Published by Order of the Legislature by Hansard Reporting Services and printed by the Queen's Printer.
Available on INTERNET at http://nslegislature.ca/legislative-business/hansard-debates/
| TABLE OF CONTENTS | PAGE | |||
| PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS: | ||||
| Justice - Correctional Facility (Cumb. Co.), Hon. M. Scott | 1248^ | |||
| INTRODUCTION OF BILLS: | ||||
| No. 41, Volunteer Fire Services Act, Hon. M. More | 1249 | |||
| No. 42, Public Service Act, Hon. S. McNeil | 1249 | |||
| No. 43, Canard Baptist Church Trustees Act, Mr. J. Morton | 1249 | |||
| NOTICES OF MOTION: | ||||
| Res. 641, Gambia Assoc. (N.S.) - Anniv. (25th), | ||||
| Mr. A. Younger (by Ms. K. Regan) | 1250 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1250 | |||
| Res. 642, Cantley, Thomas: Testicular Cancer - Awareness, | ||||
| Hon. C. d'Entremont | 1251 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1252 | |||
| Res. 643, Roy, Jane: Towler CA of Yr. Award - Congrats., | ||||
| Ms. K. Regan | 1252 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1252 | |||
| Res. 644, Health - Sight Loss: Treatment - Seniors Support, | ||||
| Hon. K. Casey | 1253 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1253 | |||
| Res. 645, Lonergan, Annie: Berwick Vol. Award (2010) - Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. L. Glavine | 1253 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1254 | |||
| Res. 646, Chiasson, Lena - Juvenile Diabetes: Fundraising - Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. A. MacLeod | 1254 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1255 | |||
| Res. 647, Revolution 2010: Organizers - Recognize, | ||||
| Ms. K. Regan | 1255 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1255 | |||
| Res. 648, Fraser, Gary: NSSBA - Reappointment, | ||||
| Mr. K. Bain | 1256 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1256 | |||
| Res. 649, Foster, Oren (Deceased): WWII Efforts - Recognize | ||||
| Mr. H. Theriault | 1256 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1257 | |||
| Res. 650, Dalbrae Acad. Robotic Team: NSCC Comp. - Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. A. MacMaster | 1257 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1258 | |||
| Res. 651, Deauveau, Tyler: Cdn. Karate Championships - Congrats., | ||||
| Hon. W. Gaudet | 1258 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1259 | |||
| Res. 652, Saunders, Baillie: N. Col. HS Student of Mo. - Congrats., | ||||
| Hon. K. Casey | 1259 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1259 | |||
| Res. 653, Parkinson Soc. (Mar. Reg.): Efforts - Thank, | ||||
| Ms. D. Whalen | 1259 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1260 | |||
| Res. 654, Amherst Pizza Delight Ronnie Elliott Fem. Hockey Tournament | ||||
| - Successful Yr., Hon. M. Scott | 1260 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1261 | |||
| Res. 655, New7Wonders of Nature: Bay of Fundy - Promote | ||||
| Mr. H. Theriault | 1261 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1262 | |||
| Res. 656, Sommers, Stewart: Drive/Determination - Congrats., | ||||
| Hon. C. Clarke | 1262 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1262 | |||
| Res. 657, Cdn. Cancer Soc.: Daffodil Campaign - Congrats., | ||||
| Ms. D. Whalen | 1262 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1263 | |||
| Res. 658, Du Mesnil, Skylar: Dedication/Courage - Recognize, | ||||
| Hon. C. d'Entremont (by Mr. C. Porter) | 1263 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1264 | |||
| Res. 659, Maillett, Michel: Cdn. Karate Championships - Congrats., | ||||
| Hon. W. Gaudet | 1264 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1265 | |||
| Res. 660, Sydney Mines Food Bank: Vols./Donors - Congrats., | ||||
| Hon. C. Clarke | 1265 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1265 | |||
| Res. 661, Forbes, Bill (Deceased) - Ship's Co. Theatre: Dedication | ||||
| - Congrats., Hon. M. Scott | 1265 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1266 | |||
| Res. 662, Troicuk, Donna: Accomplishments - Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. K. Bain | 1266 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1267 | |||
| Res. 663, Team Southwest: Gov't. (N.S.) - Participate, | ||||
| Hon. C. d'Entremont | 1267 | |||
| Res. 664, Fish. & Aquaculture: Fishers - Commitments Honour, | ||||
| Mr. A. MacLeod | 1268 | |||
| Res. 665, MacIsaac, Bonny: Community Ambassador - Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. A. MacMaster | 1268 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1269 | |||
| Res. 666, Peterson, Carole: W. Hants Mun. Vol. of Yr. - Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. C. Porter (by Hon. M. Scott) | 1269 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 1270 | |||
| GOVERNMENT BUSINESS: | ||||
| GOVERNMENT MOTIONS: | ||||
| ON MOTION FOR SUPPLY: | ||||
| Ms. D. Whalen | 1270 | |||
| Hon. C. Clarke | 1275 | |||
| HOUSE RESOLVED INTO CWH ON SUPPLY AT 3:16 P.M. | 1280 | |||
| HOUSE RECONVENED AT 7:35 P.M. | 1280 | |||
| ADJOURNMENT, House rose to meet again on Mon., Apr. 26th at 2 p.m. | 1281 | |||
| NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3): | ||||
| Res. 667, Lunenburg/Queens Timberwolves Floor Hockey Team | ||||
| - Special Olympics Team of the Yr. Award, | ||||
| Ms. V. Conrad | 1282 | |||
| Res. 668, Gilbert, Kathy & Rick: Queens Reg. Mun. Rep. Vols. | ||||
| - Congrats., Ms. V. Conrad | 1282 | |||
| Res. 669, Liverpool Cougars Hockey Team - Atom B Prov. Champs, | ||||
| Ms. V. Conrad | 1283 | |||
HALIFAX, FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2010
Sixty-first General Assembly
Second Session
2:00 P.M.
SPEAKER
Hon. Charlie Parker
DEPUTY SPEAKERS
Mr. Gordon Gosse, Hon. Wayne Gaudet, Mr. Alfie MacLeod
MR. SPEAKER: Honourable members, we'll get underway here today, and before I go to the daily routine I'll recognize the honourable member for Cumberland South.
HON. MURRAY SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, yesterday I rose in my place regarding a point of personal privilege. As you'll recall, I brought the issue before the House that we had been informed an hour before the House opened that the Premier would not be available for estimates today, that he would not be here, and I brought that forward as a point of privilege.
At your suggestion that the three House Leaders try to resolve it and come to an agreeable solution, unfortunately we were not able to do that; in fact, the government turned down an opportunity to have Education here today, which would allow the Premier to only be here on Monday. Obviously the government didn't want to do that.
Mr. Speaker, I believe the decision around this issue is very important, not only for this session but for future sittings of any government in this House. If the Premier or any Cabinet Minister can just simply leave during estimates and not be here, I believe will be a detriment in regard to the examination of the estimates of departments. I would ask that you still take that under consideration, and I look forward to your decision in this House. Thank you.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. FRANK CORBETT: Mr. Speaker, the House Leader for the Third Party has a different recollection of discussions than I do, but the fact is that I would also ask you to look at, if you're going to look at this further, that on Wednesday, April 21st there had been notice given widely, their caucus would have received it, and all caucuses and reporters, a notice of upcoming events, and on that it clearly showed that the Premier was going to be down there.
There is no (Interruptions) Mr. Speaker, I'm getting advice, and not very good advice from across the way. The fact of the matter is that there is no timeline on advice. Clearly, if the member thought it was worthwhile to work it through, he certainly would have given more options than they did. I would ask you, as it's obviously your prerogative to make a decision, but I wanted to arm you with that bit of information.
MR. SPEAKER: Thank you. Obviously, there is a difference of opinion here, but that's beside the point. I will take it under consideration and report back at a later time.
We will begin the daily routine.
PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cumberland South.
HON. MURRAY SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, here we are, on day 19 of broken promises of this government. As you know, a petition is circulating in Cumberland County which began as a result of this headline, which appeared in provincial newspapers, "Dexter says he'd keep Tory promises," and of course we know what happened there. Broken promises every day since last June. The prayer of this petition says:
"We, the residents of Cumberland County implore that Premier Darrell Dexter keep his word and build a correctional facility in Cumberland County!"
Mr. Speaker, 104 residents have signed this and the total to date, today, is 1,811, and I have affixed my signature.
MR. SPEAKER: The petition is tabled.
PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS
STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS
GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Education.
HON. MARILYN MORE: Mr. Speaker, before I introduce this bill, might I ask my colleague, the Minister of Emergency Management, to introduce some guests in the gallery who will be impacted by this legislation.
MR. SPEAKER Certainly.
The honourable Minister of Emergency Management.
HON. RAMONA JENNEX: Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize some very special guests that we have here today. We have Vern Fraser, Andy Lathem and Michelle Perry, who work with Emergency Management here in the province. But I'm rising here to introduce some very, very important guests here today. We have Sherry Veinot, Creig Veinot, Curtis Joudrey from Lunenburg County Ground Search and Rescue, and we also have Mike Murray from Halifax Regional Search and Rescue. As it is Volunteer Week, I would ask that the House stand and recognize today's visitors and all members of Nova Scotia's Ground Search and Rescue in a show of our gratitude and admiration for the important service that they provide to Nova Scotians in all regions of our province. (Standing Ovation)
MR. SPEAKER: We welcome our special visitors here today.
Bill No. 41 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 13 of the Acts of 2002. The Volunteer Fire Services Act. (Hon. Marilyn More)
Bill No. 42 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 376 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Public Service Act, to Establish the Office of Fire and Emergency Services. (Hon. Stephen McNeil)
Bill No. 43 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 6 of the Acts of 1844. An Act to authorize the Congregation of the Baptist Church at Canard, in Cornwallis, to appoint Trustees to take charge of the said Church, and Cemetery adjoining the same, and to enclose and ornament the same. (Mr. Jim Morton)
[2:15 p.m.]
MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that these bills be read a second time on a future day.
NOTICES OF MOTION
The honourable member for Bedford-Birch Cove.
RESOLUTION NO. 641
MS. KELLY REGAN: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the honourable member for Dartmouth East, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Nova Scotia-Gambia Association has, over 25 years, made a significant impact on improving the lives of people living in West Africa, and particularly the Gambia; and
Whereas the Nova Scotia-Gambia Association has represented Nova Scotia and Nova Scotians abroad in a positive way recognized by international organizations including the United Nations; and
Whereas the federal Immigration Minister, Jason Kenney, has denied visitor visas for eight of the association's Gambian staff, despite the association and local churches raising over $23,000 to cover the cost of their stay and their return home;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Nova Scotia-Gambia Association on its 25th Anniversary and request that the federal Minister of Immigration, Jason Kenney, issue visitor visas for the eight Gambian-based staff so they can join in the celebrations planned for Halifax.
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 Argyle.
HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, if I may, can I do an introduction?
MR. SPEAKER: Certainly.
MR. D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, in your gallery we have a number of very special guests, and I'm going to ask them to rise and receive the warm welcome of the House. We have Thomas Cantley; his mom, Ellen Cantley; and friends Jillian Blackman, Kate Steele, and Trevor Ritchie. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Argyle.
RESOLUTION NO. 642
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 homegrown Halifax talent turned astute New York filmmaker and photographer Thomas Cantley was diagnosed with testicular cancer last October and is now working on a documentary called Ballsy; and
Whereas strongly rooted in Thomas' own battle with the disease at the age of 26, Ballsy confronts his own negligence to his health while setting forth on a cross-country journey on foot, starting in Los Angeles and walking to New York, then coming back to his hometown in Halifax while pushing a giant six-foot ball as a symbolic token of cancer, hope, and awareness; and
Whereas during his journey, Thomas will connect with cancer patients, survivors, their families, and an array of knowledgeable medical experts, and attempt to come to a greater understanding of why so many men ignore the dangerous warning symptoms and refuse to seek the medical attention they need;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly wish Thomas a successful and safe journey, and commend him for using his talents to make a documentary that will educate young men about testicular cancer.
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 Bedford-Birch Cove.
RESOLUTION NO. 643
MS. KELLY REGAN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nova Scotia annually names an outstanding member as its CA of the Year; and
Whereas Catapult is a one-week youth leadership camp that targets teens who display extraordinary leadership potential, but who may not be able to experience such a camp without financial assistance; and
Whereas Jane Roy, CA, of Bedford has a career enriched by volunteer endeavours - including the creation of Catapult;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Jane Roy on being named recipient of the 2009 Ross L. Towler CA of the Year Award, and wish her well in her future endeavours.
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 Progressive Conservative Party.
RESOLUTION NO. 644
HON. KAREN CASEY: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Peter Dickie, a well-known dairy farmer from Onslow, Colchester County, has been a valuable contributor to the economy of Colchester and the Province of Nova Scotia; and
Whereas Peter, now a senior, was diagnosed with macular degeneration in September, has had laser treatments, and many more to come; and
Whereas every treatment that Peter receives now costs him $400;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly show support for seniors who require treatment in order to prevent the loss of sight.
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. 645
MR. LEO GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Town of Berwick held its Volunteer Awards Night on April 21st; and
Whereas each year the town recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community; and
Whereas in recognition of her contributions to the Christ Church Berwick, Annie Lonergan is one of the 2010 Berwick Volunteer Award recipients and has been presented the Berwick Volunteer of the Year Award;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Annie Lonergan and wish her continued success in future endeavours.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Cape Breton West.
RESOLUTION NO. 646
MR. ALFIE MACLEOD: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Canada has the sixth-highest incidence of type 1 diabetes in children 14 years of age or younger in the world; and
Whereas when Lena Chiasson was diagnosed with type 1 juvenile diabetes nearly four years ago, she decided to make it her mission to raise money and awareness about the disease; and
Whereas in those four years Lena has raised nearly $15,000 for juvenile diabetes research by organizing fundraising events such as the Curl for A Cure bonspiel, yard sales, and basketball games;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Lena Chiasson for her dedication to raising funds and awareness for juvenile diabetes research.
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 Bedford-Birch Cove.
RESOLUTION NO. 647
MS. KELLY REGAN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the annual Revolution fundraiser, organized by Nubody's Fitness, began in 2006 as a commitment to raise $500,000, over five years, in support of the Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation effort to purchase a 64-slice CT scanner; and
Whereas Revolution, now in its fifth year and having raised $430,000 so far, is a strong promoter of healthy lifestyles and improving health care in Nova Scotia; and
Whereas the member for Dartmouth East and his team have been raising money and trying to lose weight over several weeks as part of this competition, and in addition to having greatly exceeded their fundraising goal, they will be spinning for at least 30 minutes at Revolution 2010 today, April 23rd;
Therefore be it resolved that the House of Assembly recognize the success of the organizers of Revolution 2010 and offer their support to the member for Dartmouth East's Revolution Polisquad team, which includes: Mike Savage, MP for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour; Darren Fisher, HRM Councillor for District 6, East Dartmouth-The Lakes; Anne Fisher; Paul Carroll; Lori MacKay-Carroll; Heather MacDonald; Peggy Landes; Tara Gault and Sarah Douglas.
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. 648
MR. KEITH BAIN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Glace Board school board member Gary Fraser has once again been elected to represent Cape Breton at the provincial level through the Nova Scotia School Boards Association; and
Whereas over the years Gary has developed a number of initiatives at the provincial level, including eliminating the board's verbal reporting system in favour of a written system; and
Whereas Gary will continue to work as a local voice on behalf of children across Cape Breton and throughout our province;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Gary Fraser on his reappointment to NSSBA and wish him luck throughout his important contributions to the children of our province.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Digby-Annapolis.
RESOLUTION NO. 649
MR. HAROLD THERIAULT: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Oren Foster from Deep Brook, Nova Scotia, passed away at the age of 97 on April 6, 2010, and until his death was the oldest surviving member of the West Nova Scotia Regiment, after joining in 1939; and
Whereas Oren was decorated with the 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, France/Germany Star, Defence Medal and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp, as well as being presented the British Empire Medal at Buckingham Palace; and
Whereas Oren helped set up the West Nova Room at the Clementsport Legion Branch No. 122, where he became a life member in 1976, and also volunteered at the Cornwallis Museum;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly recognize Oren Foster for his valiant efforts in World War II and as an active veteran in his 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 member for Inverness.
RESOLUTION NO. 650
MR. ALLAN MACMASTER: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Mabou-based Dalbrae Academy's Aquatic Robotic Team won the Nova Scotia Community College regional competition in Dartmouth on March 25th; and
Whereas this team has dedicated more than 500 hours to design, test, and build a remotely operated underwater vehicle that can move through a variety of underground obstacles, collect biological samples, take sensory readings from caves, detect seismic activity, and sample temperatures from caves; and
Whereas Elizabeth Chisholm, Keane MacLean, Rebecca Dunphy, Richard Gillis, Alexis Dunphy, Mallory MacDonald and Alex MacDonald will represent Nova Scotia at the world championships in Hawaii as defending champions;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Dalbrae Academy Robotic Team and wish them success in Hawaii.
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.
[2:30 p.m.]
RESOLUTION NO. 651
HON. WAYNE GAUDET: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the 2010 Karate Canada National Championships took place in Toronto on March 19th to March 21st; and
Whereas Tyler Deveau from Clare competed for Nova Scotia in the Cadet Men 14 to 15 Kumite 63Kg division where Tyler's hard work earned him a second place finish; and
Whereas in addition to his silver medal, Tyler also received the bronze medal with the boys 14 to 15 Team Nova Scotia;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Tyler Deveau for his silver and bronze medal at the Canadian Karate Championships and wish him continued success in the future.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party.
RESOLUTION NO. 652
HON. KAREN CASEY: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Baillie Saunders, a student at North Colchester High School, is known for her personality, energy, enthusiasm and zest for life; and
Whereas Baillie is also known for participation on committees, helping with winter carnival and the Christmas Index program, serving as a member of the dance committee, managing the soccer team, wrestling and winning the coach's award for the most dedicated player on two separate occasions; and
Whereas voice lessons and photography are two more of Baillie's favourite activities and her future plans include becoming a photographer;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Baillie Saunders for her participation in many activities and for being chosen Student of the Month at North Colchester High School in Tatamagouche.
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 Halifax Clayton Park.
RESOLUTION NO. 653
MS. DIANA WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas April is National Parkinson Awareness Month; and
Whereas Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the brain that affects the transmission of messages to the muscles and is characterized by tremors, stiffness of muscles and difficulty in initiating movements; and
Whereas this diseases affects nearly 100,000 Canadians, both men and women from all ethnic backgrounds, and is not only found in older people, but it can affect people even as young as 30 or 40;
Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly thank the Parkinson Society Maritime Region for their continuing efforts to get the word out and remind people that early diagnosis will help manage this terrible disease.
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 Cumberland South.
RESOLUTION NO. 654
HON. MURRAY SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Amherst Pizza Delight Ronnie Elliott Memorial Female Hockey Tournament is an annual event that features teams from across the Maritimes; and
Whereas the tournament commemorates the late Ronnie Elliott, Jr., a member of the Amherst Mooseheads, who died of a fatal heart attack while playing hockey in New Brunswick in 1998; and
Whereas it is considered one of the premier female hockey tournaments in the country each year;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the organizers of the Amherst Pizza Delight Ronnie Elliott Memorial Female Hockey Tournament on another successful event this year.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Digby-Annapolis.
RESOLUTION NO. 655
MR. HAROLD THERIAULT: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future
day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Jean-Paul de la Fuente, director of the New7Wonders Foundation based in Switzerland, has spent three days last week touring the Bay of Fundy by foot, air, smell and sight and even donned rubber boots and walked in the mud; and
Whereas the Bay of Fundy is one of the 28 official finalists in the worldwide organization's campaign to name the New7Wonders of Nature, expected to be announced in November 2011 from on-line voting; and
Whereas Mr. De la Fuente has said, this is ". . . a chance to showcase the area to the world . . . it's fantastic and unique, not only the beauty of it but the power of the tides";
Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly urge this government to do all it can to promote the Bay of Fundy for its tourism power and make sure the word gets out to vote online at "www.n7w.com" or "www.myfundy.com".
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Cape Breton North.
RESOLUTION NO. 656
HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Stewart Sommers of North Sydney has demonstrated a never-say-die spirit, given that 15 years ago he was involved in a near-fatal car accident which left him partially paralyzed, disrupting a promising business career at that time; and
Whereas Mr. Sommers of North Sydney has just launched a new business called Webdocs ICM, helping companies manage information by digitalizing processes and reducing or eliminating the need for paper; and
Whereas Mr. Sommers is now working diligently with several large potential clients and plans to expand as soon as some contracts have been formalized;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Stewart on his drive and determination for success, while in the face of adversity he has proven that an entrepreneurial and human spirit can go hand in hand.
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. 657
MS. DIANA WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas April is the Canadian Cancer Society's Daffodil Month; and
Whereas the Canadian Cancer Society is a national organization dedicated to eradicating cancer and helping those who are living with cancer and their families; and
Whereas the society has led the way in funding for research, promoting health, and providing information on cancer to the public;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the Canadian Cancer Society and wish them success on this national campaign to eliminate cancer.
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 Argyle.
RESOLUTION NO. 658
HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the member for Hants West, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment is a mechanized infantry battalion that is under the command of 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group and administered by Land Force Atlantic Area; and
Whereas Skylar Du Mesnil recently received a well-deserved promotion to Sergeant, where he will continue to serve the people of Canada in this most important role for our military forces; and
Whereas before entering the regular forces with the RCR, Sgt. Du Mesnil spent seven years in the militia with the West Nova Scotia Regiment in Windsor, Hants County, having joined at the age of 17;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize Skylar for the dedication and courage he has shown and wish safe journeys in his future.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Clare.
RESOLUTION NO. 659
HON. WAYNE GAUDET: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the 2010 Karate Canada National Championships took place in Toronto on March 19th to March 21st; and
Whereas Michel Maillet from Clare competed for Nova Scotia, where his hard work earned him a bronze medal in the winning 16 to 17 boys Team Nova Scotia; and
Whereas karate takes a great deal of discipline and hard work to be able to compete at a national level and Michel has demonstrated that he has the fortitude to compete with the best;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Michel Maillet for his bronze medal at the Canadian Karate Championships and wish him continued success in the future.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Cape Breton North.
RESOLUTION NO. 660
HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Sydney Mines Food Bank continues to serve the community, including an unfortunate increase in young adult clients; and
Whereas the food bank just released that they served 162 families during the month of March alone, which translates into 361 adults and children; and
Whereas long-time community volunteer Peter McNeil says that the ongoing support from community churches, schools, and organizations, bolstered by donations from Feed Nova Scotia, help keep the food bank operating;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the many volunteers and donors that help make this service available to the residents of Sydney Mines, and wish them much continued success with their valued efforts and contributions.
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 Cumberland South.
RESOLUTION NO. 661
HON. MURRAY SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas being nominated for the outstanding performance by an actor in a supporting role is the late Bill Forbes, for his memorable portrayal of Duddy in the play, Ivor Johnson's Neighbours; and
Whereas Forbes, a respected theatre artist and beloved friend, passed away suddenly in July 2009, near the close of the play's run in Parrsboro; and
Whereas during its 2009 season, Ship's Company Theatre celebrated its 25th Anniversary of presenting live theatre in Parrsboro, and continues to be a prime centre for the development and production of new Atlantic Canadian works;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour the late Bill Forbes on his outstanding achievements in the theatre and we are thankful for his dedication to the Ship's Company Theatre.
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. 662
MR. KEITH BAIN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Glace Bay native, and popular member of Cape Breton's literacy community, DC (Donna) Trochaic is set to release her first book this month; and
Whereas Cape Breton University Press Editor-in-Chief Mike Hunter calls the collection of stories a pure gem; and
Whereas Donna will launch her book entitled Loose Pearls at the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design this month, and will once again be calling Cape Breton home after many years of living abroad;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Donna Trochaic on her accomplishments, and welcome her back to beautiful Cape Breton Island and our wonderful 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 Argyle.
RESOLUTION NO. 663
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 Team Southwest is established with members from ACCA, the federal government, and community partners to combat the economic challenges in the area; and
Whereas this working group recognizes the need for all stakeholders to work together on mutual interests so that long-term, sustainable economic development initiatives make their way to the tri-counties; and
Whereas the work of groups like ACCA, community stakeholders, and government becomes infinitely more important to deal with the difficulties faced by the people and businesses in southwestern Nova Scotia;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly express their hope that this government sees fit to participate in Team Southwest and in future initiatives to improve our economy.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
I hear several Noes.
The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Cape Breton West.
RESOLUTION NO. 664
MR. ALFIE MACLEOD: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas while in Opposition, the current Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture continually criticized the government for not doing enough for the fisher people of Nova Scotia; and
Whereas in particular, the MLA for Shelburne attacked the former government for not doing enough to ease the access to capital, and for engaging with the people of the department, which is set up to serve; and
Whereas since taking government, the current minister has done nothing to further either cause, proving he and the rest of his colleagues in the NDP will do anything in order to get elected;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly urge the Minister of Fisheries to stand by his commitments and actually start living up to his commitments that he made to the hard-working fisher people of Nova Scotia.
[2:45 p.m.]
MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Inverness.
RESOLUTION NO. 665
MR. ALLAN MACMASTER: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Bonny MacIsaac of Strathmore recently became a community ambassador for CBC's Steven and Chris' Better Choice Challenge; and
Whereas her recurring biog. educates consumers on topics such as finance, nutrition, fitness, and relationships; and
Whereas Bonny will now offer the advice she has given to the people of Inverness County in her weekly column, in The Inverness Oran, to a new audience;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Bonny on giving Canadians motivation to challenge themselves for personal improvement.
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 Cumberland South.
RESOLUTION NO. 666
HON. MURRAY SCOTT: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the honourable member for Hants West, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas a playwright, also known as a dramatist, is a person who writes dramatic literature of drama and whose works are usually written to be performed in front of a live audience by actors; and
Whereas Carole Peterson of Falmouth, Hants County, is the founding member of the Accidental Actors, a volunteer theatre group specializing in musical dinner theatre productions, which has raised over $50,000 for various community groups and individuals; and
Whereas Carole volunteers all of the many hours she spends writing a play and organizing the actors and events, which in turn has earned her the Volunteer of the Year Award for the Municipality of West Hants;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Carole on this very deserving award and wish her all the best with her future play writing.
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.
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. FRANK CORBETT: Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Government Motions.
GOVERNMENT MOTIONS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. FRANK CORBETT: Mr. Speaker, I move that you do now leave the Chair and that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole House on Supply unto Her Majesty.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Clayton Park.
MS. DIANA WHALEN: It gives me pleasure to start the Supply debate today. I had a subject which I think is very compelling and I'm pleased to see a full House here, of course. It is a compelling subject. It's one that we've been talking about for some time, Mr. Speaker, here in the House and it relates to the Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area.
I know that is an area that I had raised here in the House under the previous government. In 2004 I brought in a Private Members' Public Bill asking that the government should actually include the Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes as a wilderness protected area under the legislation that we have here in Nova Scotia. It is fitting that I rise today to talk about this property and this land, because exactly last year on Earth Day - so one year ago - the Province of Nova Scotia formally declared the Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes area as a protected wilderness area within our legislation. That was a big day for the then-government as they were very pleased to take credit and to do that, and to do the right thing. I was pleased. A full year before that, they had said it was a candidate for protection.
Last year on Earth Day it became their big Earth Day announcement that we had fully protected 3,300 acres which are urban lands really. For those who don't know, they're bordered by Timbered, Bakers Lake Business Park, the Clayton Park riding, and the Hammonds Plains riding. So they have a high density of people around them and people can get there very easily from anywhere in the city. In fact, it's accessible by bus route to get to the Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes and go for hikes.
Mr. Speaker, there have been a couple of issues that have arisen around that and, obviously, it has my full support. It was a bill that I brought in, you know, in 2004 and we've had debates here in the Legislature over time about the Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes area. I think that what is important to note is that one of the issues that helped propel the province to agree to create the wilderness area, out of this Crown land - and I make the point that it was all Crown land. It was really a transfer of land from the Department of Natural Resources to the Department of Environment to keep it for future generations as an undeveloped area.
Before that was done, HRM themselves in their regional planning exercise - which was quite extensive as we know - in putting together their 25-year plan, they agreed that the Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes area was important and that it should become a regional park. They took a portion of Crown land that was provincial and a portion of private lands and outlined the boundaries of what would be a provincial park in that area. At the time, again, we celebrated the fact that became endorsed in the regional plan of HRM. The signal
was clear to the members of the public who had gone out to numerous meetings, Mr. Speaker, and let their thoughts be known that this was very important land for preservation.
So when HRM actually put their stamp of concern and recognition that this was important ecological lands, important lands for the future and really warranted being named a regional park within the regional plan, we took that as a great sign of support, and it helped to leverage support from the Progressive Conservative Government of the day because they saw that the people of HRM had spoken on this issue. So we were pleased about that.
But, Mr. Speaker, two issues have arisen in the last short time that relate to this park area. Again, we definitely celebrated the fact that we had now 3,300 acres that had been preserved, but there were in fact over 4,000 acres of Crown land in that area, and the reason that it was truncated or cut off was really to allow for a future highway, which is known as Highway No. 113.
In an earlier debate, which I had the chance to look at, a debate from 2005 here in the House, the actual current - well the member who represents Timberlea-Prospect, our Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, actually said in that debate that it's known in his community as unlucky No. 113 and that it was a highway that he felt was not necessary and would not really do anything to help the traffic issues in his community, and in fact would compound them. For that Highway No. 113, we also know that there is a price tag of at least $50 million - a recent article in The Coast referred to it as being a roughly $50 million highway.
Even in our debate in 2005, fully five years ago here in the Legislature, we talked about that being a $50 million or $60 million project, and at the time the minister responsible had said that the project was not going to take place any time soon.
MR. SPEAKER: Order. Order, please. There's a bit too much chatter in the Chamber. I would ask members who wish to talk to take it outside.
The honourable member for Halifax Clayton Park has the floor.
MS. WHALEN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Again, I was saying that at the time when we had the debate five years ago here in the Legislature, the current Minister of Finance and the current Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal joined that debate and spoke against Highway No. 113 and said that we really didn't need it - and the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal tabled a little pamphlet that the Ecology Action Centre and the local Trails Association and Canadian Parks and Wilderness had helped to fund. It was a color pamphlet, and both the minister and I had a quote in there indicating that we thought the highway was unnecessary and that we should preserve the land. It is a beautiful wilderness area except that what was
actually preserved was three-quarters of the land, or a little bit more, and it is a wonderful asset so I don't want to take away from the fact that we have preserved a sizeable wilderness area which is easily accessible to people in our community.
Mr. Speaker, just so people know, this has been used for years for hiking, for fishing and camping, for canoeing, and it is really well used by the canoeists and kayakers because they have a route in there where they can bring in their canoes or kayaks and do a one-day loop, which is very unusual when you think that in an urban area you can so quickly get to lakes with just a few little portages along the way. I say little because I haven't done those portages - they may be difficult, but in one day they can come back to the point where they put their canoe in the water and they can have a true wilderness experience in the city.
This area, once it was designated - and, as I say, that became official last year on Earth Day - actually makes Halifax or HRM the site for the largest urban wilderness park in Canada, that's is what this is. You know, a corner of it is in my riding, a great deal of it is in Timberlea and in the Hammonds Plains area, the Hammonds Plains-Upper Sackville riding but it definitely borders the communities in Hammonds Plains, Kingswood, and other communities that back onto this area but, at the same time, the corridor for the highway is also right on the back step, basically, of Hammonds Plains.
There was a lot of debate here in earlier times about that highway, about the environmental assessments for the highway and really about whether or not the highway was even needed. I'd like to really say today that I believe this is a pet project of the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal and that our road builders and engineers are very fixed on this highway going through, but the evidence isn't there for the public to really appreciate what possible benefit it is going to have.
I think the HRM councillors over the years have supported it. I think they do that really for purely political reasons, that they haven't made any effort to improve the Hammonds Plains Road and the Hammonds Plains Road is becoming increasingly congested and dangerous, quite frankly, I'm sure the member for Hammonds Plains-Upper Sackville agrees that it is often dangerous in the winter because it is a narrow road carrying, literally, thousands and thousands of cars because so many new subdivisions have grown off the Hammonds Plains Road and they continue to do so.
But because there is a lack of foresight on the Hammonds Plains Road, there was this idea that we would pass it off to the province and get the province to build, basically, a shortcut between Highway No. 103 and Highway No. 102. So it cuts off the triangle, actually, where you come into the interchange, turn around and head back to the Bayers Lake or to the airport, the other way.
When we had this debate a few years ago, it was pointed out that we would save about seven minutes of time in terms of taking that shortcut, that there is about a seven minute shortcut there. That's hardly worth a $50 million project. Again, I have to point out that it would be going through a pristine area and interrupting a lot of the area that we're trying to protect. So, I have a real concern about that.
Just recently, we got our most recent - and I'm not sure if it is our last - environmental assessment because this process has been going for many years in terms of one stage after another of environmental assessments that were required.
We're glad that it is being properly studied, but I would just like to be on record today to remind the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal that at that time in the past and not only at that one debate, but another occasions, he had recognized that this was a short-sighted idea to build a highway, and I'm hoping that there is still very little appetite, at least from the minister's office, to go ahead and do that. Because I just don't believe that it is going to save any time. It might save six or seven minutes, it won't be good for the environment.
Well, Mr. Speaker, there is another issue that I better touch on because you let me know now that I just have a few minutes to go. So I'm concerned about the highway, although I accept the fact that the park is smaller as a result of that planning, I'm hoping that the highway will simply be shelved and not looked at in the future. I know that Nova Scotians can think of many other roads that could use $50 million rather than us building a new road that has limited support in the community.
But the second issue that I have, Mr. Speaker, is going back to HRM and their commitment to create a regional park. In that area that they had designated and the boundaries they designated, some of our current provincial wilderness is included but there is also private land in that designated area.
Mr. Speaker, the people in our community are upset that HRM has done nothing in the ensuing years, and it has been almost five years I think now since the regional plan came in, maybe one of the members there knows. But I think it is about 2005 and in that five years - and this is a 25 year plan - five years has passed and there has been no news at all about what HRM would do to acquire any of those lands.
Now, we never expected them to go out and buy them lock, stock and barrel in one one fell swoop; I know it is expensive. But we wanted to see some plan in place that would say what they were intending and you know, we were quite happy to see it come in the future but there is no plan in place, Mr. Speaker.
Our particular concern today is that the HRM is actually entertaining development proposals in that area. We have spoken to HRM, I've written to the mayor and he says they
are still committed to the regional park. But while saying they're still committed to the regional park that they had earlier designated, they're also saying that private landowners who are captured in that area have a right to come forward with their own plan.
Mr. Speaker, if you know anything about development, you know that as developers advance their plans from one stage to another and have them considered by the municipality, wherever that may be, they become more and more entrenched and the value of their land goes up as a result of the plans that they have put on paper about what could be done in that area.
Mr. Speaker, we are very alarmed that HRM would entertain any thought of development on those lands and HRM is in a perfect position to say that they won't go there, that anybody who owns lands in that area should just sit tight, because we're not under any obligation to look at that land for development for at least 25 years. They may have rights but the city has been very clear that it is a 25-year plan and that is intended to be a regional park.
In the meantime, they have allowed an initial plan to go forward which was actually very sneaky and very secretive. It was hidden in the back of a plan that was not going to regional council and not to the community council, which would normally hear and deal with development, but it was buried in the back of a plan that went to the regional planning committee.
[3:00 p.m.]
I have a couple of concerns there. One is that the members who sit on the regional planning committee today are not the same people who were there when the regional plan was put in place, and they don't have a history of what went into that plan. They don't seem to have the corporate knowledge and background that would let them know how important the Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes Area Regional Park was to our people in Halifax, the people who live all around that area, particularly in the Clayton Park area, because we're really the closest to the areas in question.
The city has every right to close that down, and I would like to see them do just that. Instead, they are entertaining this development idea. I just have to say that it's unnecessary, and that the community is watching and is holding them accountable to move forward and to preserve the lands that they said they ultimately would preserve. I don't care if they own them right now, but I do care that they make a clear statement, unequivocal, that the people who own land in that area cannot develop it under our current regional plan.
At the same time, it's important to note that the staff recommendation, when they looked at this plan, was that they should defer consideration of the request to initiate a secondary planning strategy in the Highway No. 102 west corridor area adjacent to the Blue
Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes Park, and they said they should put that off until at least 2016. They said there are ample, in fact, thousands of units that are currently under development in Bedford West, Bedford South, Port Wallis, and other parts of the city.
With that, I am just hoping that the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal and the Department of Environment will be following this issue and protecting the rights of this park and the integrity of the lands that are there. Thank you very much.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cape Breton North.
HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to rise in debate going into estimates today and to talk about something that is very important, not only to Halifax but all of Nova Scotia: a proposed development for Halifax that will have benefit throughout all of Nova Scotia. From time to time, as you know, especially for those of us representing the outlying regions of the province, sometimes there is competition and concern about what the capital region would have for infrastructure and supports versus the infrastructure and supports in other places throughout Nova Scotia.
There is one proposed development for Nova Scotia and for the capital city of Halifax that will have a benefit throughout this entire province from one end to the other, given that we have to find solutions to get more traffic, visitor traffic, into the province because of issues that people of southwestern Nova Scotia are facing because of the ferry access, but also trying to come out of an economic downturn and look at where we go into the future. One of those items is going to be the investments necessary that will stimulate job growth, not only in the short term through construction, but in the long term in terms of jobs created and the international marketing and promotion of Nova Scotia as a primary and premium destination for world travel and business conferences.
Nova Scotia has been very fortunate and we've had infrastructure supported for the World Trade and Convention Centre. The centre there, as we know now, 25 years in, that infrastructure can only be sustained for so long and it gets tired and there has been a lot of work done to renew that infrastructure. However, as the world has more global activity and our global community gets smaller, there is a greater need for people to come together and to meet.
When you consider that in the international business setting for conferences, for conventions and the like, that there are over 7,000 large conventions worldwide every year, and of that, 3,000 conventions would be available to Canada of a large-scale nature. The World Trade and Convention Centre, unfortunately, has now become classified as Class B space versus A because of the limitations of its age, even with some renewal and infrastructure. It's still a great facility, still one that we're very proud to have here in the core of Halifax, but also, when you look at the fact that because we don't have additional capacity that people have been looking for, there have been about 70 conferences that have been lost
to Halifax. When you consider that that would be the equivalent of about 56,000 delegates, 115,000 room nights, and that would generate approximately $4 million in provincial tax revenue from that.
As is the case with most trade and convention centres throughout the world, governments play a key role, because they're supporting infrastructure as opposed to - and they're an economic generator, and the spinoff they create and that they would be involved, the governments have an interest because of that infrastructure. If you look at the benefit of the World Trade and Convention Centre for Halifax, in the last 10 years alone we've seen over eight million attendees throughout that facility. That would mean approximately $975 million in overall expenditures and, as a result of that, approximately $40 million in provincial tax revenue by the benefit we have from the trade and convention centre.
What I do know is that we have to look at the other benefits that are derived, and those are the human benefits of those directly employed. When you have 90 full-time employees, and about 300 part-time staff that work at the World Trade and Convention Centre, and the Metro Centre, that's a real positive environment and one that's important for those women and men who work in the facility.
More importantly, they're looking to the future because we are missing out on opportunities, we know other regions are investing and investing heavily. We don't have to go outside of Atlantic Canada to see other governments that are going to be investing in infrastructure. The proposed new convention centre on the former ChronicleHerald building site, as everyone knows the excavation, or the demolition, looks to be pretty close to nearing its end to make way for the proposed new convention centre.
I know the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, we've had some concerns with regard to delays and considering the proposals. The minister, and I take him at his word, says they want to make sure they have all of the detail necessary. We would hope to have that clarity and more information made publicly known.
We also know Halifax has some other challenges. We only have to go the second street up from this building, Barrington Street, where we see the impact on the commercial base there, the retail outlets that are suffering and, more importantly, those that are closing, further impacting the commerce on that street which once was very robust, and is actually an entry point, a gateway into the wider downtown core for many people and they're wanting to see what the benefits could be.
I'm very encouraged that in The ChronicleHerald last week, we saw the proposed development down at the end of Salter Street that would complement Bishop's Landing, and further have a mix of retail, residential diversity, making the vibrancy of the downtown core of Halifax very important.
I mentioned, as well, we had the proposed new Armour development - so downtown Halifax can see infrastructure invested, both private developments and those that are seeking government support, such as the trade centre - and that's going to be a major economic driver at a time when governments want to make sure that infrastructure renewal is accelerated because of the jobs that are created during the course of construction and, more importantly, the long-term jobs.
As we know, with the proposed new convention centre for Halifax, it has a mixed use, and indeed allows for more commercial development within the facility and also complements the existing infrastructure we have. I think time is of the essence in wanting to move forward, and have the clarity around the new convention centre, because other jurisdictions are making significant investments, and because of the global marketplace, you have to be out there promoting, and I know as a result of talk of Halifax - looking at a new world-class convention centre has people interested in looking at Halifax.
It is a desired destination, and one of the reasons being because of our Stanfield International Airport's ability to get traffic from Europe as a landing point here to northeastern North America. It's a great place to have people strategically and geographically come together in what is a beautiful Maritime setting, with the hospitality that Nova Scotia is renowned for.
But there's another thing, and that is other regional support. When I think of Centre 200 in Sydney - and we have seen the positive collaboration between the Metro Centre and Centre 200, when we look at some of the hockey tournaments that have come in - about sharing those resources. I think of the Keating recreational facility in Antigonish, a spectacular facility at St. F.X., and that facility offers capacity now that wasn't there a few short years ago. As a result of that, during the summer months, and with the university residence there, it offers convention space.
I also know, and this is a compliment to the women and men here at the World Trade and Convention Centre, they've always worked collaboratively with any other sites in the province, to try and get smaller convention traffic that actually they can't accommodate, to go out to the region so that they can be a connector and provide sales leads to the smaller venues and/or host larger international ones where you have satellite site opportunities, as we've seem with some of the major junior hockey tournaments, which we can see in other areas and business and commerce.
This is something that I hope the government will look at, how you have new infrastructure here that can complement and maybe support some efforts. Maybe that Team Southwest can look at saying how can Halifax generate some small convention activity to the Town of Yarmouth and along southwest Nova Scotia, so that there can be some room nights that could be put in place.
Mr. Speaker, I know that in the other regions people are looking for support but there are some challenges because in Cape Breton, with Centre 200, there's a $4.5 million renewal project underway and they are waiting. The federal government is in, the municipality is in, the corporate sector is in. I really hope that the province will see fit, through the government, to invest the portion that they require so they can actually bring their infrastructure up to a better standard, so that they can tie into the activity here for Halifax.
While the government takes its time to look at some of the criteria for a new convention centre, every month that goes without a decision is a month that is lost for marketing Halifax and Nova Scotia for convention and trade business for this area. We all know that through those networks, many other opportunities can be afforded to Nova Scotians.
I see the actual moving forward for the convention centre for Halifax to again be a win-win, where it's not one region against another region in the Province of Nova Scotia, it's where infrastructure in Halifax will support infrastructure throughout Nova Scotia. That's a key item but any investment in Halifax should also be looking at the pan-Nova Scotian opportunities so that other communities can share in what hopefully will be a whole lot of wealth generation.
I look at a group, FUSION Halifax, that are very supportive of wanting to see the Trade Centre - the new one, the convention centre - built. I think that if the government can work with the other partners to accelerate this, we can see an opportunity. I look at - I see the minister from the Annapolis Valley across the way and I look at Acadia University, no different than St. F.X., with capacity for convention space. I think of down in the Valley, the Cornwallis Centre. All of those can feed out of opportunities where public investment is made for the civil servants who work and the people in the Trade Centre, they're happy to, with smaller business, put them into the regions.
I look at Acadia looking for other ways to have revenue streams. There's an opportunity where an investment in Halifax, with the knowledge that there should be a wider investment in marketing and promoting all of Nova Scotia and again where in this case what is good for Halifax will be good for all of Nova Scotia, if those other facilities are brought into that network to expand and promote the capacity. As people come in by the thousands for conventions, and we're talking about not just 500 or 1,000 people but conventions where thousands of people converge on a location. We also know that when they come, they often will take a two or three-day side trip and if they want to explore Nova Scotia, that's another opportunity that we will benefit from throughout the regions of this province.
Mr. Speaker, I look again when you say we have aging infrastructure, good infrastructure but aging but it is limited. As other jurisdictions are making their move, I hope that Nova Scotia is not going to lose the opportunity to keep step. More importantly, the businesses here do multi-year marketing strategies, they're wondering where we're going to
be because people plan for major events years out. If they know that a facility is going to be built and they know that capacity will be in place, the officials that organize these events can be bidding on conferences and events that could be hosted in three, five, seven, even within a 10-year time frame. Many organizations have a rotation for major international or national or North American events. Those are opportunities we would not want to be seen as lost.
I do know and I will go back - I believe the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal will give it full and timely consideration. I would hope that his Cabinet colleagues in government will also recognize that investment to be one that needs to be supported throughout Nova Scotia.
[3:15 p.m.]
So, again, I will put the plug in for Centre 200 and for the convention and the sport- related activities that they've been able to do very well in partnership with Halifax, and that we look at the network of opportunity that, again, the regions of Nova Scotia can be supported by, and in this case, as I say, investing in Halifax is an investment in all Nova Scotia.
With that, Mr. Speaker, I would hope that we will not lose sight as well of the marketing and promotion through the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, of being able to promote all the regions and being able to look at how do we mitigate some of the impact of decisions that have caused economic harm, but more importantly, how can we create economic opportunity?
If the government moves on that, we will be happy to give them the appropriate recognition and give them the accolades of doing what I think is in the best interests of this entire province, and Halifax, as the hub for Atlantic Canada, to further strengthen the capacity here and, again, create a win-win scenario.
With that, Mr. Speaker, I thank you and the members of the House for this debate.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is carried.
[3:16 p.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Supply with Deputy Speaker Hon. Wayne Gaudet in the Chair.]
[7:35 p.m. CWH on Supply rose and the House reconvened with Deputy Speaker Hon. Wayne Gaudet in the Chair.]
MR. SPEAKER: The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House on Supply reports:
THE CLERK: That the committee has met and made progress and begs leave to sit again on another day.
MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.
MR. DAVID WILSON: Mr. Speaker, that concludes the government's business for today. I move that the House do now rise to meet again on Monday, between the hours 2:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. After the daily routine we will ask to resolve into Committee of the Whole House on Supply, and if time permits Public Bills for Second Reading: Bill Nos. 1, 7, 13, 18,19, 22, 23, 24, 29, 33, 35, 36 and 38. I hope that everybody has a wonderful weekend.
I move that the House do now rise.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is that the House do now rise to meet again on Monday, between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The House stands adjourned until 2:00 p.m. on Monday.
[The House rose at 7:36 p.m.]
By: Ms. Vicki Conrad (Queens)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Special Olympians were celebrated at the15th Annual Special Olympic Festival and Auction in Halifax recognizing the Lunenburg/Queens Timberwolves as the Team of the Year; and
Whereas people who participate in Special Olympics develop improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence, and a more positive self-image; and
Whereas the Lunenburg/Queens Timberwolves Special Olympics floor hockey team, consisting of: Matthew Walsh, Brian Campbell, Michael Moreau, Crystal McInnis, Jamie Belong, Joey McInnis, Neal Luxton, Nick Whynot, Matthew Veinot, Wayne Lannon, Candace Neals, Adam Dexter, Freeman Wamboldt, Jillian Young, and Todd McInnis, and coaches Tim Walsh, Valda Walsh, and Tina Warrington-Joudry, has been playing together for over10 years and truly represent team spirit and integrity;
Therefore be it resolved that the House of Assembly recognize the members of the Lunenburg/Queens Timberwolves: Matthew Walsh, Brian Campbell, Michael Moreau, Crystal McInnis, JamieBelong, Joey McInnis, Neal Luxton, Nick Whynot, Matthew Veinot, Wayne Lannon, Candace Neals, Adam Dexter, Freeman Wamboldt, Jillian Young, and Todd McInnis, and coaches Tim Walsh, Valda Walsh, and Tina Warrington-Joudry for their recognition as Special Olympics Nova Scotia Team of the Year.
By: Ms. Vicki Conrad (Queens)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Volunteer Week was celebrated in Queens recently and is being celebrated around the province to thank those who donate their time and energy to a cause they believe in; and
Whereas Kathy and Rick Gilbert from Queens have been involved with the Canadian Cancer Society, the Winds of Change Theatre Society, the Liverpool International Theatre Festival, the Astor Theatre Society, and the Queens Community Health Board; and
Whereas the 36th Annual Provincial Volunteer Awards ceremony recently took place in Halifax and the Representative Volunteers for the Region of Queens Municipality were honoured for the tremendous contributions they have made to their respective communities;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Kathy and Rick Gilbert of Liverpool for having been recognized by the Region of Queens Municipality as their Representative Volunteers to recognize the donation of their time and energy as representatives from Queens.
By: Ms. Vicki Conrad (Queens)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas a young hockey team, the Liverpool Cougars, brought the Atom B provincial championship banner to Queens County in March and the SEDMHA International Minor Hockey Tournament Atom B banner in April; and
Whereas the last time a Queens County Atom B team won the provincial championship was 20 years ago; and
Whereas at the provincial championship the Cougars won all five of their games, won five of the tournament skills competitions, and a number of best players won tournament awards; at the SEDMHA tournament they won all of their games and five players were chosen as game MVPs during the tournament;
Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly recognize the Atom B provincial champions, the Liverpool Cougars, on their provincial hockey win.
