HANSARD 08-32

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

THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS								PAGE
GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION:
	Res. 3017, Clare MLA/C.B. South MLA: Pub. Serv. (15 Yrs.) -
		Commend, The Premier						3359
			Vote - Affirmative					3360
	Res. 3018, Nat. Res. - Mining Ind.: Contributions - Recognize,
		Hon. D. Morse						3360
			Vote - Affirmative					3361
NOTICES OF MOTION:
	Res. 3019, Energy: Budget (N.S. 2008-09) - Electricity Tax Hike,
		Mr. D. Dexter						3361
	Res. 3020, Lantz, Kathy - NSCC Apprenticeship Award of Excellence,
		Mr. Manning MacDonald						3362
			Vote - Affirmative					3362
	Res. 3021, Elmsdale Pharmasave - Corporate Vol. of Yr. (2008),
		Mr. J. MacDonell						3363
			Vote - Affirmative					3363
	Res. 3022, Feed N.S.: Fundraising - Commend,
		Mr. S. McNeil						3363
			Vote - Affirmative					3364
	Res. 3023, Mar. Conservatory of Performing Arts: Cultural Contribution -
		Recognize, Mr. H. Epstein						3364
			Vote - Affirmative					3365
	Res. 3024, Princess of Acadia - Digby & Area Bd. of Trade: Concerns -
		Heed, Mr. H. Theriault						3365
			Vote - Affirmative					3366
	Res. 3025, Reid, Kathy/Citadel HS: Red Shoelace Campaign - Congrats.,
		Mr. L. Preyra						3366
			Vote - Affirmative					3366
	Res. 3026, Gill, Cindy - Boston Marathon: Participation - Congrats.,
		Mr. K. Colwell						3367
			Vote - Affirmative					3367
	Res. 3027, Liverpool Light Rocks Team Chandler - Curling Championship,
		Ms. V. Conrad						3367
			Vote - Affirmative					3368
	Res. 3028, Goreham, Helen: Barrington Mun. HS "Memorial Garden" -
		Init. Recognize, Mr. S. Belliveau						3368
			Vote - Affirmative					3369
	Res. 3029, Teens Talk Now/Editor Jessica Bowden - Congrats.,
		Mr. L. Preyra						3369
			Vote - Affirmative					3370
	Res. 3030, Mill Village Cons. Sch. - Parents/Students/Staff: Fundraising -
		Congrats., Ms. V. Conrad						3370
			Vote - Affirmative					3370
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS:
	No. 174, Emergency "911" Act, Mr. H. Theriault							3371
ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS:
	No. 301, Prem.: Electricity Tax - Increase Justify, Mr. D. Dexter							3371
	No. 302, Prem. - Gas Rates: Level - Commitment, Mr. S. McNeil							3372
	No. 303, Prem.: Diesel Fuel Costs - Assistance Plans, Mr. D. Dexter							3373
	No. 304, Prem.: IWK Project Status - Reporting Failure, Mr. D. Dexter							3375
	No. 305, TCH: Advertising - Details, Mr. H. Theriault							3377
	No. 306, Health - QE II ER Const.: Cost Overruns -
		Details, Mr. David Wilson (Sackville-Cobequid)						3378
	No. 307, TIR: Transit Tax Credit - Introduction Justify, Ms. V. Conrad							3379
	No. 308, Health - Nurses: Statistics Can. Survey - Responses,
		Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay)						3381
	No. 309, TCH: Wheelchair Accessibility Symbol - Criteria,
		Ms. M. Raymond						3382
	No. 310, Health Prom. & Protection: Build it Right Group - Meet,
		Ms. D. Whalen						3383
	No. 311, Educ.: Sch. Bd. Elections - HRSB Budget, Mr. P. Paris							3385
	No. 312, Health - Nursing Homes: Standards of Care - Introduce,
		Mr. David Wilson (Sackville-Cobequid)						3386
	No. 313, Immigration - Intl. Grad. Stream: Jobs - Details,
		Ms. D. Whalen						3387
	No. 314, Com. Serv. - Shelter Allowances: Increases - Details,
		Mr. T. Zinck						3388
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS:
	GOVERNMENT MOTIONS:
		ON SUPPLY MOTION:
			Ms. V. Conrad					3391
NOTICES OF MOTION:
	Res. 3074, Elliott, Colleen - Cdn. Cancer Soc.: Contributions - Congrats.,
		Hon. J. Muir						3395
			Vote - Affirmative					3396
HOUSE RESOLVED INTO CWH ON SUPPLY AT 10:45 A.M.								3396
HOUSE RECONVENED AT 11:31 A.M.								3396
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS:
	No. 175, Appropriations Act, 2008, Hon. M. Baker							3397
PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING:
	No. 175, Appropriations Act, 2008, Hon. M. Baker							3397
		Vote - Affirmative						3398
PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING:
	No. 175, Appropriations Act, 2008, Hon. M. Baker							3398
		Vote - Affirmative						3398
GOVERNMENT MOTIONS:
	PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING:
		No. 157, Financial Measures (2008) Act,
			Hon. M. Baker					3399
			Mr. D. Dexter					3399
			Mr. S. McNeil					3402
			Hon. M. Baker					3404
				Vote - Affirmative				3406
ADJOURNMENT, House rose to meet again on Tue., May 20th at 6:00 p.m.								3406
NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3):
	Res. 3031, Eisnor, Allan/Oakley, Valentine - Adventure Trail Group:
		Vol. Work - Congrats., Hon. M. Baker						3407
	Res. 3032, Wheeler, Audrey/Countway, Milton - Blockhouse Vol. FD:
		Vol. Work - Congrats., Hon. M. Baker						3407
	Res. 3033, Joudrey, Betty/Smith, George Rosedale New Horizons
		Seniors' Club: Vol. Work - Congrats., Hon. M. Baker						3408
	Res. 3034, Walters, Eddy & Sandra - Pinehurst Commun. Hall:
		Vol. Work - Congrats., Hon. M. Baker						3408
	Res. 3035, Veinot, Gilbert/Wagner, Brenton - New Germany & Area
		Lions Club: Vol. Work - Congrats., Hon. M. Baker						3409
	Res. 3036, Hiltz, Hilda - Martins River FD Ladies Auxiliary: Vol. Work -
		Congrats., Hon. M. Baker						3409
	Res. 3037, Drew, Patti/Tippit, Gary - New Germany Can. Day Comm.:
		Vol. Work - Congrats., Hon. M. Baker						3410
	Res. 3038, Drennan, Marilyn/Corkum, Donna - Dayspring FD Ladies
		Auxiliary: Vol. Work - Congrats., Hon. M. Baker						3410
	Res. 3039, Morgan, Kendra: Lunenburg Town/Harbour View Haven -
		Vol. of Yr., Hon. M. Baker						3411
	Res. 3040, Fuller, Ray & Delores - RCL Br. 102: Vol. Work - Congrats.,
		Hon. M. Baker						3411
	Res. 3041, Hazel, Garry/Hiltz, Calvin - Martins River FD: Vol. Work -
		Congrats., Hon. M. Baker						3412
	Res. 3042, Eisner, Mark, Marisa & Noelle: Expo's Big Give - Congrats.,
		Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson						3412
	Res. 3043, Prest, Daniel - Natl. Historica Fair: Achievement - Congrats.,
		Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson						3413
	Res. 3044, Aliphat, Gabe: Wrestling Gold Medal - Congrats.,
		Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson						3413
	Res. 3045, O'Leary, Brandon: Wrestling Gold Medal - Congrats.,
		Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson						3414
	Res. 3046, Daniels, Megan: Wrestling Gold Medal - Congrats.,
		Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson						3414
	Res. 3047, Greek, Emily: Wrestling Gold Medal - Congrats.,
		Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson						3414
	Res. 3048, Lohnes, Whitney: Wrestling Gold Medal - Congrats.,
		Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson						3415
	Res. 3049, Lunn, Morgan Hockey Award - Congrats.,
		Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson						3415
	Res. 3050, Quigley, Matthew: Hockey Award - Congrats.,
		Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson						3416
	Res. 3051, Getson, Keith: Hockey Award - Congrats.,
		Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson						3416
	Res. 3052, Grace, Matthew: Hockey Award - Congrats.,
		Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson						3417
	Res. 3053, La Baie en Joie: Dance N.S. Stage Rose Bowl - Congrats.,
		Mr. G. Gaudet						3417
	Res. 3054, Lemmon, Shirley - Commun. Vol. Income Tax Prog.:
		Training - Congrats., Mr. C. MacKinnon						3417
	Res. 3055, Ebert, Jim - Commun. Vol. Income Tax Prog.:
		Training - Congrats., Mr. C. MacKinnon						3418
	Res. 3056, Jenkins, Art - Commun. Vol. Income Tax Prog.:
		Training - Congrats., Mr. C. MacKinnon						3418
	Res. 3057, Boudreau, Keith - Commun. Vol. Income Tax Prog.:
		Training - Congrats., Mr. C. MacKinnon						3419
	Res. 3058, MacDonald, Mary - Commun. Vol. Income Tax Prog.:
		Training - Congrats., Mr. C. MacKinnon						3419
	Res. 3059, Wheaton, Allyson - Commun. Vol. Income Tax Prog.:
		Training - Congrats., Mr. C. MacKinnon						3420
	Res. 3060, Royles, Ann - Commun. Vol. Income Tax Prog.:
		Training - Congrats., Mr. C. MacKinnon						3420
	Res. 3061, Osgood, Bob - Commun. Vol. Income Tax Prog.:
		Training - Congrats., Mr. C. MacKinnon						3421
	Res. 3062, Martin, Dennis - Commun. Vol. Income Tax Prog.:
		Training - Congrats., Mr. C. MacKinnon						3421
	Res. 3063, Garrett, Treen - Commun. Vol. Income Tax Prog.:
		Training - Congrats., Mr. C. MacKinnon						3422
	Res. 3064, Murray, Allan - Commun. Vol. Income Tax Prog.:
		Training - Congrats., Mr. C. MacKinnon						3422
	Res. 3065, Robertson, Stan - Commun. Vol. Income Tax Prog.:
		Training - Congrats., Mr. C. MacKinnon						3423
	Res. 3066, Ingham, Larry - Commun. Vol. Income Tax Prog.:
		Training - Congrats., Mr. C. MacKinnon						3423
	Res. 3067, Rae, Susan - Commun. Vol. Income Tax Prog.:
		Training - Congrats., Mr. C. MacKinnon						3424
	Res. 3068, Leclerc, Lillian - Commun. Vol. Income Tax Prog.:
		Training - Congrats., Mr. C. MacKinnon						3424
	Res. 3069, Cromwell, Heather - Commun. Vol. Income Tax Prog.:
		Training - Congrats., Mr. C. MacKinnon						3425
	Res. 3070, Sinclair, Heather - Commun. Vol. Income Tax Prog.:
		Training - Congrats., Mr. C. MacKinnon						3425
	Res. 3071, MacKenzie, Cindy - Commun. Vol. Income Tax Prog.:
		Training - Congrats., Mr. C. MacKinnon						3426
	Res. 3072, Doyle, Betty - Commun. Vol. Income Tax Prog.:
		Training - Congrats., Mr. C. MacKinnon						3426
	Res. 3073, Eisnor, Betty - Martins River Fire Commn.: Vol. Work -
		Congrats., Hon. M. Baker						3427
	Res. 3075, Phinney, Aaron - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3427
	Res. 3076, Nichols, Allyson - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3428
	Res. 3077, Blezy, Andrea - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3428
	Res. 3078, Clarke, Athena - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3429
	Res. 3079, Coombs, Brianna - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3429
	Res. 3080, Snow, Brittany - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3430
	Res. 3081, Lamarche, Carley - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3430
	Res. 3082, Skinner, Christa - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3431
	Res. 3083, Armstrong, Christiana - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3431
	Res. 3084, Bustin, Clare - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3432
	Res. 3085, Smith, Clarissa - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3432
	Res. 3086, McBean, Cory - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3433
	Res. 3087, Beaumier, Demi - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3433
	Res. 3088, Simmons, Devon - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3434
	Res. 3089, Kelly, Emerald - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3434
	Res. 3090, Peckford, Emily - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3435
	Res. 3091, Keeping, Eric - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3435
	Res. 3092, Patchett, Gordon - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3436
	Res. 3093, Richter, Anna - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3436
	Res. 3094, Langille, James - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3437
	Res. 3095, Nichols, Jeffrey - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3437
	Res. 3096, Johnston, Jesse - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3438
	Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine
	Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine
	Res. 3097, Blinn, Jessica - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3438
	Res. 3098, Berube, Jon - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3439
	Res. 3099, Gratton, Josh - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3439
	Res. 3100, MacLellan, Kali - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3440
	Res. 3101, Parsons, Kaylee - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3440
	Res. 3102, Currie, Mariah - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3441
	Res. 3103, Peters, Nathanial - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3441
	Res. 3104, Coombs, Nicholas - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3442
	Res. 3105, Palmer, Nicole - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3442
	Res. 3106, Bull, Peter - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3443
	Res. 3107, Pollard, Russell - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3443
	Res. 3108, Walker, Ryan - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine						3444
	Res. 3109, Rombaut, Taylor - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats, Mr. L. Glavine						3444
	Res. 3110, Paquette, Valerie - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats, Mr. L. Glavine						3445
	Res. 3111, Levack Victoria - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine ^ ^						3445
	Res. 3112 Brydon, Jillian - Grease: West Kings Production -
		Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine ~ 3446

[Page 3359]

HALIFAX, THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2008

Sixtieth General Assembly

Second Session

9:00 A.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Alfie MacLeod

DEPUTY SPEAKER

Mr. Wayne Gaudet

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

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Premier.

RESOLUTION NO. 3017

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

[Page 3360]

3359

Whereas this is the 250^th Anniversary of representative government in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas while many things have changed over those two and a half centuries, the principles which inspire individuals to run for public office have stayed true; and

Whereas longevity in politics is certainly evidence of commitment to public service and for two MLAs in this House, May 25, 2008, marks their 15^th year of public service;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House commend the honourable member for Clare and the honourable member for Cape Breton South on their 15 years of service to the Province of Nova Scotia. (Standing Ovation)

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Natural Resources.

RESOLUTION NO. 3018

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

Whereas National Mining Week is celebrated every year during the second week in May; and

Whereas this year, May 12^th to May 18^th, is a time to recognize the important role the mining industry has played in our lives for centuries; and

Whereas today's modern mining industry provides technology, training, jobs, schools, hospitals and homes, while ensuring their impact on the environment is minimal;

[Page 3361]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the contributions of the modern mining industry and its economic and social benefits to our province's communities.

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.

No? Not at this time.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

NOTICES OF MOTION

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

RESOLUTION NO. 3019

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

Whereas few votes cast in this House have a direct and immediate consequence for every household; and

Whereas an 8 per cent tax on all household use of electricity will take effect today, May 15, 2008, if the Progressive Conservative budget is approved, despite widespread concern about energy prices; and

Whereas the government was elected with a specific pledge to end taxation on all household energy use, yet it is hiking taxes without any effort to restrain wasteful Tory practices;

[Page 3362]

Therefore be it resolved that Nova Scotians can look to Province House if they want to find individuals who are about to make a choice as to whether or not the people of the province will pay even higher energy costs.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

I hear several Noes.

The notice is tabled.

The honourable member for Cape Breton South.

RESOLUTION NO. 3020

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

Whereas Kathy Lantz, a resident of North Sydney, was recently presented a 2008 Apprenticeship Award of Excellence by the Nova Scotia Community College; and

Whereas the Apprenticeship Award of Excellence recognizes the contributions of a newly certified journey person; and

Whereas after four years and many hours worth of practical experience, Kathy has realized her dream of being a female journey woman in the male-dominated automotive trade;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize the achievements of Kathy Lantz and congratulate her on being given the 2008 Apprenticeship Award of Excellence.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

[Page 3363]

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Halifax Needham on an introduction.

MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, I'd like to draw the attention of members of the House to the west gallery where we're joined this morning by Danielle Trottier who is a social work student at the Maritime School of Social Work and doing her field placement in my MLA office. I'd ask Danielle to rise and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Hants East.

RESOLUTION NO. 3021

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

Whereas corporations need communities and the people within these communities to exist and prosper; and

Whereas corporations that act responsibly and give back to their communities are rewarded; and

Whereas on May 9, 2008, the Corporate Volunteer of the Year Award for the Municipality of East Hants was given to Elmsdale Pharmasave;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate owners and staff of the Elmsdale Pharmasave on their 2008 Corporate Volunteer of the Year Award and thank them for their contributions to their community.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

[Page 3364]

The honourable Leader of the Liberal Party.

RESOLUTION NO. 3022

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 Halifax-Dartmouth Bridge Commission has decided to phase out the use of bridge tokens as a form of toll payment; and

Whereas Feed Nova Scotia are encouraging motorists to donate their unused tokens to their organization; and

Whereas the money from the donations of tokens will be used to help buy food for the 40,000 Nova Scotians who rely on the organization's approximately 150 food banks, shelters, soup kitchens and school lunch programs;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Feed Nova Scotia on their creative fundraising efforts and encourage motorists to support their worthwhile cause.

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 Chebucto.

[9:15 a.m.]

RESOLUTION NO. 3023

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

[Page 3365]

Whereas the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, formerly known as the Maritime Conservatory of Music, located on Chebucto Road in Halifax, on April 12, 2008, celebrated the 120^th year of its existence as the largest and oldest performing arts education institution east of Montreal; and

Whereas the Maritime Conservatory has educated performers in musical, dance, choral and orchestral performance since its inception in 1887; and

Whereas the Maritime Conservatory, a wholly non-profit institution, has instructed artists of all ages and guided rising stars through their formative years;

Therefore be it resolved that the House recognize the immense contribution of the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts to the cultural fabric of Nova Scotia; and be it further resolved that we, the members of this House, take this opportunity to thank a long line of dedicated instructors who have, through those 120 years, given of their time to enrich the lives not only of those who perform, but also the lives of those who take pleasure from enjoying artistic performance.

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. 3024

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 future of the Princess of Acadia ferry has been in question for some time; and

Whereas a study authored by Mariport Group of Digby predicts that the economy will see a loss of $36 million annually should the Princess of Acadia be shut down for good; and

[Page 3366]

Whereas the Digby Area Board of Trade is the latest group to voice their concern for the ferry service, calling for a comprehensive and coordinated plan to save this crossing;

Therefore be it resolved that the Premier and his government listen to the concerns of the Digby Area Board of Trade on this important issue, and relay these concerns to the federal government.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Halifax Citadel.

RESOLUTION NO. 3025

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

Whereas the theme for Education Week 2008, Partners for Peace: From the Classroom to the Community, recognizes teachers and partners who help develop good citizens and contribute to a peaceful society; and

Whereas one of this year's Education Week award recipients is Kathy Reid, a chemistry teacher at Citadel High School, who teaches her students global responsibility and models it in her own life; and

Whereas Kathy Reid, inspired by her work with the Stephen Lewis Foundation's Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign, initiated 20M by 2010, a province-wide school challenge to raise 20 million pennies for African relief and development by the year 2010;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Kathy Reid and the students at Citadel High School for launching the Red Shoelace Campaign to raise money and awareness for 20M by 2010.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

[Page 3367]

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Preston.

RESOLUTION NO. 3026

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

Whereas competing in the Boston Marathon has been Cindy Gill's dream since she took up competitive running three years ago; and

Whereas Cindy Gill completed her first full marathon in Kentville in October, which qualified her for the 112^th annual race in Boston, and had trained all winter in minus-20-degree weather; and

Whereas on April 21, 2008, Cindy Gill realized her dream of running in the Boston Marathon and, despite suffering a stress fracture below her right knee 32 kilometres into the race, she still pressed on through the pain to complete the last 10 kilometres;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Cindy Gill for her courage and determination on finishing the 42-kilometre Boston Marathon and wish her well in her recovery.

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 3368]

The honourable member for Queens.

RESOLUTION NO. 3027

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

Whereas the 2008 Light Rocks Championship featured 30 teams from across the province and was held at CFB Halifax; and

Whereas the Liverpool Light Rocks' Team Chandler entered the championship despite not having their original coach and overcame adversity as one of the players became ill and the team completed the tournament with only three players; and

Whereas the team was newly formed, had never curled in any type of competition, and had only practiced together for two months;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate skip, Jacob Chandler; mate, Andrew Corkum; second, Cody Benvie; lead, Luke Barnes; and coach Anthony Corkum for their provincial curling win of the 2008 Light Rocks Championship.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Shelburne.

RESOLUTION NO. 3028

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

Whereas at Barrington Municipal High School, Helen Goreham has been the driving force of a project called Memorial Garden; and

[Page 3369]

Whereas memory trees have been planted to create a garden onsite memorial at the school for students and staff who have passed away; and

Whereas the Memorial Garden has been embraced by students, the school advisory council, staff and the entire community at large who have fundraised to create this garden on-site memorial;

Therefore be it resolved that the House of Assembly recognize Helen Goreham for her initiative in starting the Memorial Garden project at Barrington Municipal High School and commend the students, staff and parents who have contributed their time and effort.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Halifax Citadel.

RESOLUTION NO. 3029

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

Whereas youth in Nova Scotia have very few public venues in which to have their voices heard and to discuss issues that are important to their lives; and

Whereas the next generation of leaders in Nova Scotia have come together to publish Teens Now Talk, a Halifax-based teen magazine, the first in Atlantic Canada written by teens for teens; and

Whereas Teens Now Talk provides a platform for youth aged 13 to 24 to be seen and heard in this innovative, interactive and informative publication capturing the creative talents and knowledge of teens;

[Page 3370]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate youth throughout Atlantic Canada who contribute to Teens Now Talk and its editor Jessica Bowden, and wish it continued success and a bright 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 Queens.

RESOLUTION NO. 3030

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

Whereas school playground equipment is so important for the physical development of our young students; and

Whereas small communities within our province continue to work together to raise funds so that new school playground equipment can be provided at our schools; and

Whereas 10,369 cans and two truckloads of bottles were collected from Charleston, Mill Village, East Port Medway, Port Medway and Danesville communities during a drive to raise funds for new equipment;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate the parents, the students and the staff of Mill Village Consolidated School for raising the funds to go towards new playground equipment for the school and commend them for recognizing the importance of recreational and physical development programs.

Mr. Speaker, a resolution that's dear to my heart, I do request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

[Page 3371]

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

There has been a request to revert to the order of business, Introduction of Bills.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 174 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 4 of the Acts of 1992. The Emergency "911" Act. (Mr. Harold Theriault)

MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that this bill be read a second time on a future day.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS

MR. SPEAKER: The time is now 9:26 a.m. and we will go until 10:26 a.m.

The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

PREM.: ELECTRICITY TAX - INCREASE JUSTIFY

MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, my question will be for the Premier. Any Nova Scotian watching the television news last night saw that gasoline, diesel and furnace oil prices are continuing to take another big jump. Now people can blame market forces, big oil, peak oil, take your pick, but in Nova Scotia the price of electricity is going up today and for that the people of Nova Scotia can blame the Premier. The typical Nova Scotia household will pay nearly $100 a year more because this government is breaking a key campaign commitment. So my question to the Premier is, how can he justify adding further to the financial burden Nova Scotians are facing from rising energy prices?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, through you, what my honourable colleague is going to vote against is a budget that puts more dollars in the hands of low-income Nova Scotians

[Page 3372]

for home heating to ensure that they have greater opportunity with the pressures that they will face this winter.

MR. DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, when the Premier went on his March spending spree, there wasn't a cent for home heating assistance. If he really wanted to help low-income Nova Scotians with record high home heating costs, he would not offer a net benefit of $125 - half of the assistance before he became Premier. With furnace oil prices already 30 per cent higher than a year ago, my question is, how can the Premier boast about offering a net benefit that is so much lower than what Dr. Hamm's Government offered?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, it is my surprise that my colleague, the Leader of the NDP, is saying he didn't agree with the investment we made in the Salvation Army at the end of the last fiscal year. I disagree with him. I think that was a good investment. That's why we're doubling it in today's budget. (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. Order, please. The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition on his final supplementary.

MR. DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, this electricity tax is effective today. That tax will be paid by every single household in Nova Scotia, those who heat with electricity and those who don't. Families who heat with electricity will pay even more for the next four months if they have to turn on the heat one of these chilly Spring nights. This is a tax grab, pure and simple. My question for the Premier is, why won't the Premier be honest enough here today to come clean and admit that 8 per cent electricity tax breaks his own government's commitment?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the NDP is against a heating assistance program for low-income Nova Scotians. The Leader of the NDP is against an assistance program for seniors who are receiving GIS. The Leader of the NDP is against Nova Scotians having a balanced budget. Well, this side of the House is not.

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

PREM. - GAS RATES: LEVEL - COMMITMENT

MR. STEPHEN MCNEIL: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. Today we see another big increase at the pumps and several other jurisdictions. Many predictions have our price increasing anywhere from 5 cents to 9 cents. On the same day Nova Scotians read in the newspaper that the price at the pumps might be increasing, they see news of a campaign highlighting just how high our taxes are here in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotians understand world pressure on the price of gas but they can't understand being gouged by their own government. My question to the Premier is, between the higher tax and regulation, why are you committed to higher pricing for Nova Scotians?

[Page 3373]

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, the government is committed to stability for Nova Scotians, we are committed to doing all we can to help rural stations. The question that my honourable colleague raises is a good question and the dollars that we receive are dollars that we need for road improvements in our province. It is also a question of affordability for the people of our province and at such a time when this province can see our province's roads in the shape and the condition we want to see them, at such time we can give stronger consideration to giving some relief on those taxes.

MR. MCNEIL: Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Canadian Taxpayers Federation began its annual gas tax honesty campaign to lower government taxes on gasoline. The federation believes government has been gouging consumers for far too long, and here in Nova Scotia we couldn't agree more. Nova Scotians want a fair price. They know we can't control the world price but they are angry when they see a 10-cent difference with our neighbours. My question to the Premier is, why are you leaving it up to a citizens' organization to campaign for fairer prices for Nova Scotians?

[9:30 a.m.]

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, we stand by what is put in place. We have also made a commitment to the people of this province to do a review and that review will take place starting in July.

MR. MCNEIL: We're getting closer, Mr. Speaker. This morning, New Brunswick raised the price of gas by 5 cents a litre. Prince Edward Island raised the price of gas by 5 cents a litre. Diesel is showing a large increase in P.E.I., and Newfoundland and Labrador, by 9 to 11 cents. Speculation today in Nova Scotia is the price will increase anywhere from 5 to 9 cents a litre. People in this province are struggling to make ends meet and this government is making it harder and even harder for those Nova Scotians. My question to the Premier is, your pricing program and high taxes have harmed Nova Scotians long enough, will you finally do the right thing and give Nova Scotians a tax break at the pump?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, there is a significant difference between what we are doing and what they are doing in P.E.I. In Nova Scotia, we have a balanced budget; in P.E.I. they don't. In Nova Scotia, we are able to invest those dollars back into our highways and by law we must. Because of that, we are seeing work going to be done and has been done from one end of this province to the other.

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

PREM.: DIESEL FUEL COSTS - ASSISTANCE PLANS

MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. As fuel prices skyrocket, the price of diesel fuel is expected to lead the way with forecasts of a pump

[Page 3374]

price that will soon be $1.50 a litre. Diesel is used to move most of our food and consumer goods and the high price of that fuel translates quickly into more trouble for every family that has to make ends meet. My question to the Premier is, what steps is his government taking to help Nova Scotians deal with higher diesel fuel costs?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, I will defer that question to the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, as the honourable member knows, only around 10 per cent of the diesel fuel used in our province is regulated. The major carriers strike a contract with the suppliers and it's not part of the regulated market. Also, the commercial carriers, as you know, do get an HST rebate. The price of diesel is really something that has risen even more dramatically than the price of gasoline, but the position of the province has been that we can't control the price of diesel any more than we can effectively control the price of gasoline. The market forces have to be allowed to play out.

MR. DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, that will be cold comfort to many people in this province - and I mean cold comfort. The Minister of Education expects school boards to take the higher cost of heating fuel out of their classroom budgets. Hospitals, community-based agencies and yes, transit systems have all been left to make cuts or increase fees to cover the fast rising price of fuel. My question to the Premier is, does the Premier have any plan to address the impact of sharply higher fuels costs, other than downloading those costs and then adding them to the burden already felt?

THE PREMIER: What the Leader of the NDP is saying is that we need to do more to help those in our education system and our health care system. He is going to vote against a budget that puts more money into the hands of our health care system for front-line health care workers. He's going to vote against a budget that brings our tuition rates down to the national average for our students in our universities; that is what he and his members are going to do. He is going to vote against a budget that puts more money in the hands of our school boards - not less. If he truly wants to help those school boards, he should be voting and doing the right thing for this budget. (Applause)

MR. DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, we are going to do the right thing, we're going to vote against an out-of-touch and incompetent government. That's what we're going to do. (Applause) Nova Scotians . . .

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. Order, please. Order, please.

MR. DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, Nova Scotians began lining up at the pumps last night to fill their tanks in anticipation of price increases that are coming tomorrow. This government has not been able to produce a climate change plan on schedule, it cancelled its own plan to conduct an energy audit of all public buildings and it couldn't even organize the

[Page 3375]

distribution of free low-energy light bulbs. My question for the Premier is, where is the leadership for this province to key industries like fisheries and transportation to deal with much higher fuel prices? (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. Order. Order, please.

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, there's a Party, the NDP, asking a question about fisheries while the fishermen in my area and the fishermen from Pictou County and Queens County and Shelburne want to see that new loans program for new fishermen.(Applause) They want to see help for the fishing industry. What the NDP is going to do today is to vote against coastal communities and fishermen.

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

PREM.:IWK PROJECT STATUS - REPORTING FAILURE

MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, my question will be for the out-of-touch Premier. The Premier has been quick to answer Nova . . .

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. I'm having very much difficulty hearing the member speak.

MR. DEXTER: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I couldn't hear you because the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal was asking for more taxes to go up. (Interruption) The Premier has been quick to assure Nova Scotians that his government takes a serious approach to the Auditor General's Reports and recommendations. The Auditor General had a lot to say about a previous project that went $22 million over budget. People can see just how this Premier safeguards the public's money. My question is, how can the Premier explain his government's failure to provide Nova Scotians with timely comprehensive reporting on project status about the new IWK children's wing as recommended by the Auditor General?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, let's talk about health care. Here we have a Party, the NDP, who has a front in the Citizens' Health Care Coalition. Perhaps my honourable colleague would like to clear the air today. What is the relationship between him and the NDP and the Citizens' Health Care Coalition in this province? (Interruption)

MR. DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, $40 million taxpayer dollars were on the line and yet this government skipped meetings where additional costs for the IWK project was on the agenda. The minister just says that he was kept in the dark. If the Premier had made sure his

[Page 3376]

government followed the advice coming from the Auditor General's review of past mistakes, the cost of every change in the project would have been identified, there would have been a cost centre on the government's book to track all costs for the IWK project. My question to the Premier is this - what is the Premier going to do about a minister who found himself in the dark with millions of taxpayers' dollars at stake?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, I'm glad to hear my honourable colleague agrees with the government on our strategic infrastructure partnerships and the issues we're moving forward on. I look forward to hearing more support in that regard in the months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, there is more money in our seventh consecutive balanced budget for the people of this province today, a budget which they say they are going to vote against, a budget which sees a new Pharmacare Program for the 180,000 Nova Scotians without a drug plan, a budget which sees the new selfcare/telecare program for seven days a week, 24 hours, right across this province. That is what the NDP wants to vote against today, that is what the people of our province know, that is what they will pay for at the polls the next time we go there.

MR. DEXTER: Well, Mr. Speaker, the people will decide who pays what and when. (Applause) When the Auditor General reviewed and reported on the cost overruns at the correctional centre, the government's response did not include a commitment to learn from its mistakes, errors and poor public reporting. This week, Nova Scotians have learned that tracking and accountability for major projects seemed to be even worse. The government would rather offer excuses than fix the problem. So my question for the Premier is this - will the Premier finally show some leadership and make sure that every member of his Cabinet knows that they can no longer sit in the dark, that they must adopt the diligence recommended by the Auditor General?

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Let me . . .

AN. HON. MEMBER: Turn the lights on so he can see.

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please.

MR. D'ENTREMONT: I'll wait.

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The honourable Minister of Health has the floor.

MR. D'ENTREMONT: I'm just going to wait, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER: I would remind all members we need to be able to hear each other as we're speaking here today - not a good day to be voting from outside the Chamber.

[Page 3377]

The honourable Minister of Health.

MR. D'ENTREMONT: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. As I explained yesterday, it was some time in October that the department became aware of the cost over-runs at the IWK. We were being told that the project was on schedule, it was on budget. We found out in October that it was not. It was immediately that we hired the company of Wilson Fitt, I believe, to review the project that was happening at the IWK. We found that we were kept in the dark by individuals during the project, the project management team. We made changes to retrofit that.

What I can say, Mr. Speaker, is that apparently the member, the Leader of the Opposition, the Leader of the NDP, is against the renovation of the IWK, is against taking care of cancer patients, is against the Pharmacare program.

Mr. Speaker, we will do the right thing. We will fund that project as we should. Again, we want to look at all our projects that we're doing in this province and make sure that they are done on time and on budget. They're the ones who are in the dark constantly.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Digby-Annapolis

TCH: ADVERTISING - DETAILS

MR. HAROLD THERIAULT: Mr. Speaker, there seems to be a little unrest in the House here this morning . . .

MR. SPEAKER: I've noticed.

MR. THERIAULT: Maybe I can calm it down - and then again maybe not.

My question is for the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. It has been quite a week for the minister. First, the minister says that he didn't understand why large promotional ads of New Brunswick were a threat to Nova Scotia tourism. Then on May 13^th, the minister was asked why he was encouraging Nova Scotians to vacation in New Brunswick and his response was, I suggest that the member across the way should go up and enjoy a game of hockey. My question to the minister is, will the minister explain what me watching a game of hockey has to do with New Brunswick winning the advertising war of Nova Scotia?

[9:45 a.m.]

HON. WILLIAM DOOKS: Mr. Speaker, thank you for that question. Once again, it was reflective of demonstrating the tourists who are in Halifax, which reflects on the initiatives that we take to promote our great and wonderful province. Tourism is about a

[Page 3378]

number of things. Tourism is about our mountains in Cape Breton, about our rugged coastline, about our great life in the urban areas.

Most importantly, tourism is about you, Mr. Speaker, about our people and also about the member across the way who is always interested in asking the member questions about tourism. So, to the member, I was asking him to go up and to see the wonderful amount of people who have enjoyed what we have to offer.

MR. THERIAULT: Mr. Speaker, I know I told members of the Legislature that it gets better. Well, it just keeps getting better. (Laughter) Yesterday, when asked to explain his department's baffling advertising budget, the minister responded by saying, $1.3 billion. In 2002, tourism revenues were at $1.3 billion; 2003, $1.2 billion; 2004, $1.3 billion; 2005, $1.2 billion; 2006, $1.3 billion; 2007, $1.3 billion. Tourism revenue in Nova Scotia . . .

MR. SPEAKER: Do you have a question?

MR. THERIAULT: . . . hasn't increased in six years. My question is, (Laughter) why is the minister praising the $1.3 billion in tourism revenue when the department clearly has not increased revenues since 2002?

MR. DOOKS: Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the Liberal caucus have better researchers than the NDP caucus with that information that has been provided here today. I always enjoy . . .

AN HON. MEMBER: Watch out for the wing, Billy. (Laughter)

MR. DOOKS: Mr. Speaker, with the catcalls, it's obvious why they are voting no against the budget. (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please.

AN HON. MEMBER: Do they pay you to do this? (Laughter)

MR. DOOKS: I hope I've answered the member's question.

MR. THERIAULT: Mr. Speaker, tourism revenue has not increased in this province in six years. What is more startling is that when you take into account inflation since 2002, Nova Scotia has actually experienced 13.2 per cent decrease. The minister says, I don't understand. Well, I don't understand why the minister is patting himself on the back when tourism revenue has actually decreased under his leadership. My question is, will the minister finally come clean and admit to Nova Scotia that he doesn't understand the tourism industry.

[Page 3379]

MR. DOOKS: Mr. Speaker, obviously the member is taking it to a different level. I can assure you that this minister is very concerned about the challenges in regard to tourism. I would suggest that the member should take an opportunity to speak to me, to encourage him to understand the issues that we have facing us in tourism here in Nova Scotia. We have spent millions of dollars in marketing and advertising campaigns. We are in partnerships with our federal government and other Maritime Provinces to promote the wonderful and great product that we have here to share with other parts of the world. I suggest that tourism in Nova Scotia is not stagnant. As a matter of fact, I suggest that with a difficult situation that tourism globally finds itself in, that we are on top of things.

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

HEALTH - QE II ER CONST.: COST OVERRUNS - DETAILS

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health. The minister is quoted in today's ChronicleHerald as saying he was in the dark about the $10 million in cost overruns for the renovations at the IWK. I would like to turn the spotlight on the QE II emergency room construction so he can see the situation there more clearly. Construction has only been ongoing for about a year and already the Minister of Health has forked over another $2.5 million to keep this project going. So I would like to ask the Minister of Health, was the minister kept in the dark about the cost overruns as well at the QE II ER?

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, no, we knew exactly what was going on at the QE II ER. We knew that, because of labour costs and because of construction inflation, the project was going to be coming in over budget.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): Mr. Speaker, the minister wanted to blame others about the IWK cost overruns but the Costello Fitt report clearly stated, " . . . the Department of Health was complicit to some extent through its relatively passive role in monitoring the project, spotty attendance at the Pediatric Redevelopment Project Committee meetings and failure to inquire closely into the financial consequences of the out-of-scope work that its representative knew was being undertaken."

So I would like to ask the minister - can the minister assure this House that he is not playing a passive role in the QE II ER construction and that his staff are attending the construction meetings and paying attention to the escalating costs?

MR. D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, we're very attentive with this one. We will continue to work with the Building and Project Committee and we will continue to invest in the health care of Nova Scotians. We have a budget that is strong on health care, on front-line health care workers, on construction of new hospitals and new equipment. We will continue to deliver for Nova Scotians.

[Page 3380]

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): Mr. Speaker, a month ago the Premier said in a call, and I quote, "The bedrock of my government has been solid fiscal management." (Interruptions) So I would like to ask the minister, does this out-of-touch, in-the-dark Health Minister consider overruns of $10 million and $2.5 million a solid bedrock for his department spending?

MR. D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, I can tell you that I am very proud of our Premier, I'm very proud of our government for presenting the seventh balanced budget in this province. I am very proud of the work that we are doing when it comes to a Family Pharmacare Program. I am very proud of the Seniors Pharmacare Program. I'm very proud of the selfcare/telecare program. I am proud of the work that this government does on behalf of all Nova Scotians. I'm actually ashamed of the NDP.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Queens.

TIR: TRANSIT TAX CREDIT - INTRODUCTION JUSTIFY

MS. VICKI CONRAD: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. This government is out of touch with the needs of Nova Scotians. The Premier advises Nova Scotians to take the bus - I mean, take up the opportunity for transit (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please.

MS. CONRAD: . . . but the government has no plan for transit and no clue how to expand public transit in the province. As the Ecology Action Centre has pointed out, the transit tax credit contained in the budget is one of the most expensive and least effective options for reducing emissions. Such programs cost over $1,000 to reduce one ton of greenhouse gas emissions.

MR. SPEAKER: Do you have a question?

MS. CONRAD: My question to the minister is, how can he justify introducing such an expensive, ineffective program?

HON. MURRAY SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, I thank the honourable member opposite for the question. There are two things in this year's budget that the NDP are going to vote against. For the very specific issue she's talking about, there's $3 million in this year's budget for transit for municipalities throughout the province to take advantage of. There's also a tax credit for those who would take advantage of transit systems in this province.

MS. CONRAD: Mr. Speaker, people who already take the bus will appreciate the tax credit, but others won't make the switch unless better, more reliable transit is available. In

[Page 3381]

many parts of Nova Scotia there is no public transit and in HRM the buses are already full at rush hour. According to the head of Metro Transit, the system has already reached peak capacity. My question to the minister, did he consult the professionals at Metro Transit before introducing the tax credit?

MR. SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, I thank the member opposite for the question. This government consults with all stakeholders on all issues. The federal government has made money available this year - as well, we know the HRM is deciding how they're going to spend their $13 million. Just in contrast to what the honourable member just said, I beg to differ and I'll give you a good example. In my own constituency of Cumberland South, Dora Fuller and Paul Hill have been working very hard in regard to providing transit in a very rural area of Nova Scotia. The opportunity we provide under this government and this budget this year - that they're going to vote against, by the way - will give an opportunity for rural Nova Scotians, for example, in my own area, to take advantage of transportation they presently don't have but because of our budget and that $3 million, people in Cumberland South would be better off, no thanks to the NDP.

MS. CONRAD: Mr. Speaker, I'll table a document entitled, Bus blues where there is an indication that not much dialogue has happened with Metro Transit. This government has a history of ignoring public transit in the province. The $3 million in this year's budget is a mere drop in the bucket when added to the tiny amounts from other years. Provincial funding for public transit works out to less than $4 per capita compared to other Canadian provinces of nearly $18 per capita. With such abysmal levels of funding . . .

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

MS. CONRAD: With such abysmal levels of funding we can't afford to spend money on tax credits that won't work. My question to the minister is, when will he come up with a plan for a real sustainable public transit system?

MR. SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, it's amazing. They want to huff and puff, they want to push and pull, which is it? The honourable member and the honourable Leader of the tax- and-spend Party want to give everybody everything, they want to say yes to everything and today they're going to say no to a budget that gives 65 great things for Nova Scotia, from police, to volunteer firefighters, to nurses, to teachers. Nova Scotia will benefit from this budget and what's the answer the NDP are giving? No to a great budget for Nova Scotians.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Glace Bay.

HEALTH - NURSES: STATISTICS CAN. SURVEY - RESPONSES

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health. Yesterday Statistics Canada released a report which didn't surprise anyone - when

[Page 3382]

you are tired, stressed, overworked and repeatedly asked to come in to work your day off, mistakes happen. The results were released based on a comprehensive survey of nurses across the country that clearly showed government is asking them to do too much with too little support and the ones paying the price are patients. Interestingly enough, Nova Scotia had the highest survey response in the country showing that nurses here are concerned about what's happening in their work environment. My question for the minister is, could the minister please outline what specific steps he has taken or will take with nurses and nurses' unions to address the underlying causes of yesterday's survey results?

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, I welcome the question. Of course, we recognize that nurses in Nova Scotia and most places are working very hard. We will continue to invest in our $6 million nursing strategy which has a number of issues in it to address the work life balance and a healthy workplace. As I mentioned during my estimates, we're working with a model of care initiative which lets individuals work to their full scope of practice, looks at different care teams, looks at ways of dropping that workload for nurses. The other thing that we're doing, of course, is adding nursing seats so that we have more nurses working in this province.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, nurses across the province are professional, caring, dedicated people and they don't like the results of that survey. They'd rather see government do something to address the underlying causes, causes they've been warning the government about for some time. My next question for the minister is, could the minister tell us whether there is any initiative in an acute care setting in this province that has been established to reduce the burden on nurses and therefore improve their work environment?

MR. D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, of course, through our transformation document, through the PHSOR report, the recommendation was to look at the model of care, the model of care for nurses in particular, look at the care that is being given on floors in ICUs, in emergency rooms. As a part of that, we have a number of professionals working on this model of care initiative which will see individuals working to the full scope of practice. It will look at the addition of individuals like clerks, porters and other health team professionals, which will take the workload off nurses and let nurses be the clinicians that they are trained to be. So it is being met with lots of enthusiasm by the health care workers, by nurses in this province, and we look forward to having that model of care available in the near future.

[10:00 a.m.]

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, the data that was released in that survey yesterday is three years old and, if you ask nurses, it applies as much to today as it did back then - so nothing is changed. So my final question for the minister is, will he commit to sitting down with nurses and nurses' unions to establish specific goals and a timetable to

[Page 3383]

achieve those goals in order to improve the workplace environment of nurses, sooner rather than later?

MR. D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, the work has already begun; the enthusiasm is already there. We do have a number of individuals and nurses who are on this model of care initiative team who have basically held off their retirement so they can work on this exciting initiative. I know that they are meeting with all people involved in this issue. There is a lot of enthusiasm about this that will make changes for nurses in this province.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Atlantic.

TCH: WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLITY SYMBOL - CRITERIA

MS. MICHELE RAYMOND: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. As the minister knows, like many other people, people with disabilities enjoy travelling but they do have quite specific needs about accessibility to accommodations and the attractions offered in the province. When you look at Destination Nova Scotia, there are nearly 300 accommodations that list that they have the wheelchair accessible symbol, but tourists with mobility challenges often get to these places and find that the symbol has actually guaranteed them nothing at all. So I ask the minister, what criteria must a business meet in order to display the wheelchair accessible symbol in the Doer's and Dreamer's Guide?

HON. WILLIAM DOOKS: Mr. Speaker, to the member across the way, she is quite right. We welcome all people to Nova Scotia to enjoy what we have to offer. First of all, like any other small business in Nova Scotia, or businesses I should say, there are certain criteria municipally and provincially that they should meet to meet the needs of the disabled.

MS. RAYMOND: Mr. Speaker, we hear from tourists and advocates for disabled persons who have gotten to accommodations and literally cannot get in the door. That symbol really doesn't mean anything without clear standards in this context - in fact, the Accessible Nova Scotia Committee has said they would rather not see the symbol at all than have it not be reliable. Without these standards it would be perhaps better simply to put a notice on the Web site or in the Doer's and Dreamer's Guides advising tourists to watch out for themselves, to call individual operators and see whether their needs will be met. So I ask the minister, will he make changes to the Web site and departmental publications to make sure that unreliable symbols are not being posted?

MR. DOOKS: Mr. Speaker, a great question, and once again I will say to the member across the way that it's our appetite to make all people in Nova Scotia, with disabilities or not, enjoy our facilities and, yes, I will make sure that we review and move forward a plan that all can enjoy.

[Page 3384]

MS. RAYMOND: Thank you, Mr. Minister, and I appreciate that because disappointment is a terrible dish to serve people who come to this province, as well as to the many people who are members of the disabled community in this province. There are other examples I would offer. It's possible to rate on mobility, various scales of mobility. I ask the minister when, in fact, will he take these steps to make sure that disabled tourists can rely on what they are offered?

MR. DOOKS: As soon as possible, Mr. Speaker.

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

HEALTH PROM. & PROTECTION: BUILD IT RIGHT GROUP - MEET

MS. DIANA WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, my question today is for the Minister of Health Promotion and Protection. On May 7^th in Question Period, I asked the minister if he would meet with the executive of the Build it Right community action group to discuss the Mainland Common Recreation Centre. The minister answered and I will quote from Hansard - his answer was,"In fact, I have met with members of the Build it Right group . . . " Mr. Speaker, I have a letter from the Build it Right group co-chairs dated yesterday, May 14^th, in which they state and I will quote, "We categorically deny any meeting with the minister, despite our repeated requests." I will table that letter. My question to the minister is, given his earlier statement, can he now back up that statement and tell the House who he met with at Build it Right?

HON. BARRY BARNET: Well, Mr. Speaker, as I had indicated earlier in Question Period, I have met with members of the Build it Right group. More importantly, Mr. Speaker, our province is committed to building the right kind of facility in Halifax Regional Municipality. We will continue to work with the Halifax Regional Municipality so that the facility in the member's area is the right facility for this province, for that area and serves the people who we represent.

MS. WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, I have given the minister an opportunity to set the record straight. If he has spoken to Built it Right members from the Mainland Common Recreation Centre's project, then I would expect that he would welcome the opportunity to say so. The people of HRM have been met with a patronizing cone of silence around this project and now it seems that the provincial government is practicing the same lack of transparency. The minister has said that the proposal to the federal minister has been delivered in person, yet the minister says he is not able to tell us what the components are or what the provincial contribution is going to be. Mr. Speaker, my question to the minister is, will you tell the members of this House how much money your government has committed to spend on the Mainland Common project?

[Page 3385]

MR. BARNET: Well, Mr. Speaker, as I've said before, we will continue to be a strong partner in this particular project. The approach that we've taken, the approach that I've taken as the minister, is to work with the municipality, not against them. I believe that the citizens of that area of Halifax Regional Municipality will be very satisfied with the project once it's announced by the Halifax Regional Municipality.

MR. WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, why so secretive? The province was proud to announce $10 million in Bridgewater, proud to announce $700,000 in Antigonish and $5 million in Liverpool - oh very proud, but unable to tell us here in HRM what their commitment is. The government claims to be open and accountable but each time their ministers practice this kind of habit, they are not doing so. They should learn to practice what they preach. Provincial tax dollars are involved in this project, Mr. Speaker, and the minister should be better informed by speaking to community members. My question to the minister is, give me the names of who you met with at Build it Right and will you commit to meet with the executive of Build it Right?

MR. BARNET: What I will say, Mr. Speaker, is that we are very proud of our investment in the building facility infrastructure program. We have invested in projects around this province, we will continue to do so because it's absolutely the right thing to do. We will put people in front of politics, we will make sure that those kinds of announcements happen when they're appropriate and we will make sure that there are facilities for our constituents to be able to take advantage of, because it is the right thing to do.

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

EDUC.: SCH. BD. ELECTIONS - HRSB BUDGET

MR. PERCY PARIS: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Education. This morning on CBC, the minister confirmed what we've already heard from the Halifax Regional School Board - the board has to come up with the money to pay for its elections this Fall. For years, the department has covered the cost of school board elections. Now suddenly it is the responsibility of the board to pull $340,000 out of its pocket to pay for this October's election. Can the minister tell me, where in the HRSB's budget they are going to find this money?

HON. KAREN CASEY: Mr. Speaker, for the information of the House, the cost of school board elections is a shared cost; 60 per cent of the cost of the 2004 election was borne by the municipality, 30 per cent by the board and 10 per cent by the CSAP board, to cover costs for the Halifax board elections. So we will be looking at the partnership and the relationship and the percentages that are determined by three of those, all three parties, and determine, at the end of that, what the cost and amount will be for the Halifax board.

[Page 3386]

MR. PARIS: Mr. Speaker, the province has chosen as a matter of public policy to have elected school boards. Under the provincial Education Act, the province has the responsibility of overseeing the democratic process of the boards and governing the expenses associated with every elected board. My question for the minister, doesn't paying for democracy go hand in hand with requiring democracy?

MS. CASEY: Mr. Speaker, for the information of the member opposite and the House, the organization of elections in this province for school boards is run by the municipality.

MR. PARIS: Mr. Speaker, this government boasts of a surplus in its proposed budget. (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please.

The member for Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank has the floor.

MR. PARIS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Now we're seeing one of the ways they've achieved that surplus is by downloading costs to school boards, which have no tax power of their own. So my question for the minister is, can she tell the House which students are going to lose out to pay for the province's refusal to fund board elections?

MS. CASEY: Mr. Speaker, I would like to respond by saying that over the last five years, with the Halifax board, in particular, this government has given them an additional $72 million. That was in the face of declining enrollment. I would also like to say that overall the budget that we have before the House, at this point in time, shows a 4 per cent increase to all boards across the province. I would also add that I would not expect that any of our elected board members would take away programs and services from students as a priority.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Sackville Cobequid.

HEALTH - NURSING HOMES: STANDARDS OF CARE - INTRODUCE

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health. I doubt the minister will disagree that the 32-year-old Home for Special Care Act is outdated and there are several gaps on issues such as residents' rights and standards of care. In fact, the Act, the regulations and policy manuals do not address issues such as use of chemical or physical restraints, or how frequently incontinence supplies should be changed. Nursing homes set their own restraints policy with no provincial standards to follow. So I would like to ask the minister, when will his government introduce standards of care to protect residents in nursing homes throughout Nova Scotia?

[Page 3387]

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, of course, throughout this Continuing Care Strategy, the expansion of services in this province, there is a focus on the care to make sure that there is a standard approach across this province. Through the training courses with the continuing care assistants, with the training that the homes will be providing, a lot of this information will be available to all nursing staff who take care of our loved ones.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): But we still need legislation, Mr. Speaker. The Act is 32 years old. I believe the minister and myself were five years old when that legislation was introduced. So I'll table part of the June 2007 Auditor General's Report and it states, and I quote, "Our reviews of the licensing and inspection process revealed several deficiencies and we conclude that significant improvements are required to ensure residents' care needs and DOH requirements are met." Infrequent changes, unsafe use of restraints and other safety issues have been in the spotlight in other provinces. So I would like to ask the Minister of Health, how can we know these issues are being appropriately addressed in nursing homes without clear standards in place?

MR. D'ENTREMONT: Of course, our Monitoring and Evaluation Branch does monitor the homes across this province to make sure that they're offering a safe and welcoming place for our seniors to live. We'll continue to monitor those facilities as such. We'll continue to expand the role of continuing care in our province. We will continue with our $260 million investment in this year's budget when it comes to continuing care for all Nova Scotians.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): Mr. Speaker, I will say it again - we need updated legislation. It's 32 years old. The Auditor General also made recommendations in 2003 regarding nursing home accountability and I guess that is part of the 42 per cent of recommendations in 2003 that the government haven't completed yet. So I would like to ask the minister, when can we finally expect a new Homes for Special Care Act and the standards to ensure that nursing home residents get the appropriate care they deserve?

MR. D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, I thank the member opposite for his concern for patients in this province. We will continue to monitor this. We have the monitoring and evaluations branch that looks at care in this province to make sure the homes are up to our standards. We will continue to do that. We still have $262 million to address the health care needs of seniors through our Continuing Care Strategy where construction has begun on 1,000 new long-term care beds that will be open and serving families in 2010. We will continue with those investments, they are contained in this year's budget, this budget that we are supporting, the Liberals are supporting, but the NDP are turning their backs on Nova Scotians.

[10:15 a.m.]

[Page 3388]

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

IMMIGRATION - INTL. GRAD. STREAM: JOBS - DETAILS

MS. DIANA WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Immigration. One of the streams under the Nominee Program is the International Graduate Stream. According to the information sheet posted on the minister's Web site, it is stated, "The NSNP does not have a specific occupation or skill shortage list. However, the NSNP will only consider certain types of jobs and occupations for nomination." My question to the minister is, can the minister please indicate what types of jobs and occupations are approved for nomination under the International Graduate Stream?

HON. LEONARD GOUCHER: Mr. Speaker, thank you very much for the question. I think it's very important to note the Department of Immigration, under the International Graduate Stream, under all streams really, look to the sector and look to business within the province to ensure we are always looking to the employment and workplace shortages within the province. We always key on those areas where it's very important for us to seek out people in sectors where we are short employment or we are looking to reinforce it within the province.

MS. WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, the information sheet is terribly confusing. While the minister says it's employer-driven, so does the Web site, the government also says it will only consider certain types of jobs and occupations. It's telling international graduates that while government does not have a specific occupation or skill shortage list, it may be possible they will not be approved because their skills aren't on that non-existent list. I ask the minister, can the minister say that the International Graduate Stream is employer-driven and yet only considers certain types of jobs and occupations that are not spelled out?

MR. GOUCHER: Mr. Speaker, under the Nominee Program right now, the International Graduate Stream, along with the Skilled Workers Stream, are two very, very important streams to this province. The International Graduate Stream is one that I look forward to in the future for a great expansion. We have over 5,000 international students within Nova Scotia at this time in our universities and I look forward to the future and I look forward to many of them entering our workforce here, on a local basis, and entering jobs and fields that are badly needed by this province.

MS. WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, we are desperately short of qualified people to fill certain jobs and occupations and yet the minister has indicated on the Web site that he does not have a specific occupation or skill-shortage list. One would think that we would welcome qualified, international graduates, as the minister said, to fill those positions for which there is a need. My question to the minister is, if the Nova Scotia Nominee Program does not have a specific occupation or skills shortage list, how does he know if he's turning away international graduates who possess skills for which there is a shortage in this province?

[Page 3389]

MR. GOUCHER: Mr. Speaker, once again, in the Department of Immigration, under the Nominee Program, we try to monitor it as closely as possible, ensuring that the international graduates who are given permanent residency within the Province of Nova Scotia are in the areas that are deemed to be ones that are necessary within the province, to fill work space shortages.

The Department of Immigration welcomes all immigrants into this province and we look forward to the continual increase, under the International Graduate Stream, as part of the Nominee Program.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Dartmouth North.

COM. SERV. - SHELTER ALLOWANCES: INCREASES - DETAILS

MR. TREVOR ZINCK: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Community Services. Shelter allowances for Employment Support and Income Assistance clients are falling very short of what is needed in order to rent safe and appropriate housing in most parts of this province, and when I asked the minister why her department has not been increasing shelter allowances she indicated that it's because landlords simply increase their rents whenever the allowances goes up. So the minister's answer is simply to keep shelter allowances frozen. I ask the minister, why hasn't her staff explored ways to address this problem rather than freezing shelter allowances?

HON. JUDY STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise for the second day in a row and address this issue, since it was raised yesterday. I am pleased to stand and again reply to it.

Through the income assistance, an increase of 15.6 per cent, representative of this side of the House understanding the needs of the Nova Scotians who come to us; we had a two-year increase in shelter allowance, again a recognition from this side of the House that we understood the needs of those vulnerable Nova Scotians. In estimates, when the honourable member asked me a question about shelter allowance, I indicated that was one of the concerns, that sometimes the increases simply go back to the landlords and the individuals are not able to utilize those increases appropriately.

The honourable member agreed with me that that was a concern, so I am a bit surprised today that the member is raising it as a surprise to him since he indicated during the estimates debate that he agreed with that. So perhaps he should reflect upon the needs of Nova Scotians and support the government today in its budget which will see an increase to those Nova Scotians who truly need it.

MR. ZINCK: Mr. Speaker, what I do agree with is that an increase is necessary - and it's not a $4 increase on personal allowances that's going to be sufficient for Nova Scotians.

[Page 3390]

If the minister had put more affordable housing funding toward equity co-ops and non-profit housing instead of private landlords, it would give better options for ESIA clients; if her department ensured that no public housing unit sat vacant or in disrepair and invested in more public housing, ESIA clients wouldn't be at the mercy of their private landlords. My question to the minister: Her government is sitting on the remaining $16 million of the housing trust that must be spent by next year, so why not invest in more non-profit, co-op and public housing?

MS. STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, it's not often that I find myself perplexed with the inability of my honourable colleague to understand the true needs of Nova Scotians who are vulnerable in this province, for he does have a caring side for the individuals whom we serve. When he asks that we not increase those allowances, I am not in agreement with that at all. This side of the House will increase personal allowances; we do believe that it is necessary. We will be doing that today in our budget - and don't even get me going on affordable housing. There's $14.9 million in this year's budget that he is going to vote no against. Shame, shame. How about the $21.6 million committed in this year's budget for affordable housing for Nova Scotians? That is what this side of the House, that's what the Liberals understand is needed - it's unfortunate that the NDP just don't get it.

MR. ZINCK: Mr. Speaker, again, I do understand what Nova Scotians need and that's why I raise the important question. A $4 personal allowance increase is not going to be enough to pay people's rents. That is why we ask, on this side, for a shelter allowance increase.

Subsidized and affordable housing options for families relying on social assistance is critical and the minister knows that. It is part of the hand-up her department claims it wants to provide, but instead shelter allowances are frozen and clients are spending more and more of their personal allowance on rent - and that's shameful. I ask the minister right now, why won't her department invest in new public housing and non-profit affordable housing for the sake of low-income families?

MS. STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, you know raising a question doesn't prove that you get it. Putting your efforts into helping Nova Scotians proves that you get it - that's what this Premier is doing; that is what this side of the House is doing; and that's what the Liberal Party of Nova Scotia understands needs to be done. Shameful, Mr. Speaker, shameful is voting no for $21.6 million for affordable housing for Nova Scotians. That's shameful, Mr. Speaker.

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

MR. PERCY PARIS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday's ChronicleHerald quoted the Minister of Education as saying, "Teachers in many schools supervise students at lunch time, even though their union contract says they don't have to." If it pleases the House, I'd

[Page 3391]

be more than willing to table that. My question to the minister is, the minister seems to think that a good way to implement the new legislation around lunchtime supervision is to be supported is to ask teachers to ignore their contract. Does the minister think . . .

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh.

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The time allotted for Oral Question Period has expired.

The honourable member for Cape Breton Nova on an introduction.

MR. GORDON GOSSE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In your gallery today I see a good friend and mentor, the former Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria and now working as a Halifax legal aid lawyer, Peter Mancini. I'd like a warm welcome of the House for Peter, please. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Needham on an introduction.

MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Thank you very much and I'd like to thank the honourable member for Halifax Clayton Park who I know is attempting to get the floor.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to draw the attention of the members to the west gallery where we're joined today by Danny Cavanagh, the President of CUPE here in Nova Scotia. I'd ask him to rise and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Clayton Part - I should say the honourable, very patient member for Halifax Clayton Park.

MS. DIANA WHALEN: Thank you very much and, Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of privilege. Whereas the minister has not provided the names of who he met with in the Build it Right group, and today I tabled a letter where the group executive had denied meeting with the minister, although they have made repeated requests and would like to, I believe that the Minister of Health Promotion and Protection has misled the House and I would like to ask you to rule again on this point of privilege.

MR. SPEAKER: I will take the new information under advisement and get back to you. Thank you.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

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

[Page 3392]

GOVERNMENT MOTIONS

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Deputy Government House Leader

MR. CHUCK PORTER: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would move that you do now rise and that this House resolve itself into Committee of the Whole House on Supply Unto Her Majesty.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Queens.

MS. VICKI CONRAD: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my great pleasure to rise in the House today and speak to the great riding of Queens. The riding of Queens, as I've said before in this House, is very diverse, very rich in history and culture. We revolve around the economies of forestry and fisheries, small industries, small business. We have beautiful beaches, beautiful lakes, beautiful rivers. We're a great tourist destination and we have wonderful, friendly people in the riding of Queens.

Last night while I was in the House, I was unable to attend the opening of the 9th biannual Liverpool International Theatre Festive. This theatre festival hosts amateur theatre troops from all around the world. We have troops from Israel, Syria, Germany, Spain, Wales, the U.S. and Slovakia, as well as our very own troops from Nova Scotia.

I would like to take the opportunity here to thank my assistant, Judy Milne who had given my remarks and my regrets to the opening ceremonies last night. I truly wanted to be there but, unfortunately, because the House is sitting and with estimates, I was not. I want to say to those folks, to Judy, my assistant, and to the great folks who have helped bring the International Theatre Festival to Liverpool for the 9^th biannual year. Kudos to them and I will be seeing them over the weekend and some of the great talent.

The event is being hosted by the Astor Theatre and our very own theatre troupe, the Winds of Change. I just want to point out that the Astor Theatre is one of the oldest performing arts venue in the province and in 2002, they celebrated 100 years of bringing culture and talent and showing all of the great, talented people in the riding of Queens.

[10:30 a.m.]

I want to bring the House's attention, as well, to another festival that is happening in the riding of Queens and that's the Tent Dwellers Centennial Festival 2008. This festival will be celebrating the 100^th Anniversary of Albert Bigelow Paine's historic route chronicled in The Tent Dwellers. This festival launch will happen this Saturday and for any members of the House who would like to get away, just relax and experience some good, fun times, I'd certainly would encourage them to come to the festival launch for The Tent Dwellers.

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Part of the launch happening on Sunday will see eight experienced paddlers who will retrace that historic route that Albert Bigelow Paine and friends made along the Mersey, the Tobeatic and the Shelburne Rivers. The festival will also give visitors and residents the experience of the wilderness, recreation, history, music, and the stories of our beautiful area. I just want to let the House know as well, this festival will run until October.

I also want to draw that House's attention to another festival that just happened recently. On May 4^th, Queens saw the 63^rd Annual Queens County Music Festival. Students of all ages perform and demonstrate their musical talents through solos and group vocals, strings, choral, instrumental and piano. These students receive awards and scholarships and these young artists truly shine. It's so encouraging to know that some of these young students may continue the pursuit of musical excellence.

Queens was also host, in 2007, to the Nova Scotia Music Week Awards. Musicians from all over Nova Scotia came into Queens, showcasing their talents, participated in writer's circles and met up with old and new acquaintances. The Mersey House won the industry award for Venue of the Year and the Mersey House is owned by Michael Loveridge and Heather MacIsaac-Loveridge. The Mersey House has been displaying and showcasing talent for many musicians, not only across Nova Scotia, but beyond Nova Scotia, from New Brunswick and other areas. The Mersey House is truly a testament of showcasing great talent all across this province and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I just want to point out that Queens is fast becoming the festival capital of Nova Scotia and we continue to showcase our arts, culture, talent and communities. We have the Hank Snow Museum, we have Privateer Days Festival that happens the long weekend of July, we have an annual SeaFest festival in Brooklyn that has happened every August for the last several years in our communities and we have the Ukulele Ceilidh festival, which just hosted in 2007 its second festival. Queens is shining, we're in the spotlight and we truly are an attraction for many visitors from outside our province and in the province. I would encourage all members to check out the Queens County Web site and look at all of the great festivals that are happening in our area, especially through the summer months.

I want to bring the House's attention to a very important non-profit organization that does some tremendous things in the riding of Queens. The Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute in Kempt is a non-profit co-operative of landowners and researchers with a mandate to advance research in monitoring and management that promotes sustainable use of our natural resources in Southwestern Nova Scotia. There are 120 members of the Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute and 25 partners, all involved in the good management and sustainable monitoring of our natural resources.

The Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute are best known for their work with species at risk. Most of us are familiar with two of those species at risk that have been highlighted

[Page 3394]

in conversation in this House, that being the Blanding's turtle and the Eastern ribbon snake. I just want to give kudos to all of the members and partners who help out with all the great research and all the great work that's being done out of the institute.

I also want to talk about the Queens County Fair Grounds which has been expanding in the last couple of years, not only with their buildings on the fairgrounds, but they completed some time ago a riding ring for young riders. It's also a great place to meet and greet with local producers, local farmers, and local community members and volunteers that participate in the many events that go with a good country fair. The Queens County Fair Grounds is one of the places that brings many, many people together.

Another very important group of community members would be our Acadia First Nations. We're so rich in our history in the riding of Queens and the First Nations, the privateers, the many diverse people that make up our riding have brought forward some expertise, talent, their history and culture. The Acadia First Nations recently purchased land on Shipyard Point in Liverpool and over the past two years they've been working on plans to develop a Mi'kmaq Interpretive Centre. This centre will provide authentic Mi'kmaq education and preservation of the Acadia First Nations' heritage and culture from along the Mersey River. This is something that we in the riding of Queens are looking forward to greatly, to see this interpretive centre become a reality for our riding. We would encourage many, many people from across this province and beyond to come and visit that interpretive centre when it's up and going.

Other members and organizations in our community include the Queens Community Health Board. The Queens Community Health Board has been in existence for many years now building on the good health of the population of Queens. They've been moving forward over the last several years on many projects - healthy living, programs for seniors, a healthy living program for students - and they are constantly coming up with new and innovative ideas to reach out with the best interests and the well-being of all residents in the riding of Queens. I give them kudos because they are a key component to the great health care services that are provided in the riding of Queens. They certainly complement, not only the hospital and the home care and VON agencies, but they also complement the many other good programs that many other community groups have been working on. They certainly deserve to be recognized.

Many other groups and organizations need to be recognized as well and I want to talk a little bit about some of the fire departments. Italy Cross Fire Department in my riding made application some time ago to the province and were recently awarded approval for an application to receive $250,000 from the provincial grant monies for fire departments.

I'm so pleased for this fire department because they have been housed in a small fire department that has been in need of an expansion for many, many years. This fire department

[Page 3395]

is moving forward with building a new fire department that will service a lot of communities in the Lunenburg West end of my riding and I'm just so pleased for them because they do

so much great service in the communities. Not only do they make sure that our communities are safe and protected in the event of a fire, but they also answer the call to motor vehicle accidents and other unfortunate accidents that occur within our communities. They're always there ready at the call when they're needed and so I'm just so grateful that they are moving forward with their expansion.

The United Communities Fire Department is a very unique fire department in the sense that they have come together, three communities have come together under the United Communities umbrella and they decided 30-some years ago because of a fire that had moved through one of the communities and community members rallied around and decided after this particular fire in a community that they would all work together and become the United Communities Fire Department. Not only are they a United Communities Fire Department, but they're also united communities in the sense that they move forward with other programs that are important to community members. A lot of the volunteers there have been reaching out to seniors. They are putting in a transportation program to assist seniors who are unable to get out and about to many community events. The United Communities volunteers will be helping greatly with the needs of seniors in their communities.

The volunteers in our communities, Mr. Speaker, are truly the folks who make things work. They make things happen through their dedication and commitment. They fundraise for a lot of our events and not only do they fundraise, they put in many hours of service to make sure our events and our community organizations work without a hitch. They truly open their hearts and homes to many visitors who come and experience all the good things that happen in Queens, and to them we owe a lot of kudos.

I know my time is running short, but I just want to close by saying I want to remember a very important volunteer who just passed away this Easter Monday in a tragic vehicle accident on Highway No. 103. Cyril Huphman was nominated and received one of the provincial Volunteer Awards at the 2007 awards ceremonies here. We were all truly saddened this past Easter Monday when many of us had gotten word that Cyril Huphman had passed away tragically in this car accident. He will sadly be missed by many friends and his family members and certainly the communities that he served and all of the community organizations that he gave of his time. With that, I believe my time is running out, thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, I would ask that before we proceed with the estimates debate, if I could have the concurrence of the House to revert to the order of business, Notices of Motion.

MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?

[Page 3396]

It is agreed.

NOTICES OF MOTION

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

RESOLUTION NO. 3074

HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I want to thank colleagues in the House for allowing the change in agenda. This is sort of a special case.

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

Whereas Colleen Elliott, a Truro resident, has combined a 30-year nursing career where she worked mainly with seniors, a remarkable commitment to community and a rich family life; and

Whereas Colleen Elliott has given generously of her time and talent to the Canadian Cancer Society, locally, provincially and nationally, and her work earned her, among other honours, the Canada 125 Medal, the Canadian Cancer Society Nova Scotia Division Volunteer of the Year Award in 1986, and the 2007 Canadian Cancer Society Distinguished Leadership Volunteer of the Year Award; and

Whereas Colleen Elliott, an Honorary Life Member of the Canadian Cancer Society, has also been active in her church, a director of the Nova Scotia Research Foundation and once won the Nasty Nuttby five-kilometre road race in her age group;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate and thank Colleen Elliott for her remarkable contributions to the Canadian Cancer Society, other community causes and thank her husband, John, son, Brandon, and daughter, Theresa Ferris, for their unending support for Colleen's volunteer activities.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

[Page 3397]

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, I move that you do now leave the Chair and that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole House on Supply unto Her Majesty.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is carried.

[10:45 a.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Supply with Acting Deputy Speaker Mr. Chuck Porter in the Chair.]

[11:31 a.m. CWH on Supply rose and the House reconvened. Mr. Speaker, Hon. Alfie MacLeod, resumed the Chair.]

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House on Supply reports:

THE CLERK: That the committee has met and completed its consideration of the estimates, and resolutions referred to it, including the estimates referred to the Subcommittee on Supply, and that the committee recommends the estimates and resolutions to the favourable consideration of the House, without amendment.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is that the House concurs with the reports of the Committee of the Whole House on Supply. 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 call the order of business, Introduction of Bills.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 175 - Entitled an Act to Provide for Defraying Certain Charges and Expenses of the Public Service of the Province. (Hon. Michael Baker)

[PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING]

[Page 3398]

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Finance.

HON. MICHAEL BAKER: Mr. Speaker, I move second reading of Bill No. 175, the Appropriations Act, 2008.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 175, the Appropriations Act, 2008. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

A recorded vote has been called for.

Are the Whips satisfied?

[The Clerk calls the roll.]

[11:34 a.m.]

YEAS NAYS

Ms. Bolivar-Getson Mr. Parker

Mr. Hurlburt Ms. Massey

Mr. Morse Mr. Steele

Mr. Barnet Mr. MacDonell

Mr. Clarke Ms. More

Mr. Rodney MacDonald Ms. Maureen MacDonald

Mr. Baker Mr. Dexter

Mr. MacIsaac Mr. Corbett

Mr. Muir Mr. David A. Wilson

Mr. d'Entremont Ms. Conrad

Mr. Scott Mr. Paris

Mr. Taylor Ms. Raymond

Mr. Dunn Mr. Zinck

Mr. Chisholm Mr. Preyra

Mr. Dooks Mr. Epstein

Ms. Casey Mr. Gosse

Ms. Streatch Ms. Kent

Mr. Parent Mr. MacKinnon

Mr. Goucher Mr. Belliveau

Mr. Porter Mr. Estabrooks

Mr. Bain

Mr. Fage

Mr. Manning MacDonald

Mr. McNeil

[Page 3399]

Ms. Whalen

Mr. Samson

Mr. Colwell

Mr. H. David Wilson

Mr. Gaudet

Mr. Theriault

Mr. Glavine

THE CLERK: For, 31. Against, 20.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is carried.

[PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING]

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Finance.

HON. MICHAEL BAKER: Mr. Speaker, I move third reading of Bill No. 175, the Appropriations Act, 2008.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 175, the Appropriations Act, 2008. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried. (Applause)

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

GOVERNMENT MOTIONS

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I move that you do now leave the Chair and the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole House on Bills.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With regard to the Committee of the Whole House on Bills, for Bill No. 157, the Financial Measures (2008) Act, if it is the will of the House we could forgo that and move forward with third reading of the Financial Measures (2008) Act, Bill No. 157.

MR. SPEAKER: What is the wish of the House?

[Page 3400]

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Agreed.

[PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING]

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 157.

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

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Finance.

HON. MICHAEL BAKER: Mr. Speaker, I move third reading of the bill.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition. (Applause)

MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and of course my best regards to the minister for his stewardship of the Act and the budget through the process. I appreciate his work.

It's my pleasure to rise this afternoon to speak to the Financial Measures (2008) Bill and, of course, the Financial Measures (2008) Bill is the bill that actually implements much of what is in the budget of the province - and I say "much of it" because, Mr. Speaker, the nature of the Financial Measures (2008) Bill is, of course, that it is an omnibus bill and it contains many, many pieces.

The reality is that you get one vote on this. You get one vote on the budget, so you don't get to pick out those things within the budget that you would support and want to see past and those things on which you have a disagreement with the government, and that is the case in the case of the Financial Measures (2008) Bill as it is the case with respect to the budget.

I think the Minister of Finance actually said it best himself in a scrum after the introduction, I think it was, after the announcement of the Leader of the Liberal Party that they were going to support the budget, he said this is about supporting the plan of government and the direction of government. That's really what the vote on the budget comes down to, it's what the vote on the Financial Measures (2008) Bill comes down to - the whole question of whether or not you are prepared to endorse the plan and the direction that the government has decided to follow.

I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, that over the last couple of weeks since the budget was introduced, my caucus and I went throughout the province and we listened to the people of Nova Scotia. We asked them about the budget. We asked them for their input on the

[Page 3401]

Financial Measures (2008) Bill and, of course, on the performance of the government. I think I can say with absolute certainty that throughout the province and across all of our constituencies, it is fair to say we had almost unanimity on the fact that no one was calling for the endorsement of this government, or the plan, or budget that they set forward. (Applause) That is just the reality that we found right across the province and we made a commitment to people to listen to them, to consult with them, and we did that.

It was not a split decision for a number of reasons. There was the 8 per cent across-the-board increase in the electricity rates in the province. There were longer wait lists for health care right across the province. People see health care getting worse, not better. There was the absence of any kind of a seniors'care plan, anything that will actually go about helping seniors stay in their families, helping caregivers to support those people in their attempt to remain independent for as long as they possibly can.

I've said this before about long-term care beds, you know, Mr. Speaker, the building of long-term care beds is an important initiative. It's important that we have the right number of beds in this province to service the population. But what's fundamentally true about the seniors of our province is that they don't want long-term care beds. What they really want is their own beds and they want to be able to stay in their home beds as long as they possibly can. They want to remain independent and that's why putting in place a seniors' care plan that has things like a home adaption program, that includes self-managed care - that is why these kinds of initiatives should have been included in the Financial Measures (2008) Bill and it's sadly not the case.

Mr. Speaker, of course, we heard much about the handling by the Premier and by others in his government of various issues, everything from the Cabinet cars right through to decisions with respect to - that go back really before this - to the handing out of patronage appointments. We heard almost unanimously an opinion of this government that rings right across the province and that is that they are simply out of touch with the lives that ordinary people in this province are living. They don't seem to understand what kind of a hardship something like the 8 per cent across-the-board on electricity is going to be when you add that to the increase in cost of home heating oil, the increase in cost of energy, the increase in cost of food, that this is just another burden that shouldn't have been piled on top.

Mr. Speaker, what makes it particularly galling, I think for most people, is that the Premier himself ran on this commitment. He went to the people, he said you can trust me, you can believe what I have to say, that I will live up to these commitments. So when they look at this budget, they say, well, isn't this just a complete breach of faith with respect to the people of the province who voted for him and who said that this was what they were going to do? Isn't that what this amounts to?

[11:45 a.m.]

[Page 3402]

Well, Mr. Speaker, that's what brought I think many people in the province, and certainly our caucus, to the conclusion that even though there are things like Avastin funding and other pieces within the budget that we very much support, we could not endorse the government's direction and the government's plan with respect to this province because it is so out of touch with people's lives. (Applause)

Many of the things with respect to the budget actually aren't in this budget. For example, if you look at the personal income tax increases for the personal deductions, those were actually in the last budget and they were actually in the last Financial Measures (2007) Act that was passed and they're going to go ahead. I know the government mentions them in this budget but they're not part of this budget - they were part of a previous budget. The government plays fast and loose when they try to say, you're voting against these things - you're not because they're not included in this budget.

I must say when we're considering pieces of legislation like this, one of the things you do is that you hear all of the debate that takes place. I couldn't help but listen the other night when the member for Richmond stood up to speak on the Financial Measures (2008) Bill and he said that to support an increase in the basic electricity rates was showing leadership and courage. This is hard to believe. It's hard to believe that someone could consider it either leadership or courage to put an 8 per cent increase on electricity to people who are working hard just to make ends meet.

This is not courage. It is callous. It's hard to believe that you could put an 8 per cent increase in electricity rates on people who are simply trying to provide and work for their families. It's not leadership - it's a lack of imagination. We fought hard for a low-income energy relief program that, in concert with the reduction in the HST, would have meant that the low-income families would have received more rather than less - than the former Keep the Heat program. That's right, they receive less than the former Keep the Heat program. Low income Nova Scotians will receive less.

This is the same thing that we could not support. I suppose they have to treat it as a victory because if they did not, then they would have received nothing at all. So, why would you support the Financial Measures (2008) Bill that supports such a poor and callous budget?

You have to look at the past performance. The Third Party created the HST, which increased the cost of everything - everything from socks to gloves, from over-the-counter children's medication to - if you can imagine, when they created the HST, they started to tax the private home care delivery that you get for your loved ones. That's what the HST did. The HST that was created is a tax on the funerals that, of course, they now complain about. It also increased the price of gasoline by 1.5 cents. They don't object to the government increasing it on electricity. Why? Because when they were the government, they were the ones who created the biggest tax grab in the province's history. Not only that, Mr. Speaker,

[Page 3403]

for your edification and members of the government who were here and even members of my caucus who were here - I wasn't here at the time, but I took the time to become informed - they also increased the motive fuel tax by two cents. They increased the provincial sales tax by one cent. In fact, they increased the cost of gasoline by 4.5 cents. Now, Mr. Speaker, I want you to understand how ironic that really is, but I digress.

This is actually a time to talk about the Financial Measures (2008) Bill so I want to get back with this. It is a very, very simple thing. For average Nova Scotians and their families, they will be worse off, not better off. That is the fundamental reason why we vote against the Financial Measures (2008) Bill and why we're voting against this budget, because today's families deserve a better deal. This isn't it and we're voting against it. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Liberal Party. (Applause)

MR. STEPHEN MCNEIL: I want to begin as I talk on Bill No. 157, to speak to the Minister of Finance on behalf of our caucus and on behalf of Nova Scotians and thank him for the courage that he has shown over the last number of months. (Applause) I look forward to this summer I'm sure being in a few parades in the South Shore with the Minister of Finance trying to convince the good people of the South Shore to support either one of our prospective points of view.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand and speak on this Bill. It is the same today. I will not apologize and our caucus will not apologize for fighting for Nova Scotians. (Applause) This budget is not our budget, it's the Government's Budget, but there are things in it that we fought for, there are things in it that we demanded that be provided to Nova Scotians. Nova Scotians were telling us that there was a shortage, in many communities across this province, of physicians. We were laying out a clear policy initiative on how to deal with that issue for Nova Scotians, dealing with the real issues that are facing Nova Scotia families today. We laid out a policy directive and while it wasn't the entire policy that we put out, this government accepted that policy and now set aside 10 seats that will ensure that those rural communities who have been struggling for years and years will have access to a family physician. That policy wasn't based on short-term political gain - it was based on a long-term view for Nova Scotians.

Mr. Speaker, we also have been fighting as a caucus for an in-home support program. While the Leader of the New Democratic Party wants to take shots at us for fighting for Nova Scotians, we've been the Party in this House fighting for in-home support. We've been the Party in this House fighting for self-managed care and it is because of this caucus Nova Scotians with disabilities have a self-managed care program today. We weren't talking about it, we were fighting for them. Mr. Speaker, it is because of this caucus that there's an in-home support program that will become spread across Nova Scotia to make sure seniors get the care they deserve where and when they want it. We believe they should have that care in

[Page 3404]

their home for as long as possible and that's why we have fought for that program and that's why we're supporting this budget today.

Mr. Speaker, we're supporting this budget based on a number of issues - Avastin being one of them. This Party demanded that this government fund it, they funded it. Not only did they do that, they listened to the good member for Glace Bay, who's been in this House fighting for colorectal screening program for the people of Nova Scotia, that's in this budget. We asked for a tax credit for transit use, it's in this budget. We asked for a tax credit for seniors, it is in this budget. We asked for and fought for low-income Nova Scotians who were struggling to meet their needs when it comes to heating.

You know we can talk about the eight per cent coming off. Mr. Speaker, there are many Nova Scotians who can't afford to pay the bill. Giving eight per cent on a bill they can't afford to pay doesn't make any sense. It doesn't make any sense. The Keep the Heat rebate program is putting money in the hands of low-income Nova Scotians to make sure that they do not have to choose between being warm and being cold. Mr. Speaker, we have continued to fight for that and we continue to fight for that.

There's one thing that I will not be is a hypocrite. I cannot ask this government to deliver on these things and when they do, stand in the House and vote against it based on sheer political purposes. [Applause] Mr. Speaker, this is not from our Party an endorsement of the direction of this government, it is an endorsement of this budget. We are supporting this budget. We were the first Party in this House to stand up and tell Nova Scotians we would not support Bill No. 1. They waited for our decision, then they came out and spoke.

Mr. Speaker, we were the first Party to stand up and say we would support the budget, then they made their decision. We also are the Party in this House that had made it very clear that we will not support Bill No. 126, that is presently on the order paper, because we don't believe it's in the best interests of Nova Scotians.

This vote is based on the budget today; this vote is based on the things that we believe Nova Scotians have been asking for. We, as a caucus, are not apologizing for standing up and fighting for Nova Scotians, nor will we apologize for doing what Nova Scotians asked us to do a little less than two years ago - and that was to come to this House and somehow find common ground to provide them with a balanced approach to governing.

We have taken that job seriously; I have taken my job seriously as Leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party, and I will continue to do that. I will not apologize to anyone for supporting this piece of legislation and I am prepared to defend our decision, as a caucus, as we go around Nova Scotia, and we will continue to hold this government accountable for the decisions that they make - and we will continue to fight for reducing motive fuel tax, we will continue to fight for an end of gas regulation.

[Page 3405]

Mr. Speaker, this is about trying to find balance and doing the job that Nova Scotians asked us to do when they elected each and every one of us to this House, and that's what this caucus has done and we will continue to do that - and that is why we are supporting this budget. (Applause)

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

The honourable Minister of Finance.

HON. MICHAEL BAKER: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My remarks on closing debate will be brief. First and foremost, in the period leading into the budget this year I made it clear to Nova Scotians, and to every member of this House, that there would be tough choices to be made, that the choices to be made would not be easy and that those choices would be ones which we, on this side of the House, believe would be made in the best interests of all Nova Scotians.

Much has been said about our choice to change the rules around the taxation of domestic electricity not used for heating. That was one of those tough choices that we had to make, and that tough choice was made because we had other programs which we believed were even more important, which needed to be financed. As examples, of course, the Keep the Heat program and the money for the Salvation Army for the less fortunate Nova Scotians.

Another example of an equally good, equally important program, Mr. Speaker, is the Family Pharmacare Program - 180,000 more of our citizens will have health coverage as a result of that decision - and, given the choice, we would do it over again.

[12:00 noon]

Now I recognize full well that the budget that was submitted by the government is neither the budget of the Liberal Party nor the budget of the New Democratic Party. That is the nature of our system. However, we all came here with a duty to make minority government work, and that duty transcends our duty to our political Party - it's a duty to Nova Scotians. I would like to thank the Liberal Party and their Leader for making minority government work. (Applause)

It is a very difficult thing sometimes to be against something - it is sometimes even harder to be for something. Mr. Speaker, they showed the courage today to be for something, and that deserves note.

In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, this was a budget that was about choices. We believe that the choices were the right choices for Nova Scotians, the right choices that will support Nova Scotian families over the forthcoming year. We will do our best to deliver, on the faith that has been shown by the House, over the forthcoming year to make sure that Nova Scotian

[Page 3406]

families and seniors and students benefit from the choices that were made in this House today.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and with that I move third reading. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 157.

A recorded vote has been called for.

Are the Whips satisfied?

[The Clerk calls the roll.]

[12:02 p.m.]

YEAS NAYS

Ms. Bolivar-Getson Mr. Parker

Mr. Hurlburt Ms. Massey

Mr. Morse Mr. Steele

Mr. Barnet Mr. MacDonell

Mr. Clarke Ms. More

Mr. Rodney MacDonald Ms. Maureen MacDonald

Mr. Baker Mr. Dexter

Mr. MacIsaac Mr. Corbett

Mr. Muir Mr. David A. Wilson

Mr. d'Entremont Ms. Conrad

Mr. Scott Mr. Paris

Mr. Taylor Ms. Raymond

Mr. Dunn Mr. Zinck

Mr. Chisholm Mr. Preyra

Mr. Dooks Mr. Epstein

Ms. Casey Mr. Gosse

Ms. Streatch Ms. Kent

Mr. Parent Mr. MacKinnon

Mr. Goucher Mr. Belliveau

Mr. Porter Mr. Estabrooks

Mr. Bain

Mr. Fage

Mr. Manning MacDonald

Mr. McNeil

Ms. Whalen

Mr. Samson

[Page 3407]

Mr. Colwell

Mr. H. David Wilson

Mr. Gaudet

Mr. Theriault

Mr. Glavine

THE CLERK: For, 31. Against, 20.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is carried.

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

The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. CHUCK PORTER: Mr. Speaker, that concludes the government's business for today. I move that the House do now rise to meet again on Tuesday. The hours will be from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. After the daily routine, we will be calling Public Bills for Second Reading, Bill Nos. 120, 127, 130, 131 and 133.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is that the House do now rise to meet again on Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

[The House rose at 12:05 p.m.]

[Page 3408]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

RESOLUTION NO. 3031

By: Hon. Michael Baker (Finance)

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

Whereas volunteers make an enormous contribution to their communities and to the lives of their fellow citizens; and

Whereas Allan Eisnor and Valentine Oakley have given freely and eagerly of their time to help out as volunteers with the Adventure Trail Group and within their community; and

Whereas the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has recognized Allan Eisnor and Valentine Oakley for their hard work and generosity;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Allan Eisnor and Valentine Oakley on being honoured by the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg for their volunteer work on behalf of the Adventure Trail Group and on behalf of their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3032

By: Hon. Michael Baker (Finance)

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

Whereas volunteers make an enormous contribution to their communities and to the lives of their fellow citizens; and

Whereas Audrey Wheeler and Milton Countway have given freely and eagerly of their time to help out as volunteers with the Blockhouse Fire Department and within their community for many years; and

Whereas the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has recognized Audrey Wheeler and Milton Countway for their hard work and generosity;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Audrey Wheeler and Milton Countway on being honoured by the Municipality of the District

[Page 3409]

of Lunenburg for their volunteer work on behalf of the Blockhouse Fire Department and on behalf of their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3033

By: Hon. Michael Baker (Finance)

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

Whereas volunteers make an enormous contribution to their communities and to the lives of their fellow citizens; and

Whereas Betty Joudrey and George Smith have given freely and eagerly of their time to help out as volunteers with the Rosedale New Horizon Seniors' Club in New Germany and within their community for many years; and

Whereas the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has recognized Betty Joudrey and George Smith for their hard work and generosity;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Betty Joudrey and George Smith on being honoured by the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg for their volunteer work on behalf of the Rosedale New Horizon Seniors' Club in New Germany and on behalf of their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3034

By: Hon. Michael Baker (Finance)

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

Whereas volunteers make an enormous contribution to their communities and to the lives of their fellow citizens; and

Whereas Eddy and Sandra Walters have given freely and eagerly of their time to help out as volunteers with the Pinehurst Community Hall and within their community; and

Whereas the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has recognized Eddy and Sandra Walters for their hard work and generosity;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Eddy and Sandra Walters on being honoured by the Municipality of the District of

[Page 3410]

Lunenburg for their volunteer work on behalf of the Pinehurst Community Hall and on behalf of their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3035

By: Hon. Michael Baker (Finance)

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

Whereas volunteers make an enormous contribution to their communities and to the lives of their fellow citizens; and

Whereas Gilbert Veinot and Brenton Wagner have given freely and eagerly of their time to help out as volunteers with the New Germany and Area Lions Club and within their community for many years; and

Whereas the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has recognized Gilbert Veinot and Brenton Wagner for their hard work and generosity;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Gilbert Veinot and Brenton Wagner on being honoured by the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg for their volunteer work on behalf of the New Germany and Area Lions Club and on behalf of their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3036

By: Hon. Michael Baker (Finance)

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

Whereas volunteers make an enormous contribution to their communities and to the lives of their fellow citizens; and

Whereas Hilda Hiltz have given freely and eagerly of her time to help out as a volunteer with the Martins River Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and within her community for many years; and

Whereas the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has recognized Hilda Hiltz for her hard work and generosity;

[Page 3411]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Hilda Hiltz on being honoured by the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg for her volunteer work on behalf of the Martins River Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and on behalf of her community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3037

By: Hon. Michael Baker (Finance)

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

Whereas volunteers make an enormous contribution to their communities and to the lives of their fellow citizens; and

Whereas Patti Drew and Gary Tippit have given freely and eagerly of their time to help out as volunteers with the New Germany Canada Day Committee and within their community; and

Whereas the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has recognized Patti Drew and Gary Tippit for their hard work and generosity;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Patti Drew and Gary Tippit on being honoured by the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg for their volunteer work on behalf of the New Germany Canada Day Committee and on behalf of their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3038

By: Hon. Michael Baker (Finance)

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

Whereas volunteers make an enormous contribution to their communities and to the lives of their fellow citizens; and

Whereas Marilyn Drennan and Donna Corkum have given freely and eagerly of their time to help out as volunteers with the Dayspring Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and within their community for many years; and

Whereas the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has recognized Marilyn Drennan and Donna Corkum for their hard work and generosity;

[Page 3412]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Marilyn Drennan and Donna Corkum on being honoured by the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg for their volunteer work on behalf of the Dayspring Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and on behalf of their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3039

By: Hon. Michael Baker (Finance)

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

Whereas volunteers play a vital role in our communities and make a large contribution to our province; and

Whereas Kendra Morgan, of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, is one such volunteer; and

Whereas the Town of Lunenburg as well as Harbour View Haven Home for Special Care have named Kendra Morgan as their Volunteer of the Year in recognition of her contributions to the community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Kendra Morgan on being chosen as the Volunteer of the Year by both the Town of Lunenburg and Harvour View Haven Home for Special Care.

RESOLUTION NO. 3040

By: Hon. Michael Baker (Finance)

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

Whereas volunteers make an enormous contribution to their communities and to the lives of their fellow citizens; and

Whereas Ray and Delores Fuller have given freely and eagerly of their time to help out as volunteers with the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 102, in New Germany, and within their community for many years; and

Whereas the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has recognized Ray and Delores Fuller for their hard work and generosity;

[Page 3413]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Ray and Delores Fuller on being honoured by the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg for their volunteer work on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 102, in New Germany, and on behalf of their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3041

By: Hon. Michael Baker (Finance)

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

Whereas volunteers make an enormous contribution to their communities and to the lives of their fellow citizens; and

Whereas Garry Hazel and Calvin Hiltz have given freely and eagerly of their time to help out as volunteers with the Martins River Fire Department and within their community for many years; and

Whereas the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has recognized Garry Hazel and Calvin Hiltz for their hard work and generosity;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Garry Hazel and Calvin Hiltz on being honoured by the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg for their volunteer work on behalf of the Martins River Fire Department and on behalf of their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3042

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

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

Whereas the Eisnor family of Bridgewater was chosen as one of four families for the 2008 Family Expo's Big Give of $1,000; and

Whereas $500 was used to help women affected by the Tsunami in Sri Lanka who belong to a program called Work for Widows, which is a program to help these women become self-sufficient by making jewellery and sewing handbags and beach wraps, and it purchased ten pairs of eyeglasses in order to help these women, and the remainder dollars were used to purchase this jewellery which was then used as auction items at the Roseann Himmelman Fundraiser for cancer patients, which was a huge success, bringing in $1,080; and

[Page 3414]

Whereas thanks to the Eisnor family for their generosity, love and inspiring hearts, the Work for Widows program received $1,000 and the Rose Fund received over $2,000 - tripling their original $1,000;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Mark, Marisa and Noelle Eisnor on a job well done for the Expo's Big Give.

RESOLUTION NO. 3043

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 Historica is a national program designed to help Canadians discover fascinating stories about our country; and

Whereas Daniel Prest of Bridgewater has shown enthusiasm, dedication of hard work and his ability to succeed at the Historica Fair; and

Whereas Daniel has earned his way through thousands of entries to compete at the National Historica Fair for his project on Nunavut, with winning additional awards consisting of Student Choice Award for Grade 8, the RBC Aboriginal Heritage Award and the Democracy 250 Award from the Provincial Historica Showcase in Halifax;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Daniel on his achievement and wish him all the best at the nationals in July.

RESOLUTION NO. 3044

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 wrestling is a growing sport in our schools; and

Whereas Park View Education Centre hosted the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Provincial Championships; and

Whereas Park View Education Centre student Gabe Aliphat won the intermediate boys gold medal;

[Page 3415]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Gabe Aliphat on winning a gold medal and wish him well in his future endeavours

RESOLUTION NO. 3045

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 wrestling is a growing sport in our schools; and

Whereas Park View Education Centre hosted the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Provincial Championships; and

Whereas Park View Education Centre student Brandon O'Leary won the intermediate boys gold medal;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Brandon O'Leary on winning a gold medal and wish him well in his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 3046

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 wrestling is a growing sport in our schools; and

Whereas Park View Education Centre hosted the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Provincial Championships; and

Whereas Park View Education Centre student Megan Daniels won the senior girls gold medal;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Megan Daniels on winning a gold medal and wish her well in her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 3047

[Page 3416]

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 wrestling is a growing sport in our schools; and

Whereas Park View Education Centre hosted the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Provincial Championships; and

Whereas Park View Education Centre student Emily Greek won the intermediate girls gold medal;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Emily Greek on winning a gold medal and wish her well in her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 3048

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 wrestling is a growing sport in our schools; and

Whereas Park View Education Centre hosted the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Provincial Championships; and

Whereas Park View Education Centre student Whitney Lohnes won the intermediate girls gold medal;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Whitney Lohnes on winning a gold medal and wish her well in her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 3049

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

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

Whereas the sport of hockey requires a lot of stamina, aggressiveness both offensively and defensively, skill, positioning and dedication as a team; and

[Page 3417]

Whereas the Lunenburg Minor Hockey Association held its annual hockey banquet to recognize individuals for the attributes and commitment to the league; and

Whereas Morgan Lunn, Conquerall Mills, of the Atom AAA Lightning Team, received the Most Defensive Player Award;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Morgan Lunn of the Atom AAA Lightning Team on receiving this award.

RESOLUTION NO. 3050

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

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

Whereas the sport of hockey requires a lot of stamina, aggressiveness both offensively and defensively, skill, positioning and dedication as a team; and

Whereas the Lunenburg Minor Hockey Association held its annual hockey banquet to recognize individuals for the attributes and commitment to the league; and

Whereas Matthew Quigley, Catidian Place, of the Atom AAA Lightning Team, received the Most Defensive Player Award;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Matthew Quigley of the Atom AAA Lightning Team on receiving this award.

RESOLUTION NO. 3051

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

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

Whereas the sport of hockey requires a lot of stamina, aggressiveness both offensively and defensively, skill, positioning and dedication as a team; and

Whereas the Lunenburg Minor Hockey Association held its annual hockey banquet to recognize individuals for the attributes and commitment to the league; and

Whereas Keith Getson, Bridgewater, of the Atom AAA Lightning Team, received the Playmaker Award;

[Page 3418]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Keith Getson of the Atom AAA Lightning Team on receiving this award.

RESOLUTION NO. 3052

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

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

Whereas the sport of hockey requires a lot of stamina, aggressiveness both offensively and defensively, skill, positioning and dedication as a team; and

Whereas the Lunenburg Minor Hockey Association held its annual hockey banquet to recognize individuals for the attributes and commitment to the league; and

Whereas Matthew Grace, Newcombville, of the Atom AAA Lightning Team, received the Good Sport Award;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Matthew Grace of the Atom AAA Lightning Team on receiving this award.

RESOLUTION NO. 3053

By: Mr. Wayne Gaudet (Clare)

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 1^st in their category, which included other dancing groups from Atlantic Canada, and had the highest mark for stage; and

Whereas La Baie en Joie placed 1^st amongst the Nova Scotia dancing groups that competed in the category of Nova Scotia Stage Dancers;

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

[Page 3419]

RESOLUTION NO. 3054

By: Mr. Clarrie MacKinnon (Pictou East)

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

Whereas the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is a free service for low-income citizens; and

Whereas many seniors and low-income wage earners struggle to complete their income tax annually; and

Whereas 19 individuals in Pictou County took the time to attend training and volunteer their services at 23 tax clinics;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Shirley Lemmon for completing the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program training, and commend her for volunteer service to seniors and others in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3055

By: Mr. Clarrie MacKinnon (Pictou East)

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

Whereas the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is a free service for low-income citizens; and

Whereas many seniors and low-income wage earners struggle to complete their income tax annually; and

Whereas 19 individuals in Pictou County took the time to attend training and volunteer their services at 23 tax clinics;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Jim Ebert for completing the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program training, and commend him for volunteer service to seniors and others in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3056

By: Mr. Clarrie MacKinnon (Pictou East)

[Page 3420]

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

Whereas the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is a free service for low-income citizens; and

Whereas many seniors and low-income wage earners struggle to complete their income tax annually; and

Whereas 19 individuals in Pictou County took the time to attend training and volunteer their services at 23 tax clinics;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Art Jenkins for completing the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program training, and commend him for volunteer service to seniors and others in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3057

By: Mr. Clarrie MacKinnon (Pictou East)

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

Whereas the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is a free service for low-income citizens; and

Whereas many seniors and low-income wage earners struggle to complete their income tax annually; and

Whereas 19 individuals in Pictou County took the time to attend training and volunteer their services at 23 tax clinics;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Keith Boudreau for completing the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program training, and commend him for volunteer service to seniors and others in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3058

By: Mr. Clarrie MacKinnon (Pictou East)

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

[Page 3421]

Whereas the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is a free service for low-income citizens; and

Whereas many seniors and low-income wage earners struggle to complete their income tax annually; and

Whereas 19 individuals in Pictou County took the time to attend training and volunteer their services at 23 tax clinics;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Mary MacDonald for completing the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program training, and commend her for volunteer service to seniors and others in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3059

By: Mr. Clarrie MacKinnon (Pictou East)

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

Whereas the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is a free service for low-income citizens; and

Whereas many seniors and low-income wage earners struggle to complete their income tax annually; and

Whereas 19 individuals in Pictou County took the time to attend training and volunteer their services at 23 tax clinics;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Allyson Wheaton for completing the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program training, and commend her for volunteer service to seniors and others in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3060

By: Mr. Clarrie MacKinnon (Pictou East)

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

Whereas the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is a free service for low-income citizens; and

[Page 3422]

Whereas many seniors and low-income wage earners struggle to complete their income tax annually; and

Whereas 19 individuals in Pictou County took the time to attend training and volunteer their services at 23 tax clinics;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Ann Royles for completing the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program training, and commend her for volunteer service to seniors and others in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3061

By: Mr. Clarrie MacKinnon (Pictou East)

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

Whereas the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is a free service for low-income citizens; and

Whereas many seniors and low-income wage earners struggle to complete their income tax annually; and

Whereas 19 individuals in Pictou County took the time to attend training and volunteer their services at 23 tax clinics;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Bob Osgood for completing the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program training, and commend him for volunteer service to seniors and others in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3062

By: Mr. Clarrie MacKinnon (Pictou East)

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

Whereas the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is a free service for low-income citizens; and

Whereas many seniors and low-income wage earners struggle to complete their income tax annually; and

[Page 3423]

Whereas 19 individuals in Pictou County took the time to attend training and volunteer their services at 23 tax clinics;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Dennis Martin for completing the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program training, and commend him for volunteer service to seniors and others in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3063

By: Mr. Clarrie MacKinnon (Pictou East)

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

Whereas the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is a free service for low-income citizens; and

Whereas many seniors and low-income wage earners struggle to complete their income tax annually; and

Whereas 19 individuals in Pictou County took the time to attend training and volunteer their services at 23 tax clinics;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Treen Garrett for completing the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program training and commend Treen Garrett for volunteer service to seniors and others in the community. RESOLUTION NO. 3064

By: Mr. Clarrie MacKinnon (Pictou East)

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

Whereas the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is a free service for low-income citizens; and

Whereas many seniors and low-income wage earners struggle to complete their income tax annually; and

Whereas 19 individuals in Pictou County took the time to attend training and volunteer their services at 23 tax clinics;

[Page 3424]

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Allan Murray for completing the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program training, and commend him for volunteer service to seniors and others in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3065

By: Mr. Clarrie MacKinnon (Pictou East)

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

Whereas the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is a free service for low-income citizens; and

Whereas many seniors and low-income wage earners struggle to complete their income tax annually; and

Whereas 19 individuals in Pictou County took the time to attend training and volunteer their services at 23 tax clinics;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Stan Robertson for completing the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program training, and commend him for volunteer service to seniors and others in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3066

By: Mr. Clarrie MacKinnon (Pictou East)

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

Whereas the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is a free service for low-income citizens; and

Whereas many seniors and low-income wage earners struggle to complete their income tax annually; and

Whereas 19 individuals in Pictou County took the time to attend training and volunteer their services at 23 tax clinics;

[Page 3425]

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Larry Ingham for completing the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program training, and commend him for volunteer service to seniors and others in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3067

By: Mr. Clarrie MacKinnon (Pictou East)

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

Whereas the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is a free service for low-income citizens; and

Whereas many seniors and low-income wage earners struggle to complete their income tax annually; and

Whereas 19 individuals in Pictou County took the time to attend training and volunteer their services at 23 tax clinics;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Susan Rae for completing the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program training, and commend her for volunteer service to seniors and others in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3068

By: Mr. Clarrie MacKinnon (Pictou East)

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

Whereas the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is a free service for low-income citizens; and

Whereas many seniors and low-income wage earners struggle to complete their income tax annually; and

Whereas 19 individuals in Pictou County took the time to attend training and volunteer their services at 23 tax clinics;

[Page 3426]

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Lillian Leclerc for completing the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program training, and commend her for volunteer service to seniors and others in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3069

By: Mr. Clarrie MacKinnon (Pictou East)

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

Whereas the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is a free service for low-income citizens; and

Whereas many seniors and low-income wage earners struggle to complete their income tax annually; and

Whereas 19 individuals in Pictou County took the time to attend training and volunteer their services at 23 tax clinics;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Heather Cromwell for completing the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program training, and commend her for volunteer service to seniors and others in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3070

By: Mr. Clarrie MacKinnon (Pictou East)

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

Whereas the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is a free service for low-income citizens; and

Whereas many seniors and low-income wage earners struggle to complete their income tax annually; and

Whereas 19 individuals in Pictou County took the time to attend training and volunteer their services at 23 tax clinics;

[Page 3427]

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Heather Sinclair for completing the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program training, and commend her for volunteer service to seniors and others in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3071

By: Mr. Clarrie MacKinnon (Pictou East)

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

Whereas the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is a free service for low-income citizens; and

Whereas many seniors and low-income wage earners struggle to complete their income tax annually; and

Whereas 19 individuals in Pictou County took the time to attend training and volunteer their services at 23 tax clinics;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Cindy MacKenzie for completing the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program training, and commend her for volunteer service to seniors and others in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3072

By: Mr. Clarrie MacKinnon (Pictou East)

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

Whereas the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is a free service for low-income citizens; and

Whereas many seniors and low-income wage earners struggle to complete their income tax annually; and

[Page 3428]

Whereas 19 individuals in Pictou County took the time to attend training and volunteer their services at 23 tax clinics;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Betty Doyle for completing the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program training, and commend her for volunteer service to seniors and others in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3073

By: Hon. Michael Baker (Finance)

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

Whereas volunteers make an enormous contribution to their communities and to the lives of their fellow citizens; and

Whereas Betty Eisnor has given freely and eagerly of her time to help out as a volunteer with the Martins River Fire Commission, and within her community, for many years; and

Whereas the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has recognized Betty Eisnor for her hard work and generosity;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Betty Eisnor on being honoured by the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg for her volunteer work on behalf of the Martins River Fire Commission and on behalf of her community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3075

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

[Page 3429]

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Aaron Phinney, who portrayed a variety of roles, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Aaron Phinney and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3076

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Allyson Nichols, who portrayed a variety of roles, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Allyson Nichols and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3077

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

[Page 3430]

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Andrea Blezy, who portrayed Patty Simcox Honeywell, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Andrea Blezy and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3078

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Athena Clarke, who portrayed a variety of roles, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Athena Clarke and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3079

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

[Page 3431]

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Brianna Coombs, who portrayed a Teen Angel Backup Singer, exhibited outstanding musical talent and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Brianna Coombs and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3080

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Brittany Snow, who portrayed Sandy Dumbrowski, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Brittany Snow and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3081

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

[Page 3432]

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Carley Lamarche, who portrayed a variety of roles, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Carley Lamarche and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3082

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Christa Skinner, who was stage manager for the play, contributed greatly to the success of this musical production with her excellent organizational skills;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Christa Skinner and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3083

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

[Page 3433]

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Christiana Armstrong, who portrayed a variety of roles, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Christiana Armstrong and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3084

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Clare Bustin, who portrayed Marty, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Clare Bustin and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3085

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

[Page 3434]

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Clarissa Smith, who portrayed a variety of roles, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Clarissa Smith and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3086

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Cory McBean, who portrayed a variety of roles, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Cory McBean and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3087

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

[Page 3435]

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Demi Beaumier, who portrayed a Teen Angel Backup Singer, exhibited outstanding musical talent and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Demi Beaumier and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3088

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Devon Simmons, who portrayed Johnny Casino, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Devon Simmons and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3089

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

[Page 3436]

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Emerald Kelly, who portrayed Frenchy, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Emerald Kelly and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3090

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Emily Peckford, who played drums in The Gamblers, exhibited outstanding musical talent and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Emily Peckford and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3091

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

[Page 3437]

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Eric Keeping, who portrayed Teen Angel, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Eric Keeping and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3092

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Gordon Patchett, who portrayed Kenickie, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Gordon Patchett and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3093

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

[Page 3438]

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Anna Richter, who portrayed Miss Lynch, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Anna Richter and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3094

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas James Langille, who played guitar in The Gamblers, exhibited outstanding musical talent and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate James Langille and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3095

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

[Page 3439]

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Jeffrey Nichols, who portrayed Roger, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Jeffrey Nichols and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3096

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Jesse Johnston, who portrayed a Teen Angel Backup Singer, exhibited outstanding musical talent and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Jesse Johnston and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3097

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

[Page 3440]

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Jessica Blinn, who portrayed a variety of roles, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Jessica Blinn and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3098

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Jon Berube, who portrayed a variety of roles, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Jon Berube and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3099

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

[Page 3441]

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Josh Gratton, who portrayed Sonny LaTierri, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Josh Gratton and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3100

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Kali MacLellan, who portrayed Cha Cha, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Kali MacLellan and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3101

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

[Page 3442]

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Kaylee Parsons, who portrayed a variety of roles, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Kaylee Parsons and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3102

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Mariah Currie, who portrayed a variety of roles, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Mariah Currie and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3103

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

[Page 3443]

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Nathanial Peters, who portrayed Doody, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Nathanial Peters and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3104

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Nicolas Coombs, who portrayed a variety of roles, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Nicolas Coombs and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3105

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

[Page 3444]

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Nicole Palmer, who portrayed Betty Rizzo, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Nicole Palmer and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3106

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Peter Bull, who played bass guitar in The Gamblers, exhibited outstanding musical talent and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Peter Bull and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3107

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

[Page 3445]

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Russell Pollard, who portrayed Eugene Florczyk, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Russell Pollard and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3108

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Ryan Walker, who portrayed Vince Fontaine, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Ryan Walker and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3109

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

[Page 3446]

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Taylor Rombaut, who portrayed Danny Zuko, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Taylor Rombaut and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3110

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Valerie Paquette, who portrayed Jan, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Valerie Paquette and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3111

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

[Page 3447]

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Victoria Levack, who portrayed a variety of roles, exhibited outstanding acting ability and contributed greatly to the success of this musical production;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Victoria Levack and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

RESOLUTION NO. 3112

By: Mr. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas May 7^th to May 10^th, West Kings District High School presented their rendition of the musical Grease to sold-out audiences; and

Whereas this musical was a welcome addition to a long list of plays and musicals that West Kings students have performed throughout the school's 52 years; and

Whereas Jillian Brydon, who was props manager for the play, contributed greatly to the success of this musical production with her excellent organizational skills;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Jillian Brydon and the entire cast of Grease on the highly successful performance of this popular musical.

[Page 3448]