Published by Order of the Legislature by Hansard Reporting Services and printed by the Queen's Printer.
Available on INTERNET at http://nslegislature.ca/legislative-business/hansard-debates/
| TABLE OF CONTENTS | PAGE | ||||
| GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION: | |||||
| Res. 2588, N. Sydney Rotary Club - Northside: Contribution - | |||||
| Recognize, Hon. J. Streatch | 2964 | ||||
| Vote - Affirmative | 2964 | ||||
| INTRODUCTION OF BILLS: | |||||
| No. 163, Personal Directives Act, Hon. C. Clarke | 2964 | ||||
| No. 164, Public Service Act, Ms. Maureen MacDonald | 2964 | ||||
| No. 165, Municipal Government Act, Mr. K. Colwell | 2964 | ||||
| No. 166, Victims' Rights and Services Act, Ms. D. Whalen | 2965 | ||||
| NOTICES OF MOTION: | |||||
| Res. 2589, Westray Mine Disaster: Victims-Memory Honour, | |||||
| Mr. C. Parker | 2965 | ||||
| Vote - Affirmative | 2965 | ||||
| Res. 2590, Westray Mine Disaster: Tragedy - Remember, | |||||
| Mr. S. McNeil (by Mr. Manning MacDonald) | 2966 | ||||
| Vote - Affirmative | 2966 | ||||
| Res. 2591, Grandy, Kelly Erin: Princess Windsor 2008 Congrats., | |||||
| Mr. C. Porter | 2966 | ||||
| Vote - Affirmative | 2967 | ||||
| Res. 2592, N. Queens RHS: Fundraising Endeavours (04/18/08) - | |||||
| Commend, Ms. V. Conrad | 2967 | ||||
| Vote - Affirmative | 2968 | ||||
| Res. 2593, "In Pink" - Play Participants: Efforts - Recognize, | |||||
| Mr. L. Glavine | 2968 | ||||
| Vote - Affirmative | 2969 | ||||
| Res. 2594, MacNeil, Jim - Sports: Dedication - Applaud, | |||||
| Mr. P. Dunn | 2969 | ||||
| Vote - Affirmative | 2970 | ||||
| Res. 2595, Orr, Bobby: Winning Goal (May 10, 1970) - Recognize, | |||||
| Mr. W. Estabrooks | 2970 | ||||
| Vote - Affirmative | 2971 | ||||
| Res. 2596, Forsdike, Frank - War Medals (Posthumous): Descendants - | |||||
| Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine | 2971 | ||||
| Vote - Affirmative | 2972 | ||||
| Res. 2597, Baddeck Communities In Bloom: Organizers - Best Wishes, | |||||
| Mr. K. Bain | 2972 | ||||
| Vote - Affirmative | 2973 | ||||
| Res. 2598, Osprey Arts Ctr.: Progs. - Commend, | |||||
| Mr. S. Belliveau | 2973 | ||||
| Vote - Affirmative | 2973 | ||||
| Res. 2599, C.B. YMCA: Fundraising Efforts - Congrats., | |||||
| Mr. Manning MacDonald | 2973 | ||||
| Vote - Affirmative | 2974 | ||||
| Res. 2600, Reid, Rick/MacNeil, Dr. Jim: Golf Accomplishments - | |||||
| Congrats., Hon. L. Goucher | 2974 | ||||
| Vote - Affirmative | 2975 | ||||
| Res. 2601, Health: Avastin Funding - Implement, | |||||
| Mr. David Wilson (Sackville-Cobequid) | 2975 | ||||
| GOVERNMENT BUSINESS: | |||||
| GOVERNMENT MOTIONS: | |||||
| ON MOTION FOR SUPPLY: | |||||
| Mr. G. Steele | 2976 | ||||
| HOUSE RESOLVED INTO CWH ON SUPPLY AT 8:41 A.M. | 2980 | ||||
| HOUSE RECONVENED AT 12:43 P.M. | 2980 | ||||
| ADJOURNMENT, House rose to meet again on Mon., May12th at 3:00 p.m. | 2981 | ||||
| NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3): | |||||
| Res. 2602, MacKenna, Sharon - Vol. of Wk., | |||||
| Hon. K. Casey | 2982 | ||||
| Res. 2603, Hfx. West HS - Head For A Cure: Participants - | |||||
| Congrats., Ms. D. Whalen | 2982 | ||||
| Res. 2604, Park View Educ. Ctr. - NSSAF Track & Field | |||||
| Championship, Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson | 2983 | ||||
| Res. 2605, Hudson, Wendy: Hantsport Sch. Serv. (15 yrs.) - | |||||
| Congrats., Mr. C. Porter | 2983 | ||||
| Res. 2606, Pelton, Angela: Princess Hantsport - Congrats., | |||||
| Mr. C. Porter | 2984 | ||||
| Res. 2607, Strides for Change: MacAskill, Susan/McWaid, Angie - | |||||
| Work Applaud, Mr. C. Porter | 2984 | ||||
HALIFAX, FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2008
Sixtieth General Assembly
Second Session
8:00 A.M.
SPEAKER
Hon. Alfie MacLeod
DEPUTY SPEAKER
Mr. Wayne Gaudet
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. We will commence the daily routine.
PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS
PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS
STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Community Services.
HON. JUDY STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, I am in the wrong place. Thank you very much, I'll sit down. (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please.
GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Community Services.
HON. JUDY STREATCH: Now, that I'm paying attention, Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Rotary Club of North Sydney, representing the Northside area communities of North Sydney, Sydney Mines, Florence and Bras d'Or, recently celebrated its 70th Anniversary; and
Whereas the North Sydney Rotary Club's many charitable efforts include direct assistance to help disabled children; and
Whereas each year, with the support of the community, Rotarians raise thousands of dollars to assist families who require specialized appliances like wheelchairs, lifts, hearing devices for their children, as well as computers for visually impaired and learning disabled students;
Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly recognize the contribution of the Rotary Club of North Sydney for their ongoing support of families and children on the Northside.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
Bill No. 163 - Entitled an Act Respecting Personal Directives. (Hon. Cecil Clarke)
Bill No. 164 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 376 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Public Service Act, respecting the Workers' Compensation Board. (Ms. Maureen MacDonald)
Bill No. 165 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 18 of the Acts of 1998. The Municipal Government Act. (Mr. Keith Colwell)
Bill No. 166 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 14 of the Acts of 1989. The Victims' Rights and Services Act. (Ms. Diana Whalen)
MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that these bills be read a second time on a future day.
NOTICES OF MOTION
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Pictou West.
RESOLUTION NO. 2589
MR. CHARLES PARKER: Mr. Speaker, I'm going to ask for a moment of silence after I read this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas today, May 9th, is the 16th Anniversary of the tragic Westray disaster in Plymouth, Pictou County; and
Whereas Pictonians and Nova Scotians remember the 26 miners who lost their lives on May 9, 1992; and
Whereas we must never forget the lessons taught to us by the events of that day;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this Nova Scotia Legislature honour the memory of those who lost their lives and extend our heartfelt remembrances to their families.
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.
[A moment of silence was observed.]
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cape Breton South.
RESOLUTION NO. 2590
MR. MANNING MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the honourable Leader of the Liberal Party, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas today marks a somber day in Nova Scotia history as we remember the 26 miners killed in the Westray mining disaster in Plymouth; and
Whereas each year on May 9th ,we reflect on this event and hope that such a tragedy will never happen again; and
Whereas as we remember this tragedy, we also bring into focus the importance of the safety of Nova Scotians in the workplace, regardless of their occupation;
Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly remember the tragedy of the Westray mining disaster and may we all renew our commitment to bringing safety to workplaces throughout this province.
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. 2591
MR. CHUCK PORTER: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the theme of this year's 76th Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival is Our Future Blossoms, and will begin later this month on May 28th and go through until Sunday, June 2nd; and
Whereas Kelly Erin Grandy, the 22-year-old daughter of Elwood and Linda Grandy of Falmouth, is Princess Windsor 2008, and will represent the town proudly at the Queen Annapolisa Coronation Ceremonies at University Hall on May 30th and in all festival events; and
Whereas Kelly is presently working toward a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics at St. F.X. University with future plans aimed at achieving a Doctor in Medicine;
Therefore be it resolved that all MLAs in this House of Assembly congratulate Kelly on being named Princess Windsor 2008, while wishing her continued success during the festival and with her future goals in life as well.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Halifax Needham on an introduction.
MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Thank you. Mr. Speaker, in the gallery behind me this morning are a number of members of the Nova Scotia Government & General Employees Union, Local 55, from the Workers' Compensation Board. I'd like to introduce them and have them stand. Lloyd Samson, the treasurer; Brian Dimmer, first vice-president; Tim Verney, second vice-president; Sally Thomas, chief shop steward; Dan Praught, the board member; Terry Anthony, shop steward; Tony Bremner, president; I'm not sure if Steve McLeod, who is also a shop steward, is here; and of course Joan Jessome and Ian Johnson. I would ask them all to stand and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)
[8:15 a.m.]
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Queens.
RESOLUTION NO. 2592
MS. VICKI CONRAD: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas awareness of the problems of countries all over the world is so important in the overall development of students in the schools of Queens County; and
Whereas students from North Queens Rural High School took it upon themselves to further extend their awareness of other parts of the world and problems they face every day; and
Whereas a number of students at this school took part in a 30-hour famine to raise money toward World Relief with the funds to be distributed for famine relief;
Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly commend the students of North Queens Rural High School for their fundraising endeavours on April 18, 2008 to help alleviate famine in the world.
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. 2593
MR. LEO GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas In Pink is a play about Travis Price and David Shepherd and the extraordinary thing they did to put a stop to bullying in their high school; and
Whereas the reason for this play is to stress the importance of having a voice and standing up for what is right; and
Whereas the play is part of this year's Eastern Front Theatre's Supernova Theatre Festival running May 8th to 11th;
Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize the efforts of all those involved with the play In Pink and thank them for telling a story that is truly inspiring.
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. 2594
MR. PATRICK DUNN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Jim MacNeil of New Glasgow's North End in Pictou County, is one of the keenest and most aggressive athletes of his time; and
Whereas Jim was a prolific softball, baseball and hockey player at the senior level in Nova Scotia; and
Whereas MacNeil's energy, dedication and desire to win transferred over to his teammates while he played for the Trenton Scotias senior softball team, North End Cardinals baseball team, and the New Glasgow Rangers senior hockey team;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House applaud Jim MacNeil's several decades of dedication to sports and demonstrating the wealth of talented athletes that we have 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 Timberlea-Prospect.
RESOLUTION NO. 2595
MR. WILLIAM ESTABROOKS: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas 38 years ago tomorrow, on May 10, 1970, legendary Boston Bruins defenceman Robert Gordon Orr scored (Interruptions)
Mr. Speaker, I need a little decorum from the opposite side of the House. Do you want me to begin again? (Laughter)
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect has the floor.
MR. ESTABROOKS: Whereas legendary Boston Bruins defenceman Robert Gordon Orr scored "the goal" capturing the Stanley Cup that unforgettable NHL season; and
Whereas Bobby Orr revolutionized the game of hockey during his far-too-short professional hockey career; and
Whereas loyal Bruins fans cling to that fading memory of the goal with hopes of future glory; (Interruption)
Mr. Speaker, could you get the member for Cape Breton Centre under control, please?
MR. SPEAKER: Not in this lifetime. (Laughter)
MR. ESTABROOKS: Do you want me to begin again, Mr. Speaker?
SOME HON. MEMBERS: No! No!
MR. SPEAKER: I believe you were clinging to something when you stopped.
MR. ESTABROOKS: Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly recognize Bobby Orr's Cup-winning goal on May 10, 1970, with wishes of good luck to Bruins fans in their team's quest for next season's Stanley Cup. (Laughter)
Mr. Speaker?
MR. SPEAKER: Go for it.
MR. ESTABROOKS: Dare I ask for waiver? And passage without debate? (Laughter)
AN HON. MEMBER: Sure, why not?
MR. ESTABROOKS: Thank you. 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. 2596
MR. LEO GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Frank Forsdike was declared missing in action at the Battle of Mount Sorel, while he served Canada during the First World War, as part of the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles; and
Whereas due to various circumstances, Frank's daughter, Florence Forsdike, knew very little about her biological father, in spite of efforts to discover information about this part of her family history; and
Whereas Florence and her son Bert Layton's efforts finally paid off when Bert discovered a distant relative in Ian Forsdike's genealogy project on-line, which led to the family learning many things about this part of their history;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate the descendants of Frank Forsdike as they receive his war medals posthumously presented to his daughter on May 10, 2008, at the Berwick Legion Ortona Branch 69.
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. 2597
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 Village of Baddeck has moved on to the national stage in this year's Communities in Bloom competition; and
Whereas Baddeck has been competing in the annual competition since 2003, and in four years achieved the highest level it could, with five blooms out of five; and
Whereas the non-profit organization is committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement. The Baddeck members are setting their sights on the national competition and are working hard on impressing judges in key areas such as tidiness, environmental awareness, community involvement, and natural and cultural and heritage conservation;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House send their best wishes and good luck to the members of the Baddeck Communities in Bloom organizers on another successful year as one of the most beautiful villages in Canada.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Shelburne.
RESOLUTION NO. 2598
MR. STERLING BELLIVEAU: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Osprey Arts Centre is embarking on a year-long program of bringing children's theatre to Shelburne County elementary school children; and
Whereas the Osprey Arts Centre will be engaging theatres that provide comprehensive study guides, which teachers can use to integrate the experience into the curriculum; and
Whereas the performances will include themes such as anti-bullying by the Green Thumb Theatre and an Aboriginal performance by Red Sky Dance Theatre with no charge to students from area schools or students who are home-schooled;
Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly commend the Osprey Arts Centre for helping to enrich the lives of Shelburne County elementary students through live theatre performances.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Cape Breton South.
MR. MANNING MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the YMCA of Cape Breton has been honoured for their most recent fundraising efforts; and
Whereas the North American YMCA Development Organization presented the Cape Breton chapter with first place for their Empower Building campaign; and
Whereas their campaign was considered the best in North America among YMCAs within their operating budget category;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate the YMCA of Cape Breton on their outstanding fundraising efforts and for being recognized throughout North America.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable Minister of Immigration.
HON. LEONARD GOUCHER: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the golf foursome of Rick Reid, Dr. Jim MacNeil, Tony Johnson and Steve Benedict, at the Fox Hollow Golf Club in Stewiacke on Sunday, April 20, 2008, cracked the 4.6 million- to-1 odds; and
Whereas Rick Reid of Elmsdale notched a hole-in-one on the par 3 third hole; and
Whereas Dr. Jim MacNeil, a Grand Lake resident, equalled the feat with an ace on the 12th hole;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend their congratulations to Rick Reed and Dr. Jim MacNeil on their history-making accomplishment on the Fox Hollow's par 71 layout.
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 Sackville-Cobequid.
MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Minister of Finance announced during the 2008 Budget Speech that the Province of Nova Scotia will now fund Avastin for colorectal patients; and
Whereas on May 6th, the Minister of Health told this House that Avastin is now on the provincial formulary; and
Whereas 100 colorectal cancer patients are waiting for financial support for this very costly, yet important, drug;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Legislature support the immediate implementation of funding for Avastin, effective the date of the Budget Speech.
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.
ORDERS OF THE DAY
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.
MR. CHUCK PORTER: Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Government Motions.
GOVERNMENT MOTIONS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.
MR. CHUCK PORTER: Mr. Speaker, I move that you do now leave the Chair and that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole House on Supply unto Her Majesty.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Fairview.
MR. GRAHAM STEELE: Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to take advantage of this unusual opportunity in the House to take 15 minutes to talk about my constituency, because it is the only time in the legislative session when I can talk on the record about certain things that are important to the people who sent me here.
Mr. Speaker, one of the more pressing issues in my constituency at the moment is the abandonment by CN Rail of a spur line that runs through my constituency - indeed, runs essentially from one end to the other, and it goes through some fairly heavily populated residential areas. The future of this line is very important to the people of Halifax Fairview. There are a number of theoretically possible uses, but I think there is a very strong consensus in the community that the best use of this soon-to-be-abandoned rail line is conversion to a recreational trail. In fact, this is an astonishing opportunity to build, easily, recreation infrastructure into the western suburbs of HRM, because if this rail line becomes a recreational trail it will connect directly to hundreds of miles of Rails-to-Trails projects that go around the southern part of the province. It will bring an off-road, recreational trail right into the heart of the City of Halifax, right on Joseph Howe Drive where it joins the
Bicentennial Highway, out to around the southern part of the province. It is an amazing opportunity and it would be a tragedy if we let this opportunity slip through our fingers.
Mr. Speaker, under the law that governs the abandonment of rail lines, each level of government has, essentially, a right of first refusal. The federal government said that they were not interested, the provincial government said they were not interested, so really it is up to the city now as to the future of the line. CN is a private corporation, they don't give these things away, they sell them. The asking price is several million dollars. The city is now negotiating with CN, discussing with CN, trying to reach a price that's acceptable to both. Although the province has said that they do not wish to own this line, the province has an important role in assisting the city in making this dream a reality.
[8:30 a.m.]
When I say a dream, I know that there is enormous support in the community that I represent to convert this line to a recreational trail. There was an on-line petition that attracted, very quickly, close to 1,500 signatures. Mr. Speaker, there is widespread support throughout Fairview, Fairmount and Armdale, the people who would most directly benefit. There is some opposition of course, as there is to any project. The people who live directly on the line are concerned about the implications of having a recreational trail, but I think that those objections or concerns, those anxieties, can be overcome. So I urge the provincial government, in particular led by the Minister of Health Promotion and Protection, to work with the city to do everything the province can in order to make this a reality. This kind of recreational opportunity doesn't come along very often and it would be a very great shame to let it slip by.
Speaking of recreation, let me turn for a moment then to the need for more recreational facilities in the community I represent, or to be more precise in the general area. I think everybody agrees that whatever will be built, will actually be built in Halifax Clayton Park. There is not a suitable site within the area that I represent to build a proper recreational facility. Mr. Speaker, on the Mainland Common is where the facility would go. Now there has been a bit of consternation and heartache in the community about the location of this facility, the size of this facility, but I think the one thing that everybody involved can agree on is that this very large and growing community is badly underserved by the existing recreational facilities.
Again, this is not something that one level of government is going to be able to do on its own. Again, it is the municipality taking the lead, but they do need the support of the provincial government, they do need the support of the federal government. I urge, in particular the Minister of Health Promotion and Protection, who I am aware is fully up to date on all the issues and concerns of the area, to do whatever the government can to make sure that this large and growing community receives recreational facilities commensurate with the size of the population.
Mr. Speaker, let me turn then to a road issue. Now I don't have much way of provincial roads in my constituency. The Minister of Transportation generally likes to deal with me because I have very few complaints. I have two short stretches of provincial highway, both of which are in generally good condition, however, there is one intersection that causes a great deal of concern to nearby residents. This is along the stretch of highway known as Northwest Arm Drive.
Now when Northwest Arm Drive was built, it was really out in the middle of nowhere, but over the past number of years, some large, high-density, residential developments have been built right along the side of the road. It has become essentially a residential collector road. Many people are walking, biking, jogging, along the road. It's built as a highway but it's really no different in some ways than any other residential street.
So this is creating some very serious traffic problems for which the province is responsible because it is a provincial highway. There is an intersection leading into the Stoneridge Subdivision, Mr. Speaker, which has been the site of at least one fatality, a number of very serious collisions and a whole lot of near misses. It is important that everything be done to make this intersection safe. The department itself acknowledges that it's a dangerous intersection. The statistics prove that it's a dangerous intersection and after several years of trying, of lobbying by local residents, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal last year finally did undertake some work to improve the safety of the intersection.
However, that work was completed several months ago, but the changes are still not operational. For example, the new turn signals are still covered, Mr. Speaker, and just last week I received an e-mail from a concerned local resident asking when are these changes actually going to be made operational? I was planning on raising this issue today . . .
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The chatter is getting a little loud.
The honourable member for Halifax Fairview.
MR. STEELE: Mr. Speaker, after years of trying to get the changes made, some changes were made but haven't been actually made operational. So what you have is a brand new set of streetlights that are covered over and have been now for several months. Fortunately, just yesterday, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal sent out an e-mail to me and to the concerned residents saying in a couple of weeks it ought to be operational.
Mr. Speaker, one of the difficulties I've always had is the lack of communication with local residents. If I wasn't communicating with the residents and digging for information and then passing it along to local residents, they would have no information at all. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal does not send one bit of
information to people living in the local area saying what they're doing, why they're doing it, why they're not doing other things that residents have asked for, or when the residents can expect the changes to be operational. The local residents just have to guess and I have to work with them to try to get information. I really do think the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal could do more, especially in heavily populated areas like this one, to inform the local residents of what's going on.
So we'll watch, Mr. Speaker. After waiting this long, we'll wait a couple more weeks hoping that the changes that have been made will be made operational but more needs to be done. More needs to be done. There's still a very dangerous turning lane where people leaving the neighbourhood and going onto this provincial highway have only a few feet to accelerate before they have to join traffic coming around a nearby corner at very high speed. It is not safe. It needs to change but so far the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal has declined to do any work in that regard.
Speaking of speed, Mr. Speaker, as I have gone around my constituency for the last seven years knocking on doors, talking to people and finding out what their concerns are, you would think that the number one concern in my constituency would be health care or education, or things of that sort that we hear about all the time but, in fact, the number one concern that people consistently have raised with me is speeding and traffic. Everybody believes that cars go too fast on residential streets. Every single street has a speeding problem.
So the difficulty was knowing what to do about it and recently, Mr. Speaker, a program that started in Australia came to my attention. It's called the Pace Car Program. Here in Nova Scotia, it's sponsored by the Insurance Bureau of Canada and administered by the Ecology Action Centre under contract to the Insurance Bureau of Canada. The idea of this program is to try to slow people down. The idea is that if you get a critical mass of people who all pledge to obey all traffic laws and not to drive over the speed limit, that will have the effect of slowing down traffic generally in a neighbourhood.
So, Mr. Speaker, I have helped to sponsor the launching of that project in the Fairview community, which is built on a steep hill and cars go at incredible speeds up and down the hills of Fairview, and I would like to thank the people of Fairview for their wonderful response. So far we have 70 people signed up to drive pace cars, to put decals on the cars, showing they're committed to the program. So if you end up behind one of these cars who's going the speed limit, you know they're committed to going the speed limit and it's a signal to everybody that people in the neighbourhood care about the speed of traffic. They want themselves and their families to be safe. It's something practical the people can do to try to slow down traffic in their neighbourhood.
If it works in Fairview, we will roll it out more broadly to other neighbourhoods, but it's the first time in Nova Scotia, we're told, where this effort has been tried on a
neighbourhood-wide basis. Previous efforts have been done on a school basis only, which works up to a point, but this is one where we've tried to reach out to an entire neighbourhood in order to try and slow down traffic, which is the number one issue that people have raised with me as I've gone around canvassing in my constituency over the past seven years.
There is one more issue that I would like to raise and I'm sorry to have to raise it again. I've been raising it for seven years and it's still not solved and that is the provincial park that is in my constituency. It's called Long Lake Provincial Park. It was declared a park 25 years ago and during that time, it has sat without a development plan. The Department of Natural Resources actually discourages people from going into the park because there are no facilities, there's no management, there's no money for a management plan.
Despite that, the area around the edges of the park, particularly the eastern edge of the park, is burgeoning. A lot of people are in the park and a few people have made the commitment to work with the Department of Natural Resources to develop a management plan, but they're tired out because they've put their heart and soul into it and nothing happens.
I've been raising this issue in this House for seven years and still there is no management plan for Long Lake Provincial Park. It's a jewel on the edge of the city, it's an enormous, wonderful, natural area. I've gone kayaking in the lake, I've gone for extended walks in the lake, it's full of animal life and bird life and people deserve to be able to take advantage of that park. But, it still sits, after all these years, with no management plan.
So, once again, I ask the government and I ask the Department of Natural Resources, to please help the citizens develop a management plan so that everybody can benefit from that jewel of a park in our midst. Thank you.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is carried.
[8:41 a.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Supply with Deputy Speaker Mr. Wayne Gaudet in the Chair.]
[12:43 p.m. CWH on Supply rose and the House reconvened. Mr. Speaker, Hon. Alfie MacLeod, resumed the Chair.]
MR. SPEAKER: The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House on Supply reports:
THE CLERK: That the committee has met and made considerable progress and begs leave to sit again.
MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.
MR. CHUCK PORTER: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That concludes the government's business for today. I move that we adjourn to meet again on Monday. The hours will be from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. After the daily routine, we'll move into Committee of the Whole House on Supply. Time permitting following that, government business will be Public Bills for Second Reading, the following bills: Bill Nos. 120, 126, 127, 130, 131, 133, 148, 151 and 156.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion before the House is that we shall now rise and meet again on Monday between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
We will adjourn until 3:00 p.m. on Monday.
[The House rose at 12:45 p.m.]
NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)
RESOLUTION NO. 2602
By: Hon. Karen Casey (Education)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas volunteers give of their time and talents to better the communities in which they live; and
Whereas art gallery owner, Sharon MacKenna, of Colchester's North Shore, is known for her volunteer efforts for a wide variety of causes; and
Whereas Sharon has rescued numerous stray cats and provided food and shelter for them in bad weather, has spent time at Willow Lodge Home for Special Care teaching residents how to make memory boxes, has organized the great Unrecyclable Art Show held in Tatamagouche for the last two years and supports young artists by giving them space in her gallery to sell their work;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend congratulations to Sharon MacKenna for her many hours of volunteer service and being chosen Volunteer of the Week.
RESOLUTION NO. 2603
By: Ms. Diana Whalen (Halifax Clayton Park)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas on April 17, 2008, Halifax West High School was the scene of a spirited assembly where students and family cheered on the volunteers participating in the fifth Annual Head For A Cure for the Cancer Society of Nova Scotia; and
Whereas this year's event involved 40 students, staff and police officers who shaved their heads and raised a record $12,000 for the fight against cancer; and
Whereas the event was broadcast throughout the school and was a true demonstration of the amazing spirit at the West as traditional students were inspired by others to step forward and join in the fundraising efforts;
Therefore be it resolved that members of the Legislature congratulate the Student Council's Ministers of Volunteerism, Shiva Kale, Nabhan Chowdhury and Betty Eghan for their leadership in this year's Head For A Cure event and wish them every success in the future.
RESOLUTION NO. 2604
By: Hon. Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Human Resources)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Park View Education Centre was represented with pride at the 2007 Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Division 1 Track and Field Championship in Lower Sackville; and
Whereas coaches Shane Eno, Jamie Mason, Heather MacKinnon and Dean McDow worked very hard this year to come out against some very competitive teams; and
Whereas Park View Education Centre Senior Track and Field team brought home the 2007 Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Division 1 Championship;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of ths House join me in congratulating team member Chris Ritcey-Conrad of Park View Education Centre on winning the Provincial Senior Title.
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 Hantsport School employee, Wendy Hudson, has been with the school since 1993; and
Whereas Ms. Hudson's years of service were recently recognized by the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board; and
Whereas Ms. Hudson was presented with a gift admiring her hard work over the past 15 years by School Board Chair, Lavinia Parrish-Zwicker, at the board office in Berwick in late March;
Therefore be it resolved that all MLAs in this Legislature congratulate Ms. Hudson through this resolution on her impressive career at the Hantsport School through the Annapolis Valley Regional School.
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 76th Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival is scheduled to begin later this month from May 28th to June 2nd, with the grand street parade beginning in New Minas and proceeding through downtown Kentville on May 31st; and
Whereas 19-year-old Angela Pelton was recently named Princess Hantsport and will represent the town proudly in the parade and at all festival events; and
Whereas Angela, daughter of Angela Pelton of Avonport Station and Christopher Pelton of Ellershouse, works part-time and is currently in her first year of Business Administration at Kingstec Community College;
Therefore be it resolved that all MLAs in this House of Assembly this afternoon wish Angela Pelton every future success life can offer while also extending our best wishes to her during the Apple Blossom Festival.
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 Annapolis Valley Chapter of MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, will hold their first walkathon on Saturday, June 7, 2008, at the Church of the Nazarene on Wentworth Road in Windsor; and
Whereas the walkathon to be called Strides For Change, will assist MADD in raising funds for initiatives such as victim services and public policy initiatives; and
Whereas in addition to the walkathon, there will be a barbeque along with prizes and refreshments at the church as part of the day-long festivities;
Therefore be it resolved that all MLAs in this House of assembly applaud the dedicated and hard work of MADD Atlantic regional representative, Susan MacAskill, and MADD Annapolis Valley president, Angie McWaid, in planning for Strides For Change.
