this province, access. That's why they pay their tax dollars, to have access.

That department, of course, would be transparent and open and, you know, yadda, yadda, yadda, the same government catch-phrases that are always used, Mr. Speaker, to describe a true department with the authority to develop programs, to create new programs, not just coordinate and plan and develop them, in other departments. Again, it would give you that one-stop shopping for seniors.

So, Mr. Speaker, when the minister stood in his place and said that we lead the way in this country, as far as seniors are concerned - sure, there were a few guffaws on this side of the House, and you can understand why. When the minister said this was no laughing matter, there were a few other comments on this side of the House because the minister - although he meant to throw some our way, it was actually true. This is no laughing matter in this province.

The way seniors have to live in this province right now is no laughing matter whatsoever. When you exist, Mr. Speaker - and you would know from your riding and anybody in this House would know from their ridings as well - when you exist on an income that is a fixed income, you have nowhere to go in terms of rising costs, in terms of how much gasoline costs, in terms of home heating oil, in terms of how much medicine rises or whatever the case may be. It's not that seniors and it's not that myself as a member of this

[Page 2202]

Legislative Assembly or the member for Richmond or other members of my caucus are not appreciative of the fact that we offer these programs in the first place, that's not it. We know that these programs should be offered.

Mr. Speaker, we're saying that these programs should be improved and we're saying that to do that and improve them to the utmost, that you should create one Department of Seniors, where everybody can - that single-entry point again- where everyone can go.

Now, Mr. Speaker, I didn't want to go on for as long as I did but again, the comments that have been made and to just take those few examples of people I know, especially seniors I know just from my own riding, who will not have the chance, they will not have the chance to fix up their home; they will not have the chance to improve their home. In a lot of cases, and the Minister of Community Services will know this, in a lot of cases they are going to come knocking on her door and they're going to be looking for public housing.

Public housing in Cape Breton may or may not be available, Mr. Speaker, it all depends, but I am sure the minister knows that there are a number of people, and the numbers are growing, especially when it comes to wintertime because that's the heating season and she knows that the numbers go up at that time because people are simply driven from their homes which they can no longer heat. It's not their choice, they would prefer to be there.

It's much the same in health care, Mr. Speaker. Most people - if you ask them if they are capable or have people to take care of them - would prefer to be treated at home for health care and in-home care. Instead of being in a hospital, instead of tying up acute care beds and costing this government a lot of money, they prefer to be treated at home if they could. Seniors would prefer to stay in their own homes, if they had the programs that would help them do that.

So, having said that, we look forward to this moving on, of course, but only for the purpose of further debate. Not because it's a great piece of legislation but because we look forward to further debate, which is the whole process here as even the ministers would understand. That's what we're here for, to hear more debate on this subject, and I'm sure you will because I know that there are seniors in this province and seniors' organizations who are not going to agree with this piece of legislation. Having said that, Mr. Speaker, I will take my seat. Thank you very much.

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

[8:30 p.m.]

HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand on my feet for four or five minutes to talk a little bit about the bill which creates the Department of Seniors and to say

[Page 2203]

how proud I am, as a member of the Progressive Conservative Government that this legislation has been introduced to more fully recognize that the government listens to seniors and wants to put in place a better scheme to deal with seniors' issues.

Mr. Speaker, just before I get into this, in a way, I want to get to the member for Richmond. If he wishes to know the areas in which Nova Scotia leads the country in seniors, I would encourage him sometime to attend a meeting of Ministers responsible for Seniors and you will find that there is not a jurisdiction in this country that does not look to Nova Scotia for some form of leadership.

Mr. Speaker, there are about 138,000 seniors in Nova Scotia, about 15 per cent of the population. I know probably a few more seniors than some of the people in this House. I do know that one of the things the seniors I know of in Nova Scotia are going to be particularly proud of this government, for tomorrow is when my colleague, the Minister of Finance, stands in his place and tables the seventh consecutive balanced budget for this province.

AN HON. MEMBER: You better hope some people on that side of the House are proud of you too. (Laughter)

ANOTHER HON. MEMBER: It's a coalition.

MR. MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to welcome the member of the Liberal Party to this side of the House and I would be quite happy, if it's so wished, I will give him my seat.

Mr. Speaker, quite seriously, though, if there is a group in this province that has grown up in the era of fiscal responsibility and are very much concerned - but then the colleagues on the side of the House will recognize this, too - it is the seniors' population and thus it has been all their lives, for the most part, they preached fiscal responsibility and the fact that government has got its financial house in order and continues to do so, is a very positive thing for that group of people. What it means is that the programs in the Department of Seniors are going to have adequate funding and they are not going to have as much money as we would all like to see there, but there are going to be situations and things addressed in this budget that will be good for seniors as well as all other Nova Scotians.

Mr. Speaker, at one time, when I had a different portfolio, I was responsible for the Senior Citizens' Secretariat, and actually I still, in my current role, docent for them. There have been a number of programs that the Seniors' Secretariat has implemented that have been very good. The Strategy for Positive Aging, as has been mentioned, has been a Canadian leader. Some of the research that is done in our now Department of Seniors leads the country. The Seniors' Safety Program, the rebate for - I'm going to try that again. It's a good thing.

[Page 2204]

AN HON. MEMBER: A senior's moment.

MR. MUIR: Mr. Speaker, she's on my team. (Laughter)

Mr. Speaker, quite seriously, though, in the issue of driving licences, and there is a program that is through the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal and my department, where senior citizens who wish to update their driving skills, there is a program. It's $40 and that basically is rebated if you complete the program and that is a good thing in the interest of highway safety.

Mr. Speaker, another thing for this Department of Seniors, as has been pointed out, by 2031, we are going to have about 30 per cent of our population who would be, I guess, 65 or older, although I'm never quite sure whether we have adequately defined what a senior is. There is going to have to be a larger proportion of the province's services, and I guess dollars, too, are going to have to be committed to meet those needs.

It's very interesting - we talk about the province - this morning on my way to Halifax I stopped at three houses. In the first two, I delivered 60th Anniversary certificates, and in the third one I delivered a 90th birthday certificate. In the last five weeks I have been to four 100th birthday parties. I know everybody else in the House has done that too, but we do have a vibrant seniors' community here, and I get a little discouraged sometimes when I hear the members on the opposite side of the House get up and say that seniors can't do this and they can't do that, and they are the most abused portion of our population and we have to look after them. I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, there are seniors in this House who don't feel that way at all.

AN HON. MEMBER: Name one.

MR. MUIR: Manning MacDonald. (Laughter) I was just talking about the honourable member for Cape Breton South in a very positive way. Your colleagues were talking - you weren't here for all of the debate - but they weren't speaking all that well of the capabilities . . .

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. Maybe we can get back to the principle of the bill, please.

MR. MUIR: Mr. Speaker, let me get back on this bill. This legislation is a good thing for Nova Scotians, it's a good thing for the senior population in this province. What it will do is - we all know what the statistics are - it will enable us to serve and to make better plans to serve the senior population, which is ever increasing in Nova Scotia. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Kings West.

[Page 2205]

MR. LEO GLAVINE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I am certainly pleased, tonight, to add a few words to the debate on Bill No. 123. There are three realities that are happening in Nova Scotia that are causing the country to take a look. Number one, we have surpassed Saskatchewan as having the oldest average age population in the nation. Secondly, we have pockets and areas of our province where over 25 per cent of the population are already senior citizens. In fact, in the Annapolis Valley, there are three of Nova Scotia's six communities where more than 25 per cent of their population are already seniors. Also, eight communities in Nova Scotia have 20 per cent of their population who are 65 and over, and five of those are in the Annapolis Valley. In this province, of our 18 counties, only five are growing their population - meaning 13 are in different stages of depopulation. So not only are we losing our youth, but the concentration now of our seniors certainly challenges our communities.

So we are being looked at to see how we will handle our seniors' problems and our seniors' issues as we move forward to a time when almost one-third of our population will have reached senior age.

One of the issues that we have in rural Nova Scotia, which has been addressed in a couple of different ways by my colleagues tonight, and that is seniors having to leave their homes. We have a high percentage of very old housing stock in Nova Scotia, so in order for seniors to stay in their homes, they absolutely need some help to be able to do that.

When you're on a fixed income, we all know that if you need a roof, it's anywhere from $6,000 to $10,000 to replace a roof on a home today. We talked about the single senior as being able to be looked after, but it has been a discouraging time, I know, in my office, to tell a senior couple who are receiving the OAS and the supplement that they don't qualify for a seniors' grant. That, for me, spells the beginning of the end of their time in their home. There is no question that without repairs to their homes, they will not be able to stay.

This is an area that we have to take a look at. In some pockets of Nova Scotia, we have seniors who are trying to hang on in their homes, especially through the winter months. This year it became very real, very vivid for me, as a rural MLA, to go visit a senior who was looking for help with their heating bill or power bill and to find them living in two rooms of an 8-, 10- or 12-room house. They had cordoned off two rooms that they were trying to heat. They could no longer heat the entire large, old farmhouse. In my riding there are many old, excessively large homes.

These are some of the real challenges. In losing that one small program of Keep the Heat, we know government did step in late in the heating season. We also know that the Good Neighbour Energy Fund was down in the corporate amount that they had to deal with and on many occasions could only give a percentage and a part of what they normally helped seniors and low income Nova Scotians with. There are very real challenges around the home.

[Page 2206]

The other issue that I had just in the last couple of weeks, as seniors get their assessments - here now they're being notified that there's another tax bill for their home just around the corner and they come to my office to see if they could get some help on last year's tax bill, on the remaining amount they had to pay on last year's taxes.

[8:45 p.m.]

The home is a very real source of many of the challenges that our seniors face. I think, as a province, this creation of a department just for seniors can be a very positive move. Many are placing some hope that there will be real, directed, targeted money going towards some of the needs that I've already talked about in relation to keeping their homes. Our province will be judged, as the province now that stands out with the oldest average aged population, by the kind of programs that we put in place. I would certainly challenge the minister that we are not a leader in this area, but we have, I think, the potential to address seniors' needs and to become a leader at least in some of the areas of dealing with the needs of our senior population.

There's no question, our province will be judged on how well we look after our seniors in their advanced years. One of the big areas that we know, especially again, having this concentration of seniors in the Annapolis Valley, the in-home supports that are needed, long-term care beds, there was a huge wait list on any given day over the past six months. As the members opposite know, one-third of the beds at Valley Regional are occupied by seniors and there is no place for them to move, as we've had no change in the number of beds now for quite some years.

So we're already in an enormous deficit position when it comes to getting our seniors the kind of care that they require and there's no question, when I look at one of the primary facilities for looking after our seniors, the Grandview Manor, which offers independent living, assisted living, and probably 150 to 175 nursing care beds, it is an outstanding facility.

Well, that facility, as well, is closing in on being 40 years of age and just some of the basic code requirements now in a seniors' complex have changed dramatically over the last number of years and, again, that's one of the requirements that this Kings County facility is going to be looking to the provincial government for leadership on renewing this outstanding facility. There's no question that if you were to go and speak to any senior in that complex, you realize that they do get wonderful treatment.

I'm hoping that this new Department of Seniors will take some small practical kinds of steps that can not only help the health of seniors, but also be a cost reduction to the province. One of the ones that we saw at Northhills was when they introduced a nurse practitioner to give more daily nursing and medical attention to the residents there.

[Page 2207]

This I was able to get first-hand from a lady by the name of Dana Morse, who is now working as a nurse practitioner in a collaborative practice. In her first three months of starting to assess patients, and in particular looking at the negative interaction of medications that seniors were taking, and as she did the very intensive medical history of these seniors, she was able, in the first three months of her job, to eliminate enough medications that seniors were taking that, in fact, would cover her salary for an entire year. So in just three months of assessing some of the patients at Northhills for medications that they really didn't need to be on, some of them in fact creating interactions, and it was again a health benefit to the senior and it was a cost saving to the province.

Also, we do have a few geriatric physicians in the province and, again, they are of benefit to our health care system when we can get our seniors into their office for assessments, because they are specializing in the needs of seniors and, again, they're able to especially help them in the medication area, assess their diet, fine-tune some of the nutritional needs they have, and also some of the long-term medical problems that they have that can be addressed by a specialist who is looking after geriatric needs.

So those are just a few things that I think are very, very practical that we could be doing in this province to make the lives of seniors just a little better. As the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations said, many are very independent; many are living in their homes very, very well. We all know it is the financial constraints, however, that many seniors without any kind of pension do struggle on an annual basis.

So I would also like to add to this debate the hope that families who want to keep their parents in their homes are going to get some help, some relief in this coming budget. If there's one thing we all know about seniors it is that they want, first and foremost, to stay in their own homes. That's where they are very, very comfortable, that's where they have a network of some long-time, lifetime friends around them. So if we can help a family keep seniors in their home, I believe that is, indeed, of great benefit to the senior, to the family and I think will help in the long term financially for the province.

So I'm hoping that some of the things we've done in this House will be built on over the next number of months and years and that perhaps down the road our province can be looked at as being a leader in looking after our senior population.

With those few words added to the debate, Mr. Speaker, I will take my place.

MR. SPEAKER: Thank you. If I recognize the acting minister it will be to close the debate.

HON. LEN GOUCHER: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank all the honourable members for a very spirited debate. I must say, though, after hearing everything, I do want

[Page 2208]

to say one thing, that I am very, very proud to be a member of this government bringing in again its seventh balanced budget and I don't think we can reiterate that enough.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the comments also made by the member for Dartmouth South-Portland Valley and a lot of the comments with regard to continually advancing the cause of seniors which I believe this government does through the Senior Citizens' Secretariat, with the Departments of Health, Community Services, Health Promotion and Protection, Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, just to mention a few.

Mr. Speaker, also when we talk about seniors abuse, which I believe the honourable member brought up, we also have established the 1-877 number for seniors to call in. I think it is an important point, 75 per cent of people living alone in their homes are women and that's a fairly significant number; 94 per cent of seniors living are living in private homes, 6 per cent in public.

I also wanted to comment on the member for Digby-Annapolis as well. I think he and I probably can put a face on the issue of seniors. I think both of us live with it on a daily basis - I do myself, with two wonderful people, my mum and dad. I don't take these issues lightly, and I don't know how else to put that to try to put a face to it, I don't take these issues lightly at all.

So, Mr. Speaker, having said that, I do believe our government is moving forward in a positive manner and yes, it's better than a first good step, it's the first great step. So with that, I thank everybody, I thank all the honourable members for their comments and move second reading of Bill No. 123.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 123. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

Ordered that this bill be referred to the Committee on Law Amendments.

The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. CHUCK PORTER: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That concludes the government's business for today. I would move that the House do rise, to sit again tomorrow from the hours of 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Following the Budget Address and response will be the daily routine and Oral Question Period. Government Business will include Public Bills for Second Reading, Bill Nos.120, 125, 126, 127, 130, 131, and 133. I move the House do now rise.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is that the House rise to meet again tomorrow at the hour of 2:00 p.m.

[Page 2209]

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

[The House rose at 8:55 p.m.]

[Page 2210]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

RESOLUTION NO. 2082

By: Mr. Michel Samson (Richmond)

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

Whereas it has become increasingly evident that the Premier does not understand the problems that Nova Scotians face with skyrocketing gas prices; and

Whereas recently the Premier encouraged people to make use of a transit system or buy a fuel- efficient vehicle as a quick fix, not comprehending the fact that transit systems do not service many parts of this province, and not everyone can afford to buy a new fuel-efficient vehicle; and

Whereas an outstanding majority of comments on a ChronicleHerald story this weekend mirrored the thoughts of most Nova Scotians, informing him that maybe he should practice what he preaches and take the bus back to Mabou;

Therefore be it resolved that the Premier become more in tune with the people of this province and develop a plan that helps all Nova Scotians battle the ever-rising price of gas.

RESOLUTION NO. 2083

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 Clare Acadiens Midget A hockey team participated in the 2008 Nova Scotia Midget A Provincial Championship Tournament in Church Point from March 28 to March 30, 2008; and

Whereas the Clare team played against the Truro Bearcats in the championship game; and

Whereas two of the Clare players picked up individual honours in addition to the team's win;

[Page 2211]

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Clare Acadiens Midget A hockey team as well as their coaches, Marc Lombard and Nicholas Knutson, for winning the Nova Scotia Midget A Provincial Hockey Championships.

RESOLUTION NO. 2084

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 Oxford Frozen Foods will make a milestone this year as it was 40 years ago that John Bragg planted the seed of his family-run business in the small Town of Oxford where Cumberland County was blessed with ideal conditions for growing wild blueberries; and

Whereas the year was 1968 and Oxford Frozen Foods was a small company with plans to make this delicious fruit the natural pick of consumers around the world and today they are the industry leader and the demand for blueberries is wild with the company also being one of North America's largest producers of premium frozen carrots and onion rings and one of North America's premier manufacturers of battered vegetables and cheeses and other products; and

Whereas in 1968 John Bragg started the company with approximately 50 employees and now, 40 years later, has grown to over 2,000 employees spread over Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Maine, leading to the celebration that will be held this summer with festivities and displays at the Oxford Fairgrounds, including fireworks, and in Springhill with the people being treated to a concert by Anne Murray;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate John Bragg and his family and Oxford Frozen Foods and staff on their 40th Anniversary and we wish them many more years of success.

RESOLUTION NO. 2085

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 Pierre Landry and his company Laurentide Paint Recycling were named Business Person of the Year by the Springhill Chamber of Commerce because of their success - recycling 1.5 million litres of paint in Springhill alone; and

[Page 2212]

Whereas Pierre gracefully accepted the honour on behalf of both his company and his 12 employees who have become world leaders in environmentally sustainable solutions; and

Whereas the paint recycling company has committed itself to creating a sustainable environment and Landry himself advocates environmental concerns are not technical but social in nature and by changing the way we think we can change our footprint on the environment;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Pierre Landry, his employees and his company on receiving this prestigious award and wish them continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2086

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 John L. Bragg, president, chairman and CEO, Oxford Frozen Foods Ltd. in Oxford, Cumberland County, was named as a recipient of the 2008 ICD Fellowship Award as a great Canadian business leader; and

Whereas each year the ICD confers Fellowship Awards to a prominent group of individuals who continue to distinguish themselves by bringing exceptional corporate governance leadership to boardrooms throughout the country; and

Whereas the ICD Fellows exemplify the excellence in governance for which the Institute of Corporate Directors stands and they believe that John L. Bragg embodies what they represent as he was an integral player in bringing his family-run business from a small company in Oxford in 1968 to an industry leader today and a major world provider of wild blueberries; Oxford Frozen Foods is also one of North America's largest producers of premium frozen carrots and onion rings;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate John L. Bragg on receiving this outstanding award and wish him continued success in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2087

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 2213]

Whereas Eric Tibbetts is a 17-year-old Parrsboro Regional High School student who spends several hours every week at South Cumberland Community Care Centre, enjoying his time with the long-term care residents; and

Whereas Eric reads to the residents, plays games with them, calls bingo for them, walks them around the care centre in their wheelchairs, gets them drinks when they need them and, most importantly, Eric talks to them and keeps them company; and

Whereas Eric is a member of the 689 Handley Page Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron for the past five years - an activity that he hopes to help lead him toward a career in the RCMP;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Eric Tibbetts on being chosen as the 2008 Youth Volunteer of the Year for the Town of Parrsboro and thank him for his dedication to his community and the Province of Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2088

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 Jake York, a 21-year-old Rhodes Scholar, was treated to presentations from Mayor Doug Robinson and Cumberland South MLA Murray Scott at the Parrsboro Town Hall; and

Whereas Jake York was applauded on receiving the prestigious international scholarship, the first ever Rhodes Scholar from Mount St. Vincent University; and

Whereas York will graduate from undergraduate studies at Mount Saint University in the spring and will travel to England in the fall to study for his doctorate at Oxford University under the scholarship which was first presented by Cecil Rhodes in 1901 with only two hundred awarded in the world each year.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Jake York on this outstanding and prestigious scholarship and wish him continued success in all future endeavours.

[Page 2214]

RESOLUTION NO. 2089

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 Yorke family of Parrsboro has been chosen as the 2008 Volunteer Family of the Year for the Town of Parrsboro; and

Whereas this deserving family has given much to their community through their volunteer efforts starting with 22 years of organizing the Don Yorke Memorial Slow Pitch Tournament in their father's footsteps who was well known for his love and promotion of the sport of baseball; and

Whereas Don and his wife Cora raised 11 children in Parrsboro and all are very involved in the sport and the Yorke family has donated over $95,000 to over 40 organizations such as the Don Yorke Memorial Bursary, South Cumberland Community Care Centre, Adult Daycare, Parrsboro Volunteer Fire Department, Parrsboro Minor Hockey, Parrsboro and Area Drug Awareness, Spook-a-Rama, figure skating clubs, Canadian Cancer Society and so much more.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the Yorke Family on being named the 2008 Volunteer of the Year and thank them for their continuing volunteer efforts for the community and the province of Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2090

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 Beverly Clarke from Parrsboro is the essence of volunteering in her community earning her the title of 2008 Volunteer of the Year for the Town of Parrsboro; and

Whereas Beverly has lived in Parrsboro for the past 36 years and has been a loyal and dedicated volunteer at St. George's Church as a Warden, ACW II and Alter Guild dedicating her time to organizing and cooking for lunches, yard sales, suppers and various teas; and

[Page 2215]

Whereas the Ship's Company Theatre has also had the pleasure of having Bev volunteer for the front house and cook for various functions making her a stead fast volunteer who is always ready to donate her time to the Parrsboro Shore Historical Society.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Beverly Clarke on receiving this outstanding award and thank her for her dedication to her community and the province of Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2091

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 Brett Mattinson of Oxford competed as a runner in the Atlantic Indoor Track and Field Competition in the CEPS building at the Université de Moncton on March 29th, 2008, where the Atlantic Championships were held; and

Whereas in 2007, Brett competed in the two longest races of the meet, the 1500 metre run and the 3000 metre run, this year his specialty run is the 800 metre which is not run in lanes, and perhaps one of the most difficult of all track races since you must have speed, strength, and stamina but must also contend with jostling for position, flying feet and sometimes elbows; and

Whereas Brett completed this race with a respectable time of 2 minutes and 16.8 seconds in a race where he finished third in his age class, fifth over all.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Brett Mattinson on this outstanding achievement and wish him continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2092

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 Carol Corbett of Cumberland County was nominated by her peers to receive the Super Host Award presented by Central Nova Tourism Association for the year 2007; and

[Page 2216]

Whereas Carol Corbett always goes beyond her duty to provide a memorable experience for every visitor that she encounters, both at work and on her own personal time, giving fully to her job and respecting every visitor, if they are staying for a short visit or a number of days; and

Whereas one 80-year-old gentleman, a participant of a visiting Elder Group, had a heart condition and could not participate in the programming at the Fundy Geological Museum, and not wanting him to feel left out, Carol took him on a personal tour of the area.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Carol Corbett on this prestigious and most deserved and wish her all the best in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2093

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 Lyle York was recognized by the Central Nova Scotia Tourist Association as an individual who has contributed significantly to tourism development in this area, an individual whose leadership and commitment of time and energy merits special recognition from his or her peers in the tourism industry; and

Whereas Lyle York has served as a director on the board for CNTA for the last 10 years as the Town of Parrsboro Council representative, and has always demonstrated his commitment to the tourism industry in our region; and

Whereas Lyle York is the owner-operator of the House of Yorke in Parrsboro and is also town councillor serving on several committees such as Economic Development with the Sustainable Tourism Committee, Northern Regional Solid Waste Management, Cumberland Joint Services Authority, Public Works, Glooscap Park, Parrsboro Lions Club, Better Business Bureau, CNTA's Board of Directors and his own business, House of Yorke;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Lyle York on this outstanding award and wish him continued success in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2094

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 2217]

Whereas Bud Johnston, who passed away on August 15, 2007, was born in River Hebert and was very active in his younger years, where he played hockey and organized team league events and spent his entire working years at Enamel Heating, where he built airplane parts; and

Whereas Bud was also a member of the River Hebert United Baptist Church, a lifelong member of the River Hebert Fire Department, where he held the position of fire chief for 25 years, and later started building small-scale models over a span of 30 years, as he wanted to preserve the history of the area by building these models for all who come to visit the museum to enjoy; and

Whereas the first model that Bud built was of the Amos King Seaman homestead that was located in Minudie, and from thereon he built 41 additional models, with the last being unveiled in 2007 at the museum opening, which was the MT&T telephone office located in River Hebert;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly pay great respect to a man who depicted history of the days gone by, and of a wonderful family man who was dearly loved by his entire family and community, especially his grandchildren, who were taught by Bud to have sincere respect for the community as a whole, and we will always remember Bud Johnston for his commitment to community, his fellow man and Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2095

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 United Baptist Church in Springhill is celebrating its 150th Anniversary in 2008; and

Whereas this church has served this community faithfully while seeing it through many challenging times, such as fires, mining disasters and wars; and

Whereas the United Baptist Church continues to provide strong faith and leadership in this community while reaching out to its residents offering a sanctuary of fellowship;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the United Baptist Church in Springhill on its 150th Anniversary and wish it many more years of service to the community.

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RESOLUTION NO. 2096

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 students of Wentworth Elementary School helped make a mural for the wall of the newly-renovated fire hall; and

Whereas the fire department is always trying to stay involved with the school and the students, keeping them informed on fire safety; and

Whereas the mural, which will be displayed with pride on the fire department wall, shows hand prints of all the children involved, and is entitled Hands of the Future;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the students of the Wentworth Elementary School for their hard work on this mural and wish them all the best in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2097

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 Springhill Lady Golden Eagles basketball team showed a lot of heart and teamwork in making their mark in the province once again; and

Whereas the Eagles claimed the NSSAF Northumberland Regional Division 3 Championship in Middle Musquodoboit, their 10th regional crown in 11 years and sixth consecutive; and

Whereas the girls team's next move is on to the NSSAF D3 championships at Cape Breton Highlands School;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the Springhill Lady Golden Eagles on this outstanding achievement and wish them continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2098

[Page 2219]

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 Springhill High School Golden Eagles defeated the Bridgewater High Vikings to capture the bronze medal at the NSSAF Division III girls championship; and

Whereas Kathryn MacDonald struck for 16 points, Shauna Ryan to help lead the Eagles against Bridgewater, Brittany Barton Hooped 11, with Lacey Rushton collecting 4 and Tiffany Hunter and Emily Moore both adding baskets; and

Whereas this game was especially emotional since this year marks the end for the senior players - Courtney Sauveur, Tiffany Hunter and Lacey Rushton - who have been with the program for three years and Kathryn Macdonald has been there for four years;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the Springhill High School Golden Eagles on capturing the bronze medal at the NSSAF Division II and wish them continued success in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2099

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 Richard Spicer has always enjoyed visiting Minudie to take photos of the marshlands and historic buildings in the community and these visits, especially one to the Amos "King" Seaman cemetery, inspired him to collect his photos in a small book, Historic Minudie: A Pictorial Review; and

Whereas Richard Spicer who owns and operates Spicer Graphic Design has discovered that along with the area's rich Acadian heritage, there were also a number of African-Nova Scotians who settled in the area long before Canada became a nation; and

Whereas Richard Spicer hopes to eventually complete a similar project in the Apple River, Advocate, New Salem and Spencer's Island areas;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Richard Spicer on his book and wish him continued success in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2100

[Page 2220]

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 Parrsboro Band Hall Association's Save the Hall campaign has made the list of the Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia's notable projects of 2007; and

Whereas restoration and adaptive reuse of heritage properties made a significant contribution to the preservation of Nova Scotia's built heritage in 2007; and

Whereas the Parrsboro Band Hall was included with a list of other significant projects around the province in January, 2008;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the Parrsboro Band Hall Association's Save the Hall campaign on making the list of the Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia's notable projects of 2007 and wish them much success in their campaign.

RESOLUTION NO. 2101

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 Oxford Mini Girls B team, the Oxford Certs, placed first in the Cumberland-Westmorland Mini Girls Basketball Championships in Amherst. The MVPs for the tournament were Kennedy Petten, Morgan Bishop and Hailie Harrison; and

Whereas other notable awards were Most Sportsman -like awards and went to Mikhayla Sweet and Katie Osmond; and

Whereas members of the championship team are Mikhayla Sweet, Rachel Wood, Meaghan Weatherbee, Katie Osmond, Catherine Hickman, Maureen Hickman, Morgan Bishop, Hailie Harrison, Kennedy Petten, Sam Simpson and Rena Dobson;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the Oxford Mini Girls B team on this outstanding achievement and wish them continued success in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2102

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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 on Saturday, April 5th, the members of the Oxford Fire Department and the Town of Oxford gathered to pay recognition to the Oxford Fire Department's Ladies Auxiliary for their many years of dedicated service to the department, to the community and to the residents of Cumberland County; and

Whereas the firefighters put on a beautiful evening of food, entertainment and providing gifts for recognition of service to show their thanks for the decades of service from the Ladies Auxiliary whether it be for fundraising for equipment, meals made for firefighters while out responding to community needs, or for the fellowship that they bring as a group to the department; and

Whereas the Ladies Auxiliary, that has provided many years of service to this area, and continues to do so each and every day while many of whom are spouses of firefighters who are presently serving the community;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate and especially thank the Oxford Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary for their untiring efforts in supporting the fire department and providing much needed community service to eh people of Oxford and area and wish them all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2103

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 Oxford Junior Girls Golden Bears captured a tournament title in Prince Edward Island in January, 2008, at the Nernewood Invitational Basketball Tournament with five teams competing; and

Whereas the Oxford team came through undefeated, recording victories over Springhill, E.B. Chandler, Hernewood and Birchwood with the closest margin of victory being 13 points; and

Whereas game star awards were presented to Lindsay Blake, Heidi Dormiedy, Cassie Newall and Paige Black; Maddison Swan received a Tournament All Star award and Emily Davis was named Tournament MVP;

[Page 2222]

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the Oxford Junior Girls Golden Bears on capturing the tournament title and wish them continued success in all future games.

RESOLUTION NO. 2104

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 Brian Margeson, a student from Oxford Regional High School, was honoured during the school's first monthly assembly on February 6, 2008, for achieving a basketball milestone; and

Whereas Brian had the privilege of making the basket which earned him his 2000 career point; and

Whereas Brian was presented a framed photo of himself and his team and a certificate in appreciation of his hard work and dedication to his basketball team and to his school;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Brian Margeson on receiving his 2000 career point and wish him continued success in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2105

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 David Harrison, a resident of Springhill, Cumberland County, was selected as Nova Scotia's Hunter Education Instructor of the Year for 2008 by the Department of Natural Resources; and

Whereas this award recognizes outstanding achievements and efforts in promoting hunter education, which is evident by David's excellent work as an instructor during the past 30 years; and

Whereas David was thanked by the Department of Natural Resources for his dedication to teaching the courses, his efforts to improve the quality of the instruction for the students and the professionalism he demonstrates in the classroom;

[Page 2223]

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate David Harrison on receiving this prestigious award and thank him for his contributions that have helped to enhance the hunter education program and in making a safer hunting public in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2106

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 when Seth Crowe joined the Cool Blues as a freshman in 2006, fans and teammates alike saw great potential in the young 17-year-old Springhiller; and

Whereas now in his sophomore season with the Blues, this young man has met all expectations, growing to become a major contributor to one of the best teams in Nova Scotia Jr. B. hockey; and

Whereas his coach Ronnie Reynolds said "As the playoffs approach, he'll step up and he'll be one of the leaders on the team and in another year or so he'll be one of the top players in the league";

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Seth Crowe on his determination and hard work that had him recognized for his achievements on the Cool Blues Hockey Team and wish him all the best in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2107

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 Dr. Paul and Carol Begin of Oxford, Cumberland County, will visit Africa this Spring but not as tourists; and

Whereas the local couple will spend the month of May volunteering at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary and Bushman Medical Clinic, trying to help make a difference in the lives of those in desperate need; and

Whereas the Begins will report for work on May 1, 2008, at a medical clinic in the country's capital city of Windhoek where they will spend two weeks of working full days with Dr. Begin handling frontline primary care such as dealing with HIV patients, prenatal

[Page 2224]

care and treatment of diseases such as tuberculosis, while Mrs. Begin will also work at the hospital as an assistant; then they will move to a rural outpost about 20 minutes from Windhoek where they will split their time between working with a nurse at a medical clinic providing care to the Bushman people and volunteering at a nearby wildlife sanctuary rehabilitating sick or injured animals;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Dr. and Carol Begin on this outstanding act of volunteering and wish them all the best in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2108

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas April 27th to May 3rd is Provincial Volunteer Week in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Frank Wells of Western Shore will be honoured at a reception hosted by the Municipality of the District of Chester for his volunteer work; and

Whereas volunteers are a valuable part of our communities;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate and thank Mr. Wells for all his hard work and dedication to his community and wish him much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2109

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas April 27th to May 3rd is Provincial Volunteer Week in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Dot Zwicker of Western Shore will be honoured at a reception hosted by the Municipality of the District of Chester for her volunteer work; and

[Page 2225]

Whereas volunteers are a valuable part of our communities;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate and thank Ms. Zwicker for all her hard work and dedication to her community and wish her much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2110

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas April 27th to May 3rd is Provincial Volunteer Week in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Terry Zwicker of Western Shore will be honoured at a reception hosted by the Municipality of the District of Chester for his volunteer work; and

Whereas volunteers are a valuable part of our communities;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate and thank Mr. Zwicker for all his hard work and dedication to his community and wish him much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2111

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas April 27th to May 3rd is Provincial Volunteer Week in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas John Atherton of Chester will be honoured at a reception hosted by the Municipality of the District of Chester for his volunteer work; and

Whereas volunteers are a valuable part of our communities;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate and thank Mr. Atherton for all his hard work and dedication to his community and wish him much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2112

[Page 2226]

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas April 27th to May 3rd is Provincial Volunteer Week in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Gail Dominey of Hubbards will be honoured at a reception hosted by the Municipality of the District of Chester for her volunteer work; and

Whereas volunteers are a valuable part of our communities;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate and thank Ms. Dominey for all her hard work and dedication to her community and wish her much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2113

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas April 27th to May 3rd is Provincial Volunteer Week in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Ethel Feener of New Ross will be honoured at a reception hosted by the Municipality of the District of Chester for her volunteer work; and

Whereas volunteers are a valuable part of our communities;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate and thank Ms. Feener for all her hard work and dedication to her community and wish her much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2114

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas April 27th to May 3rd is Provincial Volunteer Week in Nova Scotia; and

[Page 2227]

Whereas Muriel Hart of Windsor Road will be honoured at a reception hosted by the Municipality of the District of Chester for her volunteer work; and

Whereas volunteers are a valuable part of our communities;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate and thank Ms. Hart for all her hard work and dedication to her community and wish her much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2115

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas April 27th to May 3rd is Provincial Volunteer Week in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Linda Hiltz of New Ross will be honoured at a reception hosted by the Municipality of the District of Chester for her volunteer work; and

Whereas volunteers are a valuable part of our communities;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate and thank Ms. Hiltz for all her hard work and dedication to her community and wish her much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2116

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas April 27th to May 3rd is Provincial Volunteer Week in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Anita Hume of Chester will be honoured at a reception hosted by the Municipality of the District of Chester for her volunteer work; and

Whereas volunteers are a valuable part of our communities;

[Page 2228]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate and thank Ms. Hume for all her hard work and dedication to her community and wish her much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2117

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas April 27th to May 3rd is Provincial Volunteer Week in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Arthur Stevens of Chester Basin will be honoured at a reception hosted by the Municipality of the District of Chester for his volunteer work; and

Whereas volunteers are a valuable part of our communities;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate and thank Mr. Stevens for all his hard work and dedication to his community and wish him much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2118

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas April 27th to May 3rd is Provincial Volunteer Week in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Donald Walker of New Ross will be honoured at a reception hosted by the Municipality of the District of Chester for his volunteer work; and

Whereas volunteers are a valuable part of our communities;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate and thank Mr. Walker for all his hard work and dedication to his community and wish him much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2119

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

[Page 2229]

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

Whereas firefighters are the lifeblood of rural Nova Scotia communities and are ready to answer the call at any time of the day or night; and

Whereas David Andrews has been a volunteer with the Hubbards and District Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years and has dedicated countless hours and effort in keeping Hubbards safe and his volunteer work has been greatly appreciated; and

Whereas a community without the devotion of volunteer firefighters would be a community living on the edge, not knowing whom they could call at a time of peril or distress;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank David Andrews for 25 years of voluntary service to the Hubbards and District Volunteer Fire Department and also for his bravery and commitment to the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2120

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas firefighters are the lifeblood of rural Nova Scotia communities and are ready to answer the call at any time of the day or night; and

Whereas Hazen Emms has been a volunteer with Chester Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years and has dedicated countless hours and effort in keeping Chester safe and his volunteer work has been greatly appreciated; and

Whereas a community without the devotion of volunteer firefighters would be a community living on the edge, not knowing whom they could call at a time of peril or distress;

[Page 2230]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank Hazen Emms for 25 years of voluntary service to the Chester Volunteer Fire Department and also for his bravery and commitment to the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2121

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas firefighters are the lifeblood of rural Nova Scotia communities and are ready to answer the call at any time of the day or night; and

Whereas Hal MacLean has been a volunteer with the Hubbards and District Volunteer Fire Department for 30 years and has dedicated countless hours and effort in keeping Hubbards safe and his volunteer work has been greatly appreciated; and

Whereas a community without the devotion of volunteer firefighters would be a community living on the edge, not knowing whom they could call at a time of peril or distress;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank Hal MacLean for 30 years of voluntary service to the Hubbards and District Volunteer Fire Department and also for his bravery and commitment to the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2122

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas firefighters are the lifeblood of rural Nova Scotia communities and are ready to answer the call at any time of the day or night; and

Whereas Kim MacLean has been a volunteer with the Hubbards and District Volunteer Fire Department for 30 years and has dedicated countless hours and effort in keeping Hubbards safe and her volunteer work has been greatly appreciated; and

Whereas a community without the devotion of volunteer firefighters would be a community living on the edge, not knowing whom they could call at a time of peril or distress;

[Page 2231]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank Kim MacLean for 30 years of voluntary service to the Hubbards and District Volunteer Fire Department and also for her bravery and commitment to the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2123

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas firefighters are the lifeblood of rural Nova Scotia communities and are ready to answer the call at any time of the day or night; and

Whereas Douglas Morash has been a volunteer with the Chester Volunteer Fire Department for 30 years and has dedicated countless hours and effort in keeping Chester safe and his volunteer work has been greatly appreciated; and

Whereas a community without the devotion of volunteer firefighters would be a community living on the edge, not knowing whom they could call at a time of peril or distress;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank Douglas Morash for 30 years of voluntary service to the Chester Volunteer Fire Department and also for his bravery and commitment to the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2124

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas firefighters are the lifeblood of rural Nova Scotia communities and are ready to answer the call at any time of the day or night; and

Whereas Grant Payne has been a volunteer with the Chester Volunteer Fire Department for 35 years and has dedicated countless hours and effort in keeping Chester safe and his volunteer work has been greatly appreciated; and

Whereas a community without the devotion of volunteer firefighters would be a community living on the edge, not knowing whom they could call at a time of peril or distress;

[Page 2232]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank Grant Payne for 35 years of voluntary service to the Chester Volunteer Fire Department and also for his bravery and commitment to the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2125

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas firefighters are the lifeblood of rural Nova Scotia communities and are ready to answer the call at any time of the day or night; and

Whereas Barry Schnare has been a volunteer with the Chester Volunteer Fire Department for 35 years and has dedicated countless hours and effort in keeping Chester safe and his volunteer work has been greatly appreciated; and

Whereas a community without the devotion of volunteer firefighters would be a community living on the edge, not knowing whom they could call at a time of peril or distress;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank Barry Schnare for 35 years of voluntary service to the Chester Volunteer Fire Department and also for his bravery and commitment to the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2126

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas firefighters are the lifeblood of rural Nova Scotia communities and are ready to answer the call at any time of the day or night; and

Whereas Phillip Stevens has been a volunteer with the Chester Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years and has dedicated countless hours and effort in keeping Chester safe and his volunteer work has been greatly appreciated; and

Whereas a community without the devotion of volunteer firefighters would be a community living on the edge, not knowing whom they could call at a time of peril or distress;

[Page 2233]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank Phillip Stevens for 25 years of voluntary service to the Chester Volunteer Fire Department and also for his bravery and commitment to the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2127

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas firefighters are the lifeblood of rural Nova Scotia communities and are ready to answer the call at any time of the day or night; and

Whereas Hans Stokkeskog has been a volunteer with the Hubbards and District Volunteer Fire Department for 30 years and has dedicated countless hours and effort in keeping Hubbards safe and his volunteer work has been greatly appreciated; and

Whereas a community without the devotion of volunteer firefighters would be a community living on the edge, not knowing whom they could call at a time of peril or distress;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank Hans Stokkeskog for 30 years of voluntary service to the Hubbards and District Volunteer Fire Department and also for his bravery and commitment to the community.

[Page 2234]

RESOLUTION NO. 2128

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas last September, Pastor Bev Bone of the Fellowship Community Church in Mill Cove advised her church members that funds were needed to purchase Bibles for distribution in India; and

Whereas the cost to actually print a Bible in India was only 70 cents and a challenge was issued to the congregation to put their pocket change into a jar at each Sunday morning service; and

Whereas through the generosity of the congregation, 750 Bibles found their way into homes in India;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this house thank Pastor Bev Bone and the congregation of the Fellowship Community Church for their generosity ad wish them much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2129

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas Christina Murray of Glen Margaret, conductor of the newly formed Bay Chorale, is one of three choral conductors from across Canada selected to participate in a conducting Master Class during Podium 2008 being held in Sackville, N.B.; and

Whereas Podium is a national conference of the Association of Canadian Choral Conductors held in different regions of Canada every second year; and

Whereas the Master Class in which Christina will participate is under the direction of Ms. Diane Loomer of British Columbia who is internationally recognized as one of the Canada's leading musicians;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Christina Murray and wish her much success in the future.

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RESOLUTION NO. 2130

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas the individuals involved in the United Way of Lunenburg County live and work within our communities and want to make a difference; and

Whereas the main objective of the United Way of Lunenburg County is to mobilize donors and volunteers to improve the quality of life within the community; and

Whereas since 2003, the United Way has invested over $200,000 in 40 different community groups across Lunenburg County, many of which have benefitted the citizens of the Municipality of Chester;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate and thank the United Way of Lunenburg County for all of their efforts and wish them much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2131

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas the Town of Berwick will hold their Volunteer Awards night April 30,2008; and

Whereas each year the town recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community; and

Whereas in recognition of her contributions to the Berwick Curling Club, Michelle Larsen is one of the 2008 Berwick Volunteer Awards recipients;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Michelle Larsen and wish her continued success in future endeavours.

[Page 2236]

RESOLUTION NO. 2132

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas the Town of Berwick will hold their Volunteer Awards night April 30,2008; and

Whereas each year the town recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community; and

Whereas in recognition of her contributions to the Central Kings Crusaders, Faye Chase is one of the 2008 Berwick Volunteer Awards recipients;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Faye Chase and wish her continued success in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2133

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas the Town of Berwick will hold their Volunteer Awards night April 30,2008; and

Whereas each year the town recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community; and

Whereas in recognition of his contributions to the Berwick Gala Days, Jim Jotcham is one of the 2008 Berwick Volunteer Awards recipients;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Jim Jotcham and wish him continued success in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2134

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

[Page 2237]

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

Whereas the Town of Berwick will hold their Volunteer Awards night April 30,2008; and

Whereas each year the town recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community; and

Whereas in recognition of her contributions to Branch #69 Berwick Legion, Norma Rolfe is one of the 2008 Berwick Volunteer Awards recipients;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Norma Rolfe and wish her continued success in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2135

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas the Town of Berwick will hold their Volunteer Awards night April 30,2008; and

Whereas each year the town recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community; and

Whereas in recognition of her contributions to the Grand View Manor, Heather McMahon is one of the 2008 Berwick Volunteer Awards recipients;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Heather McMahon and wish her continued success in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2136

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas the Town of Berwick will hold their Volunteer Awards night April 30,2008; and

[Page 2238]

Whereas each year the town recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community; and

Whereas in recognition of his contributions to the 2nd Berwick Scouts, Todd Dempsey is one of the 2008 Berwick Volunteer Awards recipients;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Todd Dempsey and wish him continued success in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2137

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas the Town of Berwick will hold their Volunteer Awards night April 30,2008; and

Whereas each year the town recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community; and

Whereas in recognition of her contributions to the Children's Wish Foundation, Judy Ward is one of the 2008 Berwick Volunteer Awards recipients;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Judy Ward and wish her continued success in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2138

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas the Town of Berwick will hold their Volunteer Awards night April 30,2008; and

Whereas each year the town recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community; and

Whereas in recognition of his contributions to the Berwick Food Bank Association, Philip Taylor is one of the 2008 Berwick Volunteer Awards recipients;

[Page 2239]

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Philip Taylor and wish him continued success in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2139

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas the Town of Berwick will hold their Volunteer Awards night April 30,2008; and

Whereas each year the town recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community; and

Whereas in recognition of his contributions to the Western Kings Board of Trade, Howard Hall is one of the 2008 Berwick Volunteer Awards recipients;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Howard Hall and wish him continued success in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2140

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas the Town of Berwick will hold their Volunteer Awards night April 30,2008; and

Whereas each year the town recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community; and

Whereas in recognition of her contributions to the St. Eudora Rebekah Lodge, Mary Catherine MacLennan is one of the 2008 Berwick Volunteer Awards recipients;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Mary Catherine MacLennan and wish her continued success in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2141

[Page 2240]

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas the Town of Berwick will hold their Volunteer Awards night April 30,2008; and

Whereas each year the town recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community; and

Whereas in recognition of her contributions to the Christ Church, Florence Carter is one of the 2008 Berwick Volunteer Awards recipients;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Florence Carter and wish her continued success in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2142

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas the Town of Berwick will hold their Volunteer Awards night April 30,2008; and

Whereas each year the town recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community; and

Whereas in recognition of her contributions to the South Berwick Women's Institute, Jocelyn Rhodenizer is one of the 2008 Berwick Volunteer Awards recipients;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Jocelyn Rhodenizer and wish her continued success in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2143

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

[Page 2241]

Whereas the Town of Berwick will hold their Volunteer Awards night April 30,2008; and

Whereas each year the town recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community; and

Whereas in recognition of his contributions to the Berwick Fire Department, Brian Taylor is one of the 2008 Berwick Volunteer Awards recipients;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Brian Taylor and wish him continued success in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2144

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas the Town of Berwick will hold their Volunteer Awards night April 30,2008; and

Whereas each year the town recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community; and

Whereas in recognition of her contributions to the Christ Church Auburn, Joan Harris is one of the 2008 Berwick Volunteer Awards recipients;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Joan Harris and wish her continued success in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2145

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas the Town of Berwick will hold their Volunteer Awards night April 30,2008; and

Whereas each year the town recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community; and

[Page 2242]

Whereas in recognition of her contributions to the Berwick & District Ringette, Susan Lamb is one of the 2008 Berwick Volunteer Awards recipients;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Susan Lamb and wish her continued success in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2146

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas the Town of Berwick will hold their Volunteer Awards night April 30,2008; and

Whereas each year the town recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community; and

Whereas in recognition of her contributions to the St. Anthony's Parish, Emerald Kelly is one of the 2008 Berwick Volunteer Awards recipients;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Emerald Kelly and wish her continued success in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2147

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas the Town of Berwick will hold their Volunteer Awards night April 30,2008; and

Whereas each year the town recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community; and

Whereas in recognition of his contributions to the 2nd Berwich Scouts, Randy Smith is one of the 2008 Berwick Volunteer Awards recipients;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Randy Smith and wish him continued success in future endeavours.

[Page 2243]

RESOLUTION NO. 2148

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas the Town of Berwick will hold their Volunteer Awards night April 30,2008; and

Whereas each year the town recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community; and

Whereas in recognition of his contributions to the Christ Church, Peter Bull is one of the 2008 Berwick Volunteer Awards recipients;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Peter Bull and wish him continued success in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2149

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas the Town of Berwick will hold their Volunteer Awards night April 30,2008; and

Whereas each year the town recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community; and

Whereas in recognition of his contributions to the Teen Fit, Greg Palmer is one of the 2008 Berwick Volunteer Awards recipients;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Greg Palmer and wish him continued success in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2150

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

[Page 2244]

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

Whereas the Town of Berwick will hold their Volunteer Awards night April 30,2008; and

Whereas each year the town recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community; and

Whereas in recognition of her contributions to the Teen Fit, Eden Tersakian is one of the 2008 Berwick Volunteer Awards recipients;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Eden Tersakian and wish her continued success in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2151

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas the Town of Berwick will hold their Volunteer Awards night April 30,2008; and

Whereas each year the town recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community; and

Whereas in recognition of her contributions to the Teen Fit, Estelle Tersakian is one of the 2008 Berwick Volunteer Awards recipients;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Estelle Tersakian and wish her continued success in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2152

By: Hon. Richard Hurlburt (Energy)

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

Whereas the Yarmouth YMCA was established in October, 1858, and has consistently been providing service to the community since that time; and

[Page 2245]

Whereas the Yarmouth YMCA was one of the first YMCAs in North America; and

Whereas the Yarmouth YMCA is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2008;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate all current board members, especially chairperson James Rose, CEO Barrie MacGreggor, staff and volunteers and wish them well as they pursue a new development plan to ensure the YMCA continues serving the residents of Yarmouth and area for many years in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2153

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 West Hants Pee-Wee B Warriors Hockey Team hosted the Nova Scotia Provincial Championship Tournament for their age and category bracket at the Newport and District Rink in Brooklyn the weekend of March 28-30, which involved teams from Baddeck, Pictou, Bedford and Berwick; and

Whereas despite an incredible effort and plenty of hustle, the Warriors finished the tournament at 1-3, defeating Pictou 6-5 but losing 4-1 to Berwick, 6-2 to Bedford and 6-1 to eventual champions, the Baddeck Bobcats; and

Whereas the Warriors were led by Head Coach Tim Page, Assistant Coach Scott Lloy and Manager Kelvin Wallace, three individuals who played a critical role in organizing the championship tournament;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House commend the West Hants Pee-Wee B Warriors for an outstanding hockey season in 2007-08 and applaud the efforts of the coaching staff for their dedication and commitment to minor hockey and for an organizing effort that was second to none in hosting the 2007-08 Nova Scotia Pee-Wee B Championship Tournament.

RESOLUTION NO. 2154

By: Mr. Sterling Belliveau (Shelburne)

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

[Page 2246]

Whereas Chandler Smith of the Barrington Novice Lightning Hockey Team competed and won the skills competition in the 12th Annual Greenwood March Break Tournament on March 10 and 11, 2008; and

Whereas the skills competition consisted of four skills performed by five of the team players where everyone on the team won a free sandwich from McDonald's; and

Whereas the coaches and trainer, Alex Stewart, Trevor Smith, Cleon Smith and John Fehr are very proud of the team for their great sportsmanship and hard work, also for their win over West Hants in game 2 of the Greenwood Tournament;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Chandler Smith of the Barrington Novice Lightning Hockey Team who competed and won the skills competition in the 12th Annual Greenwood March Break Tournament on March 10 and 11, 2008.

RESOLUTION NO. 2155

By: Mr. Sterling Belliveau (Shelburne)

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

Whereas Chett Buchanan of the newly formed Winsome Blues Band volunteered his musical talents and his acoustic skills to perform along with four other songstresses at the Barrington Municipal High School for the Food for Shelburne County Fundraiser on February 23, 2008; and

Whereas $2,000 was raised and distributed towards all three Shelburne County food banks; and

Whereas each month 40,000 individuals were assisted by food banks in Nova Scotia and one-third represents hungry children and 9.4 per cent represent the working poor in our province;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly thank Chett Buchanan for volunteering this musical talents and acoustic skills to perform at the Barrington Municipal High School for the Food for Shelburne County Fundraiser on February 223, 2008, to help hungry families in Shelburne County.

RESOLUTION NO. 2156

By: Mr. Sterling Belliveau (Shelburne)

[Page 2247]

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

Whereas Chett Buchanan of Shelburne County, Nova Scotia, offered generous support and musical talent on Saturday, March 1st at the Osprey Arts Centre; and

Whereas the occasion was the fourth celebration of International Women's Week, March 2 - March 9; and

Whereas all proceeds of this musical production will be donated to Juniper House, a shelter in Yarmouth for abused women and their children;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly recognize Chett Buchanan for his generous support and musical talent on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at the Osprey Arts Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 2157

By: Mr. Sterling Belliveau (Shelburne)

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

Whereas Chris Atkinson of the Island Barrington Fire Department was awarded with a Scroll of Recognition from the Municipality of Barrington at the Shelburne County Mutual Aid Supper for his 20 years of long service to the fire department on March 8, 2008; and

Whereas volunteer firefighters give freely of their time to train for and respond to emergencies and have chosen to make a long term commitment to their local fire department; and

Whereas it is important to recognize the commitment and dedication all firefighters make to ensure the safety and well being of their communities;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Chris Atkinson of the Island Barrington Volunteer Fire Department who was awarded a Scroll of Recognition from the Municipality of Barrington at the Shelburne County Mutual aid Supper for his 20 years of long service to the fire department on March 8, 2008.

RESOLUTION NO. 2158

By: Mr. Sterling Belliveau (Shelburne)

[Page 2248]

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

Whereas Shelburne County recently held their 6th Annual Birding and Nature Festival from March 28-30, 2008. There are only two places in Canada the Hawk, Cape Sable Island, and B.C. where you would see the unique spectacle of the Brant Flyaway; and

Whereas the three day, county-wide festival has grown in attendance and reputation over the years and the Brant Goose is a protected species and is enjoyable during daylight hours; and

Whereas the Brant Goose, a protected species that travels to the island as it migrates up north to their breeding grounds and although the Brant Goose is the featured bird, there will be many different species spotted at this time of year and there has been over 139 species of birds identified in the county including the snowy owl, Dove Key, Tree Swallow and the purple sandpiper;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate the Shelburne County 6th Annual Birding and Nature Festival which was held on March 28-30, 2008, at the Hawk, Cape Sable Island.

RESOLUTION NO. 2159

By: Mr. Sterling Belliveau (Shelburne)

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

Whereas Claire Haliburton of the Shelburne Curling Club Little Rocks Program won the Double Take Out Prize at the Shelburne Curling Club Little Rocks party on March 6, 2008; and

Whereas the Shelburne Curling Club Little Rocks displayed good sportsmanship through their curling competitions; and

Whereas curling requires skill and precision;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Claire Haliburton of the Curling Club Little Rocks Program for winning the Double Take Out Prize at the Shelburne Curling Club Little Rocks party on March 6, 2008.

RESOLUTION NO. 2160

[Page 2249]

By: Mr. Sterling Belliveau (Shelburne)

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

Whereas Colin Walks and Alan Locke, Grade 9 students at Shelburne Regional High School, won a bronze medal in the Intermediate 9-10 Division with their LeChauffage Global project at the Tri-County Regional Science and Technology Expo 2008; and

Whereas 106 registered participants from Grades 7-12 throughout the tri-county region participated; and

Whereas the winners from the Regional Competition will be competing in the National Canada Wide Science Fair t be held May 10-18, 2008;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Colin Walsh and Alan Locke on winning third place in the Grade 9 division with their LeChauffage Global project in the Tri-County Regional Science and Technology Expo 2008 held at the NSCC Burridge Campus on March 26, 2008.

RESOLUTION NO. 2161

By: Mr. Sterling Belliveau (Shelburne)

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

Whereas Colleen Scott of Shelburne County participated in the four week Physical Activity Challenge and won a red fleece toque; and

Whereas the program is sponsored by the Municipality of the District of Shelburne's Recreation and Parks Department and the Town of Shelburne Parks and Recreation Department; and

Whereas the promotion is part of the Take the Roof Off Winter being held throughout Nova Scotia and sponsored by Recreation Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Colleen Scott for winning a red fleece toque by participating in the four week Physical Activity Challenge.

RESOLUTION NO. 2162

By: Mr. Sterling Belliveau (Shelburne)

[Page 2250]

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

Whereas Claussen Walters & Associates Limited offered services for printing posters and programs on Saturday, March 1st, at the Osprey Arts Centre; and

Whereas the occasion was the fourth celebration of International Women's Week, March 2nd to March 9th; and

Whereas all proceeds of this musical production will be donated to Juniper House, a shelter in Yarmouth for abused women and their children;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly recognize Claussen Walters & Associates Limited for their services printing posters and programs on Saturday, March 1, 2008, at the Osprey Arts Center in support of International Women's Week.