November 21, 2008

HANSARD 08-53

DEBATES AND PROCEEDINGS

Speaker: Honourable Alfie MacLeod

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

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

Second Session

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS:
Supt. of Pensions on the Administration of the Pensions Benefits Act
2007 Rept., Hon. M. Parent 6167
GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION:
Res. No. 5899, Agric. Dept. - Restaurant Assoc. (N.S. Award,
The Premier 6168
Vote - Affirmative 6168
Res. No. 5900, Const. Assoc. (N.S.): Const. Compliance Info. -
Portal Launch, Hon. M. Parent 6168
Vote - Affirmative 6169
Res. No. 5901, Agric.: Select N.S. - Promote,
Hon. B. Taylor 6169
Vote - Affirmative 6170
Res. No. 5902, MacMillan, John/Madden, Reg: Book Release - Congrats.,
Hon. R. Chisholm 6170
Vote - Affirmative 6171
Res. No. 5903, Com. Serv. - Gov't. (N.S.)/Gov't. (Can.): Housing Problem -
Solutions, Hon. J. Streatch 6171
Vote - Affirmative 6172
Res. No. 5904, Conserve (N.S.): Holiday Light Exchange -
Participants Congrats., Hon. R. Hurlburt 6172
Vote - Affirmative 6172
Res. No. 5905, Nat. Res. - Geological Serv. Div.: Work - Applaud,
Hon. D. Morse 6173
Vote - Affirmative 6173
Res. No. 5906, Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Auth. -
Top 10 Employers Ltd., Hon. C. d'Entremont 6173
Vote - Affirmative 6174
Res. No. 5907, LWD: Adult Educators/N.S. Sch. for Adult Learning -
Congrats., Hon. M. Parent 6174
Vote - Affirmative 6175
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS:
No. 231, Homes for Special Care Act, Mr. D. Dexter 6175
No. 232, Health Services and Insurance Act, Mr. M. Samson 6176
No. 233, Apology Act, Mr. M. Samson 6176
No. 234, Privacy Review Officer Act, Mr. M. Samson 6176
No. 235, Fair Gasoline Prices Act, Mr. S. McNeil 6176
NOTICEs OF MOTION:
Res. No. 5908, Douglas, Robert "Bobby": Death of - Tribute,
Mr. W. Estabrooks 6176
Vote - Affirmative 6177
Res. 5909, Isle Madame Vol. FD: Work - Congrats.,
Mr. M. Samson 6177
Vote - Affirmative 6177
Res. 5910, Anderson, Eleanor - Lobsterpalooza Fest.: Organizer -
Congrats., Mr. K. Bain 6178
Vote - Affirmative 6179
Res. 5911, Corser, Elizabeth/Dart. Hist. Assoc. - Joseph Howe Award,
Ms. M. More 6179
Vote - Affirmative 6179
Res. 5912, Boudreau, Councillor John: Re-Election - Congrats.,
Mr. M. Samson 6180
Vote - Affirmative 6180
Res. 5913, Cabot HS Golf Team: Reg. Tournament - Congrats.,
Mr. K. Bain 6180
Vote - Affirmative 6181
Res. 5914, Bate, Jim/NSCC/Univa: Cultural Exchange - Congrats.,
Mr. C. Parker 6181
Vote - Affirmative 6182
Res. 5915, Prem.: Bus. Problems - Recognize,
Ms. D. Whalen 6182
Res. 5916, Murray, Dr. John - Order of N.S.,
Hon. J. Muir 6183
Vote - Affirmative 6183
Res. 5917, Horner, Reg: Death of - Tribute,
Ms. M. Raymond 6183
Vote - Affirmative 6184
Res. 5918, Villa Acadienne: Continuing Care Workers - Recognize,
Mr. W. Gaudet 6184
Vote - Affirmative 6185
Res. 5919, Sproule Lumber - Col. RDA Environmental Award,
Hon. K. Casey 6185
Vote - Affirmative 6185
Res. 5920, Cow Bay Hall - Preservation: Vols. Supporters - Congrats.,
Ms. B. Kent 6186
Vote - Affirmative 6186
Res. 5921, Prem./Gov.'t (N.S.): Economic Plan - Bring Forward,
Mr. L. Glavine 6186
Res. 5922, Mills, James: Pub. Serv. (30 Yrs.) - Congrats.,
Hon. R. Chisholm 6187
Vote - Affirmative 6188
Res. 5923, Tyrie, Scott & Joann - Cobequid Pass Crisis: Travellers -
Assistance Thank, Mr. D. Dexter 6188
Vote - Affirmative 6188
Res. 5924, Crooks, Randy/Trenchard, Nancy - Mineville Forest Fire
(06/13/08):Assistance - Thank, Mr. K. Colwell 6189
Vote - Affirmative 6189
Res. 5925, Hart, Darlene: Contributions - Applaud,
Hon. W. Dooks 6189
Vote - Affirmative 6190
Res. 5926, Emergency Response Network: Members - Decision Making,
Mr. D. Dexter 6190
Res. 5927, Sunderland, Jeff & Cora: Triplets - Birth Congrats.,
Mr. H. Theriault 6191
Vote - Affirmative 6191
Res. 5928, Saulnier, Paul: Pub. Serv. (25 Yrs.) - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Parent 6192
Vote - Affirmative 6192
Res. 5929, Parker, Councillors David, Robert & MLA Charlie: Serv. -
Congrats., Mr. C. MacKinnon 6192
Vote - Affirmative 6193
Res. 5930, Atl. Challenge Cup - Team N.S.: Middleton/Kingston Reps. -
Congrats., Mr. L. Glavine 6193
Vote - Affirmative 6194
Res. 5931, Sellers, Joel: Pictou Co. Dragon Boat Fest. Bed. of Directors/
Organizers/Vols./Sponsors - Congrats., Mr. C. MacKinnon 6194
Vote - Affirmative 6195
Res. 5932, Frost, Joanne: Foster Parent Prog. - Thank,
Mr. H. Theriault 6195
Vote - Affirmative 6195
Res. 5933, Blumenthal, Adrienne/O'Connell Dr. Elem. Sch.:
Mineville Forest Fire (06/13/08) - Assistance, Mr. K. Colwell 6195
Vote - Affirmative 6196
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS:
No. 236, Judicature Act, Hon. C. Clarke 6196
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS:
PRIVATE MEMBERS' PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING:
No. 234, Privacy Review Officer Act, Mr. M. Samson 6197
Mr. M. Samson 6197
Hon. A. MacIsaac 6198
Mr. H. Epstein 6199
Mr. K. Colwell 6201
Vote - Affirmative 6202
No. 233, Apology Act, Mr. M. Samson 6202
Mr. M. Samson 6202
Hon. A. MacIsaac 6203
Mr. H. Epstein 6205
Hon. C. d'Entremont 6208
Mr. M. Samson 6210
Vote - Affirmative 6211
No. 88, Private Investigators and Private Guards Act,
Ms. D. Whalen 6211
Ms. D. Whalen 6211
Hon. C. Clarke 6214
Mr. W. Estabrooks 6215
Ms. D. Whalen 6216
Vote - Affirmative 6217
HOUSE RECESSED AT 11:15 A.M. 6217
HOUSE RECONVENED AT 11:16 A.M. 6217
PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
Law Amendments Committee, Hon. C. Clarke 6218
Law Amendments Committee, Hon. C. Clarke 6218
HOUSE RESOLVED INTO CWH ON BILLS AT 11:18 A.M. 6218
HOUSE RECONVENED AT 11:24 A.M. 6219
CWH REPORTS 6219
PRIVATE MEMBERS' PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING:
No. 26, Environment Act, Mr. K. Colwell 6219
Mr. K. Colwell 6220
Vote - Affirmative 6220
No. 154, Education Act, Mr. L. Glavine 6220
Mr. L. Glavine 6220
Vote - Affirmative 6220
PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING:
No. 215, Education Act, Hon. K. Casey 6220
Hon. K. Casey 6221
Mr. W. Estabrooks 6221
Mr. L. Glavine 6221
Mr. M. Samson 6222
Hon. K. Casey 6223
Vote - Affirmative 6223
ADJOURNMENT, House rose to meet again on Mon., Nov. 24th at 2:00 p.m. 6223
NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3):
Res. 5934, Haner, David: Pub. Serv. (30 Yrs.) - Congrats.,
Hon. B. Taylor 6224
Res. 5935, Eldershaw, Dennis: Pub. Serv. (25 Yrs.) - Congrats.,
Hon. B. Taylor 6224
Res. 5936, Cox, Robert: Pub. Serv. (25 Yrs.) - Congrats.,
Hon. B. Taylor 6225
Res. 5937, Collicutt, Heather: Pub. Serv. (25 Yrs.) - Congrats.,
Hon. B. Taylor 6225
Res. 5938, Mappleback, Lloyd: Pub. Serv. (25 Yrs.) - Congrats.,
Hon. B. Taylor 6226
Res. 5939, Crewe, Carollyn: Pub. Serv. (30 Yrs.) - Congrats.,
Hon. B. Taylor 6226
Res. 5940, Johnson, Margaret Anne: Pub. Serv. (35 Yrs.) - Congrats.,
Hon. B. Taylor 6227
Res. 5941, Kolstee, Hank: Pub. Serv. (35 Yrs.) - Congrats.,
Hon. B. Taylor 6227
Res. 5942, Prem./Gov.'t. (N.S.): Deficit - Avoid,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 6228
Res. 5943, Masstown Market - Cdn. Fed. for Independent Grocers Award,
Hon. K. Casey 6228
Res. 5944, Jodrey, Brad: Pub. Serv. (25 Yrs.) - Congrats.,
Mr. C. Porter 6229
Res. 5945, Mack, Blaine: Pub. Serv. (25 Yrs.) - Congrats.,
Mr. C. Porter 6229
Res. 5946, Pick, Eric: Pub. Serv. (35 Yrs.) - Congrats.,
Mr. C. Porter 6230
Res. 5947, Ross, Melanie/Rippey, Gail: Angel Hair for Kids - Donation
Mr. C. Porter 6230
Res. 5948, Clarke, George Elliott - Order of Can.,
Mr. C. Porter 6231
Res. 5949, Zinck, Hannah: Chester United Girls U-14 Team -
Gold Medals, Hon. J. Streatch 6231
Res. 5950, Horn, Katie: Chester United Girls U-14 Team -
Gold Medals, Hon. J. Streatch 6232
Res. 5951, Schembri, Jack: S. Shore United Team - Gold Medal,
Hon. J. Streatch 6232
Res. 5952, Hamm, Jacob: S. Shore United Team - Gold Medal,
Hon. J. Streatch 6233
Res. 5953, Mulrooney, Jaimee: Chester United U-14 Girls Team - Medals,
Hon. J. Streatch 6233
Res. 5954, Lohnes, Jesse - New Ross U-16/18 Soccer Team: Season -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 6234
Res. 5955, Johnson, Hunter - Chester United U-12 Boys Team: Season -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 6234
Res. 5956, Jollymore, Mark - Chester United U-12 Boys Team: Season -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 6235
Res. 5957, Mullen, Jordan: S. Shore United Team - Gold Medal,
Hon. J. Streatch 6235
Res. 5958, Hamlin, Josh: S. Shore United Team - Gold Medal,
Hon. J. Streatch 6236
Res. 5959, Blackburn, Kelsey: Chester United U-14 Girls Team -
Gold Medal, Hon. J. Streatch 6236
Res. 5960, Langley, Jonah - S. Shore United Team: Season - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 6237
Res. 5961, Lenihan, Olivia - Chester United U-14 Girls Team: Season -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 6237
Res. 5962, Lenihan, Evan - New Ross U-16/18 Soccer Team: Season -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 6238
Res. 5963, Long, Olivia - Chester United U-14 Girls Team: Season -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 6238
Res. 5964, Skerry, Luke - New Ross U-16/18 Soccer Team: Success -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 6239
Res. 5965, Hirtle, Mary - Chester United U-14 Girls Team: Season -
Success, Hon. J. Streatch 6239
Res. 5966, Langille, Matthew - S. Shore United: Season - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 6240
Res. 5967, McNeil, Charles - New Ross U-16/18 Team: Season -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 6240
Res. 5968, Baker, Megan - WOW Reading Challenge,
Hon. J. Streatch 6241
Res. 5969, Cook, Michael - New Ross U-16/18 Soccer Team: Season -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 6241
Res. 5970, Reeves, Mitchell - New Ross U-16/18 Soccer Team: Season -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 6242
Res. 5971, Sawler, Morgan - Chester United U-14 Girls Team: Season -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 6242
Res. 5972, Beck, Nathaniel - S. Shore United: Season - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 6243
Res. 5973, Nauss, Alex - Chester United U-12 Boys Team: Season -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 6243
Res. 5974, Nauss, Connor - Chester United U-12 Boys Team: Season -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 6244
Res. 5975, Nauss, Haylee - Chester United U-12 Boys Team: Season -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 6244
Res. 5976, Tanner, Nic - S. Shore United: Season - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 6245
Res. 5977, Penny, Katrena - Chester United U-14 Girls Team: Season -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 6245
Res. 5978, Peterson, Cory - Chester United U-12 Boys Team: Season -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 6246
Res. 5979, Reeves, Lucas - S. Shore United: Season - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 6246
Res. 5980, Rhodenizer, Kyle - Chester United U-12 Team: Season -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 6247
Res. 5981, Coolen, Russell: St. Margarets Bay Pumpkin Weigh-Off -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 6247
Res. 5982, Nowe, Ryan: S. Shore United Team - Gold Medal,
Hon. J. Streatch 6248
Res. 5983, Robar, Ryan - New Ross U-16/18 Soccer Team: Season -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 6248
Res. 5984, Reeves, Sam - S. Shore United Team: Season - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 6249
Res. 5985, Shatford, John - Chester United U-12 Boys Team: Season -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 6249
Res. 5986, Langille, Sheldon - S. Shore United Team: Season -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 6250
Res. 5987, Millet Lumber Team: Slo-Pitch League Playoffs - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 6250
Res. 5988, Sutherland, Elizabeth - WOW Reading Challenge,
Hon. J. Streatch 6251
Res. 5989, Trembly, Sophie, Chester United U-14 Girls Team: Season -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 6251
Res. 5990, Greening, Tyler - New Ross U-16/8 Soccer Team: Season -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 6252
Res. 5991, Wilwand, Rachel - Chester United U-14 Girls Team: Season -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 6252

[Page 6167]

HALIFAX, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2008

Sixtieth General Assembly

Second Session

9:00 A.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Alfie MacLeod

DEPUTY SPEAKER

Mr. Wayne Gaudet

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

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Labour and Workforce Development.

HON. MARK PARENT: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I beg leave to table the Report of the Superintendent of Pensions on the Administration of the Pension Benefits Act for the year ended March 31, 2007.

MR. SPEAKER: The report is tabled.

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

[Page 6168]

6167

[Page 6169]

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Premier.

RESOLUTION NO. 5899

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:

Whereas all in this House have seen the benefits of the hard-working staff in all government departments; and

Whereas it is good to see when those efforts are acknowledged by third parties; and

Whereas the Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia has honoured the Department of Agriculture with the 2008 Achievement Award for the joint efforts carried out by the department with the members of this provincial association;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House commend the department and applaud their continued efforts in working with the association and the small businesses they represent, while protecting the interests of the people they serve.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Labour and Workforce Development.

RESOLUTION NO. 5900

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

Whereas the Construction Compliance Information Portal launched on October 23rd, in conjunction with Small Business Week 2008, will make it easier for businesses to access all provincial government construction requirements through one targeted Web site; and

[Page 6170]

Whereas making it easier for businesses to access these requirements also makes it easier for them to meet those requirements and, accordingly, increase the safety, health and fair employment of people, protect the environment and our heritage, as well as foster economic prosperity for all Nova Scotians; and

Whereas the Construction Association of Nova Scotia has been an integral partner in the successful development, testing, launch and promotion of a tool that shows every sign of being a valuable resource for the construction industry in the province;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank the Construction Association of Nova Scotia for actively pursuing an effective partnership opportunity that will pay dividends for the construction industry businesses big and small, and for all Nova Scotians as we build a strong economic province.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Agriculture.

HON. BROOKE TAYLOR: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before I read this resolution I would like to say that as Nova Scotians prepare to purchase Christmas trees, it's really important, I think, that they do buy local and, if given the opportunity, purchase good Nova Scotia-grown Christmas trees.

RESOLUTION NO. 5901

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

Whereas the Department of Agriculture is promoting the benefits of buying local, increasing awareness and knowledge about locally produced food and developing opportunities for agriculture growth; and

[Page 6171]

Whereas the Department of Agriculture, in co-operation with Nova Scotia producers, restaurants and retailers, has initiated many buy local efforts focused through the Select Nova Scotia program; and

Whereas efforts have also focused on marketing Nova Scotia beef, produce, wine, fish and value-added products to consumers, Christmas trees, retailers, restaurants, institutions and government-operated facilities;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Legislature recognize the importance of continuing to promote Select Nova Scotia and buy local due to the benefits it has for food processors, rural communities, the environment and, of course, the provincial economy.

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 Fisheries and Aquaculture.

RESOLUTION NO. 5902

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

Whereas sportfishing provides significant recreational and economic activity in our province and trout fishing is one of the major components; and

Whereas the successful application of special trout management areas to enhance this important activity has been pioneered by staff from the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture; and

Whereas having research findings published in the proceedings of the prestigious Wild Trout Symposium 2007 is a significant professional accomplishment;

[Page 6172]

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate John MacMillan and Reg Madden on the publication of their paper, Angler Effort and Harvest of Sea-Run Brook Trout from a Specially Regulated Estuary, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Community Services.

RESOLUTION NO. 5903

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

Whereas November 22nd marks National Housing Day, a day to reassert our commitment to improving the well-being of the people of this province; and

Whereas our government and our federal partners are dedicated to working in partnership with groups and individuals to find solutions to a difficult and complex problem; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia Government continues to invest in affordable, supportive housing for Nova Scotians in need;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House show their support for government, organizations and communities as we work together to ensure all Nova Scotians have the security and comfort of a roof over their head.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

[Page 6173]

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister responsible for Conserve Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 5904

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

Whereas there will be an LED holiday light exchange ceremony this evening at 5:00 p.m. at the Yarmouth Town Hall where local residents can exchange two traditional holiday lights for a set of energy efficient LED lights, a practice that will happen in other communities across Nova Scotia; and

Whereas 100 of these LED lights use the same amount of energy as one traditional holiday light bulb and lasts 10 times longer, saving energy and money; and

Whereas Conserve Nova Scotia is pleased to partner with Nova Scotia Power on this program which has put more than 10,500 sets of these energy efficient lights in the hands of Nova Scotians and has removed over 21,000 sets of older lights to date;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the 41 communities across Nova Scotia for hosting these exchanges on their tree-lighting ceremonies this holiday season.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Natural Resources.

[Page 6174]

RESOLUTION NO. 5905

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

Whereas the Environmental Systems Research Institute, which is based in the United States, and develops and supports geographic information system (GIS) software for more than a million users in more than 200 countries, hosts an annual map calendar contest; and

Whereas a geological map of the Wolfville/Windsor area of Hants County, created by the Department of Natural Resources' Geological Services Division's GIS Group has been selected as one of the winning entries for the 2008 calendar; and

Whereas for the sixth time since 2000 the department's work has been selected, gaining international recognition for the high calibre of work produced by the GIS Group - Brian Fisher, Jeff Poole, John MacNeil, Jeff McKinnon, Angie Ehler and the geological mapping team;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House applaud the detailed work and professionalism of the Department of Natural Resources' GIS group and recognize the excellence they continue to achieve.

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.

RESOLUTION NO. 5906

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

Whereas the Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority was named one of the top 10 employers in Nova Scotia in 2009, based on a review by an independent firm, Mediacorp Canada; and

[Page 6175]

Whereas this review was based on eight key areas, including physical workplace, work atmosphere, training and skills development, health, financial and family benefits and community involvement; and

Whereas GASHA's efforts to recruit and retain medical and support professionals will be enhanced through this recognition;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating the Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority on being named one of Nova Scotia's top 10 employers and on the efforts of its board, senior management and staff, in achieving this honour.

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.

[9:15 a.m.]

The honourable Minister of Labour and Workforce Development.

RESOLUTION NO. 5907

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

Whereas over 200 adult educators and 140 adult learning programs funded through the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL), have helped over 4,000 adult learners per year to participate in tuition-free, French or English language adult training programs across the province; and

Whereas their continued contribution in the field of adult learning has allowed adult learners to acquire skills, conquer learning challenges and increase their literacy, and also allowed over 2,800 adult learners to earn their high school diploma; and

[Page 6176]

Whereas the success of their efforts were validated in the 2007 Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning Graduate Survey, which states that 99 per cent of graduates are satisfied with the overall program experience and 99 per cent would recommend the program to someone thinking of returning to school to get their high school diploma;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House join the people of Nova Scotia in commending adult educators across the province for their exemplary commitment to work that makes a real difference in the lives of Nova Scotians and congratulate the students of the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning, and the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning, for actively pursuing learning opportunities that will give them greater engagement in the Nova Scotia workforce . . .

MR. SPEAKER: Order, the chatter is getting a little high.

MR. PARENT: . . . and grow a stronger province.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 231 - An Act to Amend Chapter 30 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Homes for Special Care Act. (Mr. Darrell Dexter)

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

The honourable member for Richmond.

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, if I could make an introduction prior to introducing this bill.

MR. SPEAKER: Please do.

[Page 6177]

MR. SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, in the west gallery we're joined today by Mr. Ken MacKay, who is a resident of Louisdale, Richmond County. Ken has just returned recently from Toronto where his wife, Marilyn, had been awaiting a double-lung transplant for over a year now. Ken is here today to join us for the briefing on this bill which will take place at 10:00 a.m., which we certainly urge all members to participate if they can.

I would ask that Ken stand and be recognized by the members of the House of Assembly. (Applause)

Bill No. 232 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 197 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Health Services and Insurance Act. (Mr. Michel Samson)

Bill No. 233 - Entitled an Act Respecting the Effect of an Apology and to Prohibit its Use as Evidence of Fault or Liability. (Mr. Michel Samson)

Bill No. 234 - Entitled an Act to Provide for a Private Review Officer. (Mr. Michel Samson)

Bill No. 235 - Entitled an Act Respecting to Provide for Fair Gasoline Prices in Nova Scotia. (Mr. Stephen McNeil)

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

NOTICES OF MOTION

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect.

RESOLUTION NO. 5908

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

Whereas we are saddened today with the news of the passing of legendary educator, athlete and coach, Robert "Bobby" Douglas; and

Whereas Bobby Douglas was a leader: and

Whereas Coach Douglas' accomplishments, exemplary commitment and dedication will never be forgotten by his students, his colleagues, his city and his province;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature express its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Robert "Bobby" Douglas.

[Page 6178]

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Richmond.

RESOLUTION NO. 5909

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

Whereas volunteer firefighters play an important role in the security and safety of our communities; and

Whereas Isle Madame Volunteer Fire Department was formed in 1962; and

Whereas on Saturday, November 29th, the Isle Madame Volunteer Fire Department will celebrate its Christmas party and awards banquet, recognizing the years of service of its members;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate the members of the Isle Madame Volunteer Fire Department for their hard work and dedication.

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 6179]

The honourable Minister of Human Resources on an introduction.

HON. CAROLYN BOLIVAR-GETSON: Mr. Speaker, today in your gallery we're blessed to have an individual with us here today who some have mistaken for my sister.

AN HON. MEMBER: Younger sister.

MS. BOLIVAR-GETSON: My younger sister, yes, thank you. (Laughter) Mom has joined me here today, Rita Bolivar, and she's going to be listening to the proceedings of the House. I would ask everyone to give her a warm welcome. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Victoria-The Lakes.

RESOLUTION NO. 5910

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

Whereas the Cabot Trail's seafood-based springtime festival known as Lobsterpalooza has been named one of the American Bus Association's Top 100 Events for North America in 2009; and

Whereas the top 100 events were named at an event in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, by experienced tourism operators from places such as Chandler, Arizona; Battle Creek, Michigan; and Radford, Virginia; and

Whereas the Lobsterpalooza Festival was founded by the Cabot Trail Working Association in 2007 and will join other prestigious North American events in 2009 such as the Fire and Ice Competition in Ely, Nevada; the Festival of Flowers in Mobile, Alabama; and the Rivers and Spires Festival in Clarkesville, Tennessee;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly extend their congratulations to event organizer Eleanor Anderson and her committee for their outstanding work in having the 2009 Lobsterpalooza Festival named one of the top 100 events to visit in 2009 by the American Bus Association.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

[Page 6180]

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Dartmouth South-Portland Valley.

RESOLUTION NO. 5911

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

Whereas the Dartmouth Historical Association instituted the Joseph Howe Fellowship Award to recognize outstanding people who have helped to preserve heritage, culture or have been leaders in community service; and

Whereas this award was presented to Elizabeth Corser, former executive director of the Cole Harbour Farm Museum and long-time volunteer with the Cole Harbour Rural Heritage Society; and

Whereas this award recognizes over 30 years of devoted service and leadership to celebrating the area's agricultural past and contributions;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate the Dartmouth Historical Association and Elizabeth Corser on the occasion of her Joseph Howe Fellowship Award presentation, and thank her for her many contributions to this community and province.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Richmond.

[Page 6181]

RESOLUTION NO. 5912

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

Whereas on October 18, 2008, voters in Nova Scotia went to the polls to elect municipal councillors; and

Whereas Councillor John Boudreau was re-elected to represent the residents of District 2 on Richmond Municipal Council; and

Whereas having served as warden since 2006, John Boudreau was re-elected as warden of Richmond County for another term by his fellow councillors;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House extend their congratulations to John Boudreau on his re-election in District 2 and once again being chosen to serve as warden of Richmond County.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Victoria-The Lakes.

RESOLUTION NO. 5913

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

Whereas the Cabot High School sports program is now well underway for the 2008-09 season; and

Whereas Cabot High, situated in Neil's Harbour, saw their golf team participate in a regional golf tournament at the Lingan Golf Club back on September 22nd; and

[Page 6182]

Whereas the Cabot High School golf team had a respectable sixth-place finish out of 15 teams during the September 22nd day-long event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly extend their congratulations to the Cabot High School golf team for their competitive finish in Lingan and wish them every future success.

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.

[9:30 a.m.]

The honourable member for Pictou West.

RESOLUTION NO. 5914

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

Whereas Jim Bate, of Durham, Pictou County, is going to Mexico to teach a class of school children a special program that promotes a greater understanding of Nova Scotia and Canada; and

Whereas Jim is the chair of the Business Academic Program at the Pictou Campus of Nova Scotia Community College; and

Whereas the program that Jim is participating in is part of an exchange partnership between the NSCC and its equivalent body in Mexico, known as Univa;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate Jim Bate and the NSCC for undertaking a valuable cultural exchange with Mexican school children.

[Page 6183]

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Halifax Clayton Park.

RESOLUTION NO. 5915

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

Whereas in September alone there were 371 bankruptcies filed in this province; and

Whereas this number reflects a 27.5 per cent increase in bankruptcies in comparison to the same month in 2007; and

Whereas the Premier contends that compared to other provinces, we are doing well and are still six to eight months away from any economic impact brought on by a country-wide economic downturn;

Therefore be it resolved that the Premier face the reality that businesses in this province have been struggling in recent months and are looking for government guidance now.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

I hear several Noes.

The notice is tabled.

The honourable Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

[Page 6184]

RESOLUTION NO. 5916

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

Whereas Dr. Jock Murray is a 2008 recipient of the Order of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Dr. Jock Murray, a native of Pictou and graduate of St. Francis Xavier University, became Dean of Medicine at Dalhousie and also founded its Multiple Sclerosis Research Unit, its Society for the History of Medicine, and its Medical Humanities Program; and

Whereas Dr. Jock Murray has published over 200 peer reviewed papers, 40 book chapters and 10 books, and has held 91 funded research grants;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Dr. Jock Murray on being awarded the Order of Nova Scotia, and wish him and Janet, his wife, continued health and happiness.

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 honorable member for Halifax Atlantic.

RESOLUTION NO. 5917

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

Whereas the Chebucto News was established by Reg Horner in 1999 as a monthly paper for the communities of the western Chebucto peninsula; and

[Page 6185]

Whereas Reg was absolutely tireless in publishing the Chebucto News, as a photographer, reporter, managing editor, editor, advertising salesman and distribution coordinator until only days before his death, on October 6, 2008, at the age of 56; and

Whereas Reg was also an articulate and passionate advocate for the social and economic good of the Spryfield community and left behind not only his beloved son, Johnny, and helpmate, Caroline Snow, but a wide circle of friends and acquaintances;

Therefore be it resolved that this House extend its deepest condolences to the family of Reg Horner and the community of Spryfield on the loss of such a community leader, and recognize Johnny Horner for the courage and commitment with which he is continuing his father's legacy, by resuming publication of the Chebucto News only a month after his father's death.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Clare.

RESOLUTION NO. 5918

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

Whereas the month of September has been designated Continuing Care Month with the ongoing theme of Above and Beyond: Because we Care; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia Association of Health Organizations celebrates the contributions made to the residents of continuing care facilities by the staff, volunteers, along with organizations; and

Whereas the staff and volunteers at Villa Acadienne in Meteghan not only provide a high level of care to the residents but support families to meet the ongoing care needs of their loved ones;

[Page 6186]

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly recognize the continuing care workers of the Villa Acadienne and the many dedicated volunteers for their commitment in providing high-quality care and the energy and compassion they bring to the important work they do.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Education.

RESOLUTION NO. 5919

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

Whereas Sproule Lumber of Colchester County has embarked on a partnership with the Eco-Efficiency Centre at Dalhousie University; and

Whereas by investing in this co-operative assessment for manufacturers, they now stand to realize significant energy savings and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions; and

Whereas Sproule Lumber is showing that adopting environmentally-sound practices and processes can significantly improve the bottom line;

Therefore be it resolved all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Sproule Lumber for winning the Colchester Regional Development Agency's Environmental Champion Award.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

[Page 6187]

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage.

RESOLUTION NO. 5920

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

Whereas the Cow Bay Hall was built in 1892 in the community of Cow Bay and is a significant heritage asset to the entire area of Eastern Passage and Cow Bay; and

Whereas the preservation of the hall and coordination of fundraising and social activities are done solely on a volunteer basis by community members who dedicate their time and energy to this valued icon in the community; and

Whereas on November 29th, the Cow Bay Hall will be hosting its winter wreath fundraising event to raise much needed funds to sustain and preserve the hall;

Therefore be it resolved this House of Assembly congratulate the volunteers and supporters of the Cow Bay Hall for their ongoing commitment to the preservation of the hall, the delivery of social events to the community and the genuine support for a significant heritage asset for Cow Bay.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Kings West.

RESOLUTION NO. 5921

[Page 6188]

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

Whereas in these tough economic times, businesses from coast to coast are struggling to survive; and

[Page 6189]

Whereas yesterday the TSX plunged more than 750 points, reaching lows not seen since late 2003; and

Whereas while Nova Scotia businesses suffer, the Premier sits quietly hoping everything will turn out fine;

Therefore be it resolved the Premier and his government act as though they are up to the job and bring forward a plan to deal with this economic crisis immediately.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

I hear several Noes.

The notice is tabled.

The honourable Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

RESOLUTION NO. 5922

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

Whereas Public Service work is a central institution within our democratic structure of government; and

Whereas Nova Scotia's Public Service consists of hardworking, resourceful, innovative and dedicated individuals offering a high level of quality work; and

Whereas James Mills of Sherbrooke, Guysborough County, was recognized during Public Service Week in October for his 30 years of talented work for the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize James Mills for his 30 years of distinguished service with Nova Scotia's Public Service.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

[Page 6190]

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

RESOLUTION NO. 5923

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

Whereas Scott and Joann Tyrie of Oromocto, New Brunswick, were among the many hundreds of people stranded overnight on Highway No. 104 this week; and

Whereas Scott and Joann shared with other motorists the stocks of food and water in their vehicle bought on a shopping trip to Halifax; and

Whereas Scott, Joann and other Good Samaritans among the stranded travellers did everything possible to help fellow travellers in need during the long, cold hours they waited along the highway;

Therefore be it resolved that this House salute the generosity and public spirit demonstrated by Scott and Joann Tyrie and by all the other Good Samaritans who helped the many hundreds of travellers stranded overnight on the Cobequid Pass.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Preston.

[Page 6191]

RESOLUTION NO. 5924

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

Whereas the forest fire in Mineville on Friday, June 13, 2008, was devastating to many residents; and

Whereas two families lost their homes in this horrendous fire; and

Whereas Randy Crooks and Nancy Trenchard have graciously donated their rental property to one of the displaced families to live in at no cost in order to help a neighbour they didn't even know;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly commend Randy Crooks and Nancy Trenchard for the sacrifice they have made and the kindness they have shown to a neighbour in need in 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.

The honourable Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage.

RESOLUTION NO. 5925

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

Whereas Darlene Hart is a dedicated volunteer from the Eastern Shore; and

Whereas Darlene Hart has been a volunteer for 24 years and has worked with many organizations, including the Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, as well as the Canadian Blood Services; and

[Page 6192]

Whereas on top of working at the NSLC, Ms. Hart still takes time to spend every weekday morning having breakfast with her mom and taking time for herself through various physical activities;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House applaud the contributions Darlene Hart has made and wish her continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

RESOLUTION NO. 5926

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

Whereas clubs belonging to the All Terrain Vehicle Association of Nova Scotia, ATVANS, are part of the community-based emergency response system that serves Nova Scotians well; and

Whereas the overnight stranding of 1,500 vehicles along the Cobequid Pass section of Highway No. 104 was an ideal situation for ATVANS members in Cumberland and Colchester Counties to help the hundreds of people stuck along that highway; and

Whereas ATVANS members on all-terrain vehicles could have provided much-needed food, water, fuel and other emergency supplies if the government had only undertaken emergency management of the serious situation;

Therefore be it resolved that all-terrain vehicle clubs belonging to ATVANS, and many other community-based members of Nova Scotia's emergency response network, should be in the forefront of government decision-making in a significant crisis like the November 19th and 20th shutdown of the Cobequid Pass.

[Page 6193]

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 Digby-Annapolis.

RESOLUTION NO. 5927

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

Whereas on September 30, 2008, Jeff and Cara Sutherland of Digby welcomed triplets into their family; and

Whereas triplets - Adrian, Benjamin and Connor - were born at the IWK Health Centre with an average weight of more than five pounds; and

Whereas this occasion marked the first time that triplets have been born to a Digby couple;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Jeff and Cara Sutherland on the birth of their triplets which is a first for Digby.

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 Environment.

[Page 6194]

RESOLUTION NO. 5928

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

Whereas Nova Scotia's Public Service consists of hard-working, resourceful, innovative and dedicated individuals offering a high level of quality work; and

Whereas Public Service work is a central institution within our democratic structure of government; and

Whereas Paul Saulnier of Kentville was recognized during Public Service Week in October for his 25 years of exemplary work for the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize Paul Saulnier for his 25-year distinguished career with Nova Scotia's Public Service.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

[9:45 a.m.]

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Pictou East.

RESOLUTION NO. 5929

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

Whereas three brothers named Parker have served in elected office as municipal councillors in Pictou County; and

[Page 6195]

Whereas these three brothers have a total of 37 years of public service through the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board, the Municipality of the County of Pictou and the Nova Scotia Legislature; and

Whereas these brothers have demonstrated a passion to help others through their election to public office;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly congratulate Councillors David and Robert Parker, and Charlie Parker, MLA for Pictou West, for many years of service to their districts, their county and the Province of Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Kings West.

RESOLUTION NO. 5930

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

Whereas on Thanksgiving weekend Moncton hosted the Atlantic Challenge Cup; and

Whereas the Challenge Cup is a first-class event and is said to be a must stop on all scouting calendars; and

Whereas four young hockey players from Middleton and Kingston were chosen to represent Team Nova Scotia at this annual event;

Therefore be it resolved that the House of Assembly congratulate Tyler Brown, Stephen Woodworth, Jill Burton and Sabrina Rancourt on being named to Team Nova Scotia, and may they continue to find success in this popular sport.

[Page 6196]

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Pictou East.

RESOLUTION NO. 5931

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

Whereas in August the Pictou County Dragon Boat Festival raised a total of $113,000 for cancer research and amateur sport, bringing the seven-year total to $730,000; and

Whereas 100 per cent of funds go to enabling organizations, while sponsors cover off all costs for the event; and

Whereas the funds are being divided among four deserving groups, including Women Alike Breast Cancer Survivors Society, the Pictou County Prostate Cancer Support Association, Nova Scotia Special Olympics and the Nova Scotia Amateur Sport Fund;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate chairperson Joel Sellars, the 15-member board of directors, organizers, volunteers and sponsors of the Pictou County Dragon Boat Festival for a job well done.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

[Page 6197]

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. 5932

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

Whereas foster parenting is a challenging yet rewarding experience for those involved; and

Whereas foster parent Joanne Frost is a shining example for the program, setting high standards for her foster children and pushing them to succeed in everything they do; and

Whereas Joanne's dedication to her foster kids has paid off with many of her foster children earning prizes and awards for their achievements;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly recognize the many efforts of Joanne Frost and thank her for her continuing dedication to the foster parenting program.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Preston.

RESOLUTION NO. 5933

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

[Page 6198]

Whereas the forest fire in Mineville on Friday, June 13, 2008, was devastating for many children who attended O'Connell Drive Elementary School; and

Whereas the principal at the school, Adrienne Blumenthal, is trained in crisis management; and

Whereas Ms. Blumenthal thought it would be a help to the children to deal with the fire by writing thank you cards, letters, and to draw posters, to anyone they wanted, to thank them for helping in the fire aftermath;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly commend Ms. Blumenthal and the O'Connell Drive School by helping the children display their heartfelt emotions, thereby helping them deal with the devastating incident in their young lives.

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 Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. CHUCK PORTER: Mr. Speaker, I would ask for the consent of the House to revert to the order of business, Introduction of Bills.

MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 236 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 240 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Judicature Act. (Hon. Cecil Clarke)

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

[Page 6199]

ORDERS OF THE DAY

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. CHUCK PORTER: Mr. Speaker, I would like consent of the House to place Bill No. 233 and Bill No. 234 on today's order paper to receive second reading.

MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. CHUCK PORTER: Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Private Members' Public Bills for Second Reading.

PRIVATE MEMBERS' PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. CHUCK PORTER: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 234.

Bill No. 234 - Privacy Review Officer Act.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Richmond.

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, it's a pleasure to rise and speak briefly on Bill No. 234, the Privacy Review Officer Act, which would see the establishment of a privacy officer here in Nova Scotia. I want to thank my colleagues in the House for giving their consent for this debate to take place right now.

This legislation would allow for the appointment of a privacy review officer in Nova Scotia. The privacy officer would have the ability to investigate a privacy complaint related to any record, file or matter within the jurisdiction of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. This bill is a first great step for Nova Scotians. In this new age of the Internet and several other electronic means of communications and information gathering, privacy will likely be one of the largest areas of constitutional and case law to be challenged in our country.

[Page 6200]

The Patriot Act in the United States, which has been the focus of several cases of law and constitutional challenges on the basis of privacy infringement, is a great example of how engaged and concerned citizens are, regarding the usage of their personal information.

Because the Internet is a fairly new phenomenon, by and large case law has not been well developed regarding the usage of, dispersal of, and collection of personal and private information. Recently we passed a law in this House that would prohibit personal and private information collected by the Government of Nova Scotia to be held in any database, or in any other form within the United States jurisdiction. This prevented any personal information to be subjected to the intrusive provisions of the U.S. Patriot Act. This also outlined the need for proper and exhaustive privacy protection laws in Nova Scotia.

A privacy review officer is a great start as it would allow Nova Scotians an avenue to deal with privacy complaints as it pertains to documents, records or matters under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The federal privacy commissioner currently has jurisdiction over private industry, but this office would still allow for a streamlined process for taking in complaints and then filtering those back to the federal office.

To give you a modern day example of the some of the concerns regarding privacy and public industry, there were some concerns raised when a number of establishments in downtown Halifax, as part of being admitted to them you had to show your driver's licence, which was then swiped and that information was collected, which did cause some concern. At the time there was no real avenue to complain or have anyone look into that complaint. So that's just one example of how there might be privacy complaints regarding private industry.

Mr. Speaker, many Nova Scotians are fearful of the disbursement of their records as it relates to their social assistance information, criminal records, environment violations and personal information. We want to ensure that information collected is protected and that the collection itself was appropriate. In this day and age it is incredibly important to ensure that there are resources in place to investigate privacy matters so that we can ensure the highest level of protection, appropriateness and prudence as it relates to our personal and very sensitive information. Due to jurisdictional issues, we would not have private industry included in this bill. However, it is the end goal for us to have substantially similar legislation, as Ontario, Alberta and B.C. have done in their provinces, to the federal law, so that our privacy officer could deal specifically with private industry, private complaints as well.

With those few remarks, again I thank my colleagues for their support in having this bill go forward for debate and I look forward to any comments from members regarding this legislation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I would move second reading.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Economic Development.

[Page 6201]

HON. ANGUS MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, I'm very pleased to rise today and speak in support of the Privacy Review Officer bill and I do so on behalf of my colleague, the Minister of Justice, who is chairing the Law Amendments Committee.

I believe that this is a valuable piece of legislation for Nova Scotians. In this age, where technology advancement occurs at a tremendously fast rate and there is more information out there than ever before, it is very important for all of us to ensure protection of our privacy rights.

Mr. Speaker, I'm sure you know, Nova Scotia's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act is, more or less, divided into two sections; one section with access to information, and the other section deals with privacy. Essentially this section is about the collection, use and disclosure of information. Currently if an individual has a complaint against a public body about the manner in which their information was treated, then that person has a procedure internal to government which they can access. In fact, departments across government are now establishing internal review processes with regard to these types of complaints.

However, currently there is no external body to which Nova Scotians can appeal if they feel that their private information was accessed, collected or used inappropriately by government. The establishment of a Privacy Review Officer will allow for individuals to have an independent external body to which they can appeal if they feel that their private information has been used inappropriately.

In addition, Mr. Speaker, to his or her primary duty, it is my understanding that the Privacy Review Officer will also have the power to undertake research on matters concerning privacy legislation, to inform the public about the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and to provide advice and comments about privacy. The establishment of a Privacy Review Officer is an important next step in the freedom of information process and I am glad that the honourable member has brought this forward. I'm pleased to support this bill going forward to the Law Amendments Committee.

MR SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Chebucto.

MR. HOWARD EPSTEIN: Mr. Speaker, the issue of access to information that is potentially of a quite private and sensitive nature about each of us as individuals, is an important one. It is something that's much more a pervasive issue now than it has been in the past. We all understand that there are a huge number of databases on which information about any one of us probably exists. This is probably true with respect to corporate information, it's true with respect to the particular sector of the corporate world that has to do with finance, it's certainly true with respect to government agencies at all levels.

[Page 6202]

Each of us is a known entity to the world at large and with the advent of the Internet, with the ease of movement of information around the world, we no longer live in small villages, we no longer live in small towns, we no longer live even in medium-size cities. With the advent of the Internet, information that's available in virtually any part of the world about an individual can be made available anywhere else in the world about that individual, and very rapidly indeed. So concerns about privacy have indeed come to the fore quite forcefully within the last decade or two.

[10:00 a.m.]

As we struggle with the implications of that, sometimes we're faced with conceptual problems, sometimes we're faced with practical problems. We know that Nova Scotia has engaged, and I believe was the first province in Canada to engage, with the question of access to information that's government information, but along with that was a question of protection of privacy. I think it was perhaps as early as 1972 that Nova Scotia had its first legislation to attempt to deal with that.

So we have, in some respects, been a leader in this, at least in terms of arriving on the scene first. It has not always been clear that we have been at the forefront when it comes to the actual content. Having been first, perhaps we lag behind a little bit as other places engaged and altered their legislation and learned from experience out in the real world, and I would say also learned from scholarship, which brings me really to my first point about this bill.

Mr. Speaker, the question I ask is really what has prompted this particular piece of legislation. It's true that it tells us it's engaging in issues around the protection of privacy and under that general rubric, who would hesitate to think that as a general matter was a good thing? We certainly don't, we think that engaging with that is a good thing. The issue always, however, is whether we're engaging with it in the appropriate way. The first matter that I didn't hear in the remarks from the sponsor of the bill, the honourable member for Richmond, nor I think from the minister, is where this function would differ at all or significantly from the functions that are performed by the review officer and that office that has existed for a number of years in Nova Scotia under our Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act right now.

It seems to me that we have had a history, particularly under our recently retired review officer, Mr. Darce Fardy, of active scrutiny that looks at general issues and not just particular cases. We know that Mr. Fardy was a person who didn't hesitate to speak up on policy issues, who didn't hesitate to put together general observations. He didn't hesitate to say to the government, to say to the public, to say to all of us the direction that he thought public policy ought to move in when it comes to grappling with issues of the protection of privacy.

[Page 6203]

I'm not an expert in this area of legislation or public policy, but I don't know what it is that's being added to here and I haven't heard it identified. I would be happy to hear it identified. If there's a gap in the legislation, then perhaps the sponsor and the minister might identify that for us and let us know just exactly what the gap is and whether we're really moving ahead at all here. It may have been that Mr. Fardy was really, on his own motion, engaging with public policy issues and this might give a statutory authority a basis for holders of that office to continue to do that but to do it with the official sanction of this House. If that's the thrust of this bill, then fine, but I think it would have been good to have heard the rationale for it specified.

The second point that I want to raise really is one of consultation. It seems to me that this issue of protection of privacy is not one in which the Legislature alone has expertise. It seems to me that there are associations in the civil life of our province and of our country that have expertise about this. I wonder if they've been consulted.

I know there is an association, I'm afraid I don't remember the formal name of it, which I think Mr. Fardy in his retirement is now quite active in and I'm wondering if they've been consulted about this and whether they have views or opinions or whether their expertise has been sought. I know, as well, that at the law school there are faculty members who specialize in information and technology and in the Internet and in the implications of these matters, including privacy aspects.

Again, I'm wondering if my colleague, the member for Richmond, has had the chance to talk with them. If I followed his remarks correctly, he seems to have looked to legislation in place in some other provinces, but I would draw a little more comfort if I'd heard that the antecedents of this bill had included the talk with those who we happen to have here in Nova Scotia aplenty who have particular expertise in the law around the protection of privacy. I didn't hear that, and again, I think it will be useful to hear from the sponsor of the bill that he had done that and whether they had any advice for him about whether this bill is a good thing - although I find it hard to think on the face it wouldn't be or whether they have suggestions that might be for improving the bill.

That said, on the face of it, it certainly seems that the bill makes sense. We have no problem in endorsing this bill at second reading stage and moving it on to the Law Amendments Committee for further scrutiny, but I just wanted to note those particular points which really have to do with the issue of understanding what the rationale is for the bill and whether there's been appropriate and detailed consultation before hand. But, we're certainly prepared to endorse the bill and move it on to the more detailed scrutiny at the Law Amendments Committee. Thank you, Mr. Speaker

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

The honourable member for Preston.

[Page 6204]

MR. KEITH COLWELL: Mr. Speaker, I move second reading of Bill No. 234.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 234. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

[Page 6205]

The motion is carried.

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

The House will take a short recess.

[ 10:07 a.m. The House recessed.]

[10:24 a.m. The House reconvened.]

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please.

The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. CHUCK PORTER: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 233.

Bill No. 233 - Apology Act.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Richmond.

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and allow me to start by thanking the Deputy Government House Leader for his understanding and leniency this morning in trying to juggle a whole host of parliamentary tasks that are taking place here this morning. It's been a busy Friday morning for many of us.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all the members of the House for allowing the debate on this bill to proceed today during second reading. The Apology Act, which is the short name for this bill, is an important one for us here in Nova Scotia. This bill actually expands upon another piece of legislation which was introduced by my honourable colleague, the honourable member for Glace Bay, in the Spring of this year, which was Bill No. 161, which amended the Health Authorities Act. That Bill No. 161, as tabled, enabled the board of directors of a district health authority to apologize publicly for misconduct or malpractice within the jurisdiction of a district health authority. It made it clear that such an apology could not be used in any legal or other proceeding relating to misconduct or malpractice. So initially, Bill No. 161 was to deal with the health care sector.

Mr. Speaker, this bill today expands upon the work that was done by my colleague and it also provides the opportunity for others to be able to do the same and enjoy the same protection. Three jurisdictions in Canada now have introduced apology legislation: British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Ontario actually just introduced a bill themselves on October 7th of this year. Thanks to this piece of legislation, Nova Scotia will soon be joining the other provinces in this regard.

[Page 6206]

Mr. Speaker, some form of apology legislation also exists in 20 states in the United States and in Australia. This legislation will allow a party an opportunity to offer their regrets, while having the protection of legislation that this expression of sympathy and apology will not be admissible in court. Studies have been done on the impact of American and Australian doctors' apologies where results have shown improved patient satisfaction, a decrease in repeat errors, and reduced costs and frequency of malpractice settlements. The Law Commission of Canada has concluded that: For a victim, an apology is often considered to be the key that will unlock the door to healing.

The goal of the legislation is to encourage sincere apologies, that saying sorry for a mistake or a wrongdoing is the right thing to do. Under current law people and organizations can be reluctant to apologize for an accident or a wrongdoing out of fear that the apology will be used against them as evidence of liability in a civil court proceeding. This type of reluctance to apologize harms the relations between people and can lead to bitterness and increase litigation. Allowing apologies will lower the temperature of disputes. Apology legislation was a recent discussion item at the Dalhousie Law institute and it has been recommended by the Uniform Law Conference of Canada.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that this is a good piece of legislation which will allow professionals and Nova Scotians in various employments the ability to be able to say they're sorry and not worry that there will be legal repercussions for doing so.

I want to again thank all of my colleagues for allowing the debate to go forward on this bill and I do certainly look forward to any comments or suggestions that might be made in regard to Bill No. 233. With that, Mr. Speaker, I would move second reading.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Economic Development.

HON. ANGUS MACISAAC: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I'm pleased to rise today and speak in support of the Apology Act. I do so on behalf of my colleague, the Minister of Justice. I'm a very poor substitute for him and I apologize to the House for that.

I believe that this is a valuable piece of legislation for Nova Scotians and it will allow individuals and organizations to make an apology without that apology being considered an admission of legal liability. Essentially this law provides that an apology made with regard to a civil matter does not constitute an admission of fault and would not be admissible in a civil proceeding. Often, Mr. Speaker, in order for a true healing to take place, victims of wrongdoing - either real or perceived - are in search of an apology. The words "I'm sorry" hold so much value and power. They are the first and possibly most important step toward true resolution of any issue.

[Page 6207]

[10:30 a.m.]

However, the offering of an apology is, especially in situations with potential ramifications, often fraught with difficulty. Individuals are concerned that an apology in some way infers guilt and that the inferring of guilt may negatively affect a lawsuit. These individuals may be truly remorseful, however, they are hesitant to express remorse for fear that it may be used against them later on in a court of law.

This bill would open the way for such an apology. It would allow for that important first step toward resolution to take place. Although this law would apply to all Nova Scotians, I understand it has special significance for those in the health care sector. To that end, the Minister of Justice's office has recently received a couple of letters from health care organizations in support of establishing an apology Act in Nova Scotia.

In August, the Department of Justice received a letter from the Canadian Nurses Protective Society. This society is a not-for-profit nursing organization that provides professional liability protection and liability risk management services to over 95,000 registered nurses in Canada. In their letter, the Canadian Nurses Protective Society states: CNPS supports the enactment of apology legislation in your jurisdiction. Apology legislation will enable and encourage more open communication after an adverse event without diminishing a patient's legal options for redress. We strongly encourage you to enact legislation protecting apologies.

In addition, in September, the Department of Justice received a letter from the College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia in support of apology legislation. This letter states: There is widespread concern that an apology can take place as an admission of legal responsibility, exposing providers and organizations to potentially unwarranted risk. The concern regarding the legal ramifications of an apology discourages appropriate disclosure processes with patients.

The letter then goes on to request the creation of an apology Act, stating: The Health Professions Regulatory Network is asking your ministry to introduce or support the enactment of legislation that provides protection of an apology consistent with the Canadian disclosure guidelines for disclosure when adverse events happen. We believe that enacting such legislation will move the patient safety agenda in Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, it is also my understanding that this new law would not be unique to Nova Scotia, as the honourable member for Richmond pointed out. Over the past two years, many other jurisdictions in Canada, including the Provinces of Manitoba and British Columbia, have enacted apology legislation. This type of legislation is currently before the House in Ontario and there is similar legislation in place in Saskatchewan. Clearly, other provinces recognize the benefit to such a law. Ultimately, the bill is important in helping to

[Page 6208]

bring peace and closure to victims of a crime. It will also allow individuals to express remorse without fearing that their apology will be used against them in a court of law.

Mr. Speaker, I believe this bill to be of benefit to Nova Scotians and we are very pleased to support it.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Chebucto.

MR. HOWARD EPSTEIN: Mr. Speaker, I want to set out the hesitations we have about this bill. I think we will support it through to the Law Amendments Committee as worthy of further scrutiny but, in my opinion, this is a bill that demands somewhat closer scrutiny than the comments that the two previous speakers have really suggested to us. What this bill does is it purports to adjust by Statute the common law rules of evidence. So we're engaged in thinking about the rules of evidence, and I'll get to that in a minute, and on the face of it that would be interesting enough and worthwhile thinking about, but I also want to flag something that doesn't seem to have been mentioned by the two previous speakers, which is that it also has to do with the issue of insurance and compensation for those who have actually been injured.

The kinds of circumstances that have been referred to in passing have had to do, for example, with the hospital context or the provision of health care services by physicians or nurses, often in a hospital setting, to patients and, of course, Mr. Speaker, when professionals are providing health care in those circumstances, they carry insurance. If we're going to take any move that would offer protections to them, in essence what we're saying is, we're trying to protect their insurance companies from being found liable to make payments of compensation towards those who have actually been injured.

I can readily think of other circumstances that are common circumstances in which personal injury, tort matters would arise in which insurance is going to be a regular feature. Think about car accidents. Car accidents are, of course, very common in our society but, of course, it's mandatory, it's the law that drivers have to carry insurance and they have to carry insurance so that anyone who might be injured through an accident gets compensated. I have to ask, do we want to throw up barriers in the way of the possibility of people who have been injured in hospital or in car accidents getting financial compensation, and I'll put forward a third circumstance in which this might also arise and it has to with property ownership - occupiers' liability as it's known in court.

If someone slips on the ice on your sidewalk, or you're cutting a limb off a tree in your backyard and it falls onto someone else's shed, that kind of injury is usually the kind of matter for which the homeowner has insurance and if they have a mortgage, their mortgage company will have required them to be carrying insurance. Again I ask, do we want to put anything in the way of the possibility of people obtaining monetary compensation from that insurance company in those circumstances? So let's just look for a minute at the face of

[Page 6209]

what it is that this bill says and imagine a set of circumstances. Let me back up perhaps before we do this. Let me just approach it in a slightly different way.

Mr. Speaker, as it happens I teach part time at Dalhousie Law School. I find that occasionally students will come and ask for suggestions from me about what courses they ought to take. I always have two suggestions for the students. One is, I think they should study administrative law, and the other is that they should study evidence law. Administrative law, that has to do with administrative tribunals - there are a lot of administrative tribunals, it's important they should know that - but evidence law I always suggest to students is likewise crucial. I have to recognize that very few lawyers actually go to court.

Very few lawyers go to court as a regular part of their practice. Some lawyers never go to court but even if a lawyer spends their career sitting in their office talking to clients, they are going to be talking to clients, whether they're talking about contracts, or about wills or estates, or anything along those lines - they're going to be talking to their clients about matters which if push comes to shove could end up in court. That's what courts are, courts are the professional bodies that we have to resolve disputes. (Interruption) I've been asked by the Speaker if I would interrupt so that there can be an introduction and I'm pleased to do so.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Preston on an introduction.

MR. KEITH COLWELL: My thanks to the honourable member for allowing me to make an introduction and to the Speaker for recognizing me. In the west gallery today, we have Grade 6 students from O'Connell Drive School in Porters Lake, a wonderful school in my area. With the students today is Mrs. Fraser, a teacher; Mrs. Tordon, a teacher; and some parents - Mrs. Conrad, Mrs. Walker, Mrs. Veniot, Mr. Forbes and Mr. Glattfelder. I would ask them all to stand up and receive a warm welcome from the House of Assembly, students included. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Chebucto has the floor.

MR. EPSTEIN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and welcome to our guests. Even though a lawyer who practices really as a solicitor may never go to court, they have to understand the laws of evidence because if a dispute arises, based on some of the work that they have done or the advice that they have given, at some point a set of circumstances could end up in court and the lawyer has to understand what the rules of evidence are. They have to know what is admissible and what isn't and that's a crucial matter. So evidence is a really basic aspect of understanding the law's process.

What this bill seems to ask us to do is to make some adjustments to a part of the law of evidence known as the law of hearsay. I'm sure everyone here understands, somewhat, the

[Page 6210]

idea of hearsay. Hearsay essentially is a rule that says that if you're testifying in court, you can't report what someone else said outside of court if you're reporting what they said in order to try to show the truth of the contents of what they say. That's what the rule of hearsay is about. It doesn't say that you can't report what other people said - you can. The line is crossed and the prohibitory rule comes into play when you're trying to introduce that out-of-court statement which is not, of course, made under oath and so on, to show the truth of the contents of that.

Look at what this bill seems to be saying. What this bill seems to say is that you are no longer going to be able to report something that was said outside of the court, not when you're necessarily trying to show the truth of the contents but when you're showing that it's allowable for other reasons, and there are two clear other reasons where the courts allow this kind of statement to come in, even though it might even be hearsay. One is what is known as the res gestae rule and the other is an admission against interest. So even though it might be prohibited as hearsay, if it's a clear admission against interest, the court is inclined, under well-tested, hundreds of years old common law rules to allow that kind of statement to be introduced. It's not that that ends the case, it's just that it's part of the case. It can be challenged, it can be all kinds of things; other evidence can be introduced but it's allowable.

The res gestae rule, which is another way of understanding this, is that the court is prepared to allow a statement that might otherwise be hearsay, to go in if the statement was part of the actions that were involved, if it's part of the story.

So let me give you the circumstances that really would illustrate this and which, for this bill, I really wonder whether there's not a problem. Imagine a car accident, imagine the car accident in which someone perhaps runs a red light, goes through a stop sign, and crashes into another vehicle. The driver of the vehicle gets up, rushes right out, goes over to the other person and says, oh my God, I'm really terribly sorry, are you hurt? Well, on the face of it, Mr. Speaker, that's kind of an apology. It includes "I'm sorry", but under common law rules, because it's part of the res gestae, it's kind of what happened at the time; that would be perfectly admissible. That's the kind of statement which this proposed Statute would seem to exclude from admission in court.

[10:45 a.m.]

I wonder if, in fact, the intent behind the bill has not caused the legislation to go just a little too far. What I heard is that it would promote good feeling and it would promote - in fact, in the health context, it might even promote healing if people were allowed to apologize and help victims, people who have been injured, to get on with their lives, that it might help. That's a perfectly sensible point, absolutely it's a sensible point. But there's a big difference between the administrator of a hospital, a week or two after something has gone wrong, writing to someone who's been injured and saying, the hospital sincerely regrets any injury that you have suffered, we hope you're well; or a neighbour saying to their neighbour, after

[Page 6211]

the event, I really regret what occurred and I hope it's not going to interfere with our continued ability to live happily side by side.

[Page 6212]

There's a difference, Mr. Speaker, between an apology offered in measured, careful tones - often upon legal advice, later on after the events - and an apology that might be elicited spontaneously, and for very good reason, at the moment the event occurred. It's that apology, that second kind of apology, the one that was spontaneous at the time - oh, my goodness, I've cut off the wrong toe, this one didn't have the cancer, I'm really sorry.

Now, why should that not be admissible evidence? Oh, my goodness, I'm really sorry that I cut that limb off the tree and it fell on your shed, I'm terribly sorry, I hope we'll sort this out and I've got insurance. That's the kind of statement that should go in. Under the common law rules, that's the kind of statement that is admissible in a court of law. I don't have a problem with excluding the emotion recollected in tranquility - as the poets say - the apology recollected in tranquility or crafted in tranquility, after the event. That's a different matter. I think the logic for that, the logic for excluding that as an admission against interest as a matter that would be seen as relevant is quite compelling. One can understand that.

Certainly, in some circumstances, it would go to promoting neighbourliness, it might go to promoting in the health context, it might help someone feel better if they've been the victim of a car accident or an industrial accident or anything else. But I object to the idea of protecting insurers who are mostly going to be involved here through excluding the spontaneous comments that are made at the time. I think that leads us somewhat astray.

Although I think we're prepared to see this bill go through to the Law Amendments Committee, I think it's crucial that we hear at the Law Amendments Committee from members of the practising Bar who are engaged in tort litigation about this. I think it's important that we hear from those who teach the law of evidence what their experience and opinion might be. There is every reason to have full faith in those particular rules of evidence that have evolved over hundreds of years through the practice of the courts. The courts are very sound on this and if we're going to make a move that adjusts the practice that has evolved through the back and forth of litigation with lawyers and in front of judges, then I think we have to be very careful indeed.

Mr. Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to offer my thoughts on this bill.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Health.

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, I'd like to speak a few moments in support of this bill. It has broad application, but it has significant implications for the health care sector. The member opposite was just talking about cutting off toes, so I think he understands the importance with the health care system as well. I'll comment on that briefly.

Apologizing when there's been harm is a natural human thing to do. It helps acknowledge responsibility and restore responsibility and relationship and trust, but there's

[Page 6213]

a belief and a fear that an apology implies blame or an admission of legal responsibility. That does not support a strong patient safety culture. For the good of the patients, we are taking steps to ensure that this perception doesn't persist in Nova Scotia.

As a province, we require that disclosure take place when there has been harm in a health care setting. A candid disclosure ensures that we know what has happened and allows us to act on that information. This bill allows providers to go the extra step to respond as humans and apologize, and one of the ways this bill makes that easier is by protecting an apology from being admitted into evidence in a legal proceeding. As a result, health care providers can communicate in a sincere expression of regret without fear of being interpreted as an admission of liability.

I was glad to see this bill come forward. We have had interest for some time in this type of legislation. We've also received unsolicited letters asking for something like this from the Canadian Nurses Protective Society, the Health Professions Regulatory Network in Nova Scotia, and the board of the Capital District Health Authority. So national and provincial health organizations are interested in this very type of legislation. I do acknowledge the Liberal Party for the work on this. It has been of interest to both sides of the House and it has been good working together to accomplish it.

The health care sector likes this legislation because it helps them work toward a culture of transparency and accountability. It also helps with moving forward after there has been an adverse event and that there has been some harm. It removes the perceived legal barriers to apologizing - and apologizing is important, all of us would admit that. It's human to apologize when there has been harm. It helps the patient or the family move on to have an apology and it helps the organization or health provider to move forward, which is also important. So, Mr. Speaker, there are therapeutic benefits.

A good and properly done apology also improves the culture - relationships and trust can be restored. The Patient Safety Institute has been greatly interested in disclosure of adverse events as a part of patients' safety. They develop guidelines for doing apologies properly as part of the disclosure process. If it's done badly, an apology can only make things worse but done well and properly, all of society wins. The guidelines support the development and implementation of the disclosure policies, practices and training methods. This bill is consistent with our health transformation initiative. As a tool that moves us forward in patient safety, the new Statute will become a key component in helping improve patient care.

When you consider the support this bill has had from health organizations, you can probably recognize that they are ready to embrace it. This is a permissive bill. It creates an atmosphere in which apologies can take place but, Mr. Speaker, it doesn't require that. Some of the elements that need to be in place to implement the policy ideas behind this bill are not there yet, but in time apologies will become part of how organizations of all types, including

[Page 6214]

health care providers, deal with harm when it happens. I look forward to incorporating this bill into our health care system vision of generations of Nova Scotians living well and our shared mission of working together with individuals, families and communities to promote, improve and maintain the health of Nova Scotians through a responsive and sustainable system.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I again thank the members opposite for this bill and I look forward to seeing it go through the legislative process.

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

The honourable member for Richmond.

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the members who spoke on this bill - the Minister of Economic Development, the Minister of Health and the member for Halifax Chebucto. As I mentioned, the Apology Act, we believe, is an important tool to allow professionals to be able to express their regret following an incident and not have to fear that the expression of regret is going to bring about personal liability for them or for their employer.

I did listen to the remarks from the member for Halifax Chebucto and I respectfully disagree with his comments in that I do not believe this was ever meant to be a case of when someone readily comes forward and admits that it was wrong, that they were in the wrong in a motor vehicle accident, that this is what it is meant to protect - that is not the case. Again, Mr. Speaker, I'm sure he would be well aware that the joys of our court system is that we do have means where evidence can be entered and then the courts can make determinations of what evidence will be heard by a jury or by a trial judge and what evidence will not be heard. So there are protections in our system right away.

I believe the comments that have been made here in the House, by all of the speakers, will reflect for our courts exactly what the intention of this legislation is, as is the case in other provinces. So the concerns that he has raised, I do not believe are going to be impacted by the legislation that is being proposed here. They are two completely different sets of circumstances.

I do look forward to the bill moving on to the Law Amendments Committee and any concerns raised there we'll certainly be able to deal with, as we deal with all other bills at the Law Amendments Committee.

With that, Mr. Speaker, again my thanks to the Deputy Government House Leader and all colleagues for allowing this debate to move forward today. With that, I would move to close second reading of Bill No. 233.

[Page 6215]

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 233. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

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

The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. CHUCK PORTER: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 88.

Bill No. 88 - Private Investigators and Private Guards Act.

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

MS. DIANA WHALEN: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I'm pleased to rise today to begin second reading of Bill No. 88. It's a bill to improve the training for private investigators and private guards in our province.

Mr. Speaker, the need for this has been clear. There's a move afoot across Canada to improve, I guess, the regulatory framework and particularly the safety that will come from greater training of people who work in the security field - people who are not police officers but are, in many cases, providing security at events and in locations throughout our city and our province. In order to protect those people, I felt very strongly that we need to have some regulations and laws in place that would require security people to have some minimum amount of training. I think that's very important.

It certainly came to light more than a year ago when there was an incident at the Halifax Forum where a number of young security guards - they were university students who were filling that role - were actually very seriously injured. They were stabbed at an event at the Halifax Forum and it was a great concern to me that this could happen to such young people who perhaps were not properly prepared and trained for the sometimes dangerous work that they were doing on behalf of our society. Therefore, the need was there to add some more clarity around the training that is required. The Act itself is about 40 years old and hasn't had any major changes, so I think that's another reason why we need to look at these amendments today.

There are three clauses in the current bill, as it stands. One is to just improve the definition of what a private guard is, in today's context, so that just adds some wording, for example, including a bouncer or a bodyguard. The fifth one, "performs services to prevent the loss of property through theft or sabotage in an industrial, commercial, residential or retail environment." So we're talking about in-house security there or security in a retail

[Page 6216]

store, which is quite common, preventing thefts. So again, they would be included in that as well.

Mr. Speaker, I had a chance to talk to the Department of Justice staff about some of the things that are in the bill currently and maybe a few things that might be added to it in amendments. Just to get more clarity around what their thoughts are, they were, in fact, looking at improving this bill, the current Act. So this does, as I say, fall into the right time frame that across Canada there is a move to look very carefully at this. I was pleased to see that and pleased that my thoughts about improving the safety of the people working in this field are also in line with what the department has been seeing.

I wanted to provide a couple of clarifications. Right now a number of the bars, particularly in metro, have got security, especially on the weekends, and there will be no requirement that a bar establishment would have to have security. I think there was some concern among the owners right across the province that they might somehow be required to have security guards. That may be entirely unnecessary and it's up to them to decide whether they feel it is something they should have or not. So this will only clarify what the training level is for those people who are serving in that function.

Again, as a larger establishment, they have the opportunity to do the training themselves, as prescribed by the bill, or they could hire a company that has already met those requirements. So I think it's quite flexible, particularly in not requiring anybody to have the security that becomes a matter for each individual event, each individual store or operation, such as an establishment like a bar. So we certainly want to clarify that there's not going to be any requirement for that.

One suggestion was made that it should be insistent that we have a portability of the licence because if we have now required a licensing of people to show that they have the training, they should be able to move between different jobs or different employers and have their certification with them. I think it's very important that be looked at as something that would be of benefit both to the employer and to the employee in this case, that they have a portable licence and that they not have to be re-certified. That could lead to delays, for example, if somebody who has had the training needs to be processed again to change and work in a different location. So we want to make sure that if they have the training and it's up-to-date, they can take that forward to different employers and different events.

There is training available currently at the Nova Scotia Community College that's quite extensive; they have a nine-month program. That's not what we're proposing in this bill. We're proposing something in the range of about 40 hours of training, and there are already companies interested in providing that training. They've spoken to the Nova Scotia Community College and it can be provided through their campuses and through their facilities by an outside trainer who would come in, that would not be too onerous.

[Page 6217]

There has been talk already about making it a flexible program so that the people trying to get this 40 hours of training could do it in the evenings or on the weekend so that it's available when they might be free to take it. So there will be flexibility worked in and we understand that it could be difficult for some people as they're working. But the main reason for this bill is to see that we protect the people who are engaged in the security field and that we, you know, recognize that it's a more dangerous society today than it has been and what might not have seemed like a dangerous situation in the past now very much is.

[11:00 a.m.]

As the Speaker would definitely know, a lot of high schools now aren't even having dances anymore. They certainly had to hire security to be there and to ensure that there was, to basically keep the peace at those dances, but they've even gone so far as to no longer allow them. I think that's just an indication that even at the high school level, it was deemed to be too dangerous, too unruly, and too difficult to control. Certainly the days of parents going in to chaperone dances at the high school level are long gone; it's just not possible. We can recognize that it's a different world, that there are more dangers out there for the guards, and that they should have that training. It's really a protection to them and that is why we want to go in that direction.

There is regulation-making power in the bill as it stands in Clause 3. It says that it adds a regulation-making power to the government, and I want to stress that consultation around those regulations will be important. I know that during this sitting of the Legislature, there was good consultation done with the regulated professions to bring in the bill around registration in those professions and trades, and I would say that in bringing this forward it will be important that there be consultation with those different groups that will be captured within it.

Mr. Speaker, I understand that some of the in-house - it refers here to in-house security, and some of the very large employers have in-house security. I'm going to mention one in particular, and that's the Michelin plants in the province and they don't want to be held to that same, maybe the same stringent rule, because they're not dealing directly with the public. They're working within a controlled environment with their own employees, with people they know - they're not coming into contact with strangers or with members of the public.

In making those regulations, the opportunity will become clear, that anybody, including these large employers, will have an opportunity to voice their concerns and to have the regulations be appropriate for the situation. In bringing this bill forward, my concern was security guards, particularly young people who are doing this on a part-time basis, or to pay for university, and it really captures everybody, but it provides for them the right level of training so that they will know how to react, how to handle difficult situations, and have a sort of prescribed protocol to do so. Without that, Mr. Speaker, when you are faced with a

[Page 6218]

dangerous or an explosive situation, without having ever thought about what the situation is, you would find yourself ill-prepared, and taking the wrong steps may mean that you'll come to harm. So I think that is the kind of training that there will be - intervention or crisis management or talking to people that are out of control, those kinds of things that you have a prescribed protocol for different situations that are quite predictable in terms of these people will be faced with them.

I feel the time has come for that amendment to go forward. As I say, the Act is 40 years old and has had very little change and society is different today than it was before. I think there are some very good models in other provinces. We've seen some major changes in Ontario and British Columbia in the last couple of years and Alberta is currently in the midst of looking at changes to how they regulate and train and provide rules for the training of security guards. I am very pleased to see this moving forward. Thank you very much.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Justice.

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, I'm also very pleased to stand this morning to discuss Bill No. 88, amendments to the Private Investigators and Private Guards Act. This has been something the Department of Justice has been reviewing, indeed, I believe it's timely, as well as other issues. In looking at that and looking at the bill on the Order Paper and other initiatives we were considering, I'm very pleased that we can move forward. I believe when you look at Justice being the department responsible for regulating and monitoring the private security industry in the province, so that they ensure the safety interests of the general public, that they are indeed protected.

The private security industry plays a valuable role in safeguarding life and property and enhancing public safety and security in Nova Scotia. Security guards and other individuals offering protection services to Nova Scotians should be licensed and properly trained in their duties. These amendments aim to enhance protection of the public through increased public trust and confidence in the security industry by ensuring those engaged in such security activities are suitable and properly trained.

Governments are accountable to citizens to ensure that such legislation provides for overall public safety and meets the public security needs of the general public. Similar legislation has been introduced in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia. Here in Nova Scotia, the Private Investigators and Private Guards Act originally enacted in 1972 and last amended in 1989, provides a regulated environment for private investigators and private guards in Nova Scotia.

As the private security industry grows, and it is, it is important that legislation include all security practitioners and that it reflects the changing role that the private security plays in the overall safety of Nova Scotians. I recognize, as well, this bill and the amendments to the legislation would be significant to the security industry. In fact, in the last 30 years. These

[Page 6219]

changes will expand the licensing sectors which include bouncers, bodyguards and retail security. These changes will also create mandatory training for security personnel to ensure they're adequately protecting property and citizens. I know, as we all deal with issues that have been in the public fore, we want to make sure we have the framework, we respond, there are issues - regrettable issues that come forward that cause us to respond legislatively. But, we must respond and update legislation wherever possible. I see this as an important next step forward and to that, we'll be pleased to support this bill. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect.

MR. WILLIAM ESTABROOKS: I thank the member for Halifax Clayton Park for this piece of legislation because of the concern that has been raised and she frames it very well when saying times certainly have changed. Those days where we would, as school principals, teachers go to parents and say, can you come and assist us, we're having a school dance? These days, unfortunately, a sign of the times I guess would be an appropriate way to put it - that's not exactly a job that a lot of parents or volunteers in the community want to take on. In fact, it's not a job that a lot of teachers, in particular, want to take on. But, that's one particular perspective.

Inevitably, you end up going to a private security company and you're going on the fact that you're assuming these folks you're employing are well trained and are aware of the situation and are going to be the sort of credible people that we can work with. In a previous career, I could work with someone I brought in as a private security guard to assist when we were dealing with a dance in a high school or a junior high school.

The piece of legislation does need updating and it's an appropriate time to do it. The concern I have - I'm looking forward to the consultation that will follow - we have a huge range of private security companies that have a huge range of training procedures. The NSCC very appropriately has a nine-month course. Now I'm hearing from the sponsor of the bill that we're looking at 40 hours. I'm no expert when it comes to training security guards or bouncers or bodyguards, never having been in that situation, but there's a huge discrepancy between a 40-hour course and a nine month course.

I would like to point out the fact that we are talking about making sure that security guards, bouncers and so on, are properly trained and how they are to react. I want to point out that we also have to make sure that they are very careful in how they don't over-react. In certain situations, having had two daughters who attended universities here locally, the local bar scene, and particular bouncers and how they handle particular situations - if we're dealing with issues that at times it's not just the safety of the security guard that we're concerned about, the safety of the patron of that particular bar at that time is another concern.

Now that's a different issue but it's one of the other innuendoes that has to be brought up. You know we're talking about training, we're talking about what currently exists, the

[Page 6220]

differences between some private firms and other private firms, but we're talking about other people, aside from people who you used to have at a school dance or the community function.

I certainly share the member's concern considering that very unfortunate incident that happened at the Halifax Forum, but I think on any Friday or Saturday or cheap drink night in this university town, there are bouncers put in situations of making some pretty tough judgment calls, making sure that those particular individuals have the right training, the proper hours of training, to make sure that they are protected but also the people who they are dealing with are well within their rights at the time.

Now I know that's a thin edge and it's something that we have to look at carefully but that's what Law Amendments Committee is all about. Hopefully we will have the opportunity to hear from private security companies at that time, as they bring forward these concerns with regard to clarifying the licensing and clarifying the training of people in the private security business.

It is a growing business, as the minister says, and that's an unfortunate sign of the times, is it not, Mr. Speaker? It is an unfortunate growing business but these men and women who do this job have to make sure they're properly trained. So with those few comments, the NDP looks forward to the support of the House of moving this on to Law Amendments Committee. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

The honourable member for Halifax Clayton Park.

MS. DIANA WHALEN: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and I appreciate the comments of the minister and the member for Timberlea-Prospect on this bill. I agree that there will be a great deal, I am sure, to hear at Law Amendments Committee. I hope that people who are affected will let us know how they feel and, as I said, I feel that there should be good consultation as this is brought forward, because of the variety of different companies and different individuals that will be captured in the bill. As I said, it does cover people as well, in-house and retail security and other areas. So it is important that we hear how this will impact them.

There's also an issue around how it might affect volunteers and whether or not that is captured. My understanding is this is strictly people who work for payment on security, so we would want to confirm that. As I say, Mr. Speaker, I'm very pleased to see this bill come forward. I want to see improved safety for the people working in those areas, also improved safety for the public because they serve a very important function when they are present at public events and in public places, such as our bars and public events.

[Page 6221]

The fact that we need to increase the confidence and public trust in this function is really important as well. I believe that here in the province, we have some wonderful companies that are engaged in this, they care about their employees - this is in no way reflecting that they don't care about that. I think this is just helping to clarify and improve public trust and confidence and, again, to protect the people who choose to do that work.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I look forward to Law Amendments Committee and I would like to move second reading of Bill No. 88. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 88. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

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

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, I know the Law Amendments Committee process, the paperwork has just been finalized to report back. So I'm wondering if we could just have a recess for a couple of minutes as the Clerks are providing the documentation from the Red Chamber to the House?

MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

The House will recess for a few minutes until the Law Amendments Committee is ready to report.

[11:15 a.m. The House recessed.]

[11:16 a.m. The House reconvened.]

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, I would request the consent of the House to revert to the order of business, Presenting Reports of Committees.

MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

[Page 6222]

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of the Committee on Law Amendments, I am directed to report that the committee has met and considered the following bills:

Bill No. 201 - Counselling Therapists Act.

Bill No. 220 - Judicature Act.

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

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

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of the Committee on Law Amendments, I am directed to report that the committee has met and considered the following bills:

Bill No. 26 - Environment Act.

Bill No. 154 - Education Act.

Bill No. 215 - Education Act.

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

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

The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. CHUCK PORTER: Mr. Speaker, I move that you do now leave the Chair and the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole House on Bills.

[Page 6223]

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

The motion is carried.

[11:18 a.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Bills with Deputy Speaker Mr. Wayne Gaudet in the Chair.]

[11:24 a.m. CWH on Bills rose and the House reconvened with Deputy Speaker Mr. Wayne Gaudet in the Chair.]

MR. SPEAKER: The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House on Bills reports:

THE CLERK: That the committee has met and considered the following bills:

Bill No. 215 - Education Act.

Bill No. 154 - Education Act.

Bill No. 26 - Environment Act.

Bill No. 201 - Counselling Therapists Act.

Bill No. 220 - Judicature Act.

and the chairman has been instructed to recommend these bills to the favourable consideration of the House, each without amendment.

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

The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. CHUCK PORTER: Mr. Speaker, I would seek consent of the House to do third reading of these bills.

MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. CHUCK PORTER: Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Private Members' Public Bills For Third Reading.

[Page 6224]

PRIVATE MEMBERS' PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING

MR. PORTER: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 26.

Bill No. 26 - Environment Act.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Preston.

MR. KEITH COLWELL: Mr. Speaker, I move third reading of Bill No. 26.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 26. Would all those in favour of the motion, please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

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

The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. CHUCK PORTER: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 154.

Bill No. 154 - Education Act.

The honourable member for Kings West.

MR. LEO GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased today to move third reading of Bill No. 154.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 154. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

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

The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. CHUCK PORTER: Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Public Bills for Third Reading.

PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING

[Page 6225]

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. CHUCK PORTER: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 215.

Bill No. 215 - Education Act.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Education.

HON. KAREN CASEY: Mr. Speaker, I will be moving third reading of Bill No. 215. This bill certainly was one that received full support from all members of the House. I believe it was strengthened by the addition of presentations at the Law Amendments Committee and I move third reading of Bill No. 215.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect.

MR. WILLIAM ESTABROOKS: Mr. Speaker, the minister must be reading my notes in advance because she stole all my thunder. But that's okay, I'll send her a copy of my comments at a later time.

The Law Amendments Committee plays an important role when it comes to any kind of piece of legislation. There were some concerns that were brought forward, Irvine Carvery appeared on behalf of the Halifax Regional School Board. Mr. Carvery, on behalf of his new board, has assured the minister and has assured members and has assured members of the public, in particular - I just want to quote from his comments, if I may and I'll table Mr. Carvery's comments.

For those members who were not present, Irvine Carvery is the newly-elected chair of the Halifax Regional School Board. In his comments, Mr. Carvery says, "Halifax Regional School Board members are committed to the establishment of sound governance practices and to adhering to those practices during the course of the current four year term."

I believe, Madam Minister, that the Halifax Regional School Board, using a teacher term, has learned their lesson. The proof, of course, will be in the pudding because, after all, if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem. They've stepped forward, they've made some good suggestions to you, as the minister, and to the department's credit, you followed those suggestions. That type of consultation, I know, will follow because of the expertise you and your department have. I compliment you on that; it's a good piece of legislation.

I compliment you again and the staff on listening to the Halifax Regional School Board, in particular. With those comments, I'll take my place. Thank you.

[Page 6226]

[11:30 a.m.]

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Kings West.

MR. LEO GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to see this bill on school board governance move through the House. I think in many ways, it will mean a stronger, more professional approach for the boards themselves under which they will operate.

[Page 6227]

The Nova Scotia School Boards Association made two or three strong recommendations. I was pleased to see the minister and her department and government open to those suggestions, especially with regard to a strong consultative process should there be a school board member dismissed, and the minister is prepared to have consultation with the board in terms of replacement rather than a straightforward appointment. With that, Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to see this Education Act on school board governance go through the House.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Richmond.

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, just a few brief comments on Bill No. 215. I did stand in my place in the past and have been critical of the Minister of Education for not having exactly what she is now being given in Bill No. 215 and the school boards themselves not being given that legislative authority to be able to deal with unruly members. It was unfortunate that we saw both the Halifax Regional School Board and later my own school board, the Strait Regional School Board, be disbanded because of the fact they had become, in many ways, dysfunctional.

At that time, I lamented the fact that the boards weren't given the tools necessary to be able to deal with what was, in the Strait board, isolated members - one to two members, in fact - that were particularly difficult. Yet, now, that is being provided - in fact, I just got off the phone with one of my school board members who was saying, we want to make sure this bill goes through. I initially feared they were looking for changes to the bill, and I was about to say it might be a little hard right now, we're on third reading and it's going through. But fortunately the message was, we need this tool, we need this to be available to us.

I believe in the last municipal elections and school board elections the people impacted by the Strait Regional School Board did speak on their representatives and they have sent new faces to the board and they've returned a number of faces there. I simply want to say, as the member for Richmond, how proud I am to once again see George Kehoe having been acclaimed and Francine Boudreau having been acclaimed. They have been two well-respected members of the board - George having been there for a number of years, a career-long educator who, as well, I want to congratulate as having been chosen as the vice-chair of the Strait Regional School Board. Francine, who was elected in a by-election and has been acclaimed, certainly speaks to how much respect they have in Richmond County and the work that will be done.

Unfortunately, there will still be issues with the Strait Regional School Board and there may even be issues as I speak right now. But this bill will hopefully give them the abilities to be able to deal with that in a reasonable way, to not hold up the business of the board, and to make sure they can continue their mandate of addressing the educational needs of the students, teachers, staff and parents of the Strait Regional School Board. To them, I

[Page 6228]

congratulate them, I wish them well, and hopefully the passage of this bill will give them the tools necessary so that they can continue with the work they are doing.

I do commend the minister for bringing it forward. As I said, I was critical, so one should now balance that off by being complimentary and saying that what I criticized has now been addressed, and I do commend the minister and all of her staff for their work in that. With that, I'm pleased to see this bill move forward and close on third reading.

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

The honourable Minister of Education.

HON. KAREN CASEY: Mr. Speaker, it has been stated that this legislation was needed. It does give boards more authority to manage their own discipline at the board level. It also, however, leaves the clause that should that fail, the authority of the minister will still be there. We want to make sure that all boards are functional, that they maintain their focus on students, and we believe this bill will be welcomed. This legislation will allow them to do that. I would like to close debate on Bill No. 215.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 215. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

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

The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. CHUCK PORTER: Mr. Speaker, I would move that we now adjourn to meet again on Monday, when the hours will be from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Following the daily routine will be Government Business, I guess, with the agreement of the House as we move forward.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is that the House rise to meet on Monday at the hour of 2:00 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.

[Page 6229]

[The House rose at 11:35 a.m.]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

RESOLUTION NO. 5934

By: Hon. Brooke Taylor (Agriculture)

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

Whereas public service is a central institution of our democracy; and

Whereas the Public Service of Nova Scotia contributes in a fundamental way to good government, to democracy and to society in general; and

Whereas David Haner from Truro Heights, Colchester County, was recently recognized for his three decades of outstanding work with the Government of Nova Scotia's Department of Community Services;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly applaud David Haner on his tremendous work ethic and for doing such a commendable job over the past three decades.

RESOLUTION NO. 5935

By: Hon. Brooke Taylor (Agriculture)

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

Whereas the Nova Scotia Public Service Commission is dedicated to building a service that strives for excellence while recruiting Nova Scotians to meet the needs of a modern and innovative Public Service; and

Whereas Dennis Eldershaw from Hilden, Colchester County, was recently recognized for his quarter-century of outstanding work with the Government of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the Public Service of Nova Scotia contributes in a fundamental way to good government, to democracy and to society in general;

[Page 6230]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize Hilden's Dennis Eldershaw on his outstanding work ethic, and for doing such a commendable job over the past two and a half decades.

[Page 6231]

RESOLUTION NO. 5936

By: Hon. Brooke Taylor (Agriculture)

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

Whereas the Public Service of Nova Scotia contributes in a fundamental way to good government, to democracy and to society in general; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia Public Service Commission is dedicated to building a service that strives for excellence while recruiting Nova Scotians to meet the needs of a modern and innovative Public Service; and

Whereas Robert Cox of Upper Stewiacke was recently recognized for his 25 years of exemplary work with the Government of Nova Scotia's Department of Natural Resources;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Upper Stewiacke's Robert Cox on his commendable work over the past 25 years.

RESOLUTION NO. 5937

By: Hon. Brooke Taylor (Agriculture)

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

Whereas the Nova Scotia Public Service Commission is dedicated to building a service that strives for excellence while recruiting Nova Scotians to meet the needs of a modern and innovative Public Service; and

Whereas Heather Collicott from Greenfield, Colchester County, was recently recognized for her 25 years of outstanding work with the Government of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Heather is a senior caseworker with Nova Scotia's Department of Community Services;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly applaud Greenfield's Heather Collicott on her outstanding work ethic and for doing such a commendable job over the past two and a half decades.

[Page 6232]

RESOLUTION NO. 5938

By: Hon. Brooke Taylor (Agriculture)

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

Whereas the Nova Scotia Public Service Commission is dedicated to building a service that strives for excellence while recruiting Nova Scotians to meet the needs of a modern and innovative Public Service; and

Whereas the Public Service of Nova Scotia contributes in a fundamental way to good government, to democracy and to society in general; and

Whereas Lloyd Mappleback from Hilden, Colchester County, was recently recognized for his quarter-century of outstanding work with the Government of Nova Scotia; and

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize Hilden's Lloyd Mappleback on his outstanding work ethic over the past two and a half decades with Nova Scotia's Public Service.

RESOLUTION NO. 5939

By: Hon. Brooke Taylor (Agriculture)

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

Whereas the Public Service of Nova Scotia contributes in a fundamental way to good government, to democracy and to society in general; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia Public Service Commission is dedicated to building a service that strives for excellence while recruiting Nova Scotians to meet the needs of a modern and innovative Public Service; and

Whereas Carollyn Ann Crewe of Clifton, Colchester County, was recently recognized for her 30 years of exemplary work with the Government of Nova Scotia's Department of Agriculture;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Carollyn Ann Crewe of Clifton, Colchester County, on her commendable work over the past three decades.

[Page 6233]

RESOLUTION NO. 5940

By: Hon. Brooke Taylor (Agriculture)

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

Whereas the Nova Scotia Public Service Commission is dedicated to building a service that strives for excellence while recruiting Nova Scotians to meet the needs of a modern and innovative Public Service; and

Whereas Margaret Anne Johnson from Brookfield, Colchester County, was recently recognized for her 35 years of exceptional work with the Government of Nova Scotia's Department of Agriculture where she continues to work today; and

Whereas the Public Service of Nova Scotia contributes in a fundamental way to good government, to democracy and to society in general;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Margaret Anne Johnson of Brookfield on her outstanding work over the past three and a half decades.

RESOLUTION NO. 5941

By: Hon. Brooke Taylor (Agriculture)

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

Whereas Premier MacDonald said during Public Service Week in early October, "that Nova Scotia's civil servants contribute to the prosperity of our province"; and

Whereas Premier MacDonald also said, "civil servants provide high quality service to keep our families safe, our businesses growing and our communities thriving every single day"; and

Whereas Hank Kolstee of Brookfield was recognized in October for his 35 years of faithful and dedicated work in the Department of Agriculture's Land Protection Services branch, where he retired as a supervisor;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly applaud Hank Kolstee of Brookfield for his three and a half decades of outstanding work in Nova Scotia's Public Service, while wishing him continued success.

[Page 6234]

RESOLUTION NO. 5942

By: Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay)

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

Whereas the Premier has stated in recent interviews that he does not believe in deficits; and

Whereas whether he believes in them or not, deficits can and do exist in uncertain economic times; and

Whereas a strong fiscal management is the key to avoiding a deficit situation, fiscal management that does not include spending $10,000 to study the health benefits of driving an all-terrain vehicle;

Therefore be it resolved that the Premier and his government handle the province's funds with care, avoiding a deficit by reining in the irresponsible spending which has put us in such a poor position to begin with.

RESOLUTION NO. 5943

By: Hon. Karen Casey (Education)

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

Whereas Eric Jennings opened the Masstown Market in 1969 to sell items from the family farm; and

Whereas the family business is now managed by Eric's son, Laurie Jennings, and employs 95 people; and

Whereas the popular market is well-known for its support of local farmers and Nova Scotia producers;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the Masstown Market for winning the National Gold Award and the Atlantic Award for 2008 from the Canadian Federation for Independent Grocers.

[Page 6235]

RESOLUTION NO. 5944

By: Mr. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas Premier MacDonald said during Public Service Week in early October, "that Nova Scotia's civil servants contribute to the prosperity of our province"; and

Whereas Premier MacDonald also said, "civil servants provide high quality service to keep our families safe, our businesses growing and our communities thriving every single day"; and

Whereas Brad Jodrey of Falmouth was recognized in October for his quarter century of faithful and dedicated work for the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal as an engineering aide;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly compliment Mr. Jodrey for his 25 years of outstanding work in Nova Scotia's Public Service, while wishing him continued success.

RESOLUTION NO. 5945

By: Mr. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas the Nova Scotia Public Service Commission is dedicated to building a service that strives for excellence while recruiting Nova Scotians to meet the needs of a modern and innovative Public Service; and

Whereas Blaine Mack of Hantsport in the constituency of Hants West, was recently recognized by the Nova Scotia Public Service for his 25 years of faithful public service; and

Whereas Blaine is still going strong after a quarter century and is employed as a correctional worker with the Department of Justice;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Legislature applaud the tremendous work ethic and commitment of Blaine Mack of Hantsport for his 25 years of dedicated public service.

[Page 6236]

RESOLUTION NO. 5946

By: Mr. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas Premier MacDonald said during Public Service Week in early October, "that Nova Scotia's civil servants contribute to the prosperity of our province"; and

Whereas Premier MacDonald also said, "civil servants provide high quality service to keep our families safe, our businesses growing and our communities thriving every single day"; and

Whereas Eric Pick of Falmouth was recognized in October for his three and a half decades of faithful and dedicated work for the Department of Natural Resources as a forest technician, which involved the battling of different forest and wood fires, including playing a leading role in the Lake Echo-Porter's Lake fire in June of this year;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly applaud Eric Pick of Falmouth for his 35 years of outstanding work in Nova Scotia's Public Service, while wishing him continued success.

RESOLUTION NO. 5947

By: Mr. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas 13-year old Melanie Ross of Scotch Village showed extraordinary graciousness recently in donating her hair to Angel Hair for Kids, an organization in metro who works with Headquarters Hair Solutions Clinic, to ensure children impacted by cancer or burns and can't afford to purchase a wig will still have one available to them; and

Whereas Melanie had her hair cut at the Riverview Beauty Salon in Windsor by well-known Windsor hair stylist Lorraine Rawlins who cut 10 inches of Melanie's long red hair; and

Whereas Melanie personally delivered her cut hair to the Hair Solutions Clinic in Halifax, after her mother Gayle wrapped the newly-cut hair into tissue paper and then put it in a plastic bag for the trip to Halifax;

[Page 6237]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly applaud the genuine concern shown by 13-year old Melanie Ross and her mother, Gayle Rippey, for undertaking such a warm and charitable effort.

RESOLUTION NO. 5948

By: Mr. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas already being an investiture of the Order of Nova Scotia in 2006, Three Mile Plains native George Elliott Clarke was a recipient of the Order of Canada on July 2nd earlier this year; and

Whereas the Order of Canada award on July 2nd makes Mr. Clarke an Officer of the Order of Canada for his contributions as a poet, professor and volunteer who took his original voice and his perspective on the Black experience, to more modern-day, Canadian literature, while generously sharing his time and talent with young and emerging writers; and

Whereas Mr. Clarke has been a recipient of many national awards and is presently employed with the Department of English at the University of Toronto;

Therefore be it resolved that all MLAs in this House of Assembly recognize the talented Nova Scotia individuals who offer such superior intellect and skills and who never hesitate to think of Nova Scotia when awards are being presented to them.

RESOLUTION NO. 5949

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas the Chester United under-14 girls team, a Tier 2b club, romped to a league-leading record of 13 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie during the regular season; and

Whereas on September 7th the Chester team defeated Greenwood by a score of 3-0, and prior to that defeated West Nova by a score of 2-0 to capture the gold medals at the provincial and playoff levels respectively; and

Whereas Hannah Zinck was instrumental in Chester United's success this year;

[Page 6238]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Hannah Zinck and all of the Chester United team on an exceptional season, and wish them much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5950

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas the Chester United under-14 girls team, a Tier 2b club, romped to a league-leading record of 13 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie during the regular season; and

Whereas on September 7th the Chester team defeated Greenwood by a score of 3-0, and prior to that defeated West Nova by a score of 2-0 to capture the gold medals at the provincial and playoff levels respectively; and

Whereas Katie Horn was instrumental in Chester United's success this year;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Katie Horn and all of the Chester United team on an exceptional season, and wish them much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5951

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas South Shore United, a Tier 1 club which plays in the Nova Scotia Soccer League, romped to a league-leading record of 15 wins, 1 loss and 3 ties during the regular season; and

Whereas it has been a number of years since the South Shore team placed first in the league but also bring home a first-place finish; and

Whereas Jack Schembri played a valuable part in the team's 3-0 shutout of Dartmouth United in the gold medal match;

[Page 6239]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Jack Schembri and all of the South Shore United team on an exceptional season, and wish them much success in the future.

[Page 6240]

RESOLUTION NO. 5952

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas South Shore United, a Tier 1 club which plays in the Nova Scotia Soccer League, romped to a league-leading record of 15 wins, 1 loss and 3 ties during the regular season; and

Whereas it has been a number of years since the South Shore team placed first in the league but also bring home a first-place finish; and

Whereas Jacob Hamm played a valuable part in the team's 3-0 shutout of Dartmouth United in the gold medal match;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Jacob Hamm

and all of the South Shore United team on an exceptional season, and wish them much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5953

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas the Chester United under 14 girls team is a Tier 2b club, romped to a league-leading record of 13 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie during the regular season; and

Whereas on September 7th the Chester team defeated Greenwood by a score of 3-0 and, prior to that, defeated West Nova by a score of 2-0 to capture the gold medals at the provincial and playoff levels respectively; and

Whereas Jaimee Mulrooney was instrumental in Chester United's success this year;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Jaimee Mulrooney and all of Chester United Team on an exceptional season and wish them much success in the future.

[Page 6241]

RESOLUTION NO. 5954

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas most of the players on the New Ross under-16 /18 boys soccer team were 14 to 16 years old; and

Whereas when asked about the team, Coach Pam Reeves' pride could not be contained as she indicated that they absolutely are a special group that unite as a team, using praise and brotherly criticism to support each other's efforts in a positive manner, and that this is absolutely the best quality any team could achieve but most never will; and

Whereas at the final game, the team finally realized their accomplishment of being one game away from the Valley Indoor Soccer Title, and the team pulled together and Jesse Lohnes of New Ross helped to bring the title home to the New Ross area;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Jesse Lohnes and the New Ross under-16/18 boys team on a fantastic season, and wish them much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5955

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas the Chester United under -12 boys team had an exceptional season playing 15 games and winning 11, losing just one and tying three, to lead their division; and

Whereas on August 29th the Chester squadron shutout the New Germany Team 4-0; and

Whereas thanks to the talent of Hunter Johnson, the Chester team finished first in their division and automatically advanced to the provincial championship;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Hunter Johnson and the entire Chester United under-12 team on another successful season and wish them much luck in the future.

[Page 6242]

RESOLUTION NO. 5956

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas the Chester United under-12 boys team had an exceptional season, playing 15 games and winning 11, losing just one and tying three, to lead their division; and

Whereas on August 29th the Chester squadron shutout the New Germany team 4-0; and

Whereas thanks to the talent of Mark Jollymore, the Chester team finished first in their division and automatically advanced to the provincial championship;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Mark Jollymore and the entire Chester United under-12 team on another successful season and wish them much luck in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5957

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas South Shore United, a Tier 1 club which plays in the Nova Scotia Soccer League, romped to a league-leading record of 15 wins, 1 loss and 3 ties during the regular season; and

Whereas it has been a number of years since the South Shore team placed first in the league but also bring home a first-place finish; and

Whereas Jordan Mullen played a valuable part in the team's 3-0 shutout of Dartmouth United in the gold medal match;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Jordan Mullen and all of the South Shore United team on an exceptional season, and wish them much success in the future.

[Page 6243]

RESOLUTION NO. 5958

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas South Shore United, a Tier 1 club which plays in the Nova Scotia Soccer League, romped to a league-leading record of 15 wins, 1 loss and 3 ties during the regular season; and

Whereas it has been a number of years since the South Shore team placed first in the league but also bring home a first-place finish; and

Whereas Josh Hamlin played a valuable part in the team's 3-0 shutout of Dartmouth Invited in the gold medal match;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Josh Hamlin and all of the South Shore United team on an exceptional season, and wish them much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5959

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas the Chester United under-14 girls team, a Tier 2b club, romped to a league-leading record of 13 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie during the regular season; and

Whereas on September 7th the Chester team defeated Greenwood by a score of 3-0, and prior to that defeated West Nova by a score of 2-0 to capture the gold medals at the provincial and playoff levels respectively; and

Whereas Kelsey Blackburn was instrumental in Chester United's success this year;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Kelsey Blackburn and all of the Chester United team on an exceptional season, and wish them much success in the future.

[Page 6244]

RESOLUTION NO. 5960

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas South Shore United, a Tier 1 club which plays in the Nova Scotia Soccer League, romped to a league-leading record of 15 wins, 1 loss and 3 ties during the regular season; and

Whereas it has been a number of years since the South Shore team placed first in the league but also bring home a first-place finish; and

Whereas Jonah Langley played a valuable part in the team's 3-0 shutout of Dartmouth United in the gold medal match;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Jonah Langley and all of the South Shore United team on an exceptional season, and wish them much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5961

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas the Chester United under-14 girls team, a Tier 2b club, romped to a league-leading record of 13 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie during the regular season; and

Whereas on September 7th the Chester team defeated Greenwood by a score of 3-0, and prior to that defeated West Nova by a score of 2-0 to capture the gold medals at the provincial and playoff levels respectively; and

Whereas Olivia Lenihan was instrumental in Chester United's success this year;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Olivia Lenihan and all of the Chester United team on an exceptional season, and wish them much success in the future.

[Page 6245]

RESOLUTION NO. 5962

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas most of the players on the New Ross under-16/18 boys soccer team were 14 to 16 years old; and

Whereas when asked about the team, Coach Pam Reeves' pride could not be contained as she indicated that they absolutely are a special group that unite as a team, using praise and brotherly criticism to support each other's efforts in a positive manner, and that this is absolutely the best quality any team could achieve but most never will; and

Whereas at the final game, the team finally realized their accomplishment of being one game away from the Valley Indoor Soccer Title, and the team pulled together and Evan Lenihan of New Ross helped to bring the title home to the New Ross area;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Evan Lenihan and the New Ross under-16/18 boys team on a fantastic season, and wish them much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5963

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas the Chester United under-14 girls team, a Tier 2b club, romped to a league-leading record of 13 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie during the regular season; and

Whereas on September 7th the Chester team defeated Greenwood by a score of 3-0, and prior to that defeated West Nova by a score of 2-0 to capture the gold medals at the provincial and playoff levels respectively; and

Whereas Olivia Long was instrumental in Chester United's success this year;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Olivia Long and all of the Chester United team on an exceptional season, and wish them much success in the future.

[Page 6246]

RESOLUTION NO. 5964

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas most of the players on the New Ross under-16/18 boys soccer team were 14 to 16 years old; and

Whereas when asked about the team, Coach Pam Reeves' pride could not be contained as she indicated that they absolutely are a special group that unite as a team, using praise and brotherly criticism to support each other's efforts in a positive manner, and that this is absolutely the best quality any team could achieve but most never will; and

Whereas at the final game, the team finally realized their accomplishment of being one game away from the Valley Indoor Soccer Title, and the team pulled together and Luke Skerry of New Ross helped to bring the title home to the New Ross area;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Luke Skerry and the New Ross under-16/18 boys team on a fantastic season, and wish them much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5965

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas the Chester United under-14 girls team, a Tier 2b club, romped to a league-leading record of 13 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie during the regular season; and

Whereas on September 7th the Chester team defeated Greenwood by a score of 3-0, and prior to that defeated West Nova by a score of 2-0 to capture the gold medals at the provincial and playoff levels respectively; and

Whereas Mary Hirtle was instrumental in Chester United's success this year;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Mary Hirtle and all of the Chester United team on an exceptional season, and wish them much success in the future.

[Page 6247]

RESOLUTION NO. 5966

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas South Shore United, a Tier 1 club which plays in the Nova Scotia Soccer League, romped to a league-leading record of 15 wins, 1 loss and 3 ties during the regular season; and

Whereas it has been a number of years since the South Shore team placed first in the league but also bring home a first-place finish; and

Whereas Matthew Langille played a valuable part in the team's 3-0 shutout of Dartmouth United in the gold medal match;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Matthew Langille and all of the South Shore United team on an exceptional season, and wish them much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5967

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas most of the players on the New Ross under-16/18 boys soccer team were 14 to 16 years old; and

Whereas when asked about the team, Coach Pam Reeves' pride could not be contained as she indicated that they absolutely are a special group that unite as a team, using praise and brotherly criticism to support each other's efforts in a positive manner, and that this is absolutely the best quality any team could achieve but most never will; and

Whereas at the final game, the team finally realized their accomplishment of being one game away from the Valley Indoor Soccer Title, and the team pulled together and Charles McNeil helped to bring the title home to the New Ross area;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Charles McNeil and the New Ross under-16/18 boys team on a fantastic season, and wish them much success in the future.

[Page 6248]

RESOLUTION NO. 5968

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas the WOW reading challenge is operated as part of Adopt-a-Library as a partnership of police, public libraries and the community, and the goal of the challenge is to fight crime at an early age through literacy; and

Whereas Megan Baker of Big Tancook Island Elementary School read approximately 632 books between November 13th and April 5th to claim the international championship; and

Whereas 14,669 students from 80 schools in four countries took part to read almost 1.1 million books;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Megan Baker of Big Tancook Island Elementary on her success with the WOW reading challenge and wish her much luck in her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 5969

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas most of the players on the New Ross under-16/18 boys soccer team were 14 to 16 years old; and

Whereas when asked about the team, Coach Pam Reeves' pride could not be contained as she indicated that they absolutely are a special group that unite as a team, using praise and brotherly criticism to support each other's efforts in a positive manner, and that this is absolutely the best quality any team could achieve but most never will; and

Whereas at the final game, the team finally realized their accomplishment of being one game away from the Valley Indoor Soccer Title, and the team pulled together and Michael Cook of New Ross helped to bring the title home to the New Ross area;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Michael Ross and the New Ross under-16/18 boys team on a fantastic season, and wish them much success in the future.

[Page 6249]

RESOLUTION NO. 5970

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas most of the players on the New Ross under-16/18 boys soccer team were 14 to 16 years old; and

Whereas when asked about the team, Coach Pam Reeves' pride could not be contained as she indicated that they absolutely are a special group that unite as a team, using praise and brotherly criticism to support each other's efforts in a positive manner, and that this is absolutely the best quality any team could achieve but most never will; and

Whereas at the final game, the team finally realized their accomplishment of being one game away from the Valley Indoor Soccer Title, and the team pulled together and Mitchell Reeves of New Ross helped to bring the title home to the New Ross area;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Mitchell Reeves and the New Ross under-16/18 boys team on a fantastic season, and wish them much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5971

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas the Chester United under-14 girls team, a Tier 2b club, romped to a league-leading record of 13 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie during the regular season; and

Whereas on September 7th the Chester team defeated Greenwood by a score of 3-0, and prior to that defeated West Nova by a score of 2-0 to capture the gold medals at the provincial and playoff levels respectively; and

Whereas Morgan Sawler was instrumental in Chester United's success this year;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Morgan Sawler and all of the Chester United team on an exceptional season, and wish them much success in the future.

[Page 6250]

RESOLUTION NO. 5972

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas South Shore United, a Tier 1 club which plays in the Nova Scotia Soccer League, romped to a league-leading record of 15 wins, 1 loss and 3 ties during the regular season; and

Whereas it has been a number of years since the South Shore team placed first in the league but also bring home a first-place finish; and

Whereas Nathaniel Beck played a valuable part in the team's 3-0 shutout of Dartmouth United in the gold medal match;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Nathaniel Beck and all of the South Shore United team on an exceptional season, and wish them much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5973

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas the Chester United under-12 boys team had an exceptional season, playing 15 games and winning 11, losing just one, and tying three to lead their division; and

Whereas on August 29th the Chester squadron shut out the New Germany team 4-0; and

Whereas thanks to the talent of Alex Nauss, the Chester team finished first in their division and automatically advanced to the provincial championship;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Alex Nauss and the entire Chester United under-12 team on another successful season, and wish them much luck in the future.

[Page 6251]

RESOLUTION NO. 5974

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas the Chester United under-12 boys team had an exceptional season, playing 15 games and winning 11, losing just one, and tying three to lead their division; and

Whereas on August 29th the Chester squadron shut out the New Germany team 4-0; and

Whereas thanks to the talent of Connor Nauss, the Chester team finished first in their division and automatically advanced to the provincial championship;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Connor Nauss and the entire Chester United under-12 team on another successful season, and wish them much luck in the future.4

RESOLUTION NO. 5975

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas the Chester United under-14 girls team, a Tier 2b club, romped to a league-leading record of 13 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie during the regular season; and

Whereas on September 7th the Chester team defeated Greenwood by a score of 3-0, and prior to that defeated West Nova by a score of 2-0 to capture the gold medals at the provincial and playoff levels respectively; and

Whereas Haylee Nauss was instrumental in Chester United's success this year;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Haylee Nauss and all of the Chester United team on an exceptional season, and wish them much success in the future.

[Page 6252]

RESOLUTION NO. 5976

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas South Shore United, a Tier 1 club which plays in the Nova Scotia Soccer League, romped to a league-leading record of 15 wins, 1 loss and 3 ties during the regular season; and

Whereas it has been a number of years since the South Shore team placed first in the league but also bring home a first-place finish; and

Whereas Nic Tanner played a valuable part in the team's 3-0 shutout of Dartmouth United in the gold medal match;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Nic Tanner and all of the South Shore United team on an exceptional season, and wish them much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5977

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas the Chester United under-14 girls team, a Tier 2b club, romped to a league-leading record of 13 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie during the regular season; and

Whereas on September 7th the Chester team defeated Greenwood by a score of 3-0, and prior to that defeated West Nova by a score of 2-0 to capture the gold medals at the provincial and playoff levels respectively; and

Whereas Katrena Penny was instrumental in Chester United's success this year;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Katrena Penny and all of the Chester United team on an exceptional season, and wish them much success in the future.

[Page 6253]

RESOLUTION NO. 5978

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas the Chester United under-12 boys team had an exceptional season, playing 15 games and winning 11, losing just one, and tying three to lead their division; and

Whereas on August 29th the Chester squadron shut out the New Germany team 4-0; and

Whereas thanks to the talent of Corey Peterson, the Chester team finished first in their division and automatically advanced to the provincial championship;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Corey Peterson and the entire Chester United under-12 team on another successful season, and wish them much luck in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5979

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas South Shore United, a Tier 1 club which plays in the Nova Scotia Soccer League, romped to a league-leading record of 15 wins, one loss and three ties during the regular season; and

Whereas it has been a number of years since the South Shore team placed first in the league but also bring home a first-place finish; and

Whereas Lucas Reeves played a valuable part in the team's 3-0 shutout of Dartmouth United in the gold medal match;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Lucas Reeves and all of the South Shore United team on an exceptional season, and wish them much success in the future.

[Page 6254]

RESOLUTION NO. 5980

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas the Chester United under-12 boys team had an exceptional season, playing 15 games and winning 11, losing just one, and tying three to lead their division; and

Whereas on August 29th the Chester squadron shut out the New Germany team 4-0; and

Whereas thanks to the talent of Kyle Rhodenizer, the Chester team finished first in their division and automatically advanced to the provincial championship;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Kyle Rhodenizer and the entire Chester United under-12 team on another successful season, and wish them much luck in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5981

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas growing giant pumpkins takes a lot of patience, knowledge and a bit of good luck; and

Whereas on September 27th, a crowd gathered outside the Hubbards Save easy to watch the St. Margaret's Bay Pumpkin Growers Association annual weigh-off; and

Whereas Russell Coolen of Boutilier's Point was the runner up with a gourd that weighed in at 777 pounds;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Russell Coolen on his second place finish and wish him much success in future growing seasons.

[Page 6255]

RESOLUTION NO. 5982

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas South Shore United, a Tier 1 club which plays in the Nova Scotia Soccer League, romped to a league-leading record of 15 wins, one loss and three ties during the regular season; and

Whereas it has been a number of years since the South Shore team placed first in the league but also bring home a first-place finish; and

Whereas Ryan Nowe played a valuable part in the team's 3-0 shutout of Dartmouth United in the gold medal match;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Ryan Nowe and all of the South Shore United team on an exceptional season, and wish them much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5983

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas most of the players on the New Ross under-16/18 boys soccer team were 14 to 16 years old; and

Whereas when asked about the team, Coach Pam Reeves' pride could not be contained as she indicated that they absolutely are a special group that unite as a team, using praise and brotherly criticism to support each other's efforts in a positive manner, and that this is absolutely the best quality any team could achieve but most never will; and

Whereas at the final game, the team finally realized their accomplishment of being one game away from the Valley Indoor Soccer Title, and the team pulled together and Ryan Robar of New Ross helped to bring the title home to the New Ross area;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Ryan Robar and the New Ross under-16/18 boys team on a fantastic season, and wish them much success in the future.

[Page 6256]

RESOLUTION NO. 5984

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas South Shore United, a Tier 1 club which plays in the Nova Scotia Soccer League, romped to a league-leading record of 15 wins, one loss and three ties during the regular season; and

Whereas it has been a number of years since the South Shore team placed first in the league but also bring home a first-place finish; and

Whereas Sam Reeves played a valuable part in the team's 3-0 shutout of Dartmouth United in the gold medal match;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Sam Reeves and all of the South Shore United team on an exceptional season, and wish them much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5985

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas the Chester United under-12 boys team had an exceptional season, playing 15 games and winning 11, losing just one, and tying three to lead their division; and

Whereas on August 29th the Chester squadron shut out the New Germany team 4-0; and

Whereas thanks to the talent of Josh Shatford, the Chester team finished first in their division and automatically advanced to the provincial championship;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Josh Shatford and the entire Chester United under-12 team on another successful season, and wish them much luck in the future.

[Page 6257]

RESOLUTION NO. 5986

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas South Shore United, a Tier 1 club which plays in the Nova Scotia Soccer League, romped to a league-leading record of 15 wins, one loss and three ties during the regular season; and

Whereas it has been a number of years since the South Shore team placed first in the league but also bring home a first-place finish; and

Whereas Sheldon Langille played a valuable part in the team's 3-0 shutout of Dartmouth United in the gold medal match;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Sheldon Langille and all of the South Shore United team on an exceptional season, and wish them much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5987

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas eight teams competed in the St. Margaret's Bay Men's Slo-Pitch League layoffs in Tantallon from September 8th through September 14th; and

Whereas for the second straight season since joining the league, Millet Lumber, hailing from the South Shore, defeated the Tantallon Warriors in a battle of perennial powerhouses; and

Whereas reports have indicated that it was a very entertaining game, with a most unusual unassisted triple play;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the Millet Lumber Team for winning the St. Margaret's Bay Slo-Pitch league playoffs and wish them all the best in the future.

[Page 6258]

RESOLUTION NO. 5988

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas the WOW reading challenge is operated as part of Adopt-a-Library as a partnership of police, public libraries and the community, and the goal of the challenge is to fight crime at an early age through literacy; and

Whereas Elizabeth Sutherland, the teacher of Big Tancook Island Elementary School, coached her students to read approximately 632 books between November 13th and April 5th to claim the international championship; and

Whereas 14,669 students from 80 schools in four countries took part to read almost 1.1 million books;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Elizabeth Sutherland of Big Tancook Island Elementary on her success with the WOW reading challenge and wish her much luck in her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 5989

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas the Chester United under-14 girls team, a Tier 2b club, romped to a league-leading record of 13 wins, one loss and one tie during the regular season; and

Whereas on September 7th, the Chester team defeated Greenwood by a score of 3-0, and prior to that defeated West Nova by a score of 2-0 to capture the gold medals at the provincial and playoff levels respectively; and

Whereas Sophie Trembly was instrumental in Chester United's success this year;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Sophie Trembly and all of the Chester United team on an exceptional season, and wish them much success in the future.

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RESOLUTION NO. 5990

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas most of the players on the New Ross under-16/18 boys soccer team were 14 to 16 years old; and

Whereas when asked about the team, Coach Pam Reeves' pride could not be contained as she indicated that they absolutely are a special group that unite as a team, using praise and brotherly criticism to support each other's efforts in a positive manner, and that this is absolutely the best quality any team could achieve but most never will; and

Whereas at the final game, the team finally realized their accomplishment of being one game away from the Valley Indoor Soccer Title, and the team pulled together and Tyler Greening helped to bring the title home to the New Ross area;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Tyler Greening and the New Ross under-16/18 boys team on a fantastic season, and wish them much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 5991

By: Hon. Judy Streatch (Community Services)

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

Whereas the Chester United under-14 girls team, a Tier 2b club, romped to a league-leading record of 13 wins, one loss and one tie during the regular season; and

Whereas on September 7th the Chester team defeated Greenwood by a score of 3-0, and prior to that defeated West Nova by a score of 2-0 to capture the gold medals at the provincial and playoff levels respectively; and

Whereas Rachel Wilwand was instrumental in Chester United's success this year;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Rachel Wilwand and all of the Chester United team on an exceptional season, and wish them much success in the future.