May 13, 2008

HANSARD 08-30

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://nslegislature.ca/legislative-business/hansard-debates/

Second Session

TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION:
Res. 2662, IIHF 2008 Championships: Teams/Coaches/Managers/Vols. -
Applaud, The Premier 3040
Vote - Affirmative 3041
Res. 2663, Military Relations - Cdn. Forces: Investment - PM Thank,
The Premier 3041
Vote - Affirmative 3041
Res. 2664, Health - Nurses: Accomplishments - Salute,
Hon. C. d'Entremont 3042
Vote - Affirmative 3042
Res. 2665, Savoury, George - Com. Serv. Commitment - Recognize,
Hon. J. Streatch 3042
Vote - Affirmative 3043
Res. 2666, MacDonald, Mickey - Boxing: Dedication - Congrats.,
Hon. B. Barnet 3043
Vote - Affirmative 3044
Res. 2667, Computers for Schools/Partners: Computer Refurbishment -
Congrats., Hon. K. Casey 3044
Vote - Affirmative 3045
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS:
No. 169, Environment Act, Mr. D. Dexter 3045
No. 170, Motor Vehicle Act, Mr. W. Gaudet 3045
No. 171, Low-speed Motor Vehicles Regulations Act, Ms. V. Conrad 3045
No. 171, Low-speed Motor Vehicles Regulations Act, Ms. V. Conrad
NOTICES OF MOTION:
Res. 2668, Kiefte, Andrew/Teammates: Chess Challenge - Best Wishes,
Ms. M. More 3045
Vote - Affirmative 3046
Res. 2669, Poverty Reduction Day (06/10): Prem. - Proclaim,
Mr. S. McNeil 3046
Vote - Affirmative 3047
Res. 2670, Wyer, Reg - Baddeck FD: Firefighting Vol. Efforts - Recognize,
Mr. K. Bain 3047
Vote - Affirmative 3047
Res. 2671, Mason, Eric, et al: Envirothon 2008 - Congrats.,
Mr. C. Parker 3048
Vote - Affirmative 3048
Res. 2672, Mercer, Todd, et al: Can.-Wide Science Fair - N.S. Representation,
Mr. Manning MacDonald 3048
Vote - Affirmative 3049
Res. 2673, Millard, Koreen: M.Sc. Geomatics - Congrats.,
Mr. C. Porter 3049
Vote - Affirmative 3050
Res. 2674, IIHF Old-Timers Game: St. Margarets Ctr. Congrats.,
Mr. W. Estabrooks 3050
Vote - Affirmative 3051
Res. 2675, McFadgen, Ainsley: Accomplishments - Congrats.,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 3051
Vote - Affirmative 3051
Res. 2676, Gillis, Duncan -Truckers Assoc. of N.S. Award,
Mr. K. Bain 3051
Vote - Affirmative 3052
Res. 2677, Atkinson, Robie: Commun. Serv. - Thank,
Mr. S. Belliveau 3052
Vote - Affirmative 3053
Res. 2678, Fish. & Aquaculture - Clamming Ind.: Work - Pledge,
Mr. H. Theriault 3053
Vote - Affirmative 3056
Res. 2679, Lake, Ken - 45 Card Tournament: Init. - Applaud,
Mr. C. Porter 3054
Vote - Affirmative 3055
Res. 2680, Bennett, Nigel: Gemini Achievements - Congrats.,
Mr. C. MacKinnon 3055
Vote - Affirmative 3055
Vote - Affirmative
Res. 2681, Barrett Enterprises Ltd.: Wastewood Disposal - Green Solution,
Mr. L. Glavine 3056
Vote - Affirmative 3057
Res. 2682, New Glasgow: Hockey Day in Canada - Congrats.,
Mr. P. Dunn 3057
Vote - Affirmative 3058
Res. 2683, "Twinderella" - Astral Dr. Elem. Sch.: Production - Congrats.,
Ms. B. Kent 3058
Vote - Affirmative 3058
Res. 2684, Plato, Rick - CCAA Coach of Yr. (2008),
Ms. D. Whalen 3059
Vote - Affirmative 3059
Res. 2685, Bridgewater "Support Our Troops Red Rally"- Support,
Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 3059
Vote - Affirmative 3060
Res. 2686, Brennan, Mark - "Storm Over Cape Smokey": Art Bank Coll. -
Congrats., Mr. C. Parker 3060
Vote - Affirmative 3061
Res. 2687, Black Cultural Ctr. - Black Culture: Preservation - Congrats.,
Mr. K. Colwell 3061
Vote - Affirmative 3062
Res. 2688, Comeau, Bernardin: Bus. Accomplishments - Recognize,
Hon. C. d'Entremont 3062
Vote - Affirmative 3063
Res. 2689, Boudreau, Jeanette: Youth Forum Encounters - Best Wishes,
Mr. W. Estabrooks 3063
Vote - Affirmative 3064
Res. 2690, La Baie en Joie: Traditional Dancing Prizes - Congrats.,
Mr. W. Gaudet 3064
Vote - Affirmative 3064
Res. 2691, Brine, David: NHL Play - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Muir 3065
Vote - Affirmative 3065
Res. 2692, Prem.: Great Depression- PM Remind,
Mr. H. Theriault 3065
Res. 2693, Valley Commun. Learning Assoc.: Efforts - Recognize,
Hon. M. Parent 3066
Vote - Affirmative 3067
Vote - Affirmative
Res. 2694, Justice - Policing Services: Efforts - Recognize,
Mr. M. Samson 3067
Vote - Affirmative 3067
Res. 2695, Murphy, Mabel Margaret - Birthday (100th),
Hon. W. Dooks 3068
Vote - Affirmative 3068
Res. 2696, NSCC Strait Area Campus: "Strait to Work" Prog. - Congrats.,
Mr. M. Samson 3068
Vote - Affirmative 3069
PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS:
Com. Serv. - Repeal Reg. 67/Reduce Tuition/Raise Soc. Assistance Rates,
Ms. D. Whalen 3069
ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS:
No. 263, Prem.: Power Rate Increase/Coal Prices - Impact,
Mr. D. Dexter 3070
No. 264, Serv. N.S. & Mun. Rel.: Gas Tax Review,
Mr. S. McNeil 3071
No. 265, Serv. N.S. & Mun. Rel.: Diesel Fuel - Pricing,
Mr. D. Dexter 3073
No. 266, Health - Dykeland Lodge: Beds - Vacancies Explain,
Mr. D. Dexter 3074
No. 267, Justice: Correctional Services - Deterioration,
Mr. S. Samson 3075
No. 268, Health: ERs - Wait Times,
Mr. David Wilson (Sackville-Cobequid) 3077
No. 269, Health: Breast Cancer Tests - Review,
Mr. David Wilson (Sackville-Cobequid) 3078
No. 270, Health Prom. & Protection: Emergency Health Crisis -
Administration, Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 3079
No. 272, Com. Serv. - Feed N.S.: Food/Fuel Prices - Assistance,
Mr. T. Zinck 3080
No. 273, TCH: N.S. Marketing Prog. - Target,
Mr. H. Theriault 3082
No. 274, Com. Serv.: Special Needs Funding - Adequacy,
Mr. T. Zinck 3083
No. 275, Prem. - Transit: Interview Response - Explain,
Mr. G. Gosse 3084
No. 276, EMO - Internet Serv.: Caution - Delay Explain,
Mr. H. Theriault 3085
No. 277, Nat. Res.: GPI Atl. Rept. - Analysis/Action,
Mr. C. Parker 3087
No. 278, NSLC - Hours: Extension - Safety/Health: Effects,
Ms. B. Kent 3088
SPEAKER'S RULING, Minister Misleading the House in Question Period.
(Pt. of privilege by Ms. D. Whalen [Hansard p. 3024, 05/12/08]) 3089
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS:
GOVERNMENT MOTIONS:
ON SUPPLY MOTION:
Mr. S. Belliveau 3090
Hon. R. Chisholm 3093
HOUSE RESOLVED INTO CWH ON SUPPLY AT 2:16 P.M. 3094
HOUSE RECONVENED AT 6:00 P.M. 3094
ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION UNDER RULE 5(5):
Health Prom. & Protection - Sport/Rec.: Funding Plan - Produce,
Ms. D. Whalen 3095
Hon. B. Barnet 3098
Mr. G. Steele 3101
HOUSE RESOLVED INTO CWH ON SUPPLY AT 6:30 P.M. 3104
HOUSE RECONVENED AT 6:50 P.M. 3104
PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING:
No. 157, Financial Measures (2008) Act,
Mr. G. Steele 3104
Mr. M. Samson 3106
Hon. J. Muir 3123
Vote - Affirmative 3124
PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
Law Amendments Committee, Mr. C. Porter 3125
Law Amendments Committee, Mr. C. Porter 3125
ADJOURNMENT, House rose to meet again on Wed., May 14th at 12:00 noon 3126
NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3):
Res. 2697, Smith, Caroline - Ocean View Manor: Vol. Serv. (5 Yrs.) -
Congrats., Ms. B. Kent 3127
Res. 2698, Edwards, Jim - Ocean View Manor: Vol. Serv. (15 Yrs.) -
Congrats., Ms. B. Kent 3127
Res. 2699, Lovett, Joan - Ocean View Manor: Vol. Serv. (5 Yrs.) -
Congrats., Ms. B. Kent 3128
Res. 2700, Naugle, Kay - Ocean View Manor: Vol. Serv. (25 Yrs.) -
Congrats., Ms. B. Kent 3128
Congrats., Ms. B. Kent
Res. 2701, McDuff, Margaret - Ocean View Manor: Vol. Serv. (15 Yrs.) -
Congrats., Ms. B. Kent 3129
Res. 2702, Evans, Mary - Ocean View Manor: Vol. Serv. (5 Yrs.) -
Congrats., Ms. B. Kent 3129
Res. 2703, O'Brien, Doreen - Ocean View Manor: Vol. Serv. (15 Yrs.) -
Congrats., Ms. B. Kent 3130
Res. 2704, Edwards, Edith - Ocean View Manor: Vol. Serv. (5 Yrs.) -
Congrats., Ms. B. Kent 3130
Res. 2705, Alchorn, James - Ocean View Manor: Vol. Serv. (10 Yrs.) -
Congrats., Ms. B. Kent 3131
Res. 2706, Flemming, Roger - Stellarton Commun. Work: Appreciation -
Send, Mr. P. Dunn 3131
Res. 2707, Brown, Arlene: Vol. Efforts - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 3132
Res. 2708, Clarke, Sister Verna: Vol. Efforts - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 3132
Res. 2709, Amos, Judith - Springhill Rotary Club Vol. of Yr.,
Hon. M. Scott 3133
Res. 2710, Delaney, Harold - Springhill Chamber of Comm. Vol. of Yr.,
Hon. M. Scott 3133
Res. 2711, Fillmore, Audrey - Springhill Baptist Church Willing Workers
Vol. of Yr., Hon. M. Scott 3134
Res. 2712, Coon, Cathy - Springhill Basketball Assoc. Vol. of Yr.,
Hon. M. Scott 3134
Res. 2713, George, Peter - Springhill Minor Baseball Vol. of Yr.,
Hon. M. Scott 3135
Res. 2714, Littler, Mary Willa - Springhill Heritage Group Vol. of Yr.,
Hon. M. Scott 3135
Res. 2715, Tooke, Jason - Springhill Minor Baseball Vol. of Yr.,
Hon. M. Scott 3136
Res. 2716, Sarty, Lynn - Springhill Music & Drama Group Vol. of Yr.,
Hon. M. Scott 3136
Res. 2717, Mitchell, Steve - Springhill Search & Rescue Vol. of Yr.,
Hon. M. Scott 3137
Res. 2718, McKinnon, Jalysa: Cadet Promotion - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 3137
Res. 2719, Munn, Millie - St. Andrews Wesley United Church Vol. of Yr.,
Hon. M. Scott 3138
Res. 2720, Nicholson, Wanda: West End Home & Sch. Assoc. Vol. of Yr.,
Hon. M. Scott 3138
Hon. M. Scott
Res. 2721, Rushton, Amy: Cadet Promotion - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 3139
Res. 2722, LeBlanc, Laura - Springhill Senior Citizens & Retired Pensioners
Vol. of Yr., Hon. M. Scott 3139
Res. 2723, McLellan, Brandon/Quinn, David/Miller, William/McKinnon, Eric:
Cadet Promotions - Congrats., Hon. M. Scott 3140
Res. 2724, Cadets Gamble, Willigar, Chapman, Burbine, Hurley, Mills,
McLellan, Glennie: Promotions - Congrats., Hon. M. Scott 3140
Res. 2725, Clinton, Breanne: Cadet Promotion - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 3141
Res. 2726, Griffin, Travis: Skills Comp. - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 3141
Res. 2727, RRFB - Windsor-W. Hants: Students & Schools - Congrats.,
Mr. C. Porter 3142
Res. 2728, Gossens, Stéphane: Table Tennis Championship - Congrats.,
The Premier 3142
Res. 2729, Cheetham, Marc/Chiasson, Doug - Film Fest. Awards,
The Premier 3143
Res. 2730, Nickerson, Gary - Barrington 7E Vol. FD Scroll of
Recognition (46 Yrs.), Mr. S. Belliveau 3143
Res. 2731, Nickerson, Ashley/Atwood, Haleigh: Tri-County Reg. Heritage
Fair - Congrats. Mr. S. Belliveau 3144
Res. 2732, Battle of the Atlantic Remembrance (05/01/08): Participants -
Commend, Mr. S. Belliveau 3144
Res. 2733, Smith, Bonnie CF Fdn. Vol./Organizing Efforts,
Mr. S. Belliveau 3145
Res. 2734, Ross, Mario - Women's Self-Defence Sessions: Teaching -
Thank, Mr. S. Belliveau 3146
Res. 2735, Stuart, Marion: Bedford Players - Congrats.,
Hon. L. Goucher 3146
Res. 2736, Baker, Coach Andy: Bridgewater HS Basketball Team -
NSAA Title, Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 3147
Res. 2737, Mullen, James: Bridgewater HS Basketball Team -
NSAA Title, Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 3147
Res. 2738, Snyder, Matt: Bridgewater HS Basketball Team -
NSAA Title, Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 3147
Res. 2739, Harding, Alex: Bridgewater HS Basketball Team -
NSAA Title, Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 3148
Res. 2740, Coote, Tim: Bridgewater HS Basketball Team -
NSAA Title, Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 3148
Res. 2741, MacDonald, Andrew: Bridgewater HS Basketball Team -
NSAA Title, Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 3149
Res. 2742, Getson, Travis: Bridgewater HS Basketball Team -
NSAA Title, Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 3149
Res. 2743, Tufford, Dylan: Bridgewater HS Basketball Team -
NSAA Title, Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 3150
Res. 2744, Hubley, Jarrett: Bridgewater HS Basketball Team -
NSAA Title, Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 3150
Res. 2745, Wamboldt, Zack: Bridgewater HS Basketball Team -
NSAA Title, Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 3150
Res. 2746, Zinck, Kyle: Bridgewater HS Basketball Team -
NSAA Title, Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 3151
Res. 2747, Tuchendler, Jacob: Bridgewater HS Basketball Team -
NSAA Title, Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 3151
Res. 2748, Jordan, Mason: Bridgewater HS Basketball Team -
NSAA Title, Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 3152
Res. 2749, Lipsett, Asst. Coach Blair: Bridgewater HS Basketball Team -
NSAA Title, Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 3152
Res. 2750, Saunders, Asst. Coach Nick: Bridgewater HS Basketball Team -
NSAA Title, Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 3153
Res. 2751, Westhaver, Stephen: CA Natl. Uniform Evaluation - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Parent 3153
Res. 2752, Haines, Rebecca: CA Natl. Uniform Evaluation - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Parent 3154
Res. 2753, Hubbards & Dist. Vol. FD: Commun. Work - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3154
Res. 2754, Amirault, Jackie: RRFB Contest - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3155
Res. 2755, Anderson, Helen & Torleif - Anniv. (65th),
Hon. J. Streatch 3155
Res. 2756, Anderson, Frances: Commun. Commitment - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3156
Res. 2757, Assaff, Jehad - Chester Junior "C" Hockey League: Start - Thank,
Hon. J. Streatch 3156
Res. 2758, Atherton, Terry: Commun. Work - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3157
Res. 2759, Balch, Nikki: Democracy 250 Init. - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3157
Res. 2760, Bent, Abby: RCMP Name A Puppy Contest - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3158
Res. 2761, Bergey, Bryden - Chester Area Mid. Sch. Cougars: Season -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 3158
Res. 2762, Bishop, Mr. Rene: Film Stunts - Talents Recognize,
Hon. J. Streatch 3159
Res. 2763, Bond, Madeline: Anti-Bullying Support - Recognize,
Hon. J. Streatch 3159
Res. 2764, Boone, Jessica: Metro Basketball Championship - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3160
Res. 2765, Bortolin, Danielle: Soccer Gold Medal - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3160
Res. 2766, Chafe, Kyle - Chester Area Mid. Sch. Cougars: Hockey Season -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 3161
Res. 2767, Chandler, Allison: Tennis Championship - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3161
Res. 2768, Chandler, Matthew: Anti-Bullying Support - Recognize,
Hon. J. Streatch 3162
Res. 2769, Chaput, Megan: RRFB Contest - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3162
Res. 2770, Clinton, Agnes: CD Release - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3163
Res. 2771, Cornelius, Emily: Soccer Gold Medal - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3163
Res. 2772, Cottreau, Katie: Soccer Gold Medal - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3164
Res. 2773, Coupar, Regina - Artwork: Art Bank Coll. - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3164
Res. 2774, Creaser, Mark - Chester Area Mid. Sch. Cougars:
Hockey Season - Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 3165
Res. 2775, Dawson, Cilia: Commun. Commitment - Thank,
Hon. J. Streatch 3165
Res. 2776, Dobek, Caroline - Chester Area Mid. Sch. Cougars:
Hockey Season - Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 3165
Res. 2777, Dobrowolski, John -"Cycle for Life. Celebrate Life":
Best Wishes, Hon. J. Streatch 3166
Res. 2778, Dufresne, Katie: Curling Gold Medal - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3166
Res. 2779, Duggan, Ashley: Soccer Gold Medal - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3167
Res. 2780, Fletcher, Eric - Chester Area Mid. Sch. Cougars:
Hockey Season - Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 3167
Res. 2781, Forbes, Logan - Chester Area Mid. Sch. Cougars:
Hockey Season - Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 3168
Res. 2782, Fralick, Kenneth: Death of - Tribute,
Hon. J. Streatch 3168
Res. 2783, Francis, Meghan: Soccer Gold Medal - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3169
Res. 2784, Fraser, Bethanne - Artwork: Art Bank Coll. - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3169
Res. 2785, Fraser, Ivan - "Peggy of the Cove": Success - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3170
Res. 2786, Fredericks, Tammy - Fredie's Fantastic Fish House:
New Location - Opening, Hon. J. Streatch 3170
Res. 2787, Girls Night Out (Hubbards): Organizers - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3171
Res. 2788, Gold River-West. Shore Elem. Sch. - Anniv. (50th),
Hon. J. Streatch 3171
Res. 2789, Graham, Rhonda: Hubbards Area - Welcome,
Hon. J. Streatch 3171
Res. 2790, Harnish, Jagger - Chester Area Mid. Sch. Cougars:
Hockey Season - Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 3172
Res. 2791, Harnish, Tyler - Chester Area Mid. Sch. Cougars:
Hockey Season - Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 3172
Res. 2792, Higgins, Madeline: Basketball Championship -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 3173
Res. 2793, Hill, Lauren: Soccer Gold Medal - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3173
Res. 2794, Horn, Mitchell - Chester Area Mid. Sch. Cougars:
Hockey Season - Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 3174
Res. 2795, Houser, Olivia: Basketball Championship -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 3174
Res. 2796, Ellsworth-Williams, Audrey - Hubbards Oceanfront Retreat:
Opening - Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 3175
Res. 2797, Yellow Devils: Ringette Gold Medal - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3175
Res. 2798, Johnston, Krystal - Anti-Bullying: Support - Recognize,
Hon. J. Streatch 3176
Res. 2799, Jollymore, Mary Kate: Basketball Championship -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 3176
Res. 2800, Keillor, Morgan - Chester Area Mid. Sch. Cougars:
Hockey Season - Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 3177
Res. 2801, Kennedy, Judy/Dunlop, Rose: Commun. Serv. - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3177
Res. 2802, King, Catherine: Commun. Commitment - Thank,
Hon. J. Streatch 3178
Res. 2803, Knickle, Mabel: Heart & Stroke Fdn. - Fundraising,
Hon. J. Streatch 3178
Res. 2804, Lonergan, Bailey: Curling Gold Medal - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3179
Res. 2805, MacLean, Heather: Commun. Commitment - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3179
Res. 2806, Mailman, Holly: Girl Guides Award - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3179
Res. 2807, Marsh, Jenna: Soccer Gold Medal - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3180
Res. 2808, Masey, Kristina: Soccer Gold Medal - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3180
Res. 2809, Mitchell, Monica: Curling Gold Medal - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3181
Res. 2810, Mitchellmore, Michelle: From My Nova Scotia Heart Store
- Success Wish, Hon. J. Streatch 3181
Res. 2811, Mulrooney, Cameron: Anti-Bullying Support - Recognize,
Hon. J. Streatch 3182
Res. 2812, Munroe, Morgan: Soccer Gold Medal - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3182
Res. 2813, Myra, Maureen: Heart & Stroke Fdn. - Fundraising,
Hon. J. Streatch 3183
Res. 2814, Nauss, Rachel: Anti-Bullying Support - Recognize,
Hon. J. Streatch 3183
Res. 2815, Ferguson, Nick - Chester Area Mid. Sch. Cougars:
Hockey Season - Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 3184
Res. 2816, O'Connor, Daniel - Chester Area Mid. Sch. Cougars:
Hockey Season - Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 3184
Res. 2817, Parsons, Hayley: Curling Gold Medal - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3185
Res. 2818, Peterson, Tyler - Chester Area Mid. Sch. Cougars:
Hockey Season - Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 3185
Res. 2819, Prickett, Lauren: Soccer Gold Medal - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3185
Res. 2820, Quinn, Kate: Ovation Star Search - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3186
Res. 2821, Rafuse, Brittany: Volunteer Abroad Prog. (Ecuador) -
Success Wish, Hon. J. Streatch 3186
Res. 2822, Rafuse, Nellie: Heart & Stroke Fdn. - Fundraising,
Hon. J. Streatch 3187
Res. 2823, Rafuse, Shelley: Volunteer Abroad Prog. (Ecuador) -
Success Wish, Hon. J. Streatch 3187
Res. 2824, Reeves, Courtney: Can. Day Poster Challenge - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3188
Res. 2825, Rhodes, Lindsay: Basketball Championship - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3188
Res. 2826, Ritchie, Cameron - Chester Area Mid. Sch. Cougars:
Hockey Season - Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 3189
Res. 2827, Rogers, John: Cdn. Wheelchair Curling Nationals -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 3189
Res. 2828, Rondeau, Laura: Basketball Championship - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3190
Res. 2829, Rowantree, Karen - Artwork: Art Bank Coll. - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3190
Res. 2830, Rowley, Serena: Soccer Gold Medal - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3191
Res. 2831, Shannon, Lauren: Basketball Championship - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3191
Res. 2832, Shatford, Nathan - Chester Area Mid. Sch. Cougars:
Hockey Season - Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 3192
Res. 2833, Sherwood, Julie: Basketball Championship - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3192
Res. 2834, Smith, Taylor: Basketball Championship - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3193
Res. 2835, St. Margarets Bay White Caps - Anniv. (25th),
Hon. J. Streatch 3193
Res. 2836, Swan, Emilie: Soccer Gold Medal - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3194
Res. 2837, Verge, Brandon - Chester Area Mid. Sch. Cougars:
Hockey Season - Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 3194
Res. 2838, Volunteer Resident Feeders: Commun. Work - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3195
Res. 2839, Walker, Megan: Basketball Championship - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3195
Res. 2840, West. Shore Vol. FD: Commun. Contribution - Recognize,
Hon. J. Streatch 3195
Res. 2841, Wiper, Morgan: Soccer Gold Medal - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3196
Res. 2842, Wollam, Janice: Retirement - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 3196
Res. 2843, Health Prom. & Protection: Local Rec. Progs. - Support,
Mr. K. Colwell 3197
Mr. K. Colwell
Mr. K. Colwell
Mr. K. Colwell

[Page 3039]

HALIFAX, TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2008

Sixtieth General Assembly

Second Session

12:00 NOON

SPEAKER

Hon. Alfie MacLeod

DEPUTY SPEAKER

Mr. Wayne Gaudet

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please.

Before we start with the daily routine today, there has been a draw for tonight's late debate and the topic is:

Therefore be it resolved that in the wake of the collapse of the 2014 Commonwealth Games bid, government bring forward its plan for a major infrastructure funding for recreation and sport in Nova Scotia.

It was submitted by the honourable Leader of the Liberal Party.

We'll commence now with the daily routine.

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

[Page 3040]

3039

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Premier.

HON. RODNEY MACDONALD (The Premier): Mr. Speaker, if you might permit me to give an introduction before the resolution.

MR. SPEAKER: Please do.

THE PREMIER: In your gallery, Mr. Speaker, we have some fans who have travelled great distances to be here in our beautiful province and are here in the city with us for the International Ice Hockey Federation Championships. We have individuals from Finland and Germany, I believe, in the gallery with us here today. The attendance of so many fans has really electrified the city and the capital. The reason why it has is because of the fans who have come from great distances. I ask our fans to stand in their place and be recognized by the House and thank them for coming to Nova Scotia. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Premier.

RESOLUTION NO. 2662

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

Whereas the International Ice Hockey Federation is, for the first time in its 100-year history, holding the games outside of Europe; and

Whereas the teams and their loyal fans from around the world have come to both Nova Scotia and Quebec to be a part of this centennial championship and to also enjoy the beautiful host cities; and

Whereas the arrival of the fans for all teams has not only been a boost to tourism, it has also added a great deal of enthusiasm on the streets of Halifax and in the Metro Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House applaud each team, their coaches and managers, the volunteers for the IIHF 2008 Championships, and all the fans who have supported this incredible hockey event.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

[Page 3041]

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Premier.

RESOLUTION NO. 2663

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

Whereas the Prime Minister yesterday announced the Canada First Defence Strategy, a plan to support the Canadian Forces with the people, equipment and support they need to meet the nation's long-term domestic and international security challenges; and

Whereas the announcement complements steps already taken to strengthen the Canadian Forces, including the procurement of new and upgraded equipment such as new strategic and tactical lift aircraft joint support ships, armoured vehicles, helicopters and Arctic offshore patrol ships; and

Whereas our province is a significant contributor to our Forces, a significant investment in our military is of benefit to the brave men and women of Nova Scotia who put themselves in harm's way here and around the world defending our democratic freedom;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House commend the Prime Minister and the significant investment and commitments to our Canadian Forces.

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 3042]

The honourable Minister of Health.

RESOLUTION NO. 2664

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas National Nursing Week is an opportunity to celebrate nurses whose skill and dedication contribute to the better health of Nova Scotians every day; and

Whereas nurses have broadened their professional scope from their pioneering work in patient care in hospitals to providing public health care in schools, leading research and international development initiatives, helping to find solutions to improve access to health care, and increasingly supporting health promotion and illness prevention; and

Whereas the Canadian Nurses Association this week is raising awareness of the expanded role nurses pay in health care today;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me this week in saluting the accomplishments of more than 12,000 nurses in this province and acknowledge their vital role in health care.

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 Community Services.

RESOLUTION NO. 2665

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

[Page 3043]

Whereas George Savoury, Executive Director of Family and Community Supports with the Department of Community Services, was recognized by the Nova Scotia Council for the Family with the Achievement of Excellence Award; and

Whereas this award was presented in recognition for the outstanding contribution George Savoury has made to improving the lives of vulnerable children, youth and families in the Province of Nova Scotia for many years; and

Whereas George Savoury consistently epitomizes all that is the very best in a social worker, manager and leader;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly recognize the contribution of George Savoury, registered social worker, on behalf of children, youth and families in our 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 Minister of Health Promotion and Protection on an introduction.

HON. BARRY BARNET: Mr. Speaker, before I read my resolution, I'd like to make an introduction. Today, visiting in your gallery, Mr. Speaker, is Mickey MacDonald. Along with Mickey is Farida Gabbani, one of the hardest-working staff people in Health Promotion and Protection. Mickey has been a lifelong volunteer in our community, and I'd like the members of the House to give . . .

AN HON. MEMBER: Who's the guy with Mr. MacDonald?

MR. BARNET: Oh, there is another person up there - the member for Bedford is up there as well. I'd ask them to stand and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)

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

RESOLUTION NO. 2666

[Page 3044]

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

Whereas Halifax businessman Mickey MacDonald has long been an active and involved volunteer in our province; and

Whereas we are pleased that Mickey's numerous volunteer activities include his role as chair of the Nova Scotia Boxing Authority; and

Whereas Mickey recently opened Palooka's Gym, on Gottingen Street, to help give back to the community by engaging involvement in healthy and active lifestyles;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Mickey MacDonald on his dedication and commitment to the sport of boxing and providing guidance and leadership to our young people.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

[12:15 p.m.]

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. 2667

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

Whereas Computers for Schools has been an effective partnership of provincial and federal governments, school boards and the private sector since 1994; and

[Page 3045]

Whereas this program is a critical part of a sustainability strategy that provides quality computers to schools and valuable technical work experience for recent graduates of technical college programs; and

Whereas Computers for Schools is a significant reuse component of this government's e-waste strategy and plays an important role in our strategy to refresh technology in schools, libraries, literacy organizations and other non-profit groups;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Computers for Schools Nova Scotia, as well as our partners NovaKnowledge, Industry Canada, the Aliant Telephone Pioneers, and others, on reaching the milestone of 45,000 refurbished computers.

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. 169 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 1 of the Acts of 1994-95. The Environment Act. (Mr. Darrell Dexter)

Bill No. 170 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 293 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Motor Vehicle Act. (Mr. Wayne Gaudet)

Bill No. 171 - Entitled an Act to Require the Governor in Council to Make Regulations Respecting the Registration and Use of Low-speed Motor Vehicles. (Ms. Vicki Conrad)

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

NOTICES OF MOTION

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

RESOLUTION NO. 2668

[Page 3046]

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

Whereas Team Nova Scotia is composed of 12 youth who will be competing in the 2008 Canadian Chess Challenge in Edmonton on May 17th to May 19th; and

Whereas these 12 youth each won the provincial title in their respective grade level; and

Whereas Andrew Kiefte, a Grade 3 student at Hawthorn Elementary School in Dartmouth, won the provincial Grade 3 championship;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Andrew Kiefte of Dartmouth for winning his provincial grade championship, and wish him and his teammates all the best at the 2008 Canadian Chess Challenge on May 17th to May 19th in Edmonton, Alberta.

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. 2669

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

Whereas the Nova Scotia Liberal caucus has long advocated on behalf of low-income Nova Scotians; and

Whereas a Liberal bill calling for the establishment of a Poverty Reduction Strategy Working Group was passed by the House of Assembly in 2007; and

[Page 3047]

Whereas this working group will complete its consultations and make recommendations to government by June 30th of this year;

Therefore be it resolved that the Premier proclaim Saturday, June 28th Poverty Reduction Day, and in doing so, encourage communities to organize and participate in events aimed at reducing the hardships that far too many Nova Scotians face on a daily basis.

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. 2670

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

Whereas Reg Wyer was recently honoured as Fireman of the Year for his outstanding enthusiasm and dedicated work as a volunteer firefighter with the Baddeck Fire Department; and

Whereas Baddeck Fire Chief Ernest Roberts praised Reg for his considerable contributions, but also told Reg he relied upon him because of his 30 years of experience as a firefighter; and

Whereas besides honouring Reg Wyer for his outstanding service, Chief Roberts also thanked the Baddeck Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary for their kind contribution of $5,000 to assist the department with their respective needs;

Therefore be it resolved that all MLAs in this Legislature recognize the three decades of superb firefighting and volunteer efforts of Reg Wyer with the Baddeck Fire Department, as well as the hard work put forth by the Baddeck Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary on an annual basis.

[Page 3048]

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. 2671

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

Whereas the Nova Scotia Envirothon is a hands-on environmental competition for high school students to have an opportunity to learn about the environment, ecological and community matters; and

Whereas four Grade 12 students - Eric Mason, Ben Cyr, Emma Hoffman and Laura Brothers - from the Northumberland Regional School in Pictou County won second place at this year's Envirothon competition held at Acadia University; and

Whereas as part of the competition this team of students used their skills to compete in identifying various species, performing hands-on tests and field experiments focusing on forestry, wildlife, and aquatic ecology;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Northumberland Regional High School Grade 12 students Eric Mason, Ben Cyr, Emma Hoffman, and Laura Brothers for competing at the 2008 Envirothon competition and for winning second place at this prestigious event.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

[Page 3049]

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. 2672

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 Canada Wide Science Fair involves 450 students from across the country who gather to present their findings to the public and to be judged on their presentation merits; and

Whereas four Cape Breton high school students will be attending this year's national competition; and

Whereas Todd Mercer, Mike MacIsaac and Alyssa Moss of Riverview Rural High School and Johnathan MacNeil of Sydney Academy will be part of the group of students representing our province at this exciting event;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Todd Mercer, Mike MacIsaac, Alyssa Moss and Johnathan MacNeil on being selected to represent Nova Scotia at the Canada Wide Science Fair, and wish them luck in their presentations and judging.

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. 2673

[Page 3050]

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

Whereas Union Corner, Hants County, native Koreen Millard is the first Nova Scotia graduate to ever receive a Master of Science in applied geomatics; and

Whereas the new joint degree is offered by the Nova Scotia Community College's Centre of Geographic Sciences and Acadia University; and

Whereas Ms. Millard is now using her education as an aquaculture GIS officer with the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture;

Therefore be it resolved that all MLAs in this Legislature congratulate Koreen Millard for receiving her Master of Science in applied geomatics while wishing 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 Timberlea-Prospect.

RESOLUTION NO. 2674

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

Whereas the first International Ice Hockey Federation Oldtimers Tournament, organized by Hockey Canada, took place in co-operation with the IIHF at the St. Margaret's Centre in Upper Tantallon; and

Whereas 47 teams in five divisions, from Russia, Germany, Finland, United Arab Emirates and, of course, host Canada, participated in this historical event; and

[Page 3051]

Whereas Mike Leroux, manager of the St. Margaret's Centre, all local volunteers and the St. Margaret's Centre staff, did an exceptional job hosting this event in true Canadian hockey fashion for the love of our game;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate all the volunteers, teams and participants, and extend our thanks to all involved with the first-ever International Ice Hockey Federation Oldtimers Tournament at the St. Margaret's Centre in Upper Tantallon.

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. 2675

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 Ainsley McFadgen, a 21-year-old native of Glace Bay, is a member of the women's swimming and diving team for Brown University of Providence, Rhode Island; and

Whereas recently, the Brown Bears women's swimming and diving team finished their 2008 season with a sixth place finish in competitions held at Princeton University; and

Whereas Ainsley is currently in her third year of a science degree with a major in biology and plans on attending medical school upon graduation;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Ainsley McFadgen on her many achievements and wish her every success in what appears to be a promising future.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

[Page 3052]

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. 2676

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 Truckers Association of Nova Scotia held their annual meeting in Truro in mid-April; and

Whereas during this annual meeting, Duncan Gillis of Baddeck was presented with an award for his enduring support of the trucking industry; and

Whereas on the plaque presented to Duncan, the Truckers Association had the following inscribed, "In recognition of his positive attitude and continuous commitment to the betterment of the trucking industry and his long-time affiliation with the Trucking Association. Thank You for your continued support.";

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Duncan Gillis of Baddeck for being recognized in such a positive fashion by the Truckers Association of Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

[Page 3053]

The honourable member for Shelburne.

RESOLUTION NO. 2677

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

Whereas friends in the community gathered to honour Robie Atkinson for his many dedicated years of community service at the Upper Port La Tour United Baptist Church on May 17, 2008; and

Whereas Robie Atkinson is a fine example of determination and faith, having served as a school teacher, principal, school board member and minister of the Upper Port La Tour United Baptist Church for many years; and

Whereas Robie Atkinson has worked diligently to provide outstanding service to the youth and the residents of Shelburne County through his leadership, devotion and faith;

Therefore be it resolved this House of Assembly recognize Robie Atkinson on being honoured by his peers and the community and thank him for his many years of inspiring and faithful service to the people of Shelburne County and to the Upper Port La Tour United Baptist Church.

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.

[12:30 p.m.]

RESOLUTION NO. 2678

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

[Page 3054]

Whereas the clam diggers of Digby, Annapolis and Kings Counties have joined forces to establish the Clam Harvesting Area Two Clammers Association; and

Whereas their goal is to revitalize the clamming industry and create a sustainable future for all clam harvesters throughout these counties; and

Whereas these new associations have pledged to work with federal-provincial departments and agencies as well as municipal councils, buyers, First Nations and others to renew the clam harvesting industry;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture pledge to work with this newly formed association to create a sustainable clamming industry in Digby, Annapolis and Kings Counties.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

I hear a No.

The notice is tabled.

The honourable Minister of Labour and Workforce Development on an introduction.

HON. MARK PARENT: I'd like to welcome students from Horton High along with their teacher, Brad Richard. Half of them are here right now and the other half will be appearing a bit later. Actually most of the students from Horton High are in my colleague, David Morse's riding, but my students from Port Williams go to Horton High. They're here to visit with a department and also to see the House in action. I would ask them to rise and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Hants West.

RESOLUTION NO. 2679

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

Whereas 24 years ago, Ken Lake, of Avondale, started an annual 45 card tournament that has grown in immense popularity; and

[Page 3055]

Whereas local community halls in Avondale, Belmont, Poplar Grove and Stanley all hold monthly 45 card games which are commonly referred to as the 45 circuit; and

Whereas approximately 50 players participate in monthly afternoon 45 games and have a barrel of fun playing, with Jean Demont and Helen Duncanson being a recent winning team at a 45 card tournament in Avondale;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Legislative Assembly applaud the initiative shown by Ken Lake in 1984 for beginning the popular 45 card circuit while complimenting each and every player today for their competitive card spirit and for simply wanting to have an afternoon of fun and good will.

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 East.

RESOLUTION NO. 2680

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

Whereas Nigel Bennett is an accomplished and world-renowned theatre and film actor and co-chair of Motion Picture Industry Charitable Alliance; and

Whereas Nigel Bennett starred in the well-known Forever Knight series, for which he won a Gemini, and was nominated for a fourth time as best actor for his role in the television series At the Hotel; and

Whereas Nigel Bennett is a resident of Linacy in Pictou East and was the guest speaker at the 2008 Pictou County Tourist Association awards banquet where he eloquently spoke on why he chose Pictou County as a place to live;

[Page 3056]

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate the world-renowned actor/performer Nigel Bennett on his Gemini achievements and commend him on choosing Pictou County as his home and for his long-time commitment to the Motion Picture Industry Charitable Alliance.

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.

MR. HAROLD THERIAULT: Mr. Speaker, I'll just read the "therefore" of the last resolution.

MR. SPEAKER: Please do.

MR. THERIAULT: Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries pledge to work with this newly formed association to create a sustainable clamming industry in Digby, Annapolis and Kings Counties.

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. 2681

[Page 3057]

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

Whereas Barrett Enterprises Limited of Beaver Bank has provided a green solution to waste-wood disposal while clearing land; and

Whereas in the harvesting of the wood fibre from the Fall River Recreation Centre, they were able to retrieve 240 tons of green fuel wood chips; and

Whereas this collection of wood chips replaces 60,000 litres of oil and reduces CO2 emissions by 192 tons;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House recognize the step Barrett Enterprises Limited has taken to improve our environment.

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 on an introduction.

HON. LEONARD GOUCHER: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for allowing me the time. It's always wonderful to see our colleagues from up the hill, I guess we can say, from the Halifax Regional Municipal Council here in the House with us today. I'd just like to take a moment to introduce a colleague, a friend, a seatmate for more than six years around the table and a good friend of this House, Councillor Reg Rankin from District 22 of the Halifax Regional Municipality. Get up and receive a warm welcome from the House. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Pictou Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 2682

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

[Page 3058]

Whereas the eyes of the country were on New Glasgow earlier this year when CBC television broadcast from the Westside Community Centre on one of the country's favourite days, Hockey Day in Canada; and

Whereas the New Glasgow satellite location was the only one in Atlantic Canada acknowledging the town's hockey history and connections, including a homecoming meet and greet with New York Islander Jon Sim; and

Whereas 11 local schools took part in hockey activities for the week leading up to the 13-hour broadcast, while many local businesses got into the spirit with decorated shop fronts and hockey jerseys were worn by people all over the town;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House send congratulations to the Town of New Glasgow for a most successful Hockey Day in Canada, making Nova Scotia and the region proud with its spirit and hockey legacies.

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.

RESOLUTION NO. 2683

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

Whereas each year families in the Cole Harbour area look forward to the annual musical production at Astral Drive Elementary School; and

Whereas after three months of dedication and commitment to hard work, rehearsals, meeting deadlines and designing sets and costumes, this year's musical production entitled Twinderella will be performed at the Astral Drive Elementary School on Wednesday, May 14, 2008; and

[Page 3059]

Whereas teachers Louise Bergeron, Jennifer Leduc, Stephanie Wolfe, Julienne Gallant, Debbie Swan; parents Kim Renaud and Gina Morrison; and the entire Grade 5 and Grade 6 students at Astral Drive Elementary School sacrificed many lunch hours and extracurricular activities to successfully produce the musical Twinderella;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate teachers, parents, and the Grade 5 and Grade 6 students at Astral Drive Elementary School in Cole Harbour on their production of the musical Twinderella, and commend them for their efforts and wish them all the best during the upcoming 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 Halifax Clayton Park.

RESOLUTION NO. 2684

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

Whereas Rick Plato, head coach of the Mount Saint Vincent Mystics men's basketball team, was recently named the 2008 Coach of the Year by the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA); and

Whereas Rick has been awarded the prestigious ACAA Coach of the Year award nine times in his 19 years as head coach of the Mystics; and

Whereas Rick successfully led the Mystics to a perfect 23-0 season for the second year in a row and topped off the year by winning the silver at the CCAA Basketball Nationals in Montreal;

[Page 3060]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Rick Plato for his amazing accomplishments and encourage him to continue his outstanding coaching career for years to come.

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 Human Resources.

RESOLUTION NO. 2685

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 the Town of Bridgewater and the Royal Canadian Legion Branches of Zone 13 will hold their first-ever Support Our Troops Red Rally; and

Whereas a Red Rally is an event dedicated to showing our support for our Canadian Military men and women; and

Whereas the Town of Bridgewater is requesting that everyone wear red on Fridays leading up to and including the Red Rally day of May 23rd to show their support for our Canadian troops;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House show their support and be part of this Support Our Troops Red Rally to be held in Bridgewater on May 23rd at 2:00 p.m. in Bridgewater.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

[Page 3061]

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. 2686

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

Whereas Mark Brennan likes to paint in remote places and has taken his canvas and watercolours from Cape Breton Highlands National Park to Algonquin Park in Ontario and Banff National Park in Alberta; and

Whereas Mark Brennan's paintings can be found in galleries throughout Nova Scotia and Ontario including the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Art Sales and Rental in Halifax, Lyghtsome Gallery in Antigonish, and Clarus Gallery in Toronto; and

Whereas Mark Brennan, a self-taught landscape artist from White Hill, Pictou County, recently had his painting Storm Over Cape Smokey purchased for inclusion in the Nova Scotia Art Bank Collection;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Mark Brennan for having his painting Storm Over Cape Smokey included in the Nova Scotia Art Bank collection and wish him continued success as one of our country's premier landscape artists.

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.

[Page 3062]

RESOLUTION NO. 2687

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

Whereas the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia is a museum library complex dedicated to the protection and preservation of Black culture and heritage in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas it was the brainchild of the late Reverend Dr. William Pearly Oliver, C.M., who was a strong advocate for human rights, equality and education to all people, and the legacy lives on today in the work that the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia promotes; and

Whereas this year the centre celebrates 25 years since its inception in 1983 and is now under the direction of Dr. Leslie Oliver, son of the late Reverend Dr. Oliver;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join with me in congratulating the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, the staff, and Board of Directors for continuing to promote and preserve Black culture and heritage throughout Nova Scotia and 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 Minister of Health.

RESOLUTION NO. 2688

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Monsieur le Président, à une date ultérieure, je demanderai l'adoption de la résolution suivante:

Attendu que M. Bernadin Comeau est un entrepreneur qui a connu du succès pendant plus de 60 ans, ayant créè Comeau Seafoods Limited, qui est maintenant l'un des plus importants employeurs du sud-ouest de la Nouvelle-Écosse; et

[Page 3063]

Attendu que le leadership de M. Comeau a contribué à l'établissement et à l'amélioration de la communauté dans laquelle il habite, non seulement du point de vue économique, mais aussi par l'appui des projets culturels de la région et de toute la province, notamment le Festival acadien de Clare et les Jeux de l'Acadie, ce qui lui a valu d'être admis à l'Ordre du Canada en 1987; et

Attendu que M. Comeau est l'un de quatre Néo-Écossais qui ont récemment été admis au Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame pour ses accomplissements et l'inspiration qu'il offre aux jeunes de la Nouvelle-Écosse;

Par conséquent, qu'il soit résolu que tous les membres de cette Assemblée reconnaissent M. Bernadin Comeau pour ses accomplissements remarquables comme chef d'entreprise dans notre province, et le félicitent pour son plus récent honneur.

Monsieur le Président, je demande l'adoption de cette résolution sans préavis et sans débat.

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

Whereas Bernadin Comeau has been a successful entrepreneur for over 60 years, creating Comeau Seafoods Limited, which is now one of the largest employers in Nova Scotia's French shore; and

Whereas Mr. Comeau's leadership has helped both shape and improve the community in which he lives not only economically but also by supporting cultural endeavours in the region and across the province like the Festival Acadian de Clare and Les Jeux de l'Acadie for example, earning him distinctions such as the Order of Canada in 1987; and

[12:45 p.m.]

Whereas Mr. Comeau is one of four Nova Scotians recently inducted into the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame for his accomplishments and the inspiration he has provided to the young people of Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Bernadin Comeau for his remarkable achievements as a business leader in our province and congratulate him for this most recent honour.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

[Page 3064]

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. 2689

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

Whereas young people from across Canada meet each year in Ottawa for the Youth Forum Encounters; and

Whereas Jeannette Boudreau of Timberlea will represent Sir John A. Macdonald High School this year; and

Whereas this experience will assist Jeannette to further develop her sense of citizenship and community involvement;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Jeannette Boudreau with best wishes for success at the Youth Forum Encounters in Ottawa.

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 Clare.

[Page 3065]

RESOLUTION NO. 2690

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

Whereas La Baie en Joie, a dance troupe from Clare, recently participated in the British Association of Teachers of Dancing Festival of Dance, May 2 to May 4, 2008; and

Whereas La Baie en Joie placed first in their category, which included other dancing groups from Atlantic Canada and had the highest mark for step dancing; and

Whereas La Baie en Joie placed first amongst the Nova Scotia dancing groups that competed in the category of Nova Scotia traditional dancers;

Therefore be it resolved that La Baie en Joie be congratulated for winning the BATD Traditional Rose Bowl and for winning the Dance Nova Scotia Traditional Rose Bowl.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

[Page 3066]

RESOLUTION NO. 2691

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

Whereas David Brine, a Bible Hill native, made his NHL debut on February 2, 2008 in his Florida Panthers 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning; and

Whereas David Brine starred with the Truro Junior A Bearcats and the Halifax Mooseheads before beginning his professional career; and

Whereas David Brine, who was not drafted by the NHL, is an exceptional example of the rewards of hard work, tenacity, and a positive attitude;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate David Brine on playing in the NHL and wish him every success as he works to establish his NHL career.

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. 2692

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

Whereas the price of oil is an issue of concern in everyone's life, from home heating to every fuel-consuming industry in North America; and

Whereas if the price of oil continues to rise, home owners and all industries will become unable to purchase this product, . . .

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. It's hard to hear the member speak.

[Page 3067]

MR. THERIAULT: . . . a problem which is happening now with Digby's scallop fleet and the trucking industry of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas a similar situation took place 90 years ago in North America, where a very few large corporations drained all the money from peoples' pockets, creating one of the greatest depressions ever known;

Therefore be it resolved that the Premier remind our Prime Minister of the problems which plagued the late 1920s so that he can remind future oil investors to think before investing in oil stocks, unless the plan is to repeat what happened 90 years ago.

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 Environment.

RESOLUTION NO. 2693

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 Valley Community Learning Association was established in 1989 to help adults achieve their personal learning goals; and

Whereas last year the VCLA helped well over 200 learners by impacting their lives and futures by improving their literacy skills; and

Whereas on May 4th, the VCLA held its annual fundraising event, the Literacy Mile, in Kentville to raise awareness of and support for the literacy needs of Annapolis Valley residents;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts of the Valley Community Learning Association in its objective of assisting Valley residents attain personal literacy goals.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

[Page 3068]

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 Richmond.

RESOLUTION NO. 2694

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

Whereas Canadian Police Week is dedicated to increasing awareness and recognition of policing services while reinforcing the ties between police and the community; and

Whereas Police Week is also an opportunity to honour police officers for the public safety and security they provide to their communities; and

Whereas May 11 to 17, 2008, is recognized as Canadian Police Week;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly recognize the efforts of the brave men and women serving as police in our communities and help to make their constituencies aware of the great work police officers are doing.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage.

[Page 3069]

RESOLUTION NO. 2695

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

Whereas Mabel Margaret Murphy, a constituent of the Eastern Shore, celebrated her 100th birthday on April 29th; and

Whereas Mabel is a mother of four, grandmother of 10 and a great-grandmother of two; and

Whereas Mabel Murphy is an active member of her local community in everything to playing bingo to playing cards and also active with her local church;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Mabel Margaret Murphy on celebrating a significant milestone in her active life, her 100th birthday.

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 Richmond.

RESOLUTION NO. 2696

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

Whereas the Strait Area Campus of the Nova Scotia Community College is celebrating the completion of the first year of the Straight to Work pilot program; and

Whereas the program is designed to provide intellectually or physically disabled students with the necessary life, social and employability skills needed in preparation of entering the workforce; and

[Page 3070]

Whereas next month 11 students will graduate from the program with a certificate of accomplishment;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize the importance and the success of the Strait to Work program.

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 Government House Leader.

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, would you please revert to the order of business, Presenting and Reading Petitions.

MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

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

MS. DIANA WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table a petition from Mount Saint Vincent University. The operative clause reads:

"Therefore, I am calling on your government to immediately stop discriminating against students and repeal Regulation 67 of the Employment Support and Income Assistance Act, as part of a larger strategy to reduce poverty by reducing tuition fees, introducing needs-based grants, and raising social assistance rates."

Mr. Speaker, it is signed by 206 students and staff at Mount Saint Vincent University, and I have included my signature as well. Thank you very much.

[Page 3071]

MR. SPEAKER: The petition is tabled.

We shall now go to Orders of the Day, Oral Questions Put By Members.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS

MR. SPEAKER: The time is now 12:55 p.m. and we will go to 1:55 p.m.

The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

PREM.: POWER RATE INCREASE/COAL PRICES - IMPACT

MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question will be for the Premier. There was no application for a power rate increase this year but, as the Premier would know, the world price of coal has been rising steeply in recent months. Nova Scotians are extremely dependent on coal for electricity. Unless there is a sudden reversal of the price trend, higher electricity rates are a definite possibility in the months ahead. So my question to the Premier is, did you consider the impact on electricity rates of a steep increase in coal prices before you imposed your 8 per cent across-the-board tax increase?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, what my colleague here in the House indicated yesterday, his intention to vote against more money going into the hands of low-income Nova Scotians while they try to keep their houses warm next year, that is what that Party has decided to go against, low-income Nova Scotians. More help for seniors, more help for students, the seventh consecutive balanced budget in this province - the Leader and that Party are against Nova Scotians getting an HST rebate on their home heating next winter. (Applause)

MR. DEXTER: Well, Mr. Speaker, I guess the Premier didn't want to answer the question, but I'll ask him another one and see if he'll get to it this time. Besides coal prices, there are upward pressures on power rates in Nova Scotia - the introduction of wind power and additional emission controls on greenhouse gases and other air pollutants may well lead to increased power rates. Nova Scotians are willing to pay more for electricity if it means a cleaner environment, but they are far less willing to pay more because the Premier has abandoned one of the seven key priorities. So my question to the Premier is, did the Premier consider the impact of environmental protection measures on power rates before he decided to impose his 8 per cent tax on electricity?

THE PREMIER: The only people who have been abandoned are the people of Nova Scotia - by the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Speaker, who doesn't want them to have a raise in their basic personal exemption for personal income taxes, to put more money in their

[Page 3072]

pockets; who doesn't agree with students getting a doubling of the graduate tax credit; who doesn't believe that the agricultural industry deserves more assistance in this province.

Mr. Speaker, this government will continue to invest in the priority areas of Nova Scotia, in a balanced way, in a common-sense way and in a focused way. (Applause)

MR. DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, the budget that increased taxes on household electricity by 8 per cent also announced a comprehensive review of the province's tax structure. According to a report in Monday's ChronicleHerald, unlike the electricity tax hike, the tax review is supposed to be revenue-neutral. The last so-called revenue-neutral tax to be introduced in this province was the HST. My question is this - knowing that the price of power will continue to be an issue, did the Premier decide to get his tax hike in under the wire in case a fair review of Nova Scotia taxes would not recommend an 8 per cent increase of the taxes on electricity?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, the same leader and the same Party, the NDP, who said we should have a rebate program - this government put a rebate program in, something now they're against. They're against balanced budgets, they're against the private sector, they want more taxes, they want more spending. Well, Mr. Speaker, this government is going to continue down the road of fiscal responsibility . . . (Interruptions) (Applause)

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

SERV. N.S. & MUN. REL.: GAS TAX - REVIEW

MR. STEPHEN MCNEIL: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. In recent days, the Minister of Finance and the Premier have been talking about reviewing the tax system in Nova Scotia with an eye towards competitiveness. We have the second highest gas tax in Canada and far too often the price difference between here and neighbouring New Brunswick is 10 cents a litre. We already know the gas tax is putting our business at a disadvantage. My question to the Premier is, why are you waiting for a review to tell you what Nova Scotians already know - that our gas taxes are too high?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my honourable colleague for raising this (Interruptions) Mr. Speaker, the Opposition finally got something right. Do I thank the Leader of the Liberal Party for his support? Yes, because he knows that you put people ahead of politics. (Applause)

[1:00 p.m.]

MR. MCNEIL: Mr. Speaker, . . .

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. Order, please. The honourable Leader of the Liberal Party has the floor.

[Page 3073]

MR. MCNEIL: Mr. Speaker, that's the best non-answer that I've gotten from this government in four years of being in the House (Interruptions) The Minister of Finance has said the tax review will be internal and that we will bring in consultants when necessary. Nova Scotians want a competitive tax system and they want to be able to prosper in their own province. However, unlike the current gas pricing system, Nova Scotians want to ensure that the review is independent and free of political interference. So, Premier, will you commit today to a fully independent tax review and to have those findings reported back to the House and not to your Cabinet?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, I certainly have confidence in the public servants of this province to do due diligence in this review and to get the expertise that's required externally in ensuring that whatever move forward that we make as a government, we do so with the very best information at our fingertips. That is my commitment to the Leader, that is my commitment to the people of this province and the members of this House.

The Minister of Finance has spoken to this issue earlier in the week. One of the things we want to make sure the province, in going forward, in planning to grow our economy, is to ensure we are cost competitive with other provinces and across the country as a whole. I'm very proud of the fact that at the present time, this province is cost competitive and a great place to do business.

MR. MCNEIL: Mr. Speaker, you don't need to look far for taxation that is making our province uncompetitive. Many individuals are fuelling up before they get into our province and fuelling-up when they leave. Nova Scotian companies are placed at a competitive disadvantage with our neighbours, because of our tax system that has driven the price of gas several cents higher per litre. My question to the Premier is, if your review recommends lowering the motive fuel tax, will you commit to this House today to do that?

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

HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, in 2003, government in its wisdom - and I say in its wisdom because of the sorry state of some of the roads in this province that were something we did inherit from the previous government (Interruptions) - introduced a two cent tax. Two cents additional tax on gasoline to be dedicated entirely to the improvement of the roads.

Mr. Speaker, with the exception of that 2 cents, if we were not paying that 2 cents to improve our roads, and I believe all Nova Scotians do support that, our gas would be 1 cent less than the average Canadian price.

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

[Page 3074]

SERV. N.S. & MUN. REL.: DIESEL FUEL - PRICING

MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, my question will be for the Premier. Four years ago, diesel fuel and gasoline were the same price before taxes. Now the pre-tax price of diesel fuel is 18 cents more than the price of gasoline. Business owners are finding it cheaper to buy a gasoline-powered fleet although diesel fuel has better mileage with lower emissions and lower vehicle maintenance costs. Both diesel and gasoline prices are supposed to be based on the New York Harbour price but the regulations permit consideration of "any additional factors the ministers consider to be relevant". My question to the Premier is this, what are the additional factors that have led your government to approve much higher prices for diesel fuel?

HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, the price of diesel fuel - we do regulate that and we follow the same principles that we do in setting the price of gasoline. The reason that the price of diesel has gone so high - and the honourable Leader of the Official Opposition did put a finger on it - is because diesel engines were so much more efficient or gave better fuel economy, a lot of the small businesses that used to burn gasoline converted to diesel. What happened is, this is a supply and demand. The supply for diesel is very, very high and that is the price that has risen on the world market.

MR. DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, this is a regulated market. Diesel and gasoline come from a single refinery. I'm quite certain the skyrocketing price of diesel has been the subject of discussion among government, the refinery and wholesalers. The rapid rise in the price of diesel is on the mind of every restaurant or grocery store that sees a . . .

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

MR. DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, I'm quite certain that the skyrocketing price of diesel has been the subject of discussion among government, the refinery and wholesalers. The rapid rise in the price of diesel is on the mind of every restaurant or grocery store that sees a fuel surcharge on each delivery. Trucking, the fishery and other diesel-dependent industries . . .

MR. SPEAKER: Do you have a question?

MR. DEXTER: . . . are in price shock. The Premier needs to show some leadership on this issue. So my question is this . . .

MR. SPEAKER: Do you have a question?

[Page 3075]

MR. DEXTER: . . . what options are his government exploring to restrain the unexpected and extreme increase in the price of diesel fuel?

MR. MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I would like to go back to the previous answer where the price of diesel is caused by a very high demand and very limited supply. The other thing coupled with that was, this year for diesel price, we had right across, I guess, wherever they do it, an extremely cold winter. As the honourable member would know, basically the fuel which goes into automobiles and trucks for diesel is very similar to that which goes into oil tanks for heat. Because of the cold temperatures, there was an increased demand for furnace oil right across. It just put pressure on the supply and the market responded accordingly.

MR. DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, this government said that it would put all decisions through a green screen. The Premier says that he puts people first. When I wrote the government directly to first raise this issue, the letter wasn't even answered - I will table the letter that I wrote in November 2006. Now this government has allowed increases in the price of diesel that are twice as much as the increases in gasoline since January alone. This is not just the result of world prices. My question is this, when will Nova Scotians get more than excuses from this Premier, from this government, for the widening gap between the price of diesel fuel and the price of gasoline?

MR. MUIR: I'm not sure whether the honourable member is saying that the Government of Nova Scotia can control the world price of diesel. I think that is what he just said but I can tell the honourable member that we have the lowest price for diesel in Atlantic Canada. Our prices have been the lowest in Atlantic Canada. Mr. Speaker, like him and anybody else who uses diesel, including a vehicle that I have, I hope the price does go down.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition on a new question.

HEALTH: DYKELAND LODGE: BEDS - VACANCIES EXPLAIN

MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question will be to the Minister of Health. I'll table a letter written to the minister by the Chair of the Board at Dykeland Lodge Nursing Home in Windsor. For over two years, this nursing home has had difficulty filling its beds when they become empty. Departmental policy is that beds should be filled within five days, yet the average vacancy for beds at Dykeland Lodge was over 14 days and one bed was vacant for 45 days. Mr. Speaker, my question is this for the minister - why has the department allowed beds to stay vacant at the Dykeland Lodge while seniors waited for placement?

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I am very aware of the situation happening at Dykeland Lodge. There is a situation where the single-entry access there - there are some complications at the time in placing people. For the

[Page 3076]

most part, beds are pretty much taken on immediately. We are still unaware why this was happening.

Mr. Speaker, we'll continue to invest dollars into long-term care to make sure that beds are available at all times for our seniors to go through, unlike the Opposition who seem to not want to support anything when it comes to the increase in long-term care, continuing care, as this government has done.

MR. DEXTER: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The board is so frustrated, it has decided to make this a public issue. The letter states, and I'll quote, "Nursing home beds are being left empty while community members are being sent home from the hospital because acute care beds are filled by long term care patients. There are also cases where individuals are dying in transitional units of the hospital while waiting for nursing home placement."

All the while, Mr. Speaker, beds at Dykeland Lodge sat empty. This was flagged for the Department of Health two years ago but has not been fixed. So my question to the minister is this, if his department is leaving beds empty at Dykeland Lodge, how many other nursing homes have unused capacity?

MR. D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, as it comes to placement in long-term care facilities, seniors have the option to pick their site where they want to be, have a second option as time moves on. The Leader of the Opposition has spoken quite candidly against forcing people into certain homes, against the 100 kilometre policy. Is the member opposite suggesting that we force people to go to some place that maybe they don't want to go?

MR. DEXTER: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. While the minister would know that the complaints from the board are about community members, local community members who are trying to get into that facility. The letter also states, and I will quote, " . . . the government can explain to individuals laying on stretchers outside the emergency departments (and their family members) why hospital beds are filled with nursing home patients who should be in the empty bed in the nursing home down the road." So I ask the minister, what explanation can he give for leaving these beds empty?

MR. D'ENTREMONT: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. This government will continue to invest in long-term care across this province. This government will continue to invest in continuing care across this province. If you look at the dollars that are contained in this budget, it means that we are there for Nova Scotia, we are there for seniors - unlike the Opposition who don't want to vote for it.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Richmond.

JUSTICE: CORRECTIONS SERVICES - DETERIORATION

[Page 3077]

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, on Friday, the Occupational Health and Safety Committee reported back on their review of complaints of correctional officials at the Burnside facility. The committee found that there were health and safety concerns with the availability of weapons, with proper training and with the lack of risk assessments.

Nova Scotians deserve the comfort that they live in a province where the correctional service functions properly and they help to ensure our public safety. My question to the Minister of Justice is, why did you let the state of our correctional services get this bad in Nova Scotia?

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. In fact what we're dedicated to and committed to is improving the services and the level and quality of programming that we offer within our facilities. When concerns have been brought to my attention, government has acted on them and we continue to do that with the recommendation and we've put measures in place that are responsible and, again, the appropriate ones and so I look forward to any further commentary the member might have.

MR. SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, the whole issue here is that this minister continues to react, rather than have a plan as to how to deal with matters - it is react to every crisis that comes up and the minister today announced that the Sheriff's Department will now be doing all of the transfers from Justice facilities throughout Nova Scotia. The minister has refused to arm our correctional officers during transfers even though they are trained and are allowed to be armed within the facilities. Today, by moving the full burden to the Sheriff's Department, the Justice Minister has implied that all individuals on escort should be armed to protect themselves and to protect the public. So my question to the minister is, why do you continue to refuse to allow the corrections officers to use the same tools on transfers as they are trained to use in correctional facilities?

MR. CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, the concerns that have been raised, as the honourable member would raise before the House - when he looks at the fact that since April 8th , we've had 455 refusals to do transfers. We have the process in place to deal with that. We formalized that process until the independent external audit is done. That is a constructive, responsible thing to do. Nova Scotians deserve that and we're going to see to that process.

MR. SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, it's disappointing that this minister and this government need an audit to implement common sense here in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotians do not want to wait for an audit to tell them what they already know. If an individual is trained and allowed to use an enforcement tool inside a correctional facility, it makes sense that they should be allowed to use those same tools during an escort. Nova Scotians want a Minister of Justice who will implement common-sense measures rather than hiding behind an audit that is months away. So my final question to the minister is, why do you refuse to put the safety of the public and the safety of correction officers as a top priority for your government?

[Page 3078]

MR. CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, to the honourable member, this government continues to take action and continues to implement positive strategies no different than our policing for our safer streets and communities that are showing the statistics speak for themselves. We're also working - when people indicate there's a concern, we've put in place measures. We have a compliance team with regards to issues for operating procedures at Burnside. We're adhering to that so that Nova Scotians have the confidence their correction system is working effectively.

[1:15 p.m.]

Right now, Mr. Speaker, over 90 per cent of transfers are done by the sheriff's service and in the interim of having that audit, they will provide that service with support from management and police if necessary.

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

HEALTH: ERs - WAIT TIMES

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health. There has been a lot of talk in the media and in the Legislature around rural emergency closures, but rural ERs aren't the only problem we are facing in emergency care. In Capital District, the latest operation report shows that in one month 990 patients left the emergency room without being seen by a physician. So I would like to ask the Minister of Health, why do one in 10 patients leave the Dartmouth General Emergency Department without being seen by a doctor when the provincial target is one in 50?

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, that is why this government is putting in place a Selfcare/Telecare system, one that Nova Scotians can call into and find out about their health care strategies. That is an investment that is in this year's budget that that Party is voting against.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): Giving up on the emergency rooms is one thing when your condition is not urgent. People, quite honestly, get tired of waiting, Mr. Speaker, but the fact is, in the Capital District Health Authority, only non-urgent cases meet the provincial target of less than two hours before seeing a doctor. Capital District reports show that patients are waiting longer for level three urgent care than for level five non-urgent care. So I would like to ask the minister, can the minister explain why urgent care is taking longer than non-urgent care in our emergency room?

MR. D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, it is our belief that it is better to keep people out of the ER in the first place, which is why this budget has a $3.96 million investment in a Selfcare/Telecare system, one that people can call, and those provinces who have brought

[Page 3079]

this kind of thing in have dropped their visits to the ER by almost 30 per cent. Those are the threes, those are the fours, those are the fives and, guess what, they're voting against it.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): Mr. Speaker, we voted for a budget last year that was supposed to see $8 million spent on medical equipment. I voted for a budget that was underspent last year by $13 million for infrastructure in health care. The standards of care for acute level two, which means there's a potential threat of life, is that a doctor should see that patient within 15 minutes. As important as that sounds, there isn't much progress on that file. At the QE II, for example, the average ER wait time for a level two jumped from just under 40 minutes in July of last year, to more than 70 minutes by October, 2007. So I would like to ask the minister, can the minister explain why the busiest ER in Nova Scotia is not provided with the resource to do its job within government standards?

MR. D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, as the member opposite fully knows, the operation of an emergency room depends on the people within it. We do give them the resources that are available to us to help them out. The question I ask back to them is, are they against the Family Pharmacare Program? Are they against the Seniors Pharmacare Program? Are they against the SelfCare/Telecare Program? Yes they are. We're here for Nova Scotians, we'll make the differences that are available, we're here for Nova Scotians.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Sackville-Cobequid on a new question.

HEALTH: BREAST CANCER TESTS - REVIEW

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): Mr. Speaker, I supported a budget last year that underspent the Pharmacare Program by $70 million, that's what I supported. There has been a great deal of media coverage around the scandal in Newfoundland with faulty breast cancer tests. Nearly 400 women received inaccurate results between 1997 and 2005. Now many Nova Scotia women are asking their doctor about the quality of testing here in Nova Scotia. I'd like to ask the Minister of Health, what is his government doing, or what has his government done, to ensure tests for breast cancer are thorough and complete here in Nova Scotia?

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, a while ago when this pathology issue came to light in Newfoundland, there was a basic, quick review that was done of our system. Our system is done a fair amount differently, it is done more collaboratively, it is done with more checks and balances. We have full confidence in our system when it comes to pathologies and when it comes to reviewing breast cancer tests.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): Mr. Speaker, 190 Nova Scotia women will die of breast cancer this year and 690 will be told they have the disease. Our high-calibre pathologists and lab technologists work hard so these women can get the proper treatment

[Page 3080]

in a timely manner, but they are overworked and understaffed. The chief executive of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons said this month that every institution in Canada is suffering from an increased workload and staff shortages. I would like to ask the minister, what is his government doing to address the increased demand on the shrinking number of these professionals in Nova Scotia?

MR. D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, again, as I said, this government has invested heavily in digital mammography units, one that makes the test much easier to be reviewed. We've increased the programming, the advertising, making sure that women do get their tests when they need them. Our compliance with that is higher than any other province in the country. We will continue to do those kinds of investments and we'll do that on behalf of all Nova Scotians.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): Mr. Speaker, Newfoundland, Ontario, New Brunswick and Manitoba have recently begun investigations into test results of some pathologists because of a quality assurance issue. Dr. Andrew Padmos of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons was quoted as saying, "There's no part of Canada, no institution in Canada, which could claim to be invulnerable in concerns of this nature of the quality." I'd like to ask the minister, has the minister started review of the pathology service here in Nova Scotia?

MR. D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, Dr. Andrew Padmos, of course, having been our director of Cancer Care Nova Scotia, I thank him for the work that he has provided to the Province of Nova Scotia. Again, as I said in my first answer, when it comes to pathology, we do have a robust system, we have one that is built on checks and balances, we have one that is different than other provinces in this country and we have full confidence in what it provides Nova Scotians.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Glace Bay.

HEALTH PROM. & PROTECTION: EMERGENCY HEALTH CRISIS -

ADMINISTRATION

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health Promotion and Protection. Last Friday, the eyes of the country were on a VIA train in northern Ontario as word spread that a passenger had passed away, another had been airlifted as a result of respiratory distress and five others on the train were experiencing flu-like symptoms. By all indications, the emergency response there was exceptional. In reviewing the pandemic plan here, it has come to my attention that while the plan is available on the Department of Health's Web site, the Department of Health Promotion and Protection's most recent business plan indicates they are responsible for coordinated health sector emergency response. My question for the minister is, is it you, minister, who's

[Page 3081]

responsible for executing a response to an emergency health crisis like the pandemic or is it the Minister of Health?

HON. BARRY BARNET: Mr. Speaker, I'll respond to the member opposite that it is a responsibility of multiple departments to ensure that we are well protected with respect to a potential pandemic episode. We work very collaboratively with the Department of Health, the Department of Environment and Labour and other departments of government to ensure that Nova Scotia is protected. We have a plan that's in place, it's an evolutionary document and it's one that will serve our province well.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, from a public perspective, it's not clear who is responsible and would lead one to wonder what the response would have been had the train stopped in Truro instead of Northern Ontario. It also explains what happened in this province with the most recent outbreak of the mumps.

The business plan also goes on to state that sometime this year or next year, a pandemic protocol will be released but the Department of Health's Web site already has a fairly comprehensive pandemic plan with a third part to be released this month. My question is, could the minister please tell us whether or not the pandemic plan already prepared is the protocol his department references in the business plan or has he gone back to the drawing board?

MR. BARNET: Mr. Speaker, I have every confidence in the staff at Health Promotion and Protection. We have excellent staff who have shown great leadership with respect to this area. As I've explained to the member opposite in the earlier question, the pandemic plan is an evolutionary document - it continues to evolve over time. It's in place now. I have confidence in the plan that we have. We work very collaboratively with the Department of Health and other departments of government to ensure all Nova Scotians are protected and I sleep well at night, Mr. Speaker.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, I don't recall asking the minister how he slept at night. I recall asking him to answer the questions, which he hasn't done.

The minister's business plan also indicates that his department is beginning work on a health warehousing project designed to enhance the minister's department and the Department of Health's capacity to respond to an emergency. Phase one is supposed to begin this year and entail the scoping of the project. My final question for the minister is, given that capacity in the health system is critical to an emergency response, why will it take this minister a whole year to scope out a project?

MR. BARNET: Mr. Speaker, I answered the member's first two questions - clearly he obviously wasn't listening. I will say this again, our staff at Health Promotion and Protection are among the best in the country. They provide great advice to me, as their

[Page 3082]

minister. We accept that advice. We work very closely with the Department of Health. We have a plan in place, it's one that will protect Nova Scotians. Mr. Speaker, I have great confidence in that plan, it's unfortunate the member opposite doesn't have the same kind of confidence that I have in the staff at Health Promotion and Protection.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Dartmouth North.

COM. SERV. - FEED N.S.: FOOD/FUEL PRICES - ASSISTANCE

MR. TREVOR ZINCK: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Community Services. Feed Nova Scotia is the central distribution point for food banks in Nova Scotia. This organization and its member agencies serve thousands of Nova Scotia families each year. By the end of June, they will have spent $100,000 on fuel to deliver food across this province. This is a 22 per cent increase over the previous year's fuel expense. My question to the minister is, how will her department be helping agencies like Feed Nova Scotia to continue their work in the face of rising prices of food and fuel?

HON. JUDY STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, I thank my honourable colleague for the opportunity to rise and speak about the relationships that we have with the Department of Community Services, with our community organizations - the tremendous work that's being done from one end of this province to the other. Often the unsung heros, we very much value the fine work of groups like Feed Nova Scotia, the Boys and Girls Clubs, women's centres, et cetera, across this province. For that very reason, we're pleased to have an increase in our budget of $300,000 for those direct-grant agencies, that this side of the House will be voting for on Thursday in our budget.

MR. ZINCK: Mr. Speaker, Feed Nova Scotia anticipates another 21 per cent hike this year. They are budgeting $125,000 for fuel - that's if prices stay at today's level. Increasing costs for food, shelter, heat and transportation mean that more families will need help from their local food bank. The food bank is often the only thing stopping Nova Scotians from going hungry so I ask the minister - given Feed Nova Scotia's critical role in keeping families fed in our province, will she work with this organization to ensure it is able to keep doing its critical work?

MS. STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, again, we're very pleased with the partnerships that we have with various community organizations. We will continue to work with all Nova Scotians to ensure that those most in need and those vulnerable in our communities are well cared for.

MR. ZINCK: Mr. Speaker, Feed Nova Scotia is expecting an increased demand this year from families who have never had to access the food bank before. Government funding accounts for only 4 per cent of Feed Nova Scotia's budget, so I ask the minister this - when

[Page 3083]

will her government recognize its role in helping hungry Nova Scotians and ensure Feed Nova Scotia has adequate funding to help our vulnerable families?

MS. STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, again I want to first of all applaud the fine work that is done by organizations from one end of this province to the other. For the information of those members in the House, this side of the House, this government does recognize the invaluable work that's being done. Again, that's why the $300,000 in our budget for the direct grant agencies; that's why we have $14.9 million more in our affordable housing trust; that's why we will be funding $300,000 for wheelchairs from one end of this province to the other, which obviously that side of the House does not support.

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

[1:30 p.m.]

TCH: N.S. MARKETING PROG. - TARGET

MR. HAROLD THERIAULT: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. Everywhere we look, when we turn on our TV or cross the bridge or walk through the ferry terminal, we see ads promoting New Brunswick. New Brunswick recognizes that they need to market their tourism industry more locally. However, yesterday, when the minister was interviewed and asked why we aren't promoting Nova Scotia more to Nova Scotians, he stated, "I don't understand." My question to the minister: With the rising price of gas and the high Canadian dollar that will reduce U.S. visitors, why doesn't the minister see the value of marketing Nova Scotia more to Nova Scotians?

HON. WILLIAM DOOKS: Well, Mr. Speaker, what I truly do not understand is the question from that member, I'll tell you that. The department spends $20 million in marketing and advertising each and every year to promote Nova Scotia.

MR. THERIAULT: Mr. Speaker, if the minister and this government cannot effectively advertise Nova Scotia to ourselves, how are we going to attract people from other jurisdictions? The province will fail in its attempt to double tourism by 2012 unless we spend more on advertising in all markets, including ourselves. Right now, a person living in Halifax has a choice - a four-hour drive to Cape Breton or a two-hour drive to New Brunswick, and New Brunswick is winning the advertising more. My question to the minister is, how can this minister sit by and allow New Brunswick to attract Nova Scotians in what will no doubt be a tight tourism year?

MR. DOOKS: Mr. Speaker, once again, we spend $20 million on marketing and advertising - $6 million directly on advertising. On the Atlantic Provinces alone, we spend over $1 million encouraging and enticing people to come visit. I suggest that the member

[Page 3084]

across the way should not get very excited about a program down in the ferry office because at this particular time we are promoting our province in New Brunswick by means of the newspaper, television, radio. Mr. Speaker, over 50 per cent of tourists come from the Atlantic Region and I suggest that we're doing a good job in promoting us. Mr. Speaker, the point is clear - we have a great product to share with the people of the Atlantic Provinces here, here in Nova Scotia

MR. THERIAULT: Mr. Speaker, in the same media interview with CBC Radio yesterday, the minister was asked about the New Brunswick tourism ads at our harbour ferry terminals.

AN HON. MEMBER: What did he say?

MR. THERIAULT: He stated, "I certainly hope that if someone arrives here from Ontario or from Europe or from the U.S., I hope they spend their week or 10 days here, enjoy what we have to offer and if they have a few days left, I hope and encourage them to go to New Brunswick." So my question to the minister is, why is the minister publically encouraging tourists to leave Nova Scotia and spend their vacations in New Brunswick?

MR. DOOKS: Well, obviously, the member spends a lot of time tracking what I said and what I have not said, Mr. Speaker. I suggest that we encourage people from Europe, the United States, across Canada to come and spend 10 days in Nova Scotia. We would be very pleased with that. I encourage visitors from other parts of the world to come to Nova Scotia and share the gift of our hospitality and the positive attitude that we have. We have so many things to offer and I suggest that the member across the way should go up to the Metro Centre and enjoy a hockey game.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Dartmouth North.

COM. SERV.: SPECIAL NEEDS FUNDING - ADEQUACY

MR. TREVOR ZINCK: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Community Services. (Interruption)

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. Order, please. Order, please. Are you done? The honourable member for Dartmouth North. (Interruptions)

MR. ZINCK: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Community Services. Heather Stewart is disabled and has to rely on the support of Community Services. She lives on $560 a month and has done so for nearly six years. When her fridge needed to be replaced, she was relieved that there was a special needs fund that would be available to her. Relief turned to stress, however, when she found out that the maximum help she could receive was $200 and she was expected to buy the cheapest fridge she could find. So my

[Page 3085]

question for the minister is, what kind of fridge does she anticipate someone could find for under $200?

HON. JUDY STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, my honourable colleague brought forward the issue of special needs funding, a commitment of over $38 million annually to those special needs to ensure that situations that arise are taken care of. That is why this government, again, has committed to an increase in the personal allowance that will be part of this year's plan. That is why we continue to increase dollars going to the special needs, increasing that budget as well. We will continue on this side of the House to ensure that we take care of those vulnerable Nova Scotians.

MR. ZINCK: Mr. Speaker, with a $200 maximum for a fridge and a $150 cap for stoves, clients have to purchase older appliances, if they are lucky enough to find anything in that price range at all. I will table an information sheet from Nova Scotia Power and it states, "A 10-year-old refrigerator or freezer can cost considerably more to operate than a new, energy-efficient model of the same size." I don't want to forget that the HST will apply to those new appliances, or used. I ask the minister, why not help ESIA clients buy the most energy-efficient appliances that they can find?

MS. STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, again, I am pleased to rise and reconfirm the commitment of this side of the House, of this government, to Nova Scotians. Again, an increase in the personal allowance, which will bring us to a 15.6 per cent increase, five consecutive years, something that we believe firmly in on this side of the House. Again, those additional dollars for child care, for subsidized child care, the decrease in the daily parent fee. Again, all parts of the budget that we know will help Nova Scotian families, help Nova Scotians who need us most - what we believe in on this side of the House.

MR. ZINCK: Mr. Speaker, well, I'll tell you Heather Stewart is feeling really left behind - when someone is living on only $560 a month, every dollar counts. Heather says, and I quote, "I am tired of living the way I have to live. It's debilitating mentally." I ask the minister, given rising energy costs, when will her government change the special needs policy so that clients aren't forced to buy appliances that won't make them able to afford the increase in electricity?

MS. STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, while this side of the House is pleased to present a rebate program for low-income Nova Scotians, while this side of the House prepared to put a budget in place that will ensure that Nova Scotians are cared for, that side of the House is saying no.

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

PREM. - TRANSIT: INTERVIEW RESPONSE - EXPLAIN

[Page 3086]

MR. GORDON GOSSE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today a letter from the Premier appeared in the Cape Breton Post and in the New Glasgow News - I will table copies. The letter of the Premier is defending his out-of-touch comments in reference to a reporter's question on what people should do to deal with rising gas prices. He stated - and let me get this right as not to offend him - "I think the most important thing we as a government can do, and all Nova Scotians can do, is to purchase more fuel-efficient vehicles, to take up the opportunity for transit." Well, that quote sounds exactly like the headline reported - buy a new car or take the bus. Since many Nova Scotian families can't afford the newer fuel-efficient vehicles, my question through you, Mr. Speaker, as he said use transit - well what is the difference between taking the bus and using transit?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, let's talk about what that side of the House, the NDP, are voting against. What they're voting against is individuals in our province who use transit to get a new provincial tax credit to make it more affordable. What the NDP are voting against is the $3 million fund for every single municipal unit in this province to support new transportation. That is what the NDP are going to vote against this week.

MR. GOSSE: Well, Mr. Speaker, the advice to take up the opportunity for transit as a solution is just as out of touch with the realities of Nova Scotians as is take the bus. What the letter from the Premier says is that he's getting lots of calls from angry Nova Scotians - and rightfully so. For example, the people of Mabou can't take the bus; the people of Pictou County can't take the bus; and the people of the Eastern Shore can't take the bus. The list goes on. So my question through you, Mr. Speaker, is, why would he advise Nova Scotians to take up the opportunity for transit when in most of the rural communities, it's not even an option?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, that member and the NDP are going to vote against a $3 million incentive for rural municipalities to provide new opportunities for transit. In fact, I'll go back to my office and I believe the Leader of the NDP wrote me a letter in support of the Strait area transit initiative. (Interruptions) That's the initiative that this new fund will support. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. Order, please. The honourable member for Cape Breton Nova has the floor.

MR. GOSSE: Mr. Speaker, I don't have a problem voting against the budget because the people of Cape Breton Nova have not allowed that Party to get their deposit back since 1983. (Applause) The letter ends with the Premier saying, "What I can't accept is criticism for something I did not do." So, Mr. Speaker, my question through you is - I will ask the Premier on advising how Nova Scotians can deal with high gas prices - how is advising Nova Scotians to take up the opportunity for transit any different than telling them to take the bus?

[Page 3087]

THE PREMIER: Again, Mr. Speaker, the NDP put politics ahead of people. (Interruptions) What they're interested in is big unions while what we're interested in, Mr. Speaker, is big initiatives which are going to make a difference for Nova Scotians. What they want to do is short-change Nova Scotians. We're not going to short-change Nova Scotians, we're going to invest in Nova Scotia. While they're going to vote against a balanced budget, while they're going to vote against tax relief, while they're going to vote against supporting rural transit, we're going to stand up for Nova Scotians.

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

EMO - INTERNET SERV.: CAUTION - DELAY EXPLAIN

MR. HAROLD THERIAULT: Mr. Speaker, my question is for Emergency Management. In December, 2006, the Emergency Management Office issued a caution to Nova Scotians about the use of emergency Internet phone services. Just last week, government issued another caution over Internet phone services, in the wake of a young boy's death in Calgary, when a 911 call sent by the Internet was directed to an ambulance service in the wrong province. My question to the minister is, if there were concerns about Internet phone services in 2006, why did it take a year and a half to issue another caution about this service?

HON. DAVID MORSE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the member opposite for raising this question. Indeed, this is a very serious management, that's why it was done before, that's what it was done again. It's not government's role to tell people what to purchase, but we certainly want them to purchase with the right information and in this case we want them to know that there may be a breakdown in 911 service if they do not buy from a local emergency phone service source.

[1:45 p.m.]

MR. THERIAULT: Mr. Speaker, we know that Internet-based phone services are growing rapidly and therefore the possibility of an unfortunate event like this happening in Nova Scotia is a real possibility. We must make certain that 911 calls from the Internet-based phone service are directed to the proper offices here in Nova Scotia so an unfortunate event like what happened in Calgary does not happen here. My question to the minister is, after a year and a half, what have you done to solve this problem?

MR. MORSE: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I indicated in my first answer, with the out-of-province voice-over Internet phone service centres, the information about the location of the telephone call and the telephone number is not necessarily given - it has to be confirmed over the phone. That is why we issued the press release. That is why I was pleased to accept the scrum at Province House, just to caution Nova Scotians to consider this before they consider their choice of service provider.

[Page 3088]

MR. THERIAULT: Mr. Speaker, the use of emergency calls over the Internet obviously still has some problems. We must address these problems so that help will arrive when Nova Scotians need it most. More and more people may choose to use this service in the future and government must ensure that our 911 services are working properly. My question is, are you aware of any technology that will ensure that what happened in Calgary doesn't happen in Nova Scotia?

MR. MORSE: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are very proud of our 911 service here in Nova Scotia. In fact, I would argue that we are a leader in the country. We are constantly investing in new technologies, trying to make sure it is state-of-the-art, we will continue to do so.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Pictou West.

NAT. RES.: GPI ATL. REPT. - ANALYSIS/ACTION

MR. CHARLES PARKER: Mr. Speaker, my question through you is to the Minister of Natural Resources. GPI Atlantic last week reported that the industrial approach to forestry in Nova Scotia is not working. We now have fewer jobs in the industry, our natural capital is being depleted, there is degradation of forest health, loss of species diversity and wildlife habitat. What we are left with is a lot of younger, even-aged forests and it's becoming obvious even the present model is not working. My question through you, Mr. Speaker, is, has the minister had a chance to analyze the GPI Atlantic Report and, if so, what corrective action will the department be taking?

HON. DAVID MORSE: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the member opposite for his question. GPI Atlantic tries to take a different view to measure economic success and we certainly appreciate their approach. We were interested in their comments, we feel they were quite timely in view of the fact we are just launching our public consultation process as part of the Natural Resources Strategy Review. It's being led in the first phase by Voluntary Planning. We understand GPI Atlantic have included them on the distribution list and we feel that will provide for better discussion as they tour the province listening to Nova Scotians.

MR. PARKER: Mr. Speaker, one of the largest issues GPI Atlantic pointed out was a significant loss of old forests and the continuing shift to ever younger forests. With clear-cutting and over harvesting, the reduction of age diversity is continuing unabated. Harvest levels have increased by nearly 60 per cent since the 1980s and forest stands are being harvested while they are still immature. My question through you, Mr. Speaker, is, when is the minister going to start looking at sustainable forests and sustainable eco-systems and not just more and more harvesting?

[Page 3089]

MR. MORSE: Mr. Speaker, I refer to the member's question from the other day where he pointed out the government investing in something called Category 7 silviculture program which basically is for uneven-aged management and a more varied Acadian forest. In fact, that's exactly what the member is speaking of. That was acknowledged in the GPI Atlantic report. We're moving in that direction, but what we really want this year is to hear from Nova Scotians so we can try to incorporate their wishes into our new Natural Resources strategy.

MR. PARKER: Mr. Speaker, GPI Atlantic points out that Nova Scotia is now the second lowest among provinces for value-added forest production, and that present forest methods can no longer sustain natural forest eco-systems and actually threaten forest dependent communities in Nova Scotia. My final question is, when is this minister going to start standing up for a sustainable forest environment and a healthy forest economy?

MR. MORSE: Mr. Speaker, I actually have a copy of the GPI Atlantic press release which I would be happy to table and it starts off by saying Nova Scotia has less clear-cutting than it had a decade ago, more sustainable selection harvesting and more land under protection. That is - and this is the quote - "genuine progress", says GPI Atlantic, the Halifax based, non-profit research group which measures the social, economic and environmental dimensions of progress. Mr. Speaker, I'd be pleased to table that.

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

NSLC - HOURS: EXTENSION - SAFETY/HEALTH: EFFECTS

MS. BECKY KENT: Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Labour and Workforce Development, responsible for liquor licensing regulations. Last August, the minister announced new regulations which loosened restrictions in several areas. This included letting clubs and beverage rooms stay open one hour later. Alcohol abuse is a serious social problem with public health and public safety ramifications, as we found out in the events over the Christmas holidays in downtown Halifax. My question to the minister is, before bringing in longer hours, did he take into consideration the concerns of those responsible for public safety and health, like the police and public health officials?

HON. MARK PARENT: Mr. Speaker, I want to thank her for her question. The Alcohol and Gaming division consulted far and wide with many different groups over a period of about two years before it modernized the regulations with the consensus of all the stakeholder groups. However, I would say to the honourable member if she's very concerned about strengthening our Alcohol and Gaming division, that she might want to consider voting for the budget which has $150,000 more for alcohol and gaming in it this year.

MS. KENT: Mr. Speaker, there was a period of consultation before the regulations were loosened. However, individual Nova Scotians and agencies made suggestions about the

[Page 3090]

liquor laws and among these agencies were the Halifax Regional Police. In a letter to the department - which I will table - Police Chief Frank Beazley writes, "Some evidence suggests that extended operating hours coincide with higher levels of alcohol consumption and corresponding increases in violent crime, road crashes and illicit drug activity." The Halifax police chief goes on to suggest reducing operations by one hour to cut down on the crime and disorder that occurs at closing time. My question to the minister is, why didn't he listen to Police Chief Frank Beazley's advice on how to keep our streets and communities safer?

MR. PARENT: Mr. Speaker, I do feel a bit sorry for the New Democratic Party this session. Their research has been abysmal and they've had to apologize on several occasions. Here's another case where they're out-of-date because The Chronicle-Herald just today reported that violent crime is down by 11 per cent; robberies by 40 per cent; assaults by 6 per cent; property crime by 9 per cent; auto theft by 20 per cent; theft under $5,000 by 12 per cent; and enforcement driven numbers related to drug offences, slightly up. So in every other category progress has been made. So maybe she might want to catch up with the times.

MS. KENT: Mr. Speaker, the Halifax Police Chief was not the only official to comment. The Acting Director of Addiction Services in the Department of Health Promotion and Protection also recommended against longer bar hours. Here's part of what he wrote and I will table it, "The scientific literature clearly suggests that increases in the availability of alcohol is associated with increases in per capita consumption in a population, resulting in increases in alcohol-related harms." The medical officer of Capital Health agreed, writing that increased consumption resulting from increased access especially affects youth and young adults - the two groups that are already at highest risk to be heavy and/or high risk drinkers. Mr. Speaker, my final supplementary is for the Premier. Why did his government put the longer bar hours ahead of the health and safety of Nova Scotians? (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The time allotted for Oral Question Period has expired. The honourable Minister of Labour and Workforce Development on an introduction.

HON. MARK PARENT: Mr. Speaker, I do thank the House for giving me this time to introduce the other half of the Horton High School class who are here with their leader, Debbie Forsyth. We're delighted to have them here - I hope they enjoyed our lively Question Period. I would ask them to rise and I would ask the House to give them a warm welcome. (Applause)

SPEAKER'S RULING : Minister Misleading the House in Question Period. (Pt. of privilege by Ms. D. Whalen [Hansard p. 3024, 05/12/08])

MR. SPEAKER: Before we continue, yesterday the honourable member for Halifax Clayton Park rose on a point of privilege. After reviewing the information that was supplied

[Page 3091]

to me and checking with Hansard, I believe what we have is a disagreement between two members.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government Deputy House Leader.

MR. CHUCK PORTER: Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Government Motions.

GOVERNMENT MOTIONS

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government Deputy House Leader.

MR. CHUCK PORTER: Mr. Speaker, I would 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 Shelburne.

MR. STERLING BELLIVEAU: Mr. Speaker, first of all, I want to thank the member for Cape Breton Centre for sacrificing his time today to give me the privilege of talking about Shelburne County.

Mr. Speaker, I could take a lot of time to talk about the many festivals that are going to be in our community over the next few months, such as the Shelburne County Lobster Festival or the Loyalist Landing, but I felt compelled to talk about the critic area in the most important industry to Shelburne County which is fishing. I would like to just take the members back to when I was a small child of the age of 10 years old. I started out around the local wharves and my first job as a young 10-year-old was catching sculpin for bait and I may touch on that later. I also started Irish mossing as a very young child. In fact, I participated with my brothers and sisters. There were seven in the family so I have some fond memories of that.

Mr. Speaker, as a very young man and this is typical - I'm not just talking about myself, this is typical of our culture in Shelburne County and in many coastal communities across our province - I participated as a young man in handlining, longlining herring. I can remember around the Seal Island areas, in Green Island, the visual impact of seeing 300 or 400 vessels at night - it was a remarkable scene. I also raked Irish moss and this is just typical of the many young men and women in our community. I also remember the senior fishermen teaching us how to navigate and actually I don't know of too many people in this building know how to box a compass. Please don't ask me how to do it, but every degrees has a name. We learned to navigate by a compass, a watch and a sounder.

[Page 3092]

As a young child, I was taught by the seniors in our community the many knots, and believe me, there are a number of them. There are reef knots, square knots and, Mr. Speaker, I can tie a rolling bowline or an anchor knot with my eyes shut. I was taught very well.

This is a good lead-in because I like to announce that my wife, Luella Cameron, and I will be married this August for 35 years, and that is a marriage knot. There's a little Shelburne humour there, that is a particular marriage knot.

The point I'm trying to make is that back in the early 60's and 70's, there was one particular issue that kind of dominated the whole industry - it was called free enterprise. Our communities were very successful, we were all independent, and the decisions to do all the earlier topics that I talked about were based at the local level. If you wanted to go from one sector to another, it was the individuals' decision and it worked.

Then, in the late 60's, I remember a phrase that was created by Ottawa, I've never forgot it. The phrase was, too many fishermen chasing too few fish. I don't think anybody has forgotten that particular phrase in our coastal communities. I would like to challenge that, and it should have been rephrased, too many policy-makers in Ottawa with too little consultation in our coastal communities. That's the phrase that should have been created.

[2:00 p.m.]

Mr. Speaker, if I can just move forward, fast-forward from the late 60's to now, 35 years later, I'm standing in this particular House as the MLA for Shelburne County. I just made note of my colleague from Digby-Annapolis, he talked about the fisheries the other day, he talked about their problems. I particularly noted one comment in there, he asked if someone could come up with some answers. I'm going to suggest to you that there are some answers and solutions in this speech.

Mr. Speaker, the Beatles' John Lennon, in the 1960's, envisioned a better world. He penned the famous song Imagine. Today I stand and represent Shelburne County which has, for generations, depended on the fishery as their main industry and would love to return to the famous heyday of the Beatles and our famous industry of the 60's and 70's.

It is unfortunate that in just over three decades we have watched this nation of Canada fall from being one of the world's leaders in the fishing industry to the present day, where many coastal communities in Nova Scotia struggle to survive. Mr. Speaker, I look around this historic building and I imagine fishermen, fishermen's wives, truck drivers, processors, plant workers young and old, sitting in the balcony and representing villages from coastal communities from Cape Breton, Canso, Digby, the French Shore, Cape Sable Island, Ingomar, Lockeport. I imagine for all those fishermen, if you had the power to hit a switch so all could hear, from each and every wharf across Nova Scotia, from the fishing grounds

[Page 3093]

of Georges Bank to the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, I would simply start by saying, we, as Nova Scotians, must have more say in the management of this fishery.

Mr. Speaker, imagine if there was no central Department of Fisheries in Ottawa and the provincial fisheries of Nova Scotia had more input into management and policy decisions. Imagine the coastal communities of Canso, Pictou, Lockeport, Cape Sable Island, if they had access to fish quotas that are not presently being utilized. Just imagine, under-utilized or unprocessed fish products staying in their communities, where they were caught, for processing. Imagine the Irish moss harvesters from Shelburne County having access to resources which will wash ashore on a yearly cycle and DFO still wants to study the biomass.

Mr. Speaker, I can hold a rake, an Irish moss rake, in the palm of my hand and we stop and ask ourselves why our young people are moving out West. That's a perfect example - here is a resource, here is an opportunity and they are being held back.

Imagine the harpoon fishing fleet having a process to have access to international quotas; imagine young fishermen having access to funding capital for the purchase of fishing licences, and fish processors having increased working capital. Mr. Speaker, imagine our provincial fisheries department actually taking a proactive approach on marketing.

Mr. Speaker, this is a vision that Nova Scotians want to talk about. We have waited for too long for changes in this direction, and enough is enough. In the early 1990s, a cod moratorium was put in place in Atlantic Canada yet, nearly 20 years later, not one program was created to rebuild these stocks. The technology to breed wild halibut in captivity is amongst us in southwest Nova Scotia; however a tagging program or enhancement program to develop a recreation commercial halibut fishery has yet to get little attention. I suggest that here is an opportunity to marry aquaculture with our wild fisheries and we can rebuild that particular fishery.

I also want to point out at this time - and it takes a little bit to shock me, but I was startled a few days ago when there was an innocent resolution talking about a fishery topic, talking about the cusk, the cusk have the potential of being listed on the endangered species, Mr. Speaker, and it's interesting to note, we introduced that resolution and there was a "no" from the present sitting government. I was startled. I was startled about that.

I am going to identify three points. First of all, the science that this particular group has gathered is highly questionable - they went out and they conducted their research through a dragger and the fishermen, we all know - the ground fishermen realize that cusk are very difficult to catch and obtain in a drag. Mr. Speaker, the consultation process was flawed and I challenge you, I challenge the media - in my constituency office there is a blackboard and there is a date on that blackboard. I wrote on it a couple of words - cusk meeting November 27, 2007, New Brunswick.

[Page 3094]

Now probably to you it has very little meaning, but to a lot of fishermen in the coastal communities around Nova Scotia, they get the message and they get it very clear because the consultation process was flawed because that date was the very date that southwest Nova Scotia sets their traps. You have a consultation process where these individuals are going to be into it. The other part that I want to just quickly talk about is the major economic impact that this is going to have - and I am actually considering reintroducing that particular resolution.

Mr. Speaker, this message to pass along to the federal Fisheries Minister and the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans - all which have been from Nova Scotia, the senior bureaucrats to the province in federal fisheries - to all these individuals, the time to be held accountable for your actions and to elect - even Paul McCartney got it wrong in regard to Canada's seal harvest. We do need an humane seal harvest and this was unanimously supported, in this House, in a previous session. However, back to John Lennon's words, imagine, you may say that I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one. I hope some day that you will join us.

Mr. Speaker, to the Opposition and their critics, I publically challenge you to prove that this particular message is wrong. To those who sense that this is the right direction, let us join together, have a vision in the fishery of the future and to make a positive policy change so our coastal communities not only survive, but they will thrive.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

HON. RONALD CHISHOLM: Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to stand in the House today and, I guess, speak a little bit about the fishery in the Province of Nova Scotia. My honourable colleague across the way, the member for Shelburne, as he said in his opening remarks, he was the Fisheries Critic for the NDP as well as the MLA for Digby-Annapolis is the critic for the Liberal Party. Both of those guys - I certainly respect their input. I deal with them on a regular basis as to different issues that are important to them and to the fishery of the Province of Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, the member mentioned a number of things when he was up speaking. He talked about the listing of the cusk as an endangered species for the Province of Nova Scotia, especially down in southwest Nova Scotia. We realize that is an issue for fishermen. Fishermen on every wharf in the province have discussed that issue with me. I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, that we have made representation to the federal government to make sure that they do not list this cusk as an endangered species. As we know, it does have a major impact on the lobster fishery.

So, Mr. Speaker, we continue to do that. We have done that. We will continue to do that and at our very next meeting with the federal minister, it will be on our agenda. We certainly know what the member is saying.

[Page 3095]

Mr. Speaker, in our budget this year, we have allotted $200,000 for the coastal management framework that we have been working on. We have been working on that program for the last year or so in conjunction with the federal government. We are very pleased that we have that in our budget this year. We have two people who are totally dedicated to that framework agreement.

Also, Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I guess, I was very disappointed when I heard the Leader of the Official Opposition indicating that his Party wasn't going to vote in favour of the budget, especially in light of the - as the member for Shelburne mentioned - the loans for licences program that we have in our budget this year to be finalized before year's end, basically. I know the member for Pictou West would have a great interest in that program because the fishery is a very important part of his constituency. I know many of the fishermen up there and they have asked for a succession plan that we can have licences, give loans for licences for new entrants into the fishery, for our young people to be able to get into the fishery. I also know the member for Pictou East has a very lucrative fishery down around Lismore, Arisaig and that area and other parts of his riding as well.

Mr. Speaker, I was very disappointed to hear that they weren't going to support that. That issue alone, the loans for licences program - I know the member for Shelburne on many, many occasions since I have known him, since he has been in this House, has come to me and said, we need a program for loans for licences. We have the mechanism in place in our budget this year to put that program in place. It is our plan that we will- there is $100,000 that is allotted to hire someone to help implement the plan, to come up with the policies, come up with the regulations this summer and then by January 1, 2009, we'd be in a position to be able to take applications for these loans.

I feel by April 1, 2009, we will be putting loans for licences out the door. There's still some work to do with the federal government on that program but, Mr. Speaker, we're very close. So if the members of the NDP, especially our rural members of the NDP - we need support for that loans for licences program. If we are to implement that program and to get young people into the fishery, keep our fishery viable in this province, we need that program. Fishermen from one end of the province to the other have indicated that to me.

Mr. Speaker, our exports and our fishery is very close to $1 billion a year for the Province of Nova Scotia. Our lobster fishery, Mr. Speaker, is valued at about $400 million in export sales for the Province of Nova Scotia. So it is very crucial that we get this budget passed, crucial that we get our loans for licences program in place and I'm sure that we are (Interruption) Exactly, and supported by members who have fishermen in their ridings, and we have many of them.

So, Mr. Speaker, with the support of the Opposition, with the support of the members for Pictou West, Pictou East, Shelburne and Digby-Annapolis, I'm sure that we can get this

[Page 3096]

program in place. I'm sure the members opposite will be very happy to go back to their ridings and explain to the fishermen that yes, we have this program.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I will take my place and hope, in all hope, that the NDP will do the right thing, change their mind on how they vote on the budget and do the right thing.

MR. SPEAKER: Thank you.

The motion is carried.

[2:16 p.m. The House resolved itself into CWH on Supply with Deputy Speaker Mr. Wayne Gaudet in the Chair.]

[6:00 p.m. CWH on Supply rose and the House reconvened. Mr. Speaker, Hon. Alfie MacLeod, resumed the Chair.]

[Page 3097]

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The subject for the late debate tonight was submitted by the honourable Leader of the Liberal Party:

"Therefore be it resolved that in the wake of the collapse of the 2014 Commonwealth Games bid, government bring forward its plan for major infrastructure funding for recreation and sport in Nova Scotia."

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION UNDER RULE 5(5)

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

HEALTH PROM. & PROTECTION - SPORT/REC.:

FUNDING PLAN - PRODUCE

MS. DIANA WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, I wanted to speak this evening about the demise of the Commonwealth Games bid and the government's response. Again, I point to the fact that there is a tremendous opportunity before us and that we should be reviewing that. I am sure that there are many reasons why the government wants to bury the information and put behind them the entire episode of the Commonwealth Games but I disagree. I believe that there is an opportunity for us to look at the lessons learned, to consider why we were so interested in chasing the Commonwealth Games in the first instance, to take the lessons learned and build from that and start to address the really serious shortcomings in our sport infrastructure in the province.

I know that there was a tremendous need and we really learned more about it as the games were, I guess, abandoned, when the bid was abandoned and it was decided that it was out of our reach. We examined it, we had people come to the Public Accounts Committee here in the Legislature to talk to our all-Party committee and really explain and provide information as to what had gone wrong and how we had gotten into the games and why we got out and why the cost had escalated.

I think it's important, again, to go over the background. Really, the figure that was bandied about widely in the media and in the press was $300 million coming from the province. Now yesterday in estimates, the minister told me they might have been thinking of $200 million, up to $300 million. It wasn't determined. It was a little bit unknown, but it was quite clear that in the public's eye it was around $300 million if it was cost-shared equally from the three levels of government.

The reason we were anxious to get into that ball game, Mr. Speaker, was because there was really no major infrastructure here in our capital city or in our province to host national and international games, to help our own athletes get the skill and training that they

[Page 3098]

need to compete nationally and internationally, and even to help our younger children get involved in sport. The city will often tell you there is a distinction between recreation and sport, and the municipality will tell you they are interested in supporting recreation but not sport.

I would beg to differ. You cannot draw a line between recreation and sport because it begins with children taking their first swimming lessons and learning to swim and going through the basic levels and it leads from that on to them participating in swim teams and sports and competition, and it is very difficult to say that one is completely divorced from the other. Even those in the sport field will tell you that is a very arbitrary decision to make. So I believe that all three levels of government have a role to play in providing community recreational infrastructure, which is tied into the larger sport picture.

In my current situation as the MLA for Halifax Clayton Park, I can tell you that for more than seven years we have been talking and working in the community to look at a replacement for aging facilities that we have. The main point I would like to make tonight in my short 10 minutes is that this is a perfect opportunity for the province, for the federal government, for the municipality to recognize that we have a major project in an area where it will have a big impact with a large number of people living nearby where we can really make a facility that will add to that competitive and recreational infrastructure that is needed.

It will help the health of our community. It will make facilities available not just to the young, who I have already spoken about, but to people my age, to seniors who need to keep active and keep well. It will really have an impact on our health, on the fitness, on the wellness. It helps our mental health because we have a lot of isolation in the city where people are living alone or need to get out and socialize. It offers an opportunity for fitness and social interaction. It helps on so many levels. For young people, it will help to address vandalism and youth crime because if you have a large, dense population, as we do, surrounding the Mainland Common in the Fairview and Clayton Park ridings, you will find that there are a lot of young people and not enough facilities to serve them. It is very important that we give children the opportunity to find out what they are good at, to explore their skills, to have the facilities to do just that.

So we need to have a good centre built in that area, just as we do around the province. Yesterday, again in estimates, we talked about the demand which I believe is in many communities. The province is going to get up shortly and I'm sure the minister will tell us about the large commitment they have to sport. But to make a $50 million commitment - let's put it into perspective. A $50 million commitment over 10 years, $5 million a year - you have $50 million spread over that length of time when, only a year and a half ago, we were in this province talking about $300 million that would be spent before 2014. In seven years they were going to spend $300 million getting ready for these games.

[Page 3099]

It just seems to me that we're not advancing our case by the $50 million over 10 years. We will hear from the minister, I'm sure, about how much extra has gone in this year's budget. I wanted to read from one of the many articles that I've reviewed that have come out - they all were printed just after the demise of the games. I think one of them said it all to me - it was from one of the opinion columns in The Daily News, which is, unfortunately, with us no more. I'd be happy to table this if that's a good idea - I think perhaps it is.

In this article, it's entitled All's not lost - let's suck it up and move forward - I think that says it all. It says in this article that a consultant's study that was done - I have to find the right thing, here it is, "A consultant's review of the Halifax bid, financed by Ottawa, determined: 'Opting to have facilities built in order to host the Commonwealth Games is an extremely expensive and largely inefficient route to constructing new infrastructure.'"

So it said, yes, we need new infrastructure in this province but that wasn't the best way to do it, to build perhaps a stadium that isn't the biggest need for our community, that won't meet those health and fitness and recreational needs that I've just spoken about. We need the kind of facilities that are going to allow us to meet the needs of our communities first. They were just saying you're then dictated - if you get into a games like this where you spend the money, you're going to be dictated to so that you're meeting the needs of those games. We'll be building for netball and building for sports that we don't play in this province. The fact is, they were just saying very clearly, that's not the most efficient way to leverage money to get games infrastructure in place.

This article goes on to say, "Kelly and Barnet need to show much stronger resolve." (Interruption) Am I allowed to quote, Mr. Speaker? No, can't quote. Okay, well, I shall say then, the mayor and the Minister of Health Promotion and Protection - I'm adding those in - need to show much stronger resolve. They should publicly insist that the Harper Government proceed with a major sports infrastructure program for Nova Scotia. Atlantic Canada is the last region to receive such investment from Ottawa. Our man in Cabinet must step up to the plate too.

So it's calling for leadership among the political elite of this province. It's calling for the provincial leaders to say, we have a role to play, number one. This is an opportunity that should not be missed. Where else in this province are you going to find 200,000 in a 20-minute radius of a sports facility? You can be helping 20 per cent of the province's population and you have such a dense population in Clayton Park and Fairview. In walking distance, you have the population that will support and justify the investment in that facility. You are not going to have an opportunity like this again in this generation. The last pool built in HRM was built 25 years ago and that was the Spryfield pool. We only build pools every 25 or 30 years so if we undersize today, we're not building for the future.

I think the municipality, particularly, deserves our criticism today. I have only a minute and I would like to squarely say that if the municipality is where the direction is

[Page 3100]

coming from, as the minister has said, then they should be squarely chastised for not building and thinking correctly in terms of what our community needs and what this province needs. If they think small, then we're all short-changed and that's exactly what has happened.

The municipality also deserves to be chastised for having very little public consultation or participation. It's been lip service and it's been patronizing. I, frankly, am very annoyed about the way we've been treated as a community. I see other communities across the province, like Bridgewater, Liverpool, Port Hawkesbury - you can name many of them - where they've had strong public participation and they have therefore built something really spectacular. That's not happening where we are because of small mindedness, and I would call upon the government and the municipality to do much better as we move forward. Maybe there's a chance to seize this opportunity. Thank you.

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

HON. BARRY BARNET: Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me some time to speak today on this resolution. I want to first of all, provide some perspective with respect to the province's decision related to the Commonwealth Games. I know the member opposite often chooses selective facts to put forward her points but what I'd say to the member opposite is that, as the Minister responsible for the Commonwealth Games Bid, I was very committed to winning that bid. I thought for the province it would be a good thing, for Canada it would be a good thing. It would leave behind a legacy of sport infrastructure and we'd be able to leverage money from the Government of Canada. But, at the end of the day, when we did the math, the due-diligence was done, the analysis was complete, a cost of $1.9 billion was out of our reach.

I don't apologize to anyone for the decision that we made as a government. I recommended that to my Cabinet colleagues and I think it was the right decision to make. I've heard from many constituents from my constituency and from around the municipality who have agreed with me. I've heard from very few people who disagree. At the end of the day, it was out of reach. We were punching above our weight, there was no way that we were able to achieve that. The early advice received was incorrect. In order to win that bid, the cost needed to be around $2 billion. The Government of Canada committed $400 million, the province hadn't said what our commitment would be at the time, but we believed it shouldn't be greater than the Government of Canada and the municipality was in for around $200 million. We were short $1 billion no matter how you add this up, no matter how you look at it.

One of the key concerns raised during the bid process was, indeed, the lack of infrastructure. I made a recommendation to my colleagues in Cabinet to enhance an already existing program, the Recreational Facility Development Program, to help us accommodate some of that infrastructure gap. When I became the minister, we had a program that had capital funding of $2 million annually. We increased that capital funding to $3 million. That

[Page 3101]

Recreation Facility Development Grant allowed for projects up to $150,000 to $200,000 and everything from a tot lot or playground all the way up to renovations to an existing sport and recreation infrastructure. To that point in time, any large projects were done on a one-off basis. The contribution to the Apple Dome, for example, was a year end initiative that was done on a one-off basis. It was a generous contribution and I'm very proud of that. There's a community group there that understands and knows how to move forward with the project. We'll see construction begin on that project, hopefully something this summer.

The important point, I recognized, my colleagues recognized and the Premier recognized was that it simply wasn't enough. We developed a brand new program - it's called BFIT, Building Facility and Infrastructure Together. We committed $5 million to last year's budget and we committed to hold that program in place for the next 10 years so that we would have $50 million over 10 years and that our funding would be one-third funding and that proponents of these projects would be responsible for the other two-thirds, either as government entities or as communities raising funds. So, what we envisioned at the beginning was the province would have $50 million over 10 years and the municipality, the federal government and the other partners would come up with the other two-thirds, totaling $150 million in infrastructure for our province.

Now we've been very successful. We've announced a number of projects. I spoke about them here in the House. We've seen announcements just last week, a $10 million announcement in the District of Lunenburg and Bridgewater where the two municipalities came together to bring forward a proposal that would see the construction of a multipurpose sport facility in that area. A $30 million project - our commitment is $10 million. Construction will begin shortly, they've identified the site. They have community leaders today out knocking on doors raising money, doing the things that are necessary to get to that next level, to build that facility.

We took that existing program because we saw, knew and understood the demands, the needs and the requirements for enhanced infrastructure and we added to that an additional $2 million. When you take our $5 million and you add the two, you add the math - it's $68 million over the next 10 years. Now if we do the same kind of math, two-thirds funding, what we're going to see is nearly $210 million over the next 10 years for sport and recreation infrastructure, something I am extremely proud of.

[6:15 p.m.]

Mr. Speaker, the important point is that that's over and above, that's beyond our existing $3 million recreation facility development grant that we will continue to support so that those small but very important projects around the province get funded.

Now, the member opposite speaks about her community and she's proud of that community, such as all members are - I'm proud of my community. She indicated that the

[Page 3102]

last pool built in Halifax Regional Municipality was the Captain William Spry Centre. I want to correct her on her facts, Mr. Speaker. In fact, there were other pools built since that time, and I can point to my own constituency, for example. The Sackville Sports Stadium, about 14 or 15 years ago - it might be a little longer now - built a nice pool in our community. It's well-used and it serves our community very well. I also know, as a former member of the Halifax County Council, that in Cole Harbour a pool was built between now and 25 years ago, and I don't know the exact date, but there have been a number of pools that have been built.

The important point is, Mr. Speaker, that these kinds of infrastructure are important to communities. That's why we're committed to our B-FIT Program; that's why we've been committed to expending money in areas that traditionally have been municipal responsibilities. We recognize the fact that municipalities today can't do it alone; they need partners. One of our key elements to helping make Nova Scotia healthy and safe is the fact that we believe that it's important to provide people places to participate in sport and recreation and, in addition to the cost of being enrolled in sports, we've included a $500 tax credit for all Nova Scotians who participate in sport and recreation infrastructure. As a barrier - we also knew that infrastructure was a key component to getting people more physically active.

I'll tell you, Mr. Speaker, as I travel around the province and make announcements in communities, the support for the infrastructure and this program is tremendous. I will continue to work with our municipal partners; I will continue to go around this province to make these kinds of investments and will do it for the right reason - it's about making Nova Scotia the healthiest and safest province in the country. But the key difference between the member opposite and myself is that I believe it's absolutely fundamentally important to work with the folks who are going to own and operate these facilities - the municipalities, the community groups and organizations who will ultimately be the owners of these facilities because, at the end of the day, they're going to be the partners that will come up with their third or two-thirds.

That's why I have worked very closely, and we will continue to work very closely with all municipalities, including the Halifax Regional Municipality. I have had discussions with them with respect to the facility in the member's constituency. I have gone to meet with the federal minister, regional minister, to talk about a federal contribution to the facility in the member's constituency. I have worked very closely, and I know my staff has worked very closely with the Halifax Regional Municipality, because I believe, like she does, that that facility is necessary.

Now, there is a fundamental difference. I believe working with the municipality will get better results; she believes working against the municipality will get better results. At the end of the day, only time will tell - only time will tell - but I can tell you in the communities that I've been to and the projects that we've announced, the approach and the path that I've

[Page 3103]

taken, that we've taken as a department, has been very successful. We've worked with municipalities in the Annapolis Valley to help build 47 kilometres of trail on the Sissiboo River. We've worked with communities in Pictou and in New Glasgow and Trenton to develop a new indoor field house, now open - only a year ago they hadn't broken ground; they didn't have their money. We provided our third, they provided their two-thirds. It's open and people are taking advantage of that infrastructure today.

We've worked with communities like the Town of Windsor and the Windsor Curling Club to support their curling club. Mr. Speaker, they had a tragic incident last winter when the curling club was burned, it was destroyed, and at the end of the day we provided our third, they provided their two-thirds, and we were able to accommodate that curling club and now they will be able to open next year.

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please, your time has elapsed.

The honourable member for Halifax Clayton Park.

MS. DIANA WHALEN: Just on a point of order, I would like to correct the member opposite in saying - it was said that I do not work with the community or with the council, with the municipality and, in fact, that's quite the opposite. I endeavour to work with the councillors and with the council. They have shut out the community and they are being silent with the public, so it is unfair to infer that I am not working with the municipality. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Fairview.

MR. GRAHAM STEELE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to join the debate tonight because, of course, we all acknowledge it's an important topic. Let me say immediately that I and my colleagues do agree with the resolution. It starts with a reference to the Commonwealth Games, which we have to leave behind us. That's over, it's done with - it's time to stop the recriminations. But the substantive part of the resolution talks about the need for the government to come forward with a plan for recreational facilities and, that, we can certainly support. We need a plan so that everybody across this province knows where it all fits, to know what the priorities are, what the criteria are.

The minister talked about the fact that when he goes to the announcements where the money is spent that there is support for the program. Well, of course there is support, Mr. Speaker, because he's in the communities where the recreational facilities have gotten the green light and they are getting money, but on the same day what the minister needs to do is go to the communities that have been waiting and waiting and waiting, because there he might not get such a rosy picture with respect to what the government is doing regarding recreational facilities. If the minister talks only to the people who have just had their projects approved, of course he is going to only see happy, smiling faces.

[Page 3104]

Now the example that I'm going to talk about is the same as the member for Halifax Clayton Park, because we do have adjoining constituencies, and so those are the communities that we know best. So like the member for Halifax Clayton Park, I do want to talk tonight about the desperate need for recreational facilities to serve the western suburbs of Halifax, specifically Fairview, Clayton Park, Timberlea, up, really, as far as the Hammonds Plains Road which, of course, the minister who has just finished speaking represents. Because of the highway system, the Northwest Arm Drive and the Bicentennial Highway, it is quite easy to access the Mainland Common area from quite a long distance around.

I have to say, Mr. Speaker, in contrast to the member for Halifax Clayton Park, that the community that I represent is in a different situation. The community that I represent is older than Clayton Park West. It is losing its banks, it's losing its churches. The one major public institution in the Fairview neighbourhood was the Halifax West High School, and where that high school sat for nearly 50 years, it's now just a vacant lot - an empty, overgrown lot. This community, which has lost so much to the Clayton Park area because the banks are closing in Fairview and opening up in Clayton Park, the churches are closing in Fairview and opening up new buildings in Clayton Park, the high school is now on the Mainland Common in Clayton Park, and so the recreational facilities that we are talking about are in this new area, Clayton Park West, a burgeoning, thriving area, but let's not forget, Mr. Speaker, the areas like the one I represent that have, to a certain extent, been left behind.

Now we have in our community of Fairview this amazing opportunity to take an abandoned rail line, or a rail line that CN is in the process of abandoning, and turning it into a recreational trail that connects to hundreds of kilometres of trail around the southern part of Nova Scotia. We need to seize that opportunity and not let it slip through our fingers so that our children say to us, what happened, why didn't we turn that into a recreational trail?

But we don't have a plan. I know the minister and his department are aware of that issue in Fairview. I know that they are aware of the opportunity, but because there is no plan, there is no context. The people in the area that I represent don't know what to expect. They don't know who to ask, they don't know where to apply, they don't know what the criteria is. It is the same with the facilities on the Mainland Common.

This burgeoning community, particularly up in Clayton Park, is not matched by adequate recreational facilities. There is an aging pool, a very small pool, Northcliffe Recreation Centre, that is far past its useful life. It needed to be replaced quite a number of years ago, but it hasn't been replaced yet.

Here we come to the most bizarre part of the story, and bizarre is the only word that I can use. On the Mainland Common right now, if you drove up there, you would see something being built. Something is being built up there by Halifax Regional Municipality,

[Page 3105]

but they won't tell the people what it is that they're building. The only word for that is bizarre.

I was driving with my family on Lacewood Drive, which runs past the north side of the Mainland Common and my wife said to me as we drove past, what is it they're building over there? I had to say, I don't know because the city won't tell us. Is there a rink going up there? We don't know. Is it a pool perhaps? We don't know. We do know that it's a field house associated with the 2011 Canada Games, but we don't know what's going to be inside it. We don't know because the city's not telling us. That's how bizarre the story of recreational facilities on the Mainland Common has become. Everybody's running scared.

I do, to a certain extent, agree with the minister that perhaps the city has felt itself underappreciated by the approach of some people to this particular issue and the reason they're not telling anybody what they're doing up there is because they've been subject to so much criticism over the past number of years that now they don't want to tell anybody anything because their feeling, I think, is that if they don't anybody anything, they can't be criticized for it.

But, it is simply bizarre, that, in the heart of this burgeoning community, something is being built, but the city won't tell the taxpayers and the citizens living around the area what it is that's going up there. Even the province seems to be running a little bit scared on this because the province emphasizes over and over again that it is a municipal project which is true. But, as the minister has said, there is a role here, a necessary role, for all three levels of government to contribute funding and because the province will be a key funding agency, it really has a lot of weight here.

It seems to me that the province could open up the project, require the city not to conduct its operations in secrecy as is happening now. The province seems almost afraid to use the weight that it has as a funding agency to let the people know what's going on up there.

First and foremost, the province needs to have a plan. The people of Mainland North, or the western suburbs of Halifax, or Clayton Park, or Fairview, whatever word you want to use to describe that area - the people of that area deserve to know when they're going to get recreational facilities that will meet the needs of their burgeoning community and what kind of facilities they're going to get. Right now they don't know when they're going to get something or what those facilities are going to be.

I believe the minister, I accept the minister's word when he says discussions are underway; something will be built; the federal government will be providing some money; the province will be providing some money; the city will be providing some money. But, what we need, what the people of that area need, what the people of the province need is some sense of the plan. What is going to be built in Bridgewater and when? What is going

[Page 3106]

to be built in Amherst and when? What is going to be built in Port Hawkesbury, or Sydney, or Yarmouth, or Kentville and when? It is that piece that is missing from the provincial government's plan.

With those words, let me conclude by saying that we support the motion proposed by the member for Halifax Clayton Park and we encourage the minister to come forward as quickly as possible with the answers to the questions the people of mainland north are asking. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: We will now take a short recess while the minister and others prepare for their remaining time.

The motion is carried.

[6:30 p.m. The House resolved itself into CWH on Supply with Acting Deputy Speaker, Mr. Chuck Porter in the Chair.]

[6:50 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 progress and begs leave to sit again.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. CHUCK PORTER: 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. PORTER: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 157.

Bill No. 157 - Financial Measures (2008) Act.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Fairview.

MR. GRAHAM STEELE: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. When I left off on this bill the other day, I was going through the bill essentially section by section, which we

[Page 3107]

don't normally do on second reading, but it's like most omnibus bills - there is no common theme. There are a whole lot of provisions that are not related to each other, except that they have some connection, direct or indirect, to the budget.

The Financial Measures (2008) Bill is supposed to be all the statutory changes that are made necessary as a result of the budget that has been delivered. This year I'm pleased to say that's more or less the case. In other years we've had situations where little bomblets get dropped in the Financial Measures Bill, things that aren't referred to in any way in the budget get dropped into the Financial Measures Bill.

The same thing is going on in Ottawa right now, of course, Mr. Speaker, where a very controversial provision dealing with immigration matters has been dropped into the equivalent of our Financial Measures (2008) Bill. I think the idea is that if it's in the Financial Measures(2008) Bill, it can't be defeated without defeating the government. So I'm pleased to see at least that the government has not done that in this Financial Measures Bill.

Now where I left off, Mr. Speaker, was sort of going through and totalling the things in the bill - some of which are good, some of which are certainly not so good. I was getting toward the end of the bill and we get to more provisions that raise fees because let's never forget, in the central part of the budget that the government is proposing to the House and to the people of Nova Scotia is another across-the-board increase in user fees for people who go to their government seeking some kind of service. That, for all practical purposes, is another across-the-board tax increase, just like the higher tax on electricity is an across-the-board tax increase of nearly $100 per year for every single household in Nova Scotia, every single household that receives an electricity bill, which is, needless to say, virtually every household in the province.

So then, Mr. Speaker, we come to the end of the Financial Measures (2008) Bill. It is interesting to me that what is probably the centrepiece of this budget is nowhere to be found in the Financial Measures (2008) Bill, and that is the increase in the tax on electricity, because the way the government works today there is so much that can be done by regulations, so much that can be done by policy, that I don't think it was even necessary for the government to pass legislation in order to offer a rebate in the first place. So now that the rebate is being removed, thus having the effect of increasing taxes, there is no legislative provision necessary.

So the centrepiece of the budget is, in effect, not before the House in the Financial Measures (2008) Bill. We believe, on this side of the House, that on balance the budget is not something we can support and, therefore, we also cannot support the Financial Measures (2008) Bill, which is an integral part of the budget. The Appropriations Bill and the Financial Measures Bill together are what are commonly referred to as the budget of the province, so we will not be able to support the Financial Measures (2008) Bill on second reading.

[Page 3108]

Earlier today, Mr. Speaker, I was talking to a senior in Fairview. She willingly volunteered the information that she was 79 years old and she also told me that her income is low enough that she receives the Old Age supplement. She called my office this morning and I got the message here and called her back from the phones that are just out back of the Chamber here, Mr. Speaker.

The essential message she wanted to convey to me was how upset she was by the budget and she said she does not feel that the Premier understands the challenges she is facing just trying to get by. Based on what she has read about the budget, she urged me this afternoon not to support it. So I was able to tell her that indeed, that was the decision that we had already taken, that we would not be supporting the budget. We don't believe it is right for the people of Nova Scotia.

Now needless to say, Mr. Speaker, in a budget of $8.3 billion, there are some good things. When I spoke on this bill the other day, I tried to tally them up, things that we like, things that we didn't like. Naturally, when you are spending $8.3 billion, you can't spend every one of those dollars in a way that is not good for people. So there are some positive things.

Our job here, Mr. Speaker, is to decide how to use the one vote we get. We get one vote on the whole package. We vote yes to the whole package or no to the whole package. Part of responsible government is that we don't get what some people call the line item veto where we get accept this piece of the budget but we vote against that piece of the budget, we like this over here, we don't like that over there. We get one vote, yes to the whole budget or no to whole budget and we believe, on balance, after examining the budget, after the discussion that has taken place over the past number of days here in this Chamber and in the Red Room, we believe, after hearing from the people who sent us here, that on balance this budget represents the wrong direction for the province, the wrong direction for the people of the province. It represents the view of the people who elected us - that they do not want us, their representatives, to send the signal that we believe that this is the right direction for the province.

Therefore, for myself, for my colleagues, on behalf of all the people in the constituencies that we represent, Mr. Speaker - and I must say a lot of people in constituencies that we don't represent - I will say that this is not a direction that we can support. This is not a budget that we can support and we will be voting against the Financial Measures (2008) Bill on second reading.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Richmond.

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, it's a pleasure to rise in my place this evening to speak on the Financial Measures (2008) Bill. It has been a couple of sessions since I have had the privilege of speaking on the Financial Measures (2008) Bill as I was, at

[Page 3109]

one point during my career, Finance Critic for our caucus but that has been taken over - very ably, I must say - by my colleague, the member for Halifax Clayton Park, who brings a career and a background in finance and a much greater understanding than my own, and I will be the first to admit that.

AN HON. MEMBER: Bring her back.

MR. SAMSON: Well, she is presently occupied doing business of the House in the Law Amendments Committee, so I have been asked to make a number of remarks on the Financial Measures (2008) Bill. As has been mentioned, Mr. Speaker, the Financial Measures (2008) Bill is the Legislative tool which is put in place to make a reality a number of the items which have been introduced in the budget. Naturally, you heard the critic for the NDP say we are voting against the budget, so that means we vote against the Financial Measures (2008) Bill. Well, I guess in our case, it's a bit of the reverse in saying that if we are going to support the budget, that means that we would be supporting the Financial Measures (2008) Bill as well, barring any changes, but at this point in time, certainly, it would be our intention.

You know, Mr. Speaker, it is always a difficult decision when one is trying to make a final decision on giving support to the government or not. The tendency of Nova Scotians - ever since I've been elected in 1998, first being elected in a minority government - is that Nova Scotians have been sending the message, quite strongly, to us that they do expect us to put partisan politics aside and put the best interests of Nova Scotians first. We have done our best, as a Party, to be able to strike that balance between being able to fight for our constituents while, at the same time, realizing the political reality that we have here in Nova Scotia and trying to make minority government work.

I can say, Mr. Speaker, having had the opportunity to be interim Leader of the Liberal caucus, I did enjoy my time being able to work closely with the Premier, with the Minister of Finance, and with numerous other members of the government and being able to make sure that there was a balance that was struck between what the priorities of the government were while at the same time hearing exactly the concerns that we had and some of the very innovative proposals which we were bringing forward as a Liberal caucus. (Interruption) I would love to get that on record.

[7:00 p.m.]

When one looks at the Financial Measures (2008) Bill, there are a number of initiatives which one can clearly identify as Liberal-sponsored initiatives which we have been pushing for. Again, as I mentioned, it's important to be able to put politics aside and when one is pushing for and putting forward an idea which is in the best interests of Nova Scotians, then government should be willing to look at that. I think in a number of ways this current government has been willing to do that. Obviously, we would like to see them go much

[Page 3110]

further on a number of other initiatives which I believe you've seen debated during this session and certainly during the estimates, a number of my colleagues have brought forward a number of constructive suggestions to ministers which I do hope the ministers will take seriously and will be able to bring forward some of the changes that are going to be recommended.

Mr. Speaker, when one looks at the Financial Measures (2008) Bill which allows the budget to become a reality, one reflects on the items which are brought forward in the budget itself. Certainly when one looks at the emphasis there is on post-secondary education, this is an item which our caucus has spoken so passionately about in the last number of sessions between our Education Critic, the honourable member for Kings West, and all of our members, we've talked about the need to support our university students.

Mr. Speaker, when I first arrived here as an elected member, I had just recently graduated from university and certainly was in a position to be able to share with my colleagues the financial burden being faced by students in Nova Scotia. Back then, back in 1998, I thought it was quite an overwhelming burden that I, myself, had student loans in the range of $35,000. Now, when I share that story with students graduating today, they laugh because $35,000 is not much compared to today, 10 years from when I was first elected. But I had the opportunity to sit around the Cabinet Table for a brief period of time and I tried to emphasize to my colleagues that at the time I was actually paying more on my student loans than I was on my mortgage for my home in Arichat. I think that's very telling and it was telling back then, 10 years ago, and I think it's still telling now of some of the financial burden being faced by our students.

Something had to be done and I think governments of all political stripes have been trying to find ways of making post-secondary education more affordable because at the end of the day, if our province is going to be able to move forward, is going to be able to be economically sustainable, going to be able to see our province continue to grow, it is with an educated workforce and allowing as many Nova Scotians as possible to attend university. That's why, when we see in the budget the needs-based grants that have been established by the government, it is an important first step because, Mr. Speaker, again looking at a bit of history, my first year of university, way back in 1991, was the last year that the Province of Nova Scotia still offered a non-repayable grant to Nova Scotia university students. After that it went to a full loan system and there was no longer a grant portion to the student loan.

So it's good to see 10 years later that we're seeing these needs-based grants returning to Nova Scotia which will be a tremendous benefit to Nova Scotia students and will reduce the financial burden because, Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned before, I'm certainly not someone with a very strong financial background but it doesn't take a great knowledge of finance to know that if your 25- to 35-year-olds are burdened and saddled with debt, they're not spending money. They're not buying homes. They're not buying cars. They're not going on

[Page 3111]

vacations. They're not spending the way we need them to spend for our economy to be strong.

So the more we can reduce the financial burden on that age group which is attending university, or attending community college, the more money they're going to be able to spend which is going to spur our economy which is going to be good for our province. It certainly doesn't take an economist to be able to figure that out. So, obviously, the government has made some steps towards allowing that to become a bit of a reality.

Mr. Speaker, one of the other items that the Financial Measures (2008) Bill is implementing the doubling of the graduate tax credit. Now where does this tax credit come from? Back in the 2006 election, it was our Party that advocated for a strong graduate tax credit in Nova Scotia to help remove or lessen the tax burden on Nova Scotia students, upon graduation, who remained here in Nova Scotia. So there are a number of elements to that program. The idea was to reduce some of the financial burden but also reward students who stayed here in Nova Scotia.

Now obviously, Mr. Speaker, if one looks back at the plan we propose, it was much more generous than what we are seeing here in this budget. Last budget, it was a start when we saw the government implement a $1,000 tax credit. This year, the government has continued on that road by doubling it to $2,000. Now naturally our caucus would encourage the government to keep moving in that direction to not only, as I mentioned, remove the financial burden on graduating students but, as well, reward them for staying here in Nova Scotia, which is where we want as many of our graduates to be able to stay. Again, there's much more that needs to be done in that regard, but we're obviously moving in that direction.

Mr. Speaker, as well, the freeze on tuition - the Premier is well aware and our caucus has certainly been very vocal in talking about the fact that it was unsustainable for our province to have such high tuition which were clearly out of sync with the rest of Canada. The fact that Nova Scotia, which we are so proud in saying that we have the highest - I still believe we have this - the highest per capita universities of any province. In Nova Scotia we also had the distinction of being the most expensive tuition in the country. I think the first distinction is one we're proud of, the second one nobody was proud of. So the question was, what can we do?

We're certainly pleased to see in this budget, and through the Financial Measures (2008) Bill, that the Premier has indicated - and with the support, I'm sure, and with the leadership of the Minister of Education - a need to bring tuition more in line with the national average.

Now we'd always love to see it lower than what it is, but certainly bringing us in line with the national average will put us on a more level playing field. It was very concerning for me, Mr. Speaker, when I had some of my own constituents who were graduating and

[Page 3112]

saying, we're going to Memorial University because it's this much cheaper than going to Nova Scotia, or we're going to Montreal, or we're going to universities in Ontario because of the fact that it was much cheaper than it was here in Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, that is certainly not a situation that we wanted to see continue and obviously bringing tuition closer to the national average is an important mark for the government to try to achieve. We would hope that under ideal circumstances the government would try to make sure that our tuition is lower than the national average, but obviously there are financial pressures in making that a reality, but one would hope that the government would keep that in mind as well.

Mr. Speaker, one of the other changes that the budget is also making a reality - through the Financial Measures (2008) Bill - is the proposal which was lobbied for by our Education Critic, the member for Kings West, which will now allow students to be entering Grade Primary earlier than they entered before. The old rule was that if you did not turn five years of age before September 30th, you had to wait until the next school year to be able to start school. We've now moved that and the government has agreed to move that date to December 31st, which is more along the lines of the national average.

Now obviously, Mr. Speaker, to make that change there was a financial commitment to be able to do that. We are certainly pleased to hear, in the last year of the Throne Speech, that the government was going to make this a reality and now this year's budget is going to make that happen. I want to again take the opportunity to commend my colleague from Kings West, who is a career educator, career administrator in education, to have brought this forward, which to date we have heard nothing but good review from Nova Scotia parents as far as making this change. It was the right thing to do. It was something that we've put forward as a positive recommendation and we're certainly pleased that the Premier, the Minister of Education and the government have adopted this proposal and have put the amount of money necessary in the education system to make this a reality during this year.

Mr. Speaker, the government had initially introduced, I believe last year, a tax credit for families with children who were going into sports, a tax credit in recognition of the high cost of enrolling children in sports. Mr. Speaker, our caucus - under the leadership of our Leader, the honourable member for Annapolis - said that's a good start but we need to go further because while we continue to talk - and we were the caucus, as well, Mr. Speaker, just for history's sake, that pushed for a Department of Seniors, to have a minister solely responsible to be the voice of seniors in Nova Scotia. We were the Party that talked about having a tax credit for seniors who wanted to enter into recreational-type programs.

When I look back at my own riding, I remember, I have a gentleman, Simon Jim Samson, from L'Ardoise. Simon Jim is a veteran, in his 90s now - I can't remember his specific age so I'm just going to say in his 90s - Simon Jim was going to the local gym in St. Peters on almost a daily basis. Here was a veteran who fought for our country, put his life at

[Page 3113]

risk, and into his 90s was still going to the gym to work out on almost a daily basis, yet, unfortunately, when we appealed to the Department of Veterans Affairs to get him some form of credit or to cover his gym fees, the Department of Veterans Affairs said no, which was a shame, it truly was a shame.

While both provincial and federal governments talk about our seniors being more active, having a healthy living, here was a shining example, and yet the federal government turned their backs on Simon Jim. But, fortunately, in this budget, Simon Jim and so many other seniors and all families and all individuals in Nova Scotia will now be able to take advantage of a tax credit for the fees they pay to enter into recreational-type programs.

Mr. Speaker, this certainly falls into the line of talking about healthy living for Nova Scotia, the need to have better exercise, to be more active. The fact that the government has started with this credit that would apply across the board is certainly something which our Party was willing to endorse. We would encourage the government to look at the costs of registering, whether it's a gym membership or registering for sporting activities, it continues to rise. While this tax credit - my understanding is it's at $500 right now, we may have to look at that very soon, at increasing that tax credit in recognition of the fact that the costs are going up and that Nova Scotians are becoming more and more active. And when one looks at the amount of activities and recreation programs families can be involved in, it certainly can well exceed that $500 tax credit. Certainly, we hope the government will be willing to look at that as well.

In the Financial Measures (2008) Bill, I do note, as well . . .

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The chatter is getting a little loud.

MR. SAMSON: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. As I was mentioning, in the Financial Measures (2008) Bill, we also see the legislative changes to the Healthy Living Tax Credit. As well, the public transit tax credit, which, Mr. Speaker, you will well recall that my colleague, the member for Halifax Clayton Park, has been advocating for quite some time in recognition of the fact that many people here in metro Halifax are able to take advantage of the transit system. We know earlier today, in the letters that were sent out by the Premier to a number of publications, he sought to clarify his definition of what a transit system was. It actually made the news tonight. I know the member for Cape Breton Nova actually was there as well, trying to explain what exactly the meaning of transit systems were.

Mr. Speaker, let me say, to try to be positive during my remarks, that I'm very pleased that not in the Financial Measures (2008) Bill but as part of the planning the government has announced of their spending, the government has put the money into investing in the Strait Area Transit, which will finally provide public transportation for residents of the Strait area, especially those with mobility issues, with disabilities who, up until now, had absolutely no option for public transit at all in that area.

[Page 3114]

I do wish to commend the Premier and my colleagues from the Strait area who were all very supportive of this initiative. We look forward to seeing those buses and those vans on the road in the Strait area to be able to provide that need. Maybe down the road, the Premier will be able to say to the residents of the Strait area, take the bus - today there's no bus for the residents of the Strait area to take, but it may be getting better down the road because of that investment, so I will turn the criticism a bit into a positive by saying there is good news coming for the residents of the Strait area. But I have to tell you, they've been working on that project for many years, so we're pleased to see that project is becoming a reality and will certainly go a long way toward helping the residents of the Strait area.

While at this point in time it's not clear what fees will be charged for the Strait Area Transit (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The honourable member for Richmond has the floor.

[7:15 p.m.]

MR. SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, as I was saying, it's not quite clear yet what the fees will be for the Strait Area Transit Authority once it is up and running. Quite possibly residents of the Strait area may be able to benefit from this public tax credit as well, should there be fees, because I would assume that the fees charged would be eligible for this tax credit for the residents of the Strait area.

Mr. Speaker, as well through the Financial Measures (2008) Bill, once again we see two major items. When it relates to volunteer firefighters, once again we see the second phase of the increase for the tax credit. I want to take this opportunity to commend my colleague, the member for Clare who has been advocating and brought in legislation toward a volunteer tax credit. At first the legislation which was being proposed by my colleague, the member for Clare was a $500 tax credit right off the bat. Now, last year it became clear that the government indicated that financially they could not afford to do $500 in one shot, so instead the government said last year that they would start with $250. I believe this year it's moving to $375 and next year it will reach the $500.

So, Mr. Speaker, that is a tremendous acknowledgment of volunteer firefighters, the work that they do, the sacrifices they make, the fact that they provide safety to all of our communities and they do so with very little compensation. It's important as legislators that we do whatever we can to reward them. My community, like so many others, is suffering from a lack of volunteer firefighters in many rural communities and we need to make sure that we do whatever we can to encourage individuals to become volunteer firefighters.

The budget in the Financial Measures (2008) Bill goes even further because not only are we recognizing volunteer firefighters, as well the government has extended this to ground search and rescue individuals. Now, Mr. Speaker, I don't have the numbers in front of me

[Page 3115]

and maybe the Minister of Finance or others in the government can provide them, but from my own experience most of the members of the ground search and rescue team were also volunteer firefighters. They tended to be the same individuals who were doing both jobs, but there may be individuals who were exclusively ground search and rescue individuals and not volunteer firefighters. They might be and I don't have those numbers.

Obviously, regardless of what those numbers are, extending that tax credit to ground search and rescue is common sense. A bit of the common sense I wish the Minister of Justice would use more often when it comes to correctional officers, but it's common sense just the same. So hopefully the Minister of Justice will apply a bit more of the common sense we see from the government in some of the items involved in the Financial Measures (2008) Bill.

Mr. Speaker, as well, our caucus was quite vocal to the government after hearing representations from the film industry in Nova Scotia. The film industry in Nova Scotia has had its highs and lows and we are constantly in competition with other jurisdictions. I was pleased the other day to drive on Lower Water Street and at one point I noticed that it was almost sand or dirt that was on the pavement and I wasn't quite sure what the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal was doing to our roads at that point on Lower Water Street. But upon driving a little further, I saw it was actually a movie set that was on the waterfront filming a movie. While I was getting ready to send an e-mail off to the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal to lament the state of Lower Water Street in Halifax, I was pleased to see it was only temporary dirt that was put on the road as part of the movie set that was there.

Mr. Speaker, we are in constant competition with other Canadian provinces that continue to increase the Film Tax Credit. Obviously with the high Canadian dollar it presents an even greater challenge for us to attract movie productions. The lower Canadian dollar was so attractive to producers from the United States to come and film here in Nova Scotia, but with the high dollar it makes it that much more of a challenge. So we are certainly pleased with the representations that have been made by our caucus and certainly by the Leader of the Liberal Party, in calling upon the government to increase the Film Tax Credit, that the government has listened and through the Financial Measures (2008) Bill, we are able to see an increase, once again, in the Film Tax Credit.

Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, we may have to increase it again because it is a bit of a bidding war that is taking place throughout Canada and we have to make sure that Nova Scotia is keeping pace with the rest of the other provinces because we do have a tremendous infrastructure that exists here in Nova Scotia for film productions. We have had a number of films that have been taped here in Nova Scotia which are proof of how strong our industry is, how marketable our province is, but at the end of the day these films come down to cost and it's the cost of production. As these Film Tax Credits can assist in doing that, then certainly it is something that we should keep pursuing.

[Page 3116]

I know that the Minister of Economic Development has introduced legislation to change the name of the Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation to simply Film Nova Scotia which, certainly if that helps, Mr. Speaker, in marketing our industry here, then so be it. We certainly will have no issues in supporting that type of legislation and seeing that industry grow because, like so many other industries, any money that is brought in from the Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation provides support to so many other industries and so many other service industries in Nova Scotia that it is in our best interests to be able to see that continue as well.

Mr. Speaker, as well, we see in the Financial Measures (2008) Bill some of the legislative changes to address some of the changes that have been proposed through discussions with the municipalities through the Municipal Government Act. Through this bill we are going to see where the minister is starting to phase out the cost of corrections and housing from municipalities in Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, all municipal units in our province are trying to address some of the needs that are facing them. We see some of the higher requirements for water quality, for waste-water quality, and as a result of that it is placing a larger financial burden on the municipalities throughout Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, as well, I want to take this opportunity to encourage the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, the Premier and all of government to try to shake their federal counterparts into announcing more programs under the Building Canada Fund, is what it is called, because I'm aware of two major projects in Richmond County which are currently in that system which we have not heard any news about. One is the replacement of the Evanston Wastewater Treatment Plant and the other is the replacement of the lift stations in Arichat for that treatment plant.

Mr. Speaker, to date we have no news and, in fact, all indication seem to be the only announcements that we have seen have been in the riding of either the Minister of National Defence or the Parliamentary Secretary who represents South Shore-St. Margaret's, I believe, all of those ridings. But we have a whole big province here that doesn't fall within those two members and, to date, it doesn't seem like we are seeing announcements in other areas of this province. Municipalities should not be punished due to politics by either the federal government or the provincial government. I do understand the federal government needs to come onside, but the provincial government is a partner in this and they should have a say.

I do encourage the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations to exert whatever influence he can, when he's not too busy setting the price of gas on a weekly basis for Nova Scotians. (Laughter)

AN HON. MEMBER: Time-consuming, time-consuming.

[Page 3117]

MR. SAMSON: Making sure that taxes continue to be the highest motive fuel taxes in the country but when he's not too busy doing that, Mr. Speaker, I would encourage him to make sure that he exerts whatever influence, whether he needs to speak, as well, to the Minister of Community Services to encourage our two federal members in the federal government to make sure that these specific projects are being approved so that the municipalities are able to meet the standards, ironically, which are being set both by the federal government and by the provincial government when it comes to water quality and waste-water quality.

Mr. Speaker, we have heard the complaints that have come from the municipal governments as to the fact that the government, in the past, has downloaded more and more to them. So we are pleased that through the Financial Measures (2008) Bill they are able to provide some relief to the municipalities.

You know we have heard complaints from municipalities, as well, about the cap on assessments. The municipalities feel that's taking revenue away from them but, Mr. Speaker, I voted in favour of that CAP and I'm proud to say that our whole caucus voted in favour of that CAP because it just wasn't realistic to continue to have Nova Scotians being faced with annual increases which were well beyond their financial means. In doing so, it placed a burden on the municipalities in their collection of funds. As some have indicated, they've had to increase the taxes. I'm pleased to say my own municipality did not increase their basic tax rate but, as one councillor pointed out, the fact that the assessments did go up means more revenue. So while it's not a tax increase, they are bringing in more revenue at the end of the day.

So, Mr. Speaker, whatever we can do to assist our municipal units to be able to meet some of the challenges that they are faced with through the changes that have been made in this Legislature are certainly something that we would support. In the budget itself, which the Financial Measures (2008) Bill reflects, I look at the in-home support program. I don't know what the government calls it today but it will always, to me, be the in-home support program. I think it's now called the Support for Seniors program, but this was an important first step at bringing back support to caregivers through direct financial assistance.

Now, Mr. Speaker, this is something that I personally have been pushing for since the Government of John Hamm froze this program in 2000. How unfair a situation did we have where the program, when it was frozen, said that any families receiving benefits would continue to receive benefits but no new applications would be permitted. So you had situations in my own riding where one household was getting financial assistance to care for their loved ones at home and next door, which was doing the exact same thing, wasn't permitted because they did not apply before the year 2000. So last year, finally, the government did agree - with the urging of the Liberal caucus - to implement the pilot project to see how we can bring this program back.

[Page 3118]

The pilot project was in two areas of the province, Cape Breton area and the South Shore but, Mr. Speaker, with all good intentions, the program did not achieve the results it was meant to achieve. Those who were responsible for the program looked at it and said, let's start off by offering it to families who have loved ones who are on the waiting list. Now, as I've said many times, the whole idea of that program was to keep individuals from having to go on the waiting list for nursing homes. It was to allow them to stay at home. When people go on waiting lists for a nursing home, the family has thrown its arms up. They have said, we can't do it any more. We just can't care for our loved one at home any more, they need 24-hour care in a nursing home facility.

To offer them financial assistance at that point, Mr. Speaker, is too late, it's way too late. The whole idea is to allow families to care for loved ones at home while they still can. Home care in Nova Scotia plays a large role in assisting families, but at the end of the day, home care is limited to so many hours a day. If the individual needs 20 hours of care, 12 hours of care, or 24 hours of care at home, home care is not there for those many hours. Someone has to be there outside of home care. In many ways, as I've mentioned before, these caregivers have been women. Now, why do I say that's relevant? Because what happens is that these women leave the workforce to care for loved ones and what are the repercussions? They've stopped paying into the Canada Pension Plan. They've stopped paying into any sort of pension plan they may have had to their employment. They've stopped receiving benefits and when they retire, that's where it all comes home to roost.

What a shame that we have women, or men, whomever they might be, who leave the workforce to care for their loved one at home and yet at the end of the day, when they retire, they are punished for doing so, but that is the reality. So the question becomes, what can we as legislators and what can the provincial government do to help them and at least provide them some financial assistance.

Mr. Speaker, the intent of the program is to provide between $400 to $500 a month. Now that's not a lot of money and there's nobody who's saying I'm not going to go work because I know if I stay home to care for my loved one, the government is going to send me a cheque for $400 or $500, but you don't know how many family members have said that little bit at least sends the message that the government recognizes that by keeping my loved one at home I am saving taxpayers a tremendous amount of money. Plus I'm allowing either my Mom, my Dad, my Aunt, my Uncle, or my family member to stay at home and live where they want to live and not have to go to a nursing home.

So the pilot project, Mr. Speaker, was not an overall success but the government has not given up, which I'm very pleased that they have not given up because they have announced in this budget that they are going to continue the pilot project. I believe, in fact, there's another area of the province which has been added, the Annapolis Valley, has been added to the pilot project. Some of the other changes as well is that the program moves from Community Services to the Department of Health

[Page 3119]

[7:30 p.m.]

This is not a criticism of the Department of Community Services, I know that the deputy minister and her staff did everything they could in a very short time frame to make this program, this pilot project, a reality. Unfortunately, I don't think the program probably should have ever gone to Community Service, but in the rush that's where it ended up. I always saw the program as being a supplement to home care and home care falls under the Department of Health.

Some of the concerns that have been raised with this program by the current Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations when he was minister and by the previous Minister of Health - the Honourable Jane Purvis when she was Minister of Health - was that if family members are being paid this money to care for a loved one, there could be abuse; they may not be caring for the loved one, they may be just taking the money and not even doing that.

That's a legitimate concern but I always like to look at the view that Nova Scotians are honest people. Governments tend to sometimes look at the view that they're dishonest and we have to make sure to catch them from being dishonest. That's unfortunate but that tends to be a system of government at times. However with home care, if a family is receiving home care services and they are part of this new support for seniors program pilot project, if the individual receiving the money as a caregiver is not present, is gone to Alberta, gone to Ontario or is not doing their job, the home care workers will see that. So there are checks and balances in place and I believe the Department of Health is the appropriate department for that.

I've already spoken to the minister and I've asked to meet with his officials to talk about this program. One of the other major flaws when the pilot project was announced, Mr. Speaker, was that the funds would be paid directly to the senior or to the loved one who is receiving care.

Now, Mr. Speaker, automatically if you're going to pay the senior who is on pensions and that, any income they receive from the provincial government is going to be deducted from their supplement, which many seniors receive. Unfortunately in Nova Scotia we have a very high rate of seniors who receive the Canada Pension, the Old Age and the Supplement, which just provides you with a basic level of income so any money [Interruption] yes, true enough, which is over income as well for receiving housing grants. I know the Minister of Community Services is working on that to try to change that because too many families are being denied that, in my own riding and in many other ridings.

Mr. Speaker, for the government to say we're going to offer financial assistance and we're going to pay it directly to the individual who needs care, it's a taxable income so it

[Page 3120]

goes right into their pensions and with the Canada Supplement, the way it works, any additional income you make is directly deducted from your Supplement. So if the government says we're going to give you $400 to help you pay for a caregiver, and the federal government is going to say well that's $400 of income, we're going to deduct that off your supplement, there's zero gain and it makes the program useless because it hasn't achieved anything.

My point to the government has been, you need to allow the senior or the individual receiving care to appoint a caregiver because for the most point, as I mentioned before, these caregivers are women, or they are men who are not working. So being that they are not working, they are not earning enough income to pay income tax. But if we pay them $400 or $500 a month to care for a loved one at home, they are not going to make enough money to have to pay income tax to start off with. So there's no financial disincentive to these caregivers, it's only a reward.

So I do hope that the Minister of Health - I know he's got a very big department, I know he's very busy in that department, they're almost absorbing 50 per cent of the provincial budget but . . .

AN HON. MEMBER: No, it's 43 per cent.

MR. SAMSON: . . . 43 per cent.

MR. SPEAKER: I wonder if the honourable member would allow an introduction.

MR. SAMSON: Sure, Mr. Speaker.

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

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to draw the members' attention to the west gallery where we have some visitors with us tonight. They are young individuals from the 8th Sackville Scouting Group and they are here with their leaders Robin Mullin, Charlene Cordeau and Charles Robson. So if they could all rise and we'll give you all a warm welcome. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Richmond has the floor.

MR. SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, certainly it's a pleasure to see the visitors we have here with us at the Legislature this evening as we discuss the Financial Measures (2008) Bill and the legislative tool that is being used to implement many of the changes that are involved with the Financial Measures (2008) Bill. One of the other changes, for example, in the Financial Measures (2008) Bill, talks about the cost for registering unlimited liability companies in Nova Scotia. Now, Mr. Speaker, this is a tool that has been used by a number

[Page 3121]

of companies outside of Nova Scotia to register here because of our low fees and have been doing business here in Nova Scotia.

Now a couple of years ago, the government thought that it was time to increase those fees and they did so, but now they've seen that a number of other jurisdictions- I think primarily Alberta and British Columbia- have lowered their fees and so suddenly we are no longer as competitive as we were previously. Now the government has decided, I believe rightfully so, to lower the fees again so that we can be competitive. I don't remember the number offhand, but I think Nova Scotians would be surprised by how much revenue is generated by the registering of these unlimited liability companies in Nova Scotia. So, this was basically revenue coming from business outside of our province and again any additional revenue I'm sure the government is quite pleased to receive and I'm sure that they're reinvesting it in Nova Scotia, as we often hear the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal tell us that he's doing, with the high gas prices and high motive fuel prices here in our province.

Mr. Speaker, as well when you talk about the Financial Measures(2008) Bill, you need to really talk about the budget as well, because one goes with the other. As I mentioned in my opening comments, making a decision as to whether to support a budget or not is never an easy one. One of the elements, as well, in the Financial Measures (2008) Bill through the budget, is where the government has made a change on the provincial portion of the HST on home heating fuel and home heating electricity. Mr. Speaker, again, we were the only caucus in 2006, that said this was not the right way to go; the only one, the only one brave enough to show the courage and the leadership to say it was not the right way to go.

Giving an 8 per cent reduction was something we had felt at the time was completely abandoning the fact that many low-income Nova Scotians would not see the same level of benefit with this reduction that they were seeing under the old Keep the Heat program. The NDP continue to pursue this even though we indicated to them that they had to realize that when you go across the board and reduce this 8 per cent, not only the average Nova Scotian is benefiting, people of very well financial means are benefiting as well. Is that who we felt really needed assistance at times of high fuel prices in Nova Scotia?

Mr. Speaker, electricity as well, who was benefiting from this reduction? Was it low-income Nova Scotians? Were they seeing the savings that they needed to see? Mr. Speaker, I remember when the Keep the Heat program first came out, it offered $250 to low-income Nova Scotians and at the time the federal Liberal Government said we will match that and they sent out $250. So we had $500 coming to low-income Nova Scotians. That, Mr. Speaker, certainly . . .

MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: It went to dead people.

[Page 3122]

MR. SAMSON: Well, the member for Halifax Needham said it went to dead people, but it went to a lot of living people who needed that money, who are not getting that money today. They're trying to make ends meet because they can't afford to pay their heating bills and that member should know that.

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please.

MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, on a point of order. I think the record should reflect that I said the federal Liberal Government also sent their rebate to a lot of dead people and people in prison and that's a fact that is on the record.

MR. SPEAKER: I don't believe that is a point of order.

The honourable member for Richmond has the floor.

MR. SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, you can't speak out of both sides of your mouth and in one sense say that you are concerned about the poor, yet in the other sense when you know the poor are clearly not going to benefit from the program they are advocating and were doing better under an old program, it is dishonest to stand in this House and talk about poverty, or cry about poverty, when they know that they are hurting Nova Scotian families who cannot make ends meet. That is why it was time to revamp this program and finally put the money where the money belongs, in the pockets of low-income Nova Scotians who need it the most. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. Order.

The honourable member for Halifax-Needham.

MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, on another point of order. I believe that dishonest is unparliamentary and I would ask the honourable member to retract that statement.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Richmond has the floor.

MR. SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I am here in my place today, after 10 years of service, to call a spade a spade, and I believe what the NDP did was dishonest by saying that they were pushing for a program to help low-income Nova Scotians that they knew was not going to achieve that. It is not the first time I have accused that Party of that and it will not be the last time because when they stand in this place and they talk about the need to address poverty issues yet they continue to advocate a program which they knew was not going to help low-income Nova Scotians, and yet today they now stand . . .

[Page 3123]

MR. SPEAKER: I would request the member take back the statement about dishonest. The member for Halifax Needham is correct.

MR. SAMSON: So, Mr. Speaker, I guess you can quote from Beauchesne or any other authority that does list that word as being - because that word has been used very often in this House . . .

MR. SPEAKER: Are you challenging this . . .

MR. SAMSON: Not at all, Mr. Speaker. I am simply asking for where it is listed.

MR. SPEAKER: And I am asking you to withdraw that comment.

AN HON. MEMBER: No challenge, we just don't accept her ruling, that's all.

ANOTHER HON. MEMBER: Just apologize and sit down, Michel.

MR. SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I will retract that statement.

MR. SPEAKER: Thank you.

MR. SAMSON: I will certainly ask in the future, at a later date, if you could be able to identify, because that word has certainly been used in here before; in fact I have heard the members of the NDP accuse the government of that many times before, but I will retract that for the time being.

MR. SPEAKER: Thank you.

MR. SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I don't believe it was truthful for the NDP (Applause) and for that member for Halifax Needham to stand in her place and to chastize myself or chastize any members of this caucus for not supporting the poor when it was we who advocated for a program that would better benefit the poor - and the government has finally taken steps to restore a program that will put money back into the pockets of low-income Nova Scotians and they have seen the fact that the 8 per cent rebate across the board did not, in fact, help those who needed it most in making ends meet here in this province.

Mr. Speaker, it was untruthful then, and it is untruthful today to have been pursuing that. She can rise on all the points of order she wants - I believe her own embarrassment of what her Party has been pursuing and how they have been proven wrong. Rather than say that they are wrong, they instead, after our caucus indicates that we will be supporting the budget - lo and behold, the NDP are going to vote against the budget because it's a broken promise. A broken promise they say which they know today, the 8 per cent rebate did not, in fact, help the low-income Nova Scotians who needed it most and that is why we need to focus as

[Page 3124]

legislators and as parliamentarians to see what can we do to help Nova Scotian families in light of high gas prices, high home heating oil, high electricity, high food costs, high costs on education, and everything else which is making it so difficult for Nova Scotian families.

We can't address all of their concerns and we can't just wave a magic wand and make it perfect. (Interruption) Yes, true, and yet while the NDP talks about it, they have yet to show us their magic wand, so maybe one day they will show it to us. Until such time, Mr. Speaker, the rest of us responsible legislators need to work with the reality that we face need to work within the budget envelope that we have and that is why, Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned before (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The honourable member for Richmond has the floor.

MR. SAMSON: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I mentioned before, when one looks at the budget, for example, because the Financial Measures (2008) Bill really is a reflection of the budget - we all know the representations that were made regarding colorectal cancer screening in Nova Scotia. Our caucus was pleased that last year, in discussions with the government, they did agree to increase colorectal cancer screening in Nova Scotia - and this budget will increase it even further. The numbers of Nova Scotia men, especially, who are dying from colorectal cancer are staggering. They're staggering. When one looks at the numbers it is beyond belief that there are that many individuals. Unfortunately, it is one of those cancers, while no one likes to talk about cancer, it is especially one that men do not talk about.

[7:45 p.m.]

We do not hear the stories, we do not hear the effect it's having on men and their families, but the statistics are there. How could a Party vote against an effort to increase colorectal screening in this province (Interruptions) yet the drug has proven to increase the lifespan of individuals suffering from this terrible cancer, Avastin, that we have heard about. Representations made by an individual, who is no longer with us, who took up the cause. Not that he needed it, he could pay for it, he was very clear in saying that he had the financial means to pay for that drug, but how many people could not? Why is it that he, because of his financial means, should be able to pay for that drug and other Nova Scotians could not.

It was a difficult decision, but I commend the Minister of Health and the government for finally agreeing to fund the drug Avastin here in the province. (Applause) We await the details of how this program is going to work, but clearly it is going to help families at the end of the day. I know a family down in Guysborough which has been vocal in talking about the need for this drug, who have applauded the government and recognized this is an important first step. Anything we can do to help these families suffering from this terrible disease who do not have the financial means to be able to pay for this drug, the fact that the government

[Page 3125]

now recognizes that it is important to provide such coverage, I think is something that needs to be recognized as well.

As I've said, the Financial Measures (2008) Bill contains a number of provisions. It is not everything we'd like to see, as a Liberal caucus, but it does adopt a number of the initiatives which we have talked about, which we have indicated to the government is going to be in the best interests of Nova Scotians. The government has taken steps to adopt those. Our economy continues to grow and we're very blessed with that.

I tend to tell my colleagues that the Progressive Conservatives have a horseshoe on their side because of the fact that since being in office, every year revenues have grown. They have never known a period where revenues have stopped or revenues have been in decline. Back home, based on the Minister of Labour and Workforce Development, he encourages me to once again rephrase the line that I grew up with in my household, was that Tory times are hard times.

In many ways, they may have been, but as well, today, they could be a lot worse if our economy were not as strong as it is. We look at what's happening in the United States and we can only hope that the impact in this province will not be anywhere near the devastating impact it is having in that country.

The government continues to talk about balanced budgets and that's an important message to give. As well, I would remind them that I was here back in 1999 when the former Premier, John Hamm and his blue book said his government would not increase the debt of the province and would not put the burden on his grandchildren. I'm sure he had the greatest intent in mind when he made those comments but we all know, at the end of the day, history shows they were untrue and he was not able to keep that commitment.

The debt of this province has grown and the burden to his grandchildren and all of our grandchildren will be there as a result. We must never forget the burden of that debt and how it is holding back our province. Imagine the almost $1 billion a year we pay to service that debt, if the government had that to spend on initiatives for Nova Scotians. If the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal was given $1 billion to spend, how many roads could be done? If the Minister of Health was given $1 billion, how many new nursing home beds, emergency care room beds, how many more rural doctors would he be able to attract, what he could do with $1 billion? What the Minister of Education could do for post-secondary students, how many schools she could build in Glace Bay, for example, if she had $1 billion. And, he's only asking for one, but you'd still have whatever is left over of the $1 billion after one was built.

In all seriousness, we must never forget the debt. I know the Premier and his government continue to talk about the balanced budgets, but we cannot forget that we have to find a means of reducing that burden that faces all of us and is holding us back. If we had

[Page 3126]

that money available to us, what we would be able to achieve is wonderful things for our province. We look with envy to Newfoundland at what they've been able to achieve with great fortune, with the luck of good natural resources, the revenues that are coming in now, everyone wishes that province well. We would like to see that same level of success here in Nova Scotia.

The budget that has been presented does allow the government to address a number of priorities, there are many more that are facing Nova Scotians. Our Party had a decision to make - did Nova Scotians want an election right now or did Nova Scotians want to see the minority Legislature continue to work to the benefit of Nova Scotians? Mr. Speaker, our Leader put aside politics, he put aside personal interest, and instead he said, what is best for Nova Scotians? I'm proud of his decision to support the government and to allow Nova Scotians to continue to move forward.

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'm pleased to stand on my feet and to offer some comments in closing debate on Bill No. 157, the Financial Measures (2008) Bill. I want to thank the member for Richmond for his insightful comments on the positive attributes of the budget in the Financial Measures (2008) Bill. I must say I was a little disappointed in the remarks of the Finance Critic from the NDP for his negativism.

Mr. Speaker, you know, this is a budget which is targeted, it is strategic, it is responsible and it is balanced. This is about priorities of Nova Scotians and I'm just going to ask a couple questions. I'm going to look at the Official Opposition when I say this - the NDP - I want to know how the member for Pictou West and the member for Pictou East . . .

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please.

MR. MUIR: . . . and the member for Shelburne can possibly go back home and tell their constituents that they're voting for money that was going to be made available so young fishermen could get in the business and go after new species (Interruptions) You go home and you tell them. I want the member for Pictou West to tell the people in Toney River, the people in River John, the people in Caribou, and the people in Arisaig. I want the member for Shelburne to tell the people in Clark's Harbour's, Woods Harbour and Shag Harbour, and the member for Pictou East tell the people down in Arisaig, you go, Lismore, you go tell the people that you aren't supporting the fishermen in your constituency. (Interruptions)

I want the member for Halifax Citadel who has four universities and a big health care sector to tell the university students you're not supporting them. (Applause) You stand up and tell the university students you don't want them to have their tuition back to the national

[Page 3127]

average. You don't want a needs-based bursary. You go back home and you tell your students that, Mr. Member, the member for Halifax Citadel.You can not do it. (Interruptions) You know what you do, you're going to be a statistic in the next election if you don't vote for the budget and the Financial Measures (2008) Bill. The member for Halifax Needham would stand up and say she does not support giving more money to help the energy needs of those who are of low income. (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please.

MR. MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased that the Liberal Party is putting people ahead of politics. I would not want to be the members in that House to go back home and say that I'm not voting for more doctors, more money for nurses, I'm not going to support tax credits for firefighters, tax credits for ground search and rescue because when they vote against the Financial Measures Act in the budget, that's exactly what they're doing.

Mr. Speaker, they're interested in politics and not the people and with those comments, I ask for the vote on second reading of Bill No. 157. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: The question is for second reading of Bill No. 157.

Is the House ready for the question? Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried. (Applause)

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 revert to the order of business, Presenting Reports of Committees.

MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. CHUCK PORTER: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Chairman of the Committee on Law Amendments, I am directed to report that the committee has met and considered the following bills:

[Page 3128]

Bill No. 107 - Nova Scotia Agricultural College Act.

Bill No. 121 - Assessment Act.

and the committee recommends these bills to the favourable consideration of the House, with certain amendments.

MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that these bills be referred to the Committee of the Whole House on Bills.

The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. CHUCK PORTER: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Chairman of the Committee on Law Amendments, I am directed to report that the committee has met and considered the following bills:

Bill No. 117 - Securities Act.

Bill No. 123 - Public Service Act.

Bill No. 125 - Public Service Act.

Bill No. 135 - Municipal Elections Act.

Bill No. 144 - Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation Act.

Bill No. 146 - Motor Vehicle Act.

and the committee recommends these bills to the favourable consideration of the House, without amendment.

MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that these bills be referred to the Committee of the Whole House on Bills.

The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. CHUCK PORTER: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This concludes the government's business for today.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable NDP House Leader.

MR. FRANK CORBETT: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. After Question Period tomorrow, we will be calling Bill No. 58, the Uranium Mining Moratorium Act and Bill No. 136, the

[Page 3129]

Energy Resources Conservation Act. I believe those hours will be from 12:00 noon until 4:00 p.m. and I believe the Deputy Government House Leader has hours beyond that.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. CHUCK PORTER: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We will continue from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with Government business, following the Opposition business. We will be moving into Committee of the Whole House on Supply unto Her Majesty and from there, time permitting, Public Bills for Second Reading, the following bills: Bill Nos. 120, 126, 127, 130, 131, 133, 148, 151, 156, 163, 167 and 168. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: The question is for the House to sit from 12:00 noon tomorrow until 9:00 p.m.

Is the House ready for the question? Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The House will meet at 12:00 noon tomorrow.

[The House rose at 7:59 p.m.]

[Page 3130]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

RESOLUTION NO. 2697

By: Ms. Becky Kent (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the quality of life for residents of Ocean View Manor has been greatly enhanced over the years through the ongoing involvement and commitment of adult and teen volunteers from the community; and

Whereas Ocean View Manor, working collaboratively with partners to provide the best possible care to residents and to achieve maximum business results, relies heavily on a dedicated group of volunteers committing more than 7000 hours per year to the facility; and

Whereas Caroline Smith, a Spiritual Care Worker and Recreational Activities Volunteer, has given five years of volunteer service to Ocean View Manor;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Caroline Smith on five years of volunteer service and commend her for her commitment and dedication to Ocean View Manor.

RESOLUTION NO. 2698

By: Ms. Becky Kent (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the quality of life for residents of Ocean View Manor has been greatly enhanced over the years through the ongoing involvement and commitment of adult and teen volunteers from the community; and

Whereas Ocean View Manor, working collaboratively with partners to provide the best possible care to residents and to achieve maximum business results, relies heavily on a dedicated group of volunteers committing more than 7000 hours per year to the facility; and

Whereas Jim Edwards has given 15 years of volunteer service as the Meals on Wheels driver and monthly Lions Club bingo organizer at Ocean View Manor;

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Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Jim Edwards on 15 years of volunteer service and commend him for his commitment and dedication to Ocean View Manor.

RESOLUTION NO. 2699

By: Ms. Becky Kent (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the quality of life for residents of Ocean View Manor has been greatly enhanced over the years through the ongoing involvement and commitment of adult and teen volunteers from the community; and

Whereas Ocean View Manor, working collaboratively with partners to provide the best possible care to residents and to achieve maximum business results, relies heavily on a dedicated group of volunteers committing more than 7000 hours per year to the facility; and

Whereas Joan Lovett is a resident volunteer who assists in laundry and kitchen and has provided five years of volunteer service to Ocean View Manor;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Joan Lovett on five years of volunteer service and commend her for her commitment and dedication to Ocean View Manor.

RESOLUTION NO. 2700

By: Ms. Becky Kent (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the quality of life for residents of Ocean View Manor has been greatly enhanced over the years through the ongoing involvement and commitment of adult and teen volunteers from the community; and

Whereas Ocean View Manor, working collaboratively with partners to provide the best possible care to residents and to achieve maximum business results, relies heavily on a dedicated group of volunteers committing more than 7000 hours per year to the facility; and

Whereas Kay Naugle, a Spiritual Care Worker and monthly Lions Club Bingo organizer, has given 25 years of volunteer service to Ocean View Manor;

[Page 3132]

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Kay Naugle on 25 years of volunteer service and commend her for her dedication and commitment to Ocean View Manor.

RESOLUTION NO. 2701

By: Ms. Becky Kent (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the quality of life for residents of Ocean View Manor has been greatly enhanced over the years through the ongoing involvement and commitment of adult and teen volunteers from the community; and

Whereas Ocean View Manor, working collaboratively with partners to provide the best possible care to residents and to achieve maximum business results, relies heavily on a dedicated group of volunteers committing more than 7000 hours per year to the facility; and

Whereas Margaret McDuff, a Medical Escort Volunteer and Recreational Support Volunteer, has given 15 years of volunteer service to Ocean View Manor;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Margaret McDuff on 15 years of volunteer service and commend her for her commitment and dedication to volunteer work at Ocean View Manor.

RESOLUTION NO. 2702

By: Ms. Becky Kent (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the quality of life for residents of Ocean View Manor has been greatly enhanced over the years through the ongoing involvement and commitment of adult and teen volunteers from the community; and

Whereas Ocean View Manor, working collaboratively with partners to provide the best possible care to residents and to achieve maximum business results, relies heavily on a dedicated group of volunteers committing more than 7000 hours per year to the facility; and

Whereas Mary Evans, a Spiritual Care Worker and Recreational Activities Volunteer, has given five years of volunteer service to Ocean View Manor;

[Page 3133]

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Mary Evans on five years of volunteer service and commend her for her commitment and dedication to volunteer work at Ocean View Manor.

RESOLUTION NO. 2703

By: Ms. Becky Kent (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the quality of life for residents of Ocean View Manor has been greatly enhanced over the years through the ongoing involvement and commitment of adult and teen volunteers from the community; and

Whereas Ocean View Manor, working collaboratively with partners to provide the best possible care to residents and to achieve maximum business results, relies heavily on a dedicated group of volunteers committing more than 7000 hours per year to the facility; and

Whereas Doreen O'Brien, Recreational Support Volunteer and Librarian, has given 15 years of volunteer service to Ocean View Manor;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Doreen O'Brien on 15 years of volunteer service and commend her for her commitment and dedication to Ocean View Manor.

RESOLUTION NO. 2704

By: Ms. Becky Kent (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the quality of life for residents of Ocean View Manor has been greatly enhanced over the years through the ongoing involvement and commitment of adult and teen volunteers from the community; and

Whereas Ocean View Manor, working collaboratively with partners to provide the best possible care to residents and to achieve maximum business results, relies heavily on a dedicated group of volunteers committing more than 7000 hours per year to the facility; and

Whereas Edith Edward, a Spiritual Care Worker and Lions Club Bingo organizer, has given five years of volunteer service to Ocean View Manor;

[Page 3134]

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Edith Edwards on five years of volunteer service and commend her for her commitment and dedication to Ocean View Manor.

RESOLUTION NO. 2705

By: Ms. Becky Kent (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the quality of life for residents of Ocean View Manor has been greatly enhanced over the years through the ongoing involvement and commitment of adult and teen volunteers from the community; and

Whereas Ocean View Manor, working collaboratively with partners to provide the best possible care to residents and to achieve maximum business results, relies heavily on a dedicated group of volunteers committing more than 7000 hours per year to the facility; and

Whereas James Alchorn, a resident volunteer, assists with events preparation, has given ten years of volunteer service to Ocean View Manor;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate James Alchorn on ten years of volunteer service and commend him for his commitment and dedication to volunteer work at Ocean View manor.

RESOLUTION NO. 2706

By: Mr. Patrick Dunn (Pictou Centre)

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

Whereas the Town of Stellarton presented Roger Fleming as its 2008 Representative Volunteer; and

Whereas not only was Mr. Fleming a volunteer firefighter for more than 14 years, he has been an active member of his church and the local Boy Scouts in addition to being honoured by his peers at the Rotary Club for his humanitarianism; and

Whereas he is credited with founding what is now known as the Pictou County Food Bank East 18 years ago, earning him the Queen's Jubilee Medal, and although Mr. Fleming

[Page 3135]

recently retired from his managerial duties, he is still involved with the board of directors and keeps in touch with the many volunteers;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House send their heartfelt appreciation to Roger Fleming for his nearly two decades of work within the Stellarton community, demonstrating what Nova Scotia's volunteers are all about.

RESOLUTION NO. 2707

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 Arlene Brown was chosen by the Junction Road Home & School Association to represent them as Springhill's Volunteer of the Year for 2008; and

Whereas Arlene has participated in the annual Rock-a-Thon (Rocking Grannies) since its origin nine years ago, where all proceeds raised go to purchase various items for the Junction Road Elementary School, including lunch tables, computers, playground equipment and school trips; and

Whereas Arlene Brown is a dedicated and hardworking volunteer who truly makes a difference for the youth of her community;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Arlene Brown on her volunteer efforts and being named Volunteer of the Year and wish her all the best in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2708

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 Verna Clarke was nominated by the Sisters of the Pythian Star Temple #8 in Springhill as their Volunteer of the Year for 2008; and

Whereas Sister Verna Clarke is extremely dedicated to her temple and has been a member for 54 years and held the position of treasurer for the past 40 years while still finding the time to belong to two other lodges - Nomads and Rebeka - as well as the Senior Citizens and Retired Pensioners Organization, and is treasurer of each; and

[Page 3136]

Whereas Verna Clarke also visits the sick and shut-ins, delivering gifts at Christmastime and birthday cards monthly, and is always wiling to do whatever is asked of her;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Sister Verna Clarke on her outstanding volunteer efforts and wish her all the best in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2709

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 Judith Amos was nominated by the Rotary Club of Springhill as their Volunteer of the Year for 2008 in the Town of Springhill; and

Whereas Judith has been a member since 1992 and, since that time, she remains the only female member of the club, where she has held the office of president twice and the office of secretary for three terms; and

Whereas Judy has also been active on the committees both at the club level as well as the district level, with her main passion being the Toy's for Tot's Program, which she has chaired since 1999, while also acting as a liaison with other area groups for this program which ensures that there are toys under the Christmas tree for less fortunate children each year;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Judith Amos on being named Volunteer of the Year and wish her all the best in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2710

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 Harold Delaney was chosen by the Springhill & Area Chamber of Commerce as their Volunteer of the Year for the Town of Springhill for 2008; and

Whereas Harold Delaney has been the treasurer, acting president, and assisted in many venues that the chamber has had during the past several years; and

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Whereas Harold Delaney has also served as corporate volunteer, raising funds for the community centre, and is active in the St. John's Catholic church, a board member for the Anne Murray Centre, and has supported and been active in fundraising for cancer through the CIBC;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Harold Delaney on being recognized by the Springhill & Area Chamber of Commerce as Volunteer of the Year and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2711

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 Audrey Fillmore was recognized by the Springhill Baptist Church Willing Workers Organization as Volunteer of the Year in the Town of Springhill for 2008; and

Whereas Audrey is a charter member of the Willing Workers and is ever ready to step in when help is needed; and

Whereas Audrey is also a member of the Springhill Seniors Club and is always willing to be of help to those in need;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Audrey Fillmore for being chosen to represent the Springhill Baptist Church Willing Workers Organization as their Volunteer of the Year for 2008 and wish her all the best in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2712

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 Cathy Coon was recognized by the Springhill Basketball Association when she was chosen as Volunteer of the Year for the Town of Springhill in 2008; and

Whereas Cathy has been the treasurer for the Springhill Basketball Association for the past three years and has worked very hard to keep things in order, while having a full-time job and three children to attend to as a mother; and

[Page 3138]

Whereas Cathy has gone above and beyond her call of duty for the Springhill Basketball Association and has been recognized for all her efforts and hard work that she has given whenever someone needs help, big or small;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Cathy Coon on being named their Volunteer of the Year for 2008 and wish her all the best in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2713

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 Peter George was recognized by the Springhill Minor Baseball by being nominated as their Volunteer of the Year in the Town of Springhill for 2008; and

Whereas Peter George has readily given of his time to the youth of the community wishing to learn the ins and outs of baseball for the past three years; and

Whereas when most people are heading on vacation, Peter George is coaching the youth of the community with practices or games and he also plays a huge role in fundraisers each year;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Peter George on being named Volunteer of the Year and wish him all the best in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2714

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 Mary Willa Littler was recognized by the Springhill Heritage Group when she was chosen as their Volunteer of the Year in the Town of Springhill for 2008; and

Whereas Mary Willa has been involved in the Springhill Heritage Group over the past 21 years and has done a great deal of work in genealogy, filled in as secretary from time to time, has been a member of the group that is most concerned with the collection of old Springhill newspapers and has been a keeper of those newspapers; and

[Page 3139]

Whereas over the past 21 years, Mary Willa has been available and willing to assist people looking for families of long ago who have left the area and are looking for their roots from days gone by with one of her most rewarding moments being helping a young man locate his birth mother 10 years ago;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Mary Willa Littler on being chosen by the Springhill Heritage Group as their Volunteer of the Year and wish her all the best in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2715

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 Jason Tooke was recognized by the Springhill Minor Baseball by being nominated as their Volunteer of the Year in the Town of Springhill for 2008; and

Whereas Jason Tooke has readily given of his time to the youth of the community wishing to learn the ins and outs of baseball for the past three years; and

Whereas when most people are heading on vacation, Jason Tooke is coaching the youth of the community with practices or games and he also plays a huge role in fundraisers each year;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Jason Tooke on being named Volunteer of the Year and wish him all the best in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2716

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 Lynn Sarty was recognized by the Springhill Music & Drama Group as they nominated her as their Volunteer of the Year in the Town of Springhill for 2008; and

Whereas Lynn Sarty was co-founder of the Springhill Music & Drama Group which grew in numbers between 40 and 50 singers and musicians; and

[Page 3140]

Whereas Lynn has worked with enjoyment and enthusiasm for many years as music director of the yearly productions and fundraisers and her many duties included choosing the music and directing practices with both the adult and children's chorus and much more;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Lynn Sarty on being named Volunteer of the Year and wish her all the best in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2717

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 Steve Mitchell was recognized by the Springhill Search & Rescue as they nominated him as their Volunteer of the Year in the Town of Springhill for 2008; and

Whereas Steve Mitchell has been a member of the Springhill Ground Search & Rescue since 1996 and during his time has participated in various training courses which include EHS Life Flight Landing Zone Preparations, GPS Training, First Aid, Emergency Radio Communications and Mock Disasters for EMO Planning; and

Whereas Steve participated in several rescue efforts including Swissair and the Hermit of Gulley Lake and for the past 12 years he has performed traffic control for all of the parades in both Springhill and Pugwash as well as security for all of the Irish festivals and music festivals held in Springhill, volunteered his time to the set up and security of all Springhill Schools Reunions and help secure the pit pond when water levels became high, several fire scenes, the flood in Oxford in 2000 and is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Steve Mitchell on being named Volunteer of the Year and wish him all the best in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2718

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 River Hebert Army Cadets #1442 understand that hard work and perseverance are two key ingredients needed to get promoted as a cadet and this year 14 cadets from this corps showed that they have what it takes; and

[Page 3141]

Whereas on Wednesday, April 16, 2008, these cadets stood at attention as Captain Harry Dowe inspected the troops and announced the name of this year's promoted cadets; and

Whereas rank promotions went to Jalysa McKinnon who was promoted to Warrant Officer;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Jalysa McKinnon on being promoted to Warrant Officer and wish her continued success in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2719

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 Millie Munn was recognized by the St. Andrews Wesley United Church UCW by being nominated as their Volunteer of the Year in the Town of Springhill for 2008; and

Whereas Millie Munn is a hardworking, cheerful person who is more than willing to lend a hand and most often in a leadership role; and

Whereas Millie's quiet unassuming manner makes her very easy to work with and the St. Andrews Wesley United Church UCW feels very fortunate to have her in their group;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Millie Munn on being named Volunteer of the Year by the St. Andrews Wesley United Church UCW and wish her continued success in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2720

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 Wanda Nicholson was recognized by the West End Home & School Association when she was nominated by them to be their Volunteer of the Year in the Town of Springhill for 2008; and

[Page 3142]

Whereas Wanda has given seven years of dedicated service to the West End Home & School Associtaion and been president for four years; moreover, she is present at almost every monthly meeting, sharing her knowledge and organizational skills with numerous fundraisers to fund recess equipment, field trips, computers and numerous programs; and

Whereas this year Wanda Nicholson undertook the Pink T-Shirt Anti-Bullying Campaign and ran with the idea that ALL students get a pink t-shirt to promote safe and no bullying campaign on our school grounds;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Wanda Nicholson on being named Volunteer of the Year for the West End Home & School Association and wish her continued success in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2721

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 River Hebert Army Cadets #1442 understand that hard work and perseverance are two key ingredients needed to get promoted as a cadet and this year 14 cadets from this Corp showed that they have what it takes; and

Whereas on Wednesday, April 16th, 2008, these cadets stood at attention as Captain Harry Dowe inspected the troops and announced the name of this year's promoted cadets; and

Whereas promoted to silver star was Cadet Amy Rushton.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Cadet Amy Rushton on being promoted to Silver star and wish her continued success in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2722

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 Laura LeBlanc was recognized by the Springhill Senior Citizens & Retired Pensioners by being named Volunteer of the Year in the Town of Springhill for 2008; and

[Page 3143]

Whereas Laura LeBlanc has been a member of the Springhill Senior Citizens & Retired Pensioners Organization for the past eight years and during this time she served as a Director for two years, a member of the house committee which looks after upkeep and maintenance to the building in which they meet; and

Whereas Laura is not afraid to get her hands dirty and is often the first one in there scraping and painting where needed to keep the facility up to functional standards while also working behind the scenes preparing many meals, washing dishes and working as clean up crew while living with a kidney disease and being a dialysis patient;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Laura Leblanc on being named Volunteer of the Year by the Springhill Senior Citizens & Retired Pensioners and wish her all the best in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2723

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 River Hebert Army Cadets #1442 understand that hard work and perseverance are two key ingredients needed to get promoted as a cadet and this year 14 cadets from this Corp showed that they have what it takes; and

Whereas on Wednesday, April 16th, 2008, these cadets stood at attention as Captain Harry Dowe inspected the troops and announced the name of this year's promoted cadets; and

Whereas promoted to red star were Cadets Brandon McLellan, David Quinn, William Miller and Eric McKinnon.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate these cadets on being promoted to red star and wish them continued success in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2724

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 3144]

Whereas the River Hebert Army Cadets #1442 understand that hard work and perseverance are two key ingredients needed to get promoted as a cadet and this year fourteen cadets from this Corp showed that they have what it takes; and

Whereas on Wednesday, April 16th, 2008, these cadets stood at attention as Captain Harry Dowe inspected the troops and announced the name of this year's promoted cadets; and

Whereas promoted to green star were Cadets Josh Gamble, Paulie Willigar, Vanessa Chapman, Jessica Burbine, Felicia Hurley, Tyler Mills, Megan McLellan and Cassidy Glennie.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate these cadets on being promoted to green star and wish them continued success in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2725

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 River Hebert Army Cadets #1442 understand that hard work and perseverance are two key ingredients needed to get promoted as a cadet and this year fourteen cadets from this Corp showed that they have what it takes; and

Whereas on Wednesday, April 16th, 2008, these cadets stood at attention as Captain Harry Dowe inspected the troops and announced the name of this year's promoted cadets; and

Whereas rank promotion went to Breanne Clinton who was promoted to Master Warrant Officer.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Breanne Clinton on being promoted to Master warrant officer and wish her continued success in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2726

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 3145]

Whereas Travis Griffin, a student at Oxford Regional High School, participated in the Nova Scotia High School Skills Competition on April 25, 2008; and

Whereas the competition took place at Nova Scotia Community College, Akerley Campus in Dartmouth; and

Whereas Travis Griffin earned top spot in the Secondary Welding category and will compete in the national competition in Calgary on May 24-28.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Travis Griffin on earning the top spot in the competition and wish him all the best in the national competition in Calgary.

RESOLUTION NO. 2727

By: Mr. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas Windsor-West Hants students and schools represented the local area proudly in the recent Resource Recovery Fund Board Nova Scotia Recycles Contest; and

Whereas Hantsport student, Kellie Sanford, won an award in the District 5 region for designing the winning magazine article and was on hand with Hantsport school principal, Sean Bennett, to receive the award earlier this winter in Kingston; and

Whereas Falmouth Elementary School Grade 6 student, Taylor Turnbull, won the Grade 4 to Grade 6 Cloth Bag Design in the Region 6 awards presentation in Liverpool, with her school receiving $500 for Taylor's efforts, while Windsor Forks District School was given honourable mention in the School of the Year category;

Therefore be it resolved that all MLAs in this House of Assembly applaud and congratulate the environmental intuition of Hantsport school student Kellie Sanford, Falmouth Elementary School student, Taylor Turnbull, and the Windsor Forks District Elementary School for their awards and honourable mention in the 2008 Resource Recovery Fund Board Nova Scotia Recycles Contest.

RESOLUTION NO. 2728

By: Hon. Rodney MacDonald (Premier)

[Page 3146]

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

Whereas Inverness County is known throughout the province for its success in producing phenomenal athletes; and

Whereas the region has dominated sports such as hockey, arm wrestling, judo, volleyball, basketball, and has now added table tennis to that list; and

Whereas Stéphane Gossens recently overcame the dominance of a long-time rival to win the Junior Men's Division of the Atlantic Canadian Table Tennis Championship held on May 2 and May 3, 2008;

Therefore be it resolved that this House and all its members congratulate Stéphane on this tremendous victory and wish him all the success in future competitions.

RESOLUTION NO. 2729

By: Hon. Rodney MacDonald (Premier)

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

Whereas the 7th Annual ViewFinders International Film Festival for Youth - the only youth film festival in Atlantic Canada - was held on April 22 to April 26, 2008, in Halifax; and

Whereas Marc Cheetham and Doug Chiasson, two young students of Cape Breton Highlands Academy, entered their two short films, CBHRA Monster Truck Rally and At High Noon in the 2008 festival; and

Whereas CBHRA Monster Truck Rally won first place in the ViewFinders Animated Challenge and, At High Noon took first place in the NBC Universal Movie Challenge;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate and commend Marc Cheetham and Doug Chiasson on their inspiring, artistic work, and wish them all the best with their obviously promising futures.

RESOLUTION NO. 2730

By: Mr. Sterling Belliveau (Shelburne)

[Page 3147]

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

Whereas Gary Nickerson of the Barrington 7E Volunteer Fire Department was honoured with a Scroll of Recognition from the Municipality of Barrington at the Shelburne County Mutual Aid Supper for 46 years of long service to the Fire Department on March 8, 2008; and

Whereas volunteer firefighter's freely give 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 this House of Assembly congratulate Gary Nickerson of the Barrington 7E Volunteer Fire Department who was honoured with a Scroll of Recognition from the Municipality of Barrington at the Shelburne County Mutual Aid Supper for 46 years of long service to the Fire Department on March 8, 2008.

RESOLUTION NO. 2731

By: Mr. Sterling Belliveau (Shelburne)

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

Whereas Ashley Nickerson and Haleigh Atwood participated in the 2008 Tri-County Regional Heritage Fair and won 1st Place, best overall with their Chaise de Wreckwood project on May 1, 2008 at the NSCC Burridge Campus in Yarmouth; and

Whereas the fair is a celebration of diverse heritage, spanning untold generations from the First Nations through to the present day; and

Whereas Ashley and Haleigh will go on to compete in the national finals in Victoria, British Columbia, on July 7 to 14, 2008;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Ashley Nickerson and Haleigh Atwood for their participation in the 2008 Tri-County Regional Heritage Fair and for winning 1st Place, best overall with their La Chaise de Wreckwood project on May 1, 2008, at the NSCC Burridge Campus in Yarmouth.

RESOLUTION NO. 2732

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By: Mr. Sterling Belliveau (Shelburne)

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

Whereas the Barrington Municipal High School students, staff, council coordinators Sea Cadets, veterans and legion members gathered together in unity to remember The Battle of the Atlantic on May 1, 2008; and

Whereas Comrade Clifford Newell, who served aboard the Corvette Kamsack during WWII, spoke at the remembrance assembly; and

Whereas the first convoy sailed from Halifax on September 16, 1939, and for six years the Canadian Navy served and shared many hardships under very extreme, hazardous conditions while being limited by technology, vessels, manpower and training;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly commend the Barrington Municipal High School students, staff, council coordinators, Sea Cadets, veterans and legion members who gathered together in unity to remember The Battle of the Atlantic on May 1, 2008.

RESOLUTION NO. 2733

By: Mr. Sterling Belliveau (Shelburne)

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

Whereas Bonnie Smith of Shelburne County has volunteered and organized the second annual Great Strides Walk to raise money and awareness for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Barrington Passage, on May 25, 2008; and

Whereas Belinda Smith, Bonnie's daughter, was diagnosed with CF in 1983; the life expectancy was age 11 and is at the present time age 37 and donated funds to the Foundation have greatly improved many elements associated with living with the disease; and

Whereas Bonnie has participated in the Yarmouth Cystic Fibrosis Walk for the past 20 years and 15 people participated in last year's Great Strides Walk and raised $1,700 for the Foundation;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly thank Bonnie Smith for her volunteering and organizing efforts for the second annual Great Strides Walk for the Cystic

[Page 3149]

Fibrosis Foundation to raise money and awareness for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Barrington Passage on May 25, 2008.

RESOLUTION NO. 2734

By: Mr. Sterling Belliveau (Shelburne)

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

Whereas Mario Ross, a constable for the Barrington Royal Canadian Mounted Police, instructs women's self-defence sessions as fundraisers for local, non-profit organizations in Shelburne County; and

Whereas Mario Ross has trained for 36 years, holding a sixth degree black belt in Karate and has trained in Jujutsu, Judo and with martial arts weapons; and

Whereas females from the ages of 5 and up can attend the classes where the oldest female Mario Ross has trained was 95 years of age;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly thank Mario Ross for instructing the women's self-defence sessions and teaching women basic safety tips with hands-on training and commend him for his fundraising efforts for non-profit organizations in Shelburne County.

RESOLUTION NO. 2735

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford Players have entertained crowds for 25 years; and

Whereas the 2008 presentation of "No Sex, We're British" starred Marion Stuart as Eleanor Hunter; and

Whereas Marion performed in the original Bedford Players presentation 17 years ago and returned to play a leading role;

[Page 3150]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate and thank Marion Stuart for her commitment to the performing arts and wish her continued success with the Bedford Players.

RESOLUTION NO. 2736

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

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

Whereas the sport of basketball is a team effort built on dedication, determination and skill; and

Whereas this team represented their school with pride; and

Whereas the Bridgewater High School boys' basketball team won the Division 2 Nova Scotia Athletic Association Boys' Basketball Championship title in Cape Breton;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Andy Baker, coach of the Bridgewater High School basketball team, on winning the title.

RESOLUTION NO. 2737

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

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

Whereas the sport of basketball is a team effort built on dedication, determination and skill; and

Whereas this team represented their school with pride; and

Whereas the Bridgewater High School boys' basketball team won the Division 2 Nova Scotia Athletic Association Boys' Basketball Championship title in Cape Breton;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate James Mullen of the Bridgewater High School basketball team, on winning the title.

[Page 3151]

RESOLUTION NO. 2738

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

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

Whereas the sport of basketball is a team effort built on dedication, determination and skill; and

Whereas this team represented their school with pride; and

Whereas the Bridgewater High School boys' basketball team won the Division 2 Nova Scotia Athletic Association Boys' Basketball Championship title in Cape Breton;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Matt Snyder of the Bridgewater High School basketball team, on winning the title.

RESOLUTION NO. 2739

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

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

Whereas the sport of basketball is a team effort built on dedication, determination and skill; and

Whereas this team represented their school with pride; and

Whereas the Bridgewater High School boys' basketball team won the Division 2 Nova Scotia Athletic Association Boys' Basketball Championship title in Cape Breton;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Alex Harding of the Bridgewater High School basketball team, on winning the title.

RESOLUTION NO. 2740

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

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

[Page 3152]

Whereas the sport of basketball is a team effort built on dedication, determination and skill; and

Whereas this team represented their school with pride; and

Whereas the Bridgewater High School Boys' basketball team won the Division 2 Nova Scotia Athletic Association boys' Basketball Championship title in Cape Breton;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Tim Coote of the Bridgewater High School basketball team, on winning the title.

RESOLUTION NO. 2741

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

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

Whereas the sport of basketball is a team effort built on dedication, determination and skill; and

Whereas this team represented their school with pride; and

Whereas the Bridgewater High School Boys' basketball team won the Division 2 Nova Scotia Athletic Association boys' Basketball Championship title in Cape Breton;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Andrew MacDonald of the Bridgewater High School basketball team, on winning the title.

RESOLUTION NO. 2742

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

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

Whereas the sport of basketball is a team effort built on dedication, determination and skill; and

Whereas this team represented their school with pride; and

Whereas the Bridgewater High School boys' basketball team won the Division 2 Nova Scotia Athletic Association Boys' Basketball Championship title in Cape Breton;

[Page 3153]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Travis Getson of the Bridgewater High School basketball team, on winning the title.

RESOLUTION NO. 2743

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

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

Whereas the sport of basketball is a team effort built on dedication, determination and skill; and

Whereas this team represented their school with pride; and

Whereas the Bridgewater High School Boys' basketball team won the Division 2 Nova Scotia Athletic Association boys' Basketball Championship title in Cape Breton;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Dylan Tufford of the Bridgewater High School basketball team, on winning the title.

RESOLUTION NO. 2744

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

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

Whereas the sport of basketball is a team effort built on dedication, determination and skill; and

Whereas this team represented their school with pride; and

Whereas the Bridgewater High School Boys' basketball team won the Division 2 Nova Scotia Athletic Association boys' Basketball Championship title in Cape Breton;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Jarrett Hubley of the Bridgewater High School basketball team on winning the title.

[Page 3154]

RESOLUTION NO. 2745

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

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

Whereas the sport of basketball is a team effort built on dedication, determination and skill; and

Whereas this team represented their school with pride; and

Whereas the Bridgewater High School Boys' basketball team won the Division 2 Nova Scotia Athletic Association boys' Basketball Championship title in Cape Breton;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Zach Wamboldt of the Bridgewater High School basketball team on winning the title.

RESOLUTION NO. 2746

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

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

Whereas the sport of basketball is a team effort built on dedication, determination and skill; and

Whereas this team represented their school with pride; and

Whereas the Bridgewater High School Boys' basketball team won the Division 2 Nova Scotia Athletic Association boys' Basketball Championship title in Cape Breton;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Kyle Zinck of the Bridgewater High School basketball team on winning the title.

RESOLUTION NO. 2747

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

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

[Page 3155]

Whereas the sport of basketball is a team effort built on dedication, determination and skill; and

Whereas this team represented their school with pride; and

Whereas the Bridgewater High School Boys' basketball team won the Division 2 Nova Scotia Athletic Association boys' Basketball Championship title in Cape Breton;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Jacob Tuchendler of the Bridgewater High School basketball team on winning the title.

RESOLUTION NO. 2748

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

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

Whereas the sport of basketball is a team effort built on dedication, determination and skill; and

Whereas this team represented their school with pride; and

Whereas the Bridgewater High School Boys' basketball team won the Division 2 Nova Scotia Athletic Association Boys' Basketball Championship title in Cape Breton;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Mason Jordan, team manager of the Bridgewater High School basketball team, on winning the title.

RESOLUTION NO. 2749

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

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

Whereas the sport of basketball is a team effort built on dedication, determination and skill; and

Whereas this team represented their school with pride; and

Whereas the Bridgewater High School Boys' basketball team won the Division 2 Nova Scotia Athletic Association Boys' Basketball Championship title in Cape Breton;

[Page 3156]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Blair Lipsett, Assistant Coach of the Bridgewater High School basketball team, on winning the title.

RESOLUTION NO. 2750

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

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

Whereas the sport of basketball is a team effort built on dedication, determination and skill; and

Whereas this team represented their school with pride; and

Whereas the Bridgewater High School Boys' basketball team won the Division 2 Nova Scotia Athletic Association Boys' Basketball Championship title in Cape Breton;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Nick Saunders, Assistant Coach of the Bridgewater High School basketball team, on winning the title.

RESOLUTION NO. 2751

By: Hon. Mark Parent (Environment)

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

Whereas the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nova Scotia each year recognize the completion of the National Uniform Evaluation candidates which is a significant milestone in the career and future as a chartered accountant; and

Whereas they have superior financial expertise, plus strategic thinking, business insight and leadership skills for a successful career in business, government, education or in the non-profit community; and

Whereas Mr. Stephen Westhaver of Grant Thornton LLP in Kentville successfully passed his 2007 Uniform Evaluation;

[Page 3157]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Stephen Westhaver for his successful completion of the 2007 National Uniform Evaluation.

[Page 3158]

RESOLUTION NO. 2752

By: Hon. Mark Parent (Environment)

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

Whereas the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nova Scotia each year recognize the completion of the National Uniform Evaluation candidates which is a significant milestone in the career and future as a chartered accountant; and

Whereas they have superior financial expertise, plus strategic thinking, business insight and leadership skills for a successful career in business, government, education or in the non-profit community; and

Whereas Ms. Rebecca Haines of Grant Thornton LLP in Kentville successfully passed her 2007 Uniform Evaluation;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Rebecca Haines for her successful completion of the 2007 National Uniform Evaluation.

RESOLUTION NO. 2753

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 the Hubbards and District Volunteer Fire Department will be honoured at a reception hosted by the Municipality of the District of Chester for their 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 the Hubbards and District Volunteer Fire Department for all their hard work and dedication to their community and wish them much success in the future.

[Page 3159]

RESOLUTION NO. 2754

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 this year the RRFB asked students from across Nova Scotia to consider the three R's - reduce, reuse and recycle - and composting as they created artwork for cloth bags, designed advertisements using old magazines, created television ads, and wrote research essays; and

Whereas the RRFB received over 8,700 contest entries from students in Primary to Grade 12; and

Whereas on February 27th the RRFB and HRM honoured Jackie Amirault from the Tantallon Elementary School as the runner up in the Grades 4 to 6 category;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Jackie Amirault on her outstanding submission and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2755

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 during the celebrations of their 60th Wedding Anniversary, Helen and Torleif Andersen from Hubbards promised their seven children a trip to Cuba to help celebrate their 65th Anniversary; and

Whereas on February 20, 2008, the couple celebrate their 65th Anniversary by taking their family to Cuba; and

Whereas throughout the many years they have been together, they have enriched their lives with dancing, singing and extensive travelling;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Helen and Torleif Andersen on their 65th Wedding Anniversary and wish them much health and happiness in the future.

[Page 3160]

RESOLUTION NO. 2756

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 Bluff Trail near Cranberry and Pot Lakes off Highway No. 103 hosts over 100 species of lichens that have merited a publication of their own; and

Whereas the GAIA Singers and lichenologist Frances Anderson highlighted the brochure launch at the Tantallon Library on March 4, 2008; and

Whereas Frances Anderson was presented with a certificate of appreciation for her involvement in the Lichen Brochure;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank Frances Anderson for her commitment to her community and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2757

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 with the Stanley Cup Playoffs in full swing across North America, a group of individuals from Chester are hoping to bring a Junior C Hockey League team to the Eleanor Pew-Morris Memorial Arena; and

Whereas with Chester's long history of boat building, it would only be fitting to name the team, the Chester Clippers; and

Whereas Jehad Assaff is the President of the Business Operations for the team, and is playing an instrumental role in the founding of the team;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank Jehad Assaff for his efforts in starting the new team and wish him much success in the future.

[Page 3161]

RESOLUTION NO. 2758

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 on April 24, Recreation Nova Scotia paid tribute to the many volunteers that help to make Nova Scotia such a great spot to live; and

Whereas Terry Atherton, a well-deserving representative from the Municipality of Chester, who has been involved with the Junior Curling Program, handling all aspects of the program from organizing, supporting competitive players, coaching and mentoring coaches involved in the program and Terry has also been involved with the Chester Curling Club, track and field, basketball, the Chester District Soccer Association, Chester Minor Hockey and is a founding member of the Chester Ravens Junior B team and Terry has also volunteered with the Church Memorial Park holding various positions including chair and held a key role in the Park Wall of Fame; and

Whereas the Municipality of Chester is very fortunate to have the expertise of Terry Atherton;

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. 2759

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 on April 18, 2008, two more youth ambassadors were announced to lend their talents and voice to the Democracy 250 Initiative and

Whereas Nikki Balch, Z103.5 morning host, and a native of the Saint Margarets Bay area joined the talents of other youth ambassadors including Sarah Conrad, Jordan Croucher, Dwight d'Eon, Chad Denny, Stephanie Hardy, Brad Marchand and the Pink Shirt Boys in promoting this very important initiative; and

Whereas Nikki was surprised to learn that 75 per cent of those under the age of 25 did not vote in the last election and that she wanted to do her part to make positive change;

[Page 3162]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank Nikki Balch for lending her voice in promoting this very important initiative and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2760

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 2008 marks the 8th Anniversary since the RCMP have asked youth from across Canada to submit entries for the Name a Puppy Contest; and

Whereas this year each name had to start with the letter "A" and the RCMP received over 7000 entries from across Canada, of which they could select 10 winners; and

Whereas Abby Bent of Chester was one of the 10 winners with her submission of the name Azlin and she will receive an 8x10 glossy photo of the dog she named, an official RCMP hat, a stuffed RCMP dog named Justice and a certificate;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Abby Bent on her winning submission and wish her the best of luck in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2761

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 Chester Area Middle School Cougars hockey team placed first in the Lunenburg/Queens District Playoffs and won the Tez Ward Cup; and

Whereas the CAMS Cougars placed third at the Western Regional Playoffs, which was hosted by Chester on March 3, 2008; and

Whereas Bryden Bergey was an integral part of the Cougars success;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Bryden Bergey for having a tremendous season with the CAMS Cougars and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

[Page 3163]

RESOLUTION NO. 2762

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 watching the star of a film leaping from a burning building or falling from a rooftop is a big part of the movie process; and

Whereas Rene Bishop from Chester has been building a lengthy and very impressive resume for the past seven years as a stuntman and has finally achieved success in an often fickle film industry; and

Whereas Mr. Bishop has worked on hundreds of sets with many stars, from Harrison Ford and James Caan to local legends Ricky and Julian on the hit TV series the Trailer Park Boys;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the exceptional talents of Rene Bishop and wish him much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2763

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 thanks to Travis Price and D.J. Shepherd from Central Kings Rural High School, pink has become known as the colour in support of anti-bullying movements; and

Whereas the Chester District Elementary School started its No Name-calling Week by encouraging students to wear pink; and

Whereas many students at the Chester school wore pink, including Madeline Bond, who was one of five featured on the front page of the Chester Clipper;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Madeline Bond for wearing pink and showing her support against bullying.

[Page 3164]

RESOLUTION NO. 2764

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 St. Margarets Bay Slam Basketball Association offers a positive basketball experience to about 400 players from ages seven to 17 in the St. Margarets Bay, Tantallon, Timberlea and Hammonds Plains area; and

Whereas their regular season runs from October to March, where they participate in the Metro Basketball Association play; and

Whereas Jessica Boone and the St. Margarets Bay Slam Bantam Girls Higgins Division 3B won the Metro Basketball Association championship;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Jessica Boone for winning the championship and wish her much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2765

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 it would certainly be an understatement to say that soccer has become a very popular pastime all across Nova Scotia, with teams springing up in many communities; and

Whereas when regular soccer season is winding down, the Metro Indoor Soccer League is kicking into high gear and this year the league had a very healthy 144 teams on their roster; and

Whereas on March 2nd Danielle Bortolin and the Halifax County United U16 Girls Division 1 soccer team defeated Bedford by a score of 4-1 to capture the gold medal at the league's championships;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Danielle Bortolin on her gold medal performance and wish her all the best in the future.

[Page 3165]

RESOLUTION NO. 2766

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 Chester Area Middle School Cougars hockey team placed first in the Lunenburg/Queens District Playoffs and won the Tez Ward Cup; and

Whereas the CAMS Cougars placed third at the Western Regional Playoffs, which was hosted by Chester on March 3, 2008; and

Whereas Kyle Chafe was an integral part of the Cougar's success;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Kyle Chafe for having a tremendous season with the CAMS Cougars and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2767

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 Girls 12 and Under Winter Atlantic Tennis Championship has brought together the best junior tennis players from Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and New Brunswick to compete for the right to represent the Atlantic region at the nationals; and

Whereas after losing to Newfoundland's Cynthia Williams, Chester's Allison Chandler came back to beat Truro's Rumana Rafiq in two sets 6-2 and 6-2 to win the overall title; and

Whereas winning the Atlantic Championships qualifies Allison to compete in the National championships in Calgary this Spring, which will bring Canada's top junior tennis players together for a week of competitions;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Allison Chandler for winning the Girls 12 and Under Winter Atlantic Tennis Championship and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

[Page 3166]

RESOLUTION NO. 2768

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 thanks to Travis Price and D.J. Shepherd from Central Kings Rural High School, pink has become known as the colour in support of anti-bullying movements; and

Whereas the Chester District Elementary School started its No Name-calling Week by encouraging students to wear pink; and

Whereas many students at the Chester school wore pink, including Matthew Chandler, who was one of five featured on the front page of the Chester Clipper;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Matthew Chandler for wearing pink and showing his support against bullying.

RESOLUTION NO. 2769

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 this year the RRFB asked students from across Nova Scotia to consider the three R's - reduce, reuse and recycle - and composing as they created artwork for cloth bags, designed advertisements using old magazines, created television ads, and wrote research essays; and

Whereas the RRFB received over 8,700 contest entries from students in Primary to Grade 12; and

Whereas on February 27th the RRFB and HRM honoured Megan Chaput from the Crossroads Academy as the runner up in the Grades 4 to 6 category;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Megan Chaput on her outstanding submission and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

[Page 3167]

RESOLUTION NO. 2770

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 in 2004, Agnes Clinton began living her dream when she cut her first CD and four years and five albums later, Ms. Clinton is content with her accomplishments; and

Whereas she says it was a mix of her husband Jim's encouragement and the support of her church that made her take the next step and her records are filled with old-time country and gospel classics, some of which have never been recorded before; and

Whereas her most recent CD, My Garden of Memories, will likely be her last;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Agnes Clinton for living her dream and wish her much health and happiness in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2771

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 it would certainly be an understatement to say that soccer has become a very popular pastime all across Nova Scotia, with teams springing up in many communities; and

Whereas when regular soccer season is winding down, the Metro Indoor Soccer League is kicking into high gear, and this year the league had a very healthy 144 teams on their roster; and

Whereas on March 2nd, Emily Cornelius and the Halifax County United U16 Girls Division 1 soccer team defeated Bedford by a score of 4-1 to capture the gold medal at the league's championships;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Emily Cornelius on her gold medal performance and wish her all the best in the future.

[Page 3168]

RESOLUTION NO. 2772

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 it would certainly be an understatement to say that soccer has become a very popular pastime all across Nova Scotia, with teams springing up in many communities; and

Whereas when regular soccer season is winding down, the Metro Indoor Soccer League is kicking into high gear, and this year the league had a very healthy 144 teams on their roster; and

Whereas on March 2nd, Katie Cottreau and the Halifax County United U16 Girls Division 1 soccer team defeated Bedford by a score of 4-1 to capture the gold medal at the league's championships;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Katie Cottreau on her gold medal performance and wish her all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2773

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 on April 16, 2008, twenty four Nova Scotian artists and craftspeople had their work added to the Nova Scotia Art Bank collection; and

Whereas established in 1975, the Nova Scotia Art Bank purchase program supports the careers of local artists, and artwork is selected by an independent jury and displayed in government offices throughout the province and in special gallery exhibitions across the country; and

Whereas this year A Book of Life, a piece that was completed by Regina Coupar of Chester Basin, was added to the Art Bank;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and congratulate Regina Coupar for her exceptional talents and wish her much success in the future.

[Page 3169]

RESOLUTION NO. 2774

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 Chester Area Middle School Cougars hockey team placed first in the Lunenburg/Queens district playoffs and won the Tez Ward Cup; and

Whereas the CAMS Cougars placed third at the western regional playoffs, which was hosted by Chester on March 3, 2008; and

Whereas Mark Creaser was an integral part of the Cougars success;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Mark Creaser for having a tremendous season with the CAMS Cougars and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2775

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 Bluff Trail near Cranberry and Pot Lakes off Highway No. 103 hosts over 100 species of lichens that have merited a publication of their own; and

Whereas the GAIA Singers and lichenologist, Frances Anderson, highlighted the brochure launch at the Tantallon Library on March 4, 2008; and

Whereas Cilia Dawson was presented with a certificate of appreciation for her involvement in the Lichen Brochure;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank Cilia Dawson for her commitment to her community and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2776

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

[Page 3170]

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

Whereas the Chester Area Middle School Cougars hockey team placed first in the Lunenburg/Queens District Playoffs and won the Tez Ward Cup; and

Whereas the CAMS Cougars placed third at the western regional playoffs, which was hosted by Chester on March 3, 2008; and

Whereas Caroline Dobek was an integral part of the Cougars success;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Caroline Dobek for having a tremendous season with the CAMS Cougars and wish her all the best in his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2777

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 this October, a group of individuals will set out on a 4,300 kilometre bicycle relay from Halifax to Austin, Texas, to help find a cure for ovarian cancer; and

Whereas 32 cyclists, including John Dobrowolski, the Vice-Principal at St. Margaret's Bay Elementary School, have joined to take part in the "Cycle for Life. Celebrate Life" event; and

Whereas upon their arrival in Texas, Lance Armstrong will greet them and then cycle with the group for their final day;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend their best wishes to the 32 cyclists and congratulate John Dobrowolksi for participating in this challenge.

RESOLUTION NO. 2778

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

[Page 3171]

Whereas February 22nd to 25th, over 150 junior curlers representing 37 teams from across Nova Scotia competed in the 2008 Nova Scotia Greenspiel hosted by the Chester Curling Club; and

Whereas there were five female teams from the local Chester area vying for the title of 2008 Under-15 provincial champions; and

Whereas lead Katie Dufresne and her team walked away with the title;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Katie Dufresne on her gold medal performance and wish her all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2779

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 it would certainly be an understatement to say that soccer has become a very popular pastime all across Nova Scotia, with teams springing up in many communities; and

Whereas when regular soccer season is winding down, the Metro Indoor Soccer League is kicking into high gear, and this year the league had a very healthy 144 teams on their roster; and

Whereas on March 2nd, Ashley Duggan and the Halifax County United U16 Girls Division 1 soccer team defeated Bedford by a score of 4-1 to capture the gold medal at the league's championships;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Ashley Duggan on her gold medal performance and wish her all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2780

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 Chester Area Middle School Cougars hockey team placed first in the Lunenburg/Queens District Playoffs and won the Tez Ward Cup; and

[Page 3172]

Whereas the CAMS Cougars placed third at the western regional playoffs, which was hosted by Chester on March 3, 2008; and

Whereas Eric Fletcher was an integral part of the Cougars success;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Eric Fletcher for having a tremendous season with the CAMS Cougars and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2781

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 Chester Area Middle School Cougars hockey team placed first in the Lunenburg/Queens district playoffs and won the Tez Ward Cup; and

Whereas the CAMS Cougars placed third at the western regional playoffs, which was hosted by Chester on March 3, 2008; and

Whereas Logan Forbes was an integral part of the Cougars success;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Logan Forbes for having a tremendous season with the CAMS Cougars and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2782

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 former Halifax County Councillor Kenneth Fralick passed away at his home in Hacketts Cove on April 9, 2008; and

Whereas Kenneth's passion in life was the time he spent serving as the Halifax County councillor, in which he was very active and served on all major boards and committees; and

[Page 3173]

Whereas through his political life, Councillor Ken represented those lives he touched with great care and passion;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the invaluable contribution that Kenneth Fralick has made to his area, and pass on to his wife Darlene and his family our sympathy on his passing and our thanks for his years of service to his community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2783

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 it would certainly be an understatement to say that soccer has become a very popular pastime all across Nova Scotia, with teams springing up in many communities; and

Whereas when regular soccer season is winding down, the Metro Indoor Soccer League is kicking into high gear and this year the league had a very healthy 144 teams on their roster; and

Whereas on March 2nd, Meghan Francis and the Halifax County United U16 Girls Division 1 soccer team defeated Bedford by a score of 4 - 1 to capture the gold medal at the league's championships;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Meghan Francis on her gold medal performance and wish her all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2784

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 on April 16, 2008, 24 Nova Scotian artists and craftspeople had their work added to the Nova Scotia Art Bank collection; and

Whereas established in 1975, the Nova Scotia Art Bank purchase program supports the careers of local artists, and artwork is selected by an independent jury and displayed in government offices throughout the province and in special gallery exhibitions across the country; and

[Page 3174]

Whereas this year Lime Barrel, a piece that was completed by Bethanne Fraser of Glen Haven, was added to the Art Bank;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and congratulate Bethanne Fraser for her exceptional talents and wish her much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2785

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 Glen Margaret's own Ivan Fraser has come a long way from drawing sketches to the brink of having a movie and television series featuring his own Peggy of the Cove novel; and

Whereas his creation that tells the story of a young girl being rescued from a shipwreck off Peggy's Cove now includes a family museum, Peggy of the Cove CDs, books, and even a Peggy of the Cove doll created by his wife, April; and

Whereas all of this can be seen at Ivan's restored family home, in Glen Margaret, that is open to tourists and travellers year-round;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Ivan Fraser on his recent success of Peggy of the Cove and wish him much health and happiness in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2786

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 Tammy Frederick opened her roadside Freddie's Fantastic Fish House on the Peggy's Cove Road three years ago, and a second location in Bayers Lake last year; and

Whereas her roadside location has been closed and a brand new, full-service restaurant opened as part of the Big Red's outlet in the Plaza at the Crossroads in Tantallon; and

[Page 3175]

Whereas with a proven track record, a generous menu, and Tammy Frederick's bubbly and enthusiastic personality, the new location should easily surpass the 200 customers per day record set at the original location;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Tammy Frederick on the opening of her new location and wish her much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2787

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 27 to May 3 is Provincial Volunteer Week in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the organizers of the Girls Night Out in Hubbards will be honoured at a reception hosted by the Municipality of the District of Chester for their volunteer work; and

Whereas volunteers are a valuable part of our community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate and thank the organizers of the Girls Night Out for all their hard work and dedication to their community and wish them much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2788

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 in 1958, the Gold River Western Shore Elementary School officially opened its doors to provide a legacy of educational excellence to many students; and

Whereas on April 19, 2008, past and present students and teachers showed up en masse for the school's 50th Anniversary celebrations; and

Whereas attending the event were many of the former principals including Murray Joudrey, the school's very first principal;

[Page 3176]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the quality of education that has been provided over the past 50 years at the school and wish them much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2789

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 clients of the Scotiabank in Hubbards have been seeing a new face when they do their banking at the local branch; and

Whereas having most recently been with the Lower Sackville Branch, Rhonda Graham joined the staff at the Hubbards location as Branch Manager and Financial Planner; and

Whereas Ms. Graham has been part of the management team in more than nine offices and branches and is excited to find herself at the Hubbards branch;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House welcome Rhonda Graham to the Hubbards area and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2790

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 Chester Area Middle School Cougars Hockey Team placed first in the Lunenburg/Queens District Playoffs and won the Tez Ward Cup; and

Whereas the CAMS Cougars placed third at the Western Regional playoffs, which was hosted by Chester on March 3, 2008; and

Whereas Jagger Harnish was an integral part of the Cougars success;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Jagger Harnish for having a tremendous season with the CAMS Cougars and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

[Page 3177]

RESOLUTION NO. 2791

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 Chester Area Middle School Cougars Hockey Team placed first in the Lunenburg/Queens District Playoffs and won the Tez Ward Cup; and

Whereas the CAMS Cougars placed third at the Western Regional playoffs, which was hosted by Chester on March 3, 2008; and

Whereas Tyler Harnish was an integral part of the Cougars success;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Tyler Harnish for having a tremendous season with the CAMS Cougars and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2792

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 St. Margaret's Bay Slam Basketball Association offers a positive basketball experience to about 400 players from ages seven to 17 in the St. Margaret's Bay, Tantallon, Timberlea and Hammonds Plains area; and

Whereas their regular season runs from October to March, where they participate in the Metro Basketball Association play; and

Whereas Madeline Higgins and the St. Margaret's Bay Slam Bantam Girls Higgins Division 3B won the Metro Basketball Association championship;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Madeline Higgins for winning the championship and wish her much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2793

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

[Page 3178]

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

Whereas it would certainly be an understatement to say that soccer has become a very popular pastime all across Nova Scotia, with teams springing up in many communities; and

Whereas when regular soccer season is winding down, the Metro Indoor Soccer League is kicking into high gear and this year the league had a very healthy 144 teams on their roster; and

Whereas on March 2nd, Lauren Hill and the Halifax County United U16 Girls Division 1 soccer team defeated Bedford by a score of 4-1 to capture the gold medal at the league's championships;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Lauren Hill on her gold medal performance and wish her all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2794

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 Chester Area Middle School Cougars Hockey Team placed first in the Lunenburg/Queens District Playoffs and won the Tez Ward Cup; and

Whereas the CAMS Cougars placed third at the Western Regional playoffs, which was hosted by Chester on March 3, 2008; and

Whereas Mitchell Horn was an integral part of the Cougars success;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Mitchell Horn for having a tremendous season with the CAMS Cougars and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2795

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

[Page 3179]

Whereas the St. Margaret's Bay Slam Basketball Association offers a positive basketball experience to about 400 players from ages seven to 17 in the St. Margaret's Bay, Tantallon, Timberlea and Hammonds Plains area; and

Whereas their regular season runs from October to March, where they participate in the Metro Basketball Association play; and

Whereas Olivia Houser and the St. Margaret's Bay Slam Bantam Girls Higgins Division 3B won the Metro Basketball Association championship;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Olivia Houser for winning the championship and wish her much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2796

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 after completing a program at Northumberland College, Audrey Ellsworth-Williams began working at Nova Physiotherapy in Timberlea and recently decided to open a second location in Hubbards; and

Whereas there has already been a developing local clientele in search of the benefits of massage therapy, which in addition to its relaxing properties, include decreased stress, increased blood flow, increased flexibility and range of motion; and

Whereas there really isn't such a thing as a typical client, as she has worked with all ages ranging from babies to seniors, and patients who are assessed for a particular injury ranging to those who just want to unwind;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Audrey Ellsworth-Williams on opening her new business, Hubbards Oceanfront Retreat, and wish her much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2797

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

[Page 3180]

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

Whereas during Christmas break two Halifax/St. Margaret's petite teams, the HSM Yellow Devils and the HSM Golden Flyers, met at the 33rd Annual Sackville Ringette tournament to fight for the gold; and

Whereas the score fluctuated back and forth for most of the game; and

Whereas in the last five minutes of the game the Yellow Devils pulled ahead to take the gold medal with a score of 7-3;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the Yellow Devils for the success and wish them much success in future seasons.

RESOLUTION NO. 2798

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 thanks to Travis Price and DJ Shepherd from Central Kings Rural High School pink, has become known as the colour in support of anti-bullying movements; and

Whereas the Chester District Elementary School started its "No Name-calling Week" by encouraging students to wear pink; and

Whereas many students at the Chester school wore pink, including Krystal Johnston, who was one of five featured on the front page of the Chester Clipper;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Krystal Johnston for wearing pink and showing her support against bullying.

RESOLUTION NO. 2799

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

[Page 3181]

Whereas the St. Margaret's Bay Slam Basketball Association offers a positive basketball experience to about 400 players from ages 7 to 17 in the St. Margaret's Bay, Tantallon, Timberlea and Hammonds Plains area; and

Whereas their regular season runs from October to March, where they participate in the Metro Basketball Association play; and

Whereas Mary Kate Jollymore and the St. Margaret's Bay Slam Bantam Girls Higgins Division 3B won the Metro Basketball Association championship;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Mary Kate Jollymore for winning the championship and wish her much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2800

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 Chester Area Middle School Cougars hockey team placed first in the Lunenburg/Queens District Playoffs and won the Tez Ward Cup; and

Whereas the CAMS Cougars placed third at the Western Regional Playoffs, which was hosted by Chester on March 3, 2008; and

Whereas Morgan Keillor was an integral part of the Cougars success;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Morgan Keillor for having a tremendous season with the CAMS Cougars and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2801

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

[Page 3182]

Whereas Judy Kennedy and Rose Dunlop have been cutting hair for 40 years and have so many memories of things that their customers have said or done that they could write a book; and

Whereas Judy and Rose started working together at the beauty salon in Simpson's department store in Halifax, and Judy opened her own home-based business in 1982. Rose followed closely behind and two years later joined forces with Judy; and

Whereas they live in their own homes next to each other and work three days a week side-by-side in the salon, averaging more than 80 customers a week;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank Judy Kennedy and Rose Dunlop for their many years of service to their community and wish them much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2802

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 Bluff Trail near Cranberry and Pot Lakes off Highway No. 103 hosts over 100 species of lichens that have merited a publication of their own; and

Whereas the GAIA Singers and lichenologist Frances Anderson highlighted the brochure launch at the Tantallon Library on March 4, 2008; and

Whereas Catherine King was presented with a certificate of appreciation for her involvement in the Lichen Brochure;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank Catherine King for her commitment to her community and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2803

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

[Page 3183]

Whereas last February more than 4,000 volunteers knocked on doors across Nova Scotia to help raise vital funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation; and

Whereas between them, sisters Nellie Rafuse and Maureen Myra and close friend Mabel Knickle, all of Gold River, have been volunteer canvassers for almost 115 years; and

Whereas Mabel Knickle continues to canvass her neighbourhood, partly because people from her family have been troubled by heart conditions;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate and thank Mabel Knickle for all the hard work that she has done on behalf of the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and wish her good health and happiness in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2804

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 on February 22nd to 25th over 150 junior curlers representing 37 teams from across Nova Scotia competed in the 2008 Nova Scotia Greenspiel hosted by the Chester Curling Club; and

Whereas there were five female teams from the local Chester area vying for the title of 2008 Under-15 provincial champions; and

Whereas mate Bailey Lonergan and her team walked away with the title;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Bailey Longergan on her gold medal performance and wish her all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2805

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

[Page 3184]

Whereas the Bluff Trail near Cranberry and Pot Lakes off Highway No. 103 hosts over 100 species of lichens that have merited a publication of their own; and

Whereas the GAIA Singers and lichenologist Frances Anderson highlighted the brochure launch at the Tantallon Library on March 4, 2008; and

Whereas Heather MacLean was presented with a certificate of appreciation for her involvement in the Lichen Brochure;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank Heather MacLean for her commitment to her community and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2806

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 a special award was given to Holly Mailman, a lady who has been involved in the guiding movement since she was a Brownie, at St. Luke's Church Hall in Upper Tantallon; and

Whereas Holly was awarded the Fortitude Award for her devotion, courage and strength while being challenged in difficult times, yet maintaining her Guiding commitment; and

Whereas the award came from the National Office of Girl Guides of Canada and was presented by Arlene Viscount during a Thinking Day festivity on February 20;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Holly Mailman on receiving this award and wish her much success in her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2807

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 it would certainly be an understatement to say that soccer has become a very popular pastime all across Nova Scotia, with teams springing up in many communities; and

[Page 3185]

Whereas when regular soccer season is winding down the Metro Indoor Soccer League is kicking into high gear and this year the league had a very healthy 144 teams on their roster; and

Whereas on March 2nd, Jenna Marsh and the Halifax County United U16 Girls Division 1 soccer team defeated Bedford by a score of 4-1 to capture the gold medal at the league's championships;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Jenna Marsh on her gold medal performance and wish her all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2808

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 it would certainly be an understatement to say that soccer has become a very popular pastime all across Nova Scotia, with teams springing up in many communities; and

Whereas when regular soccer season is winding down the Metro Indoor Soccer League is kicking into high gear and this year the league had a very healthy 144 teams on their roster; and

Whereas on March 2nd, Kristina Masey and the Halifax County United U16 Girls Division 1 soccer team defeated Bedford by a score of 4-1 to capture the gold medal at the league's championships;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Kristina Masey on her gold medal performance and wish her all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2809

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 on February 22nd to 25th over 150 junior curlers representing 37 teams from across Nova Scotia competed in the 2008 Nova Scotia Greenspiel hosted by the Chester Curling Club; and

[Page 3186]

Whereas there were five female teams from the local Chester area vying for the title of 2008 Under-15 provincial champions; and

Whereas skip Monica Mitchell and her team walked away with the title;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Monica Mitchell on her gold medal performance and wish her all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2810

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 a small business called "From My Nova Scotia Heart" was originally planned as a retirement project, owner Michelle Mitchellmore decided to open the store in May of 2007; and

Whereas after a wonderful first season Michelle is once again excited about opening her store to the public and her clients this Spring; and

Whereas boasting a brand new building that was built by local contractors and will provide the perfect location to highlight local artists and manufacturers;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Michelle Mitchellmore on her new location and wish her much success in the coming years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2811

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 thanks to Travis Price and DJ Shepherd from Central Kings Rural High School, pink has become known as the colour in support of anti-bullying movements; and

Whereas the Chester District Elementary School started its "No Name-calling Week" by encouraging students to wear pink; and

Whereas many students at the Chester school wore pink, including Cameron Mulrooney, who was one of five featured on the front page of the Chester Clipper;

[Page 3187]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Cameron Mulrooney for wearing pink and showing his support against bullying.

RESOLUTION NO. 2812

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 it would certainly be an understatement to say that soccer has become a very popular pastime all across Nova Scotia, with teams springing up in many communities; and

Whereas when regular soccer season is winding down the Metro Indoor Soccer League is kicking into high gear and this year the league had a very healthy 144 teams on their roster; and

Whereas on March 2nd Morgan Munroe and the Halifax County United U16 Girls Division 1 soccer team defeated Bedford by a score of 4-1 to capture the gold medal at the league's championships;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Morgan Munroe on her gold medal performance and wish her all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2813

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 February more than 4,000 volunteers knocked on doors across Nova Scotia to help raise vital funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation; and

Whereas between them, sisters Nellie Rafuse and Maureen Myra and close friend Mabel Knickle, all of Gold River, have been volunteer canvassers for almost 115 years; and

Whereas Maureen Myra continues to canvass her neighbourhood, partly because people from her family have been troubled by heart conditions;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate and thank Maureen Myra for all the hard work that she has done on behalf of the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and wish her good health and happiness in the future.

[Page 3188]

RESOLUTION NO. 2814

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 thanks to Travis Price and DJ Shepherd from Central Kings Rural High School, pink has become known as the colour in support of anti-bullying movements; and

Whereas the Chester District Elementary School started its "No Name-calling Week" by encouraging students to wear pink; and

Whereas many students at the Chester school wore pink, including Rachel Nauss, who was one of five featured on the front page of the Chester Clipper;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Rachel Nauss for wearing pink and showing her support against bullying.

RESOLUTION NO. 2815

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 Chester Area Middle School Cougars hockey team placed first in the Lunenburg/Queens District Playoffs and won the Tez Ward Cup; and

Whereas the CAMS Cougars placed third at the Western Regional Playoffs, which was hosted by Chester on March 3, 2008; and

Whereas Nick Ferguson was an integral part of the Cougars success;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Nick Ferguson for having a tremendous season with the CAMS Cougars and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2816

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

[Page 3189]

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

Whereas the Chester Area Middle School Cougars hockey team placed first in the Lunenburg/Queens District Playoffs and won the Tez Ward Cup; and

Whereas the CAMS Cougars placed third at the Western Regional Playoffs, which was hosted by Chester on March 3, 2008; and

Whereas Daniel O'Connor was an integral part of the Cougars success;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Daniel O'Connor for having a tremendous season with the CAMS Cougars and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2817

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 on February 22nd to 25th over 150 junior curlers representing 37 teams from across Nova Scotia competed in the 2008 Nova Scotia Greenspiel hosted by the Chester Curling Club; and

Whereas there were five female teams from the local Chester area vying for the title of 2008 Under-15 provincial champions; and

Whereas Second - Hayley Parsons and her team walked away with the title;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Hayley Parsons on her gold medal performance and wish her all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2818

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

[Page 3190]

Whereas the Chester Area Middle School Cougars hockey team placed first in the Lunenburg/Queens District Playoffs and won the Tez Ward Cup; and

Whereas the CAMS Cougars placed third at the Western Regional Playoffs, which was hosted by Chester on March 3, 2008; and

Whereas Tyler Peterson was an integral part of the Cougars success;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Tyler Peterson for having a tremendous season with the CAMS Cougars and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2819

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 it would certainly be an understatement to say that soccer has become a very popular pastime all across Nova Scotia, with teams springing up in many communities; and

Whereas when regular soccer season is winding down the Metro Indoor Soccer League is kicking into high gear and this year the league had a very healthy 144 teams on their roster; and

Whereas on March 2nd, Lauren Prickett and the Halifax County United U16 Girls Division 1 soccer team defeated Bedford by a score of 4-1 to capture the gold medal at the league's championships;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Lauren Prickett on her gold medal performance and wish her all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2820

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 Crescendo Gala and Concert, part of the Ovation Star Search, came to Halifax for the first time and was a fundraiser for the DFF, a national charity that helps

[Page 3191]

families by paying for the non-medical expenses for children who need life-saving organ transplants; and

Whereas the talent in the Atlantic Provinces was so deep that Ovation judge B.J. Cook said that "Of all the star search events, Atlantic Canada has been the best one yet;" and

Whereas Kate Quinn of Upper Tantallon was one of the finalists to perform at the Ovation Talent Showcase at Casino Nova Scotia on March 28;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Kate Quinn on her recent success at the Ovation Star Search and wish her much success in her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2821

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 two South Shore students are hoping to help improve the quality of life for the poor in Ecuador this summer through the non-profit Volunteer Abroad program; and

Whereas Brittany Rafuse and Shelley Rafuse said that a trip to the Dominican Republic last year inspired them to take a closer look at how they could make a difference in the lives of the poor living in Third World countries; and

Whereas Brittany will be working with underprivileged children at a large orphanage;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank Brittany Rafuse for her humanitarian efforts and wish her much success on her trip.

RESOLUTION NO. 2822

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 February, more than 4,000 volunteers knocked on doors across Nova Scotia to help raise vital funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation; and

[Page 3192]

Whereas between them, sisters Nellie Rafuse and Maureen Myra and close friend Mabel Knickle, all of Gold River, have been volunteer canvassers for almost 115 years; and

Whereas Nellie decided to get involved when her daughter, Melanie, had to have a heart operation when she was just one month old;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate and thank Nellie Rafuse for all the hard work that she has done on behalf of the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and wish her good health and happiness in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2823

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 two South Shore students are hoping to help improve the quality of life for the poor in Ecuador this summer through the non-profit Volunteer Abroad program; and

Whereas Brittany Rafuse and Shelley Rafuse said that a trip to the Dominican Republic last year inspired them to take a closer look at how they could make a difference in the lives of the poor living in Third World countries; and

Whereas while in Ecuador, Shelley will be working on conservation, community development and sustainability;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank Shelley Rafuse for her humanitarian efforts and wish her much success on her trip.

RESOLUTION NO. 2824

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 each year, students aged 5 to 18 are invited to take part in the Canada Day Poster Challenge by designing a theme-based poster that illustrates their pride in Canada and in being Canadian. This year's theme was My Canada Today; and

Whereas thousands of entries from across Canada were entered in the contest showing Canadian pride; and

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Whereas Courtney Reeves from New Ross was one of the finalists selected from Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Courtney Reeves on her entry and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2825

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 St. Margaret's Bay Slam Basketball Association offers a positive basketball experience to about 400 players from ages seven to 17 in the St. Margaret's Bay, Tantallon, Timberlea and Hammonds Plains area; and

Whereas their regular season runs from October to March, where they participate in the Metro Basketball Association play; and

Whereas Lindsay Rhodes and the St. Margaret's Bay Slam Bantam Girls Higgins Division 3B won the Metro Basketball Association championship;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Lindsay Rhodes for winning the championship and wish her much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2826

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 Chester Area Middle School Cougars hockey team placed first in the Lunenburg/Queens District Playoffs and won the Tez Ward Cup; and

Whereas the CAMS Cougars placed third at the Western Regional Playoffs, which was hosted by Chester on March 3, 2008; and

Whereas Cameron Ritchie was an integral part of the Cougars success;

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Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Cameron Ritchie for having a tremendous season with the CAMS Cougars and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2827

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 wheelchair curling was first introduced as an Olympic sport at the Paralympic Games in Pinerolo, Italy, in 2006; and

Whereas John Rogers of New Ross has only been curling for three years, but the enthusiastic athlete has been making quite a name for himself on the ice; and

Whereas Mr. Rogers was selected to represent Nova Scotia at the Canadian Wheelchair Curling Nationals, which were held from March 24 to March 30 in Winnipeg and was an integral part in the team's upset over the reigning champions;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate and thank John Rogers for representing Nova Scotia at the Canadian Wheelchair Curling Nationals and wish him much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2828

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 St. Margaret's Bay Slam Basketball Association offers a positive basketball experience to about 400 players from ages seven to 17 in the St. Margaret's Bay, Tantallon, Timberlea and Hammonds Plains area; and

Whereas their regular season runs from October to March, where they participate in the Metro Basketball Association play; and

Whereas Laura Rondeau and the St. Margaret's Bay Slam Bantam Girls Higgins Division 3B won the Metro Basketball Association championship;

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Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Laura Rondeau for winning the championship and wish her much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2829

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 on April 16, 2008, 24 Nova Scotian artists and craftspeople had their work added to the Nova Scotia Art Bank collection; and

Whereas established in 1975, the Nova Scotia Art Bank purchase program supports the careers of local artists, and artwork is selected by an independent jury and displayed in government offices throughout the province and in special gallery exhibitions across the country; and

Whereas this year Windy Study #2, a piece that was completed by Karen Rowantree of Hackett's Cove, was added to the Art Bank;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and congratulate Karen Rowantree for her exceptional talents and wish her much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2830

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 it would certainly be an understatement to say that soccer has become a very popular pastime all across Nova Scotia, with teams springing up in many communities; and

Whereas when regular soccer season is winding down, the Metro Indoor Soccer League is kicking into high gear, and this year the league had a very healthy 144 teams on their roster; and

Whereas on March 2nd, Serena Rowley and the Halifax County United U16 Girls Division 1 soccer team defeated Bedford by a score of 4-1 to capture the gold medal at the league's championships;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Serena Rowley on her gold medal performance and wish her all the best in the future.

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RESOLUTION NO. 2831

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 St. Margarets Bay Slam Basketball Association offers a positive basketball experience to about 400 players from ages seven to 17 in the St. Margarets Bay, Tantallon, Timberlea and Hammonds Plains area; and

Whereas their regular season runs from October to March, where they participate in the Metro Basketball Association play; and

Whereas Lauren Shannon and the St. Margarets Bay Slam Bantam Girls Higgins Division 3B won the Metro Basketball Association championship;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Lauren Shannon for winning the championship and wish her much success in the future.

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RESOLUTION NO. 2832

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 Chester Area Middle School Cougars hockey team placed first in the Lunenburg/Queens District Playoffs and won the Tez Ward Cup; and

Whereas the CAMS Cougars placed third at the western regional playoffs, which was hosted by Chester on March 3, 2008; and

Whereas Nathan Shatford was an integral part of the Cougars success;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Nathan Shatford for having a tremendous season with the CAMS Cougars and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2833

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 St. Margarets Bay Slam Basketball Association offers a positive basketball experience to about 400 players from ages seven to 17 in the St. Margarets Bay, Tantallon, Timberlea and Hammonds Plains area; and

Whereas their regular season runs from October to March, where they participate in the Metro Basketball Association play; and

Whereas Julie Sherwood and the St. Margarets Bay Slam Bantam Girls Higgins Division 3B won the Metro Basketball Association championship;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Julie Sherwood for winning the championship and wish her much success in the future.

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RESOLUTION NO. 2834

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 St. Margarets Bay Slam Basketball Association offers a positive basketball experience to about 400 players from ages seven to 17 in the St. Margarets Bay, Tantallon, Timberlea and Hammonds Plains area; and

Whereas their regular season runs from October to March, where they participate in the Metro Basketball Association play; and

Whereas Taylor Smith and the St. Margarets Bay Slam Bantam Girls Higgins Division 3B won the Metro Basketball Association championship;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Taylor Smith for winning the championship and wish her much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2835

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 on April 21, 2008, the St. Margarets White Caps celebrated their 25th Anniversary; and

Whereas past and present members of the 50-plus club celebrated the occasion with a brief review of the club's history, recognition of founding members, a description of the club as it exists today, a buffet lunch and a special live band for dancing; and

Whereas for those wanting a little trip down memory lane, club artifacts, photos and news clippings were on display;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the St. Margarets Bay White Caps on their 25th Anniversary and wish them much health and happiness in the future.

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RESOLUTION NO. 2836

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 it would certainly be an understatement to say that soccer has become a very popular pastime all across Nova Scotia, with teams springing up in many communities; and

Whereas when regular soccer season is winding down, the Metro Indoor Soccer League is kicking into high gear, and this year the league had a very healthy 144 teams on their roster; and

Whereas on March 2nd, Emilie Swan and the Halifax County United U16 Girls Division 1 soccer team defeated Bedford by a score of 4-1 to capture the gold medal at the league's championships;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Emilie Swan on her gold medal performance and wish her all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2837

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 Chester Area Middle School Cougars hockey team placed first in the Lunenburg/Queens District Playoffs and won the Tez Ward Cup; and

Whereas the CAMS Cougars placed third at the Western Regional Playoffs, which was hosted by Chester on March 3, 2008; and

Whereas Brandon Verge was an integral part of the Cougars success;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Brandon Verge for having a tremendous season with the CAMS Cougars and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

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RESOLUTION NO. 2838

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 27 to May 3 is Provincial Volunteer Week in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the Volunteer Resident Feeders will be honoured at a reception hosted by the Municipality of the District of Chester for their volunteer work; and

Whereas volunteers are a valuable part of our community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate and thank the organizers of the Volunteer Resident Feeders for all their hard work and dedication to their community and wish them much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2839

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 St. Margaret's Bay Slam Basketball Association offers a positive basketball experience to about 400 players from ages seven to 17 in the St. Margaret's Bay, Tantallon, Timberlea and Hammonds Plains area; and

Whereas their regular season runs from October to March, where they participate in the Metro Basketball Association play; and

Whereas Megan Walker and the St. Margarets Bay Slam Bantam Girls Higgins Division 3B won the Metro Basketball Association championship;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Megan Walker for winning the championship and wish her much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2840

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas the Western Shore Volunteer Fire Department has been helping to keep residents in Western Shore safe since 1957; and

Whereas the entire force of fire fighters are a voluntary group of men and women who offer their services to the Western Shore Area; and

Whereas this year they are celebrating their 50th anniversary of fire protection for the Western Shore Area;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the valuable contribution that the Western Shore Volunteer Fire Department makes to the local community and wish them all the best in the years to come.

RESOLUTION NO. 2841

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 it would certainly be an understatement to say that soccer has become a very popular pastime all across Nova Scotia, with teams springing up in many communities; and

Whereas when regular soccer season is winding down the Metro Indoor Soccer League is kicking into high gear and this year the league had a very healthy 144 teams on their roster; and

Whereas on March 2nd, Morgan Wiper and the Halifax County United U16 Girls Division 1 soccer team defeated Bedford by a score of 4-1 to capture the gold medal at the league's championships;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Morgan Wiper on her gold medal performance and wish her all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2842

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

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Whereas trains may have long gone from the St. Margaret's Bay area but the memories will remain as the ownership of the Train Station Gift Shop in Upper Tantallon changes hands; and

Whereas Janice Wollam opened the Train Station Gift Shop in 1985, after purchasing the historic building from her brother, Jack Campbell; and

Whereas with the changing of the guard, Janice is eagerly looking forward to her retirement and opening another chapter in her life;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Janice Wollam on her recent retirement and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2843

By: Mr. Keith Colwell (Preston)

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

Whereas it is getting to be the time of the year when outdoor recreation gets back into full swing; and

Whereas with childhood obesity rates steadily climbing, it is more important than ever to get the children of our communities involved in activities that encourage a health lifestyle; and

Whereas whether cycling, skateboarding, running, or playing on a recreational sport team, the benefits of an active lifestyle are something that will continue throughout a persons life.

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly support local recreation programs and encourage an active, healthy lifestyle not only for children, but for all Nova Scotians.

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