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HALIFAX, MONDAY, APRIL 23, 2012

Sixty-first General Assembly

Fourth Session

4:00 P.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Gordon Gosse

DEPUTY SPEAKERS

Ms. Becky Kent, Mr. Leo Glavine, Mr. Alfie MacLeod

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

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

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MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Community Services.

RESOLUTION NO. 310

HON. DENISE PETERSON-RAFUSE « : Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the honourable Premier, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Duke of Edinburgh's Award was founded in 1956, came to Canada in 1963, and is now awarded in more than 130 countries around the world; and

Whereas the Duke of Edinburgh's Award recognizes the outstanding commitment and dedication of young Canadians in areas of community service, adventure, physical recreation, and personal skills development; and

Whereas the award is sometimes presented honorarily to adults who exemplify leadership, and who make significant contributions to their communities and country;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate recently honoured Nova Scotians such as Senator John Buchanan, Rita MacNeil, the Honourable Wayne Adams, and the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Truro-Bible Hill who received honorary Duke of Edinburgh's Awards on the occasion of Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice and passage without debate.

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. 311

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HON. RAMONA JENNEX « » : Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the honourable Minister of Health and Wellness, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas as many as 135 Nova Scotians are waiting for an organ transplant that will save their lives, and a single donor can provide life-saving organs to as many as eight people and life-enhancing tissue to as many as 40 people; and

Whereas nearly 536,000 Nova Scotians are registered organ and tissue donors, which is the highest number of donors in all of Canada; and

Whereas April 22^nd to April 28^th is National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week with events being held across the country, and in Legislatures like this one they are lit green to spread awareness about organ and tissue donation;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize April 22^nd to April 28^th as National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week in Nova Scotia, congratulate the committed professionals in our province who work tirelessly in the field of organ and tissue donation, and encourage all Nova Scotians to register as organ donors.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice and passage without debate.

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 Communities, Culture and Heritage.

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, may I do an introduction on behalf of the honourable Minister of the Public Service Commission before I read this resolution?

MR. SPEAKER « » : Most certainly.

MR. WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, in the gallery today we have representatives from the Halifax-Dartmouth Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals. With us today we have Lara Kirkpatrick, legal assistant for chapter publicity chair; Pat Mombourquette, CAP, retired chapter administrative professional seminar co-chair; and Lisa Young, CAP-OM, research administrative assistant, chapter bulletin chair. I ask all members to give them a warm welcome. (Applause)

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MR. SPEAKER « » : We welcome all our guests to the gallery and hope they enjoy this afternoon's proceedings.

The honourable Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage.

RESOLUTION NO. 312

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the honourable Minister of the Public Service Commission, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas administrative professionals play an essential role in coordinating the office operations of businesses, government, educational institutions, and other organizations; and

Whereas Administrative Professionals Week is acknowledged annually in workplaces around the world to recognize the important contributions of administrative staff and is sponsored by the International Association of Administrative Professionals; and

Whereas the theme of Administrative Professionals Week 2012 is "Admins, the pulse of the office," reflecting the fact that the lifeblood of a modern business flows through and depends on the highly skilled administrative professionals;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly recognize the week of April 22-28, 2012 as Administrative Professionals Week and Wednesday, April 25^th as Administrative Professionals Day, saluting the valuable contributions of administrative professionals in the workplace.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice and passage without debate.

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.

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MR. CLARRIE MACKINNON » : Mr. Speaker, would you please revert to the order of business, Tabling Reports, Regulations and Other Papers.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Health and Wellness.

HON. MAUREEN MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues here for their agreement to revert back on our agenda.

With your permission, Mr. Speaker, I'd like to make an introduction, if I could, before I table this report.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Most certainly.

MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD » : Mr. Speaker, it's my great pleasure to draw attention to the east gallery this afternoon, to introduce the members of the Mental Health and Addictions Advisory Committee to all members of this Legislature. I would ask the members to stand as I introduce them. I'll begin with the co-chairmen of the advisory committee: Dr. Michael Ungar and Joyce McDonald, who chaired this committee. Michael, as people are aware, is an internationally recognized expert in the area of resilience in young people and teaches at the School of Social Work; Joyce is a psychiatric nurse, the former executive director of the Mental Health Association in the Truro area.

In addition, Dr. A.J., who is known to many people here, a family practitioner from Halifax; Chief Frank Beazley from the Halifax Regional Municipality, who we are all going to miss very much when he retires and we wish him well; Andy Cox, a mental health advocate at the IWK who, I also believe, sits on the Mental Health Commission of Canada, if I am not mistaken; Paul d'Entremont, a founding member of Réseau Santé and a member of the Acadian and francophone community, very knowledgeable of those communities; Daphne Hutt-MacLeod, the director of Eskasoni Mental Health Services; Lana MacLean, a social worker who works with youth and families and is very familiar with the African Nova Scotian community; Cecilia McRae, president of the Schizophrenic Society of Nova Scotia and caregiver of a family member with schizophrenia; Kathleen Thompson, the mother of a young woman who has been battling an eating disorder for a number of years; and Catherine Thurston, a child psychologist, formerly in the Cumberland District Health Authority and very knowledgeable in that area.

I hope I haven't missed anyone. I also see members of the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation here. I want to thank this fine group, and I know that everybody here will want to do this. These folks worked as volunteers, and put in many, many hours developing their report. Would members please extend a welcome and a thank-you to them. (Applause)

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MR. SPEAKER « » : We welcome all our guests to the gallery and hope they enjoy this afternoon's proceedings.

The honourable Minister of Health and Wellness.

HON. MAUREEN MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to table a report entitled Come Together - Report & Recommendations of the Mental Health and Addictions Strategy Advisory Committee.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The report is tabled.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 37 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 9 of the Acts of 2002. The Interjurisdictional Support Orders Act. (Hon. Ross Landry)

Bill No. 38 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2010. The Finance Act, Respecting District Health Authorities. (Ms. Diana Whalen)

Bill No. 39 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 160 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Maintenance and Custody Act, Respecting Dependent Children and Their Best Interests. (Hon. Ross Landry)

Bill No. 40 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 246 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Labour Standards Code. (Mr. Andrew Younger)

Bill No. 41 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 160 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Maintenance and Custody Act to Affirm Grandparents' Rights. (Hon. Ross Landry)

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

NOTICES OF MOTION

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Dartmouth East.

RESOLUTION NO. 313

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

Whereas after 170 years the Shubenacadie Canal and Waterway continues to play an important role in the development and growth of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the construction of the Shubenacadie Canal created a permanent cross-provincial link between urban and rural communities, joining Halifax Harbour to the Bay of Fundy, and aiding in the construction of communities like Halifax, Dartmouth, Waverley, and Maitland; and

Whereas construction of the historic Shubenacadie Canal began on this day 170 years ago, and it is now recognized as a National Historic Engineering Site;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly acknowledge the significance of today's anniversary of the start of construction for the Shubenacadie Canal and Waterway, and recognize the importance of the waterway in Nova Scotia's industrial and recreational heritage.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice and passage without debate.

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. 314

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

Whereas Sunday was Earth Day, the largest and most celebrated environmental event worldwide; and

Whereas people from one end of this province to the other observed Earth Day by organizing clean-ups, planting trees and vegetable gardens, and holding mass celebrations to honour and remind us how beautiful and important our environment is; and

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Whereas Earth Day is a time to reflect on the successes we've had in making our world a greener place and encourages us to remember that there is still a great deal to accomplish for future generations;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank those who participated in Earth Day events across the province and let them serve as a reminder that we must do everything we can to protect this beautiful province.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice and passage without debate.

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 Lunenburg.

RESOLUTION NO. 315

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

Whereas Canada's Got Talent is a nationwide televised talent show produced by Citytv that showcases talented Canadians from across the country, giving them an opportunity to win fame and national recognition; and

Whereas the Ernst family of Lunenburg County has long been recognized locally for their musical talents, with Ernst family members Gregg, John, Peter, Joshua, Elijah, comprising the a cappella singing group named OneBlood; and

Whereas OneBlood auditioned for Canada's Got Talent and made it to the semifinals of the competition, with the most recent appearance on April 15, 2012, which has them vying for the top spot;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate the Ernst family and their musical group, OneBlood, for qualifying for the semifinals of Canada's Got Talent and for sharing their gift of song with the rest of the country.

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Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice and passage without debate.

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. 316

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

Whereas Patricia Arab was a pillar of the Lebanese community in Halifax, a remarkable, influential woman, a loving wife, mother, aunt and matriarch, one of the first Canadian women of Lebanese descent to graduate from university, a teacher, and a long-time member of the Catholic Women's League; and

Whereas many Lebanese immigrants to Nova Scotia found their way to Pat's kitchen in Halifax, seeking help acclimatizing to their new country, and she welcomed them with open arms; and

Whereas the Lebanese Government awarded Pat the Lebanese Emigrant of the Year in 2005 and Pope John Paul II gave her a special blessing in 1979 and many politicians, including this one, sought out her trusted, wise counsel over the years;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly send their sincere condolences to the family of Patricia Arab - her husband Phillip, children Marianne, Peter, Patricia and Paula - as we recognize the passing of a wonderful woman who will be deeply missed.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice and passage without debate.

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

Is it agreed?

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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. 317

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

Whereas Education Week is being held between April 20^th and April 28^th this year and is a great chance to honour and recognize Nova Scotia's teachers and education partners; and

Whereas Education Week has been celebrated since 1935 and is a co-operative effort of the Nova Scotia Teachers Union, the Nova Scotia School Boards Association, Nova Scotia Federation of Home and School Associations, la Fédération des parents acadiens de la Nouvelle-Écosse, the Association of Nova Scotia Educational Administrators, and the Department of Education; and

Whereas the importance of teachers in the lives of our children is being highlighted as school boards announce their plans to deal with decreased education funding;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the 23 Nova Scotia educators and five partners who received awards as part of Education Week and thank all teachers and education partners for their dedication and commitment to giving our children the tools they need for success.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice and passage without debate.

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 Guysborough-Sheet Harbour.

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RESOLUTION NO. 318

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

Whereas Laura Francheville was one of the first curators of the Old Courthouse Museum situated in the shire town of Guysborough; and

Whereas Laura Francheville has been a long-time supporter of the Guysborough Historical Society, with a keen interest in the museum and the rich history of Guysborough County; and

Whereas on Sunday, April 29, 2012, Laura Francheville is being awarded an honorary life membership in Guysborough Historical Society for her efforts in promoting, preserving and protecting the history, heritage and culture of the County of Guysborough;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Laura Francheville on receiving her honorary life membership to the Guysborough Historical Society and thank her for assuming a leadership role in her community.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice and passage without debate.

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.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. CLARRIE MACKINNON « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Government Motions.

GOVERNMENT MOTIONS

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MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. CLARRIE MACKINNON « » : Mr. Speaker, I move that you do now leave the Chair and that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole House on Supply unto Her Majesty.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is carried.

[4:26 p.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Supply with Deputy Speaker Ms. Becky Kent in the Chair.]

[8:41 p.m. CWH on Supply rose and the House reconvened with Deputy Speaker Ms. Becky Kent in the Chair.]

MADAM SPEAKER « » : The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House on Supply reports:

THE CLERK » : That the Committee of the Whole House on Supply has met, has made progress, and begs leave to sit again.

MADAM SPEAKER « » : Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. FRANK CORBETT « » : Madam Speaker, that concludes the government's business for today. I move that the House do now rise to meet from the hours of 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m. After the daily routine and Question Period, we will go into Committee of the Whole House on Supply and, if time permits, Public Bills for Second Reading: Bill Nos. 5, 9, 11, 13, 17, 20, 22, 24, 30, 32, 34, 37, 39, and 41.

Madam Speaker, I move that the House do now rise.

MADAM SPEAKER « » : The motion is that the House do now rise to meet again tomorrow, April 24^th, between the hours of 12:00 noon and 8:00 p.m.

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

The motion is carried.

[The House rose at 8:42 p.m.]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

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RESOLUTION NO. 319

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 Falmouth Freezer Half and Quarter Marathon was held on February 12, 2012 with more than 150 participants braving the cold and snowy roads to compete in the annual event; and

Whereas Dale Block, a teacher at King's-Edgehill School in Windsor, was the first to finish the quarter marathon with a time of 41:55 for the 10.55 km event, beating out competitors from across the province; and

Whereas from approximately 80 participants in 2011 to over 150 marathoners in 2012, the annual Falmouth Freezer Half and Quarter Marathon is a great way to train and socialize with other marathon enthusiasts from around the province;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Dale on his win during the quarter marathon and thank the organizers of the Falmouth Freezer Half and Quarter Marathon for making this event a great success.

RESOLUTION NO. 320

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 six teams competed this year in the Royal Canadian Legion Call to Remembrance competition in Kingston where youth in Grades 7 to 9 answer questions based on Canada's military history; and

Whereas students Logan Rawlins, Andrew Mayo, Denise Mayo, Brandon Mullen and Liam Lynch, along with student coach Kathleen Crowell and Coach Steve Mayo, from King's-Edgehill School in Windsor, placed first in the Legion competition; and

Whereas by preparing to answer questions based on World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War as well as peacekeeping missions, our youth are learning an important part of our history which will be preserved through their knowledge and enthusiasm;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the students and coaches from King's-Edgehill School on their win and wish them all the best in future competitions.

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