[Page 2863]

HALIFAX, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

Sixty-second General Assembly

Second Session

2:00 P.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Kevin Murphy

DEPUTY SPEAKER

Ms. Margaret Miller

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. We'll begin the daily routine.

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism.

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table a petition which reads:

"Lewis Cove Road" in Richmond County is in urgent need of necessary upgrade. This 9.5 km section of roadway has had an asphalt surface since 1963 with periodic repair . . .

Over the past 40 years "Lewis Cove Road" has become a travelled route of bumps, lumps, cracked or broken sections with grass growing through the asphalt. Heavy forest growth is resulting in alders and branches extending to the main highway, causing safety concerns for travelers.

The residents and communities that connect with "Lewis Cove Road" are urging the Provincial Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal to immediately conduct a full assessment of this section of road and begin necessary upgrades and improvements as soon as possible.

[Page 2864]

Mr. Speaker, this petition is signed by 514 residents and, as per the Rules of this House, I have attached my signature.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The petition is tabled.

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

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

HON. JOANNE BERNARD « » : Recently a public consultation process began to set us on a path to help make Nova Scotia a more accessible and inclusive province for everyone to live and work. I am pleased to table this discussion paper developed by the Minister's Advisory Panel on Accessibility Legislation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The discussion paper is tabled.

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

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

RESOLUTION NO. 1033

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

Whereas transgender individuals can face many challenges in life, including the threat of violence; and

Whereas November 20^th is Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day to remember transgender people who have been killed due to transphobic violence; and

Whereas all Nova Scotians have the right to love, compassion and acceptance, and to live their lives free from threat of violence and discrimination;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House encourage Nova Scotians to support the transgender community by attending tonight's Transgender Day of Remembrance Candlelit Walk, leaving Victoria Park at 6:00 p.m., and the Remembrance Ceremony at St. Matthew's United Street, Barrington Street, Halifax, at 6:30 p.m.

[Page 2865]

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 Community Services.

RESOLUTION NO. 1034

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

Whereas Nova Scotia's youngest residents and their families hold the key to a prosperous future for all Nova Scotians; and

Whereas in the words of Ban Ki-moon, "Every child has the right to survive and thrive, to be educated, to be free from violence and abuse, to participate and to be heard."; and

Whereas this year marks the 25^th Anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House, and all Nova Scotians, take time to celebrate children's rights, not only on National Child Day but throughout the year.

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.

[Page 2866]

The motion is carried.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

NOTICES OF MOTION

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Argyle-Barrington.

LEGISLATURE STAFF - THANK

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : After a long session, it's important that we take time to thank people who make the proceedings of this House possible each day. I would like to take time to thank the Legislative Library for their quick and helpful resources; our clerks, Neil Ferguson and Annette Boucher and their staff; everyone at the Speaker's Office; our Sergeant-at-Arms, Ken Greenham, and all the Commissionaires; the Hansard staff and Bob Kinsman; every one of the Legislative Counsel and Legislative TV; the staff at the Committee Office; the custodial staff; the workers at the Queen's Printer; Anna's and Rudy's for the wonderful food that they provide; and of course Mike Laffin and Peter Theriault and all the Pages who keep things running so smoothly. We've sat some very long hours this session and we all owe you a huge thank-you. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Halifax Needham.

BROTEN RECOMMENDATIONS: N.S./ONT. - DIFFERENCES

HON. MAUREEN MACDONALD « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Tax exemptions on family essentials like diapers, books, and children's clothing make a difference for families in our province. In 2009, Ms. Laurel Broten, who led this recent Nova Scotia tax review, sat at the Liberal Cabinet Table in Ontario and created HST exemptions for diapers, books, children's clothing, and other items. In fact, her Liberal Government announced these exemptions in Ms. Broten's own constituency. I can't help but wonder why Ms. Broten thinks these exemptions are important for families in Ontario but not families here in Nova Scotia.

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

HOLIDAY SEASON - BLOOD DONATIONS

MS. MARGARET MILLER « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In recent months, Canadian Blood Services had to send an appeal to all Canadians to donate blood due to the blood inventory being at a critical six-year low. Canadians answered that call. Canadian Blood Services' blood inventory is now at a comfortable level.

[Page 2867]

However, the need for blood is constant. Every minute of every day, someone in Canada needs blood. Blood is used to treat patients with bleeding disorders, individuals undergoing surgery, transplant recipients, cancer patients, newborn babies, and many others. It can take up to 50 units of blood for just one car accident victim.

The holiday season is among us, which can be a challenging time for blood donation. Let's rally together as a community and ensure that our shelves are fully stocked for patients in need. What better gift can you give someone than the gift of life when they need it this holiday season? Please call 1-888-2-DONATE and visit www.blood.ca. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

BLACK WATCH OF CAN. CAP BADGE

- PICTOU CO. MILITARY HERITAGE MUSEUM

MR. TIM HOUSTON « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Lou MacNaughton, a veteran of the Black Watch who served as a peacekeeper after the Korean War, was on hand recently to present one-of-a-kind item for display in the Pictou County Military Heritage Museum. It is a 3-foot by 2.5-foot replica of the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada cap badge, which was created by a craftsman from the government and the people of South Korea just after the armistice was signed ending the Korean War. Mr. MacNaughton hopes people will stop in to view this replica while it is on loan to the museum before it returns to the Black Watch Museum at the regiment's armoury in Montreal. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Queens-Shelburne.

TANCOOK FERRY: ABSENCE - EFFECTS

HON. STERLING BELLIVEAU: Mr. Speaker, I rise in my place to bring an important issue to the floor of the House of Assembly. The absence of a reliable ferry system for Little and Big Tancook Islands for residents to get to work, children to get to school, seniors depend on it to get to their doctors for appointments, and the ferry carries tourists out to the scenic islands.

My colleague, the member for Chester-St. Margaret's has questioned the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, who is in charge of this provincially owned and operated ferry system, a number of times in this session. The past two weeks, we had people and supplies left on the docks because of an ineffective ferry that the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal has failed to address properly. Thank you very much.

[Page 2868]

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Lunenburg.

MS. SUZANNE LOHNES-CROFT « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to make an introduction.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

LEET, PASTOR GERRY: GALLERY PRESENCE - THANK

MS. LOHNES-CROFT « » : In the east gallery, I would like Pastor Gerry Leet to stand and be welcomed by the House. (Applause)

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to say a special thank you to a person we all know. He is here every day looking down on us, literally, from above, and I am speaking, of course, of Pastor Gerry Leet. Pastor Leet has been a welcome presence at this House of Assembly offering both comfort and support regardless of political stripe or affiliation.

We work in a very challenging environment. It is, at times, easy to get discouraged, but just knowing Pastor Leet is here is a weight off my chest, as it is for many of our members, in fact, he helps sustain our spirits. Once again I would like to thank Pastor Leet for being a daily presence here, and often helping to put things in context of a greater scheme of things, whether he means it or not. You are always welcome here.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Pictou Centre.

CARBON TAX PROPOSAL - VETO

HON. PAT DUNN « » : Mr. Speaker, the Ivany report told us that it was time to take developing our natural resources seriously. It provided a blueprint to kick-start the rural economy and call for immediate action. It did not call for risky new tax schemes that will increase the cost of virtually everything. That's what the new carbon tax that has been proposed will do. The Liberal Government should take the recommendations of the Ivany report seriously and say no to a new carbon tax. It is not the time for risky new experiments with the tax system. It is, however, a time for action on Ivany. Today, I'm calling on the Liberals to get to work on implementing the Ivany report and to trash the carbon tax proposal. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrooke-Salmon River.

BROTEN, LAUREL - TAX REPT. RECOMMENDATIONS/JOB PROSPECT

[Page 2869]

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : Mr. Speaker, Nova Scotia's Liberal Government paid $155,000 to a former Ontario Liberal Cabinet Minister, Laurel Broten, to undertake a tax review with recommendations to help stimulate economic growth for Nova Scotia's future. Out of the many recommendations, the following are an example of this review: adding the tax back on power, diapers, children's clothing and books; increasing taxes for small businesses; and lowering the taxes for high economic earners.

According to allNovaScotia.com today, there is also a potential patronage position in the works for Ms. Broten as CEO of NSBI, the very type of job her tax recommendations will, in fact, help. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

HFX./DART. DOWNTOWN ART WALK

MR. ALLAN ROWE « » : Mr. Speaker, this evening the downtown of Halifax and Dartmouth will be bustling as residents will be visiting a variety of art galleries and retailers who are opening their doors for free for an event called Downtown Artwalk, which promotes local artists and businesses. In advance of our holiday season, I wish to remind all members of this House of Assembly of the importance of supporting local businesses, local retailers, and our cultural sector, as well.

I encourage all of my colleagues to visit the Downtown Artwalk venues this evening to demonstrate their support. I also wish to recognize the organizers, the promoters and participating galleries and, as well, the businesses of Artwalk who give generously to make their art accessible, and to provide a platform for local artists to display and promote their work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Kings North.

CARBON TAX PROPOSAL - LIBERALS REJECT

MR. JOHN LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, as a farmer, I'm well aware of the negative impact the new Liberal carbon tax would have on the agriculture sector. Farmers consume a lot of fuel and energy in their work, work that benefits people everywhere. If their costs rise at the hands of a new Liberal carbon tax, that means their costs will have to be absorbed elsewhere. Farmers may have to cut back on workers and employees and will lose their jobs, or Nova Scotians will have to pay more at the grocery store. Either way, a carbon tax is bad news for agricultural workers and consumers. Today I'm calling on the Liberals to do the right thing and reassure consumers and the agricultural community by rejecting the carbon tax proposal. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Queens-Shelburne.

[Page 2870]

TANCOOK FERRY: LOBSTER SEASON - EFFECTS

HON. STERLING BELLIVEAU « » : Mr. Speaker, in my earlier statement today, I raised the issue of a lack of a reliable ferry system for Little and Big Tancook Islands. As we approach another lobster season and the winter conditions, many fishers have great concerns of fuel and bait supplies being brought to the island in a timely fashion. The lobster industry is the economic engine that drives many Nova Scotian communities, especially those of Little and Big Tancook Islands. The Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal needs to understand the full concerns and seriousness of this situation. Thank you.

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

EAST. PASSAGE - COW BAY CHRISTMAS BOX PROJ.

MS. JOYCE TREEN « » : Mr. Speaker, the spirit of Christmas is alive in Eastern Passage and Cow Bay. The community is busy with its Community Christmas Box project. For the past 25 years the Knights of Columbus, the Buffalo Club, the Legion, and the Lions Club, along with the Catholic, Anglican, and Baptist churches and our local food bank and many residents, have all worked together to provide Christmas hampers for those in need. The hampers include everything for a Christmas dinner, plus toys and clothes if there are children.

Our local grocery store, the ValuFoods, is key in making sure all the food is ordered at great savings and delivered to the hall for prep day. The Christmas boxes are delivered to all the homes on December 23^rd, in time for the big day. I would like to give a big thank you to all involved in making this such a great success every year. You rock.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Pictou West.

CARBON TAX: LIBERALS - IMPLEMENTATION REFUSE

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, our province needs jobs. Job creation needs to be the top priority for the Liberal Government, not risky new schemes like the carbon tax that has been proposed. In Opposition the Liberals called a carbon tax a "job killer" and said it would make Nova Scotia less competitive. The Progressive Conservative caucus agrees. A carbon tax will make Nova Scotia less attractive to industry and will deter investment. The Liberals have already indicated that Nova Scotia is closed for business with their ban on onshore development. By refusing to rule out the implementation of a carbon tax, they are sending more negative signals to job creators. The Liberals must be clear and assure industry that there will be no job-killing carbon tax under their watch.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Sackville-Beaver Bank.

[Page 2871]

BOULARDERIE MAMMOWARRIORS - FUNDRAISING

MR. STEPHEN GOUGH « » : Mr. Speaker, I read this statement on behalf of the member for Victoria-The Lakes.

The Boularderie MammoWarriors are a dragon boat team made up of friends and neighbours from beautiful Boularderie Island and beyond. They participate in the annual Cape Breton Dragon Boat Festival in the summer, but all year round they are fundraising. For example, this past weekend they held a soup luncheon, and every penny raised went to the Cape Breton Cancer Patient Care Fund.

This group of dedicated community members has raised, over the course of eight years, in the realm of $100,000 for their cause. These community-minded people are a shining example of how small communities can have a giant impact. I am proud to call them my friends and neighbours.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Sydney River-Mira-Louisbourg.

CARBON TAX PROPOSAL: LIBERALS - REJECT

HON. ALFIE MACLEOD « » : Mr. Speaker, Cape Breton's economy is in need of a serious direction change. Fortunately there are projects on the horizon that could mean more jobs and a better future for Cape Breton. One of those projects is the much-discussed development of the Donkin Mine. However, a new Liberal carbon tax like the one that has been proposed could put Donkin's future at risk.

The Ivany report called on Nova Scotia to kick-start the economy by developing our natural resources, not by implementing punitive new taxes that will deter investment. Today I'm calling on the Liberals to take a hard look at the carbon tax proposal and consider what it will mean for Donkin. Surely then they will do the right thing and reject it outright. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Hammonds Plains-Lucasville.

YELLOWCARD CAMPAIGN - SUPPORT

MR. BEN JESSOME « » : Mr. Speaker, motionball is a national organization that serves to support our Special Olympians. Through motionball Halifax, I was exposed to the YELLOWCARD campaign. I would like to take a moment to make all members aware of its existence and importance. Its intent is to educate society about harm associated with the use of the R-word, and it encourages people to take the pledge. The campaign strives to eliminate the casual use of the R-word in everyday conversation.

A yellow card is given out in soccer to warn offenders that they have committed an infraction, and in this case the yellow card serves as a means of letting people know that the R-word is offensive, and that it isolates those with intellectual disabilities and only serves as a means of degrading and bullying. There is no good way to use the R-word.

[Page 2872]

I would like to encourage all members in this Legislature to consider taking the pledge and encourage the elimination of the R-word in our society. You can do so by visiting motionball.com/yellowcard.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Inverness.

CARBON TAX PROPOSAL - VETO

MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, the cost of living is a top concern for many in my constituency. As their MLA, it is my duty to fight for measures that will make life more affordable for them. A carbon tax will undoubtedly raise the price of many goods and services; additionally, the pain will be felt at the pumps when Inverness residents fuel their vehicles. This government has yet to rule out a new carbon tax for Nova Scotia and many in my constituency will be rightly worried.

Today I am calling on this government to do the right thing for consumers in my constituency and all across our province and say no to the proposed carbon tax. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Kings South.

HILL-LEHR, ANDRIA/PREM DE BOER, MR. NISTAL

- MONA PARSONS STATUE

MR. KEITH IRVING « » : Mr. Speaker, author Andria Hill-Lehr and sculptor Nistal Prem de Boer recently unveiled the design for the statue of war heroine Mona Parsons. Mona Parsons of Wolfville moved to Holland with her husband in 1937 and became part of the resistance by repatriating downed Allied airmen.

An informer gave them away in 1941, and Parsons was condemned to death. She appealed her sentence and had it commuted to life in prison. Parson was interned in Vechta prison. In 1945 the prison was heavily bombed and she seized the opportunity to escape and devised a plan to get back across Germany without being captured.

Parsons eventually met a Canadian unit, the North Nova Scotia Highlanders. She returned to Wolfville and married. Mona Parsons is a Nova Scotia war hero. We will be remembering her on Nova Scotia Heritage Day. I thank Andria Hill-Lehr, Nistal Prem de Boer, and others who have worked tirelessly to make Mona Parsons' courageous sacrifices known to Nova Scotians and Canadians. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Northside-Westmount.

[Page 2873]

CARBON TAX - LIBERALS: REAL TAX RELIEF PROVIDE

MR. EDDIE ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, the call for a new Liberal carbon tax in Nova Scotia is met with concern by many. Many of my constituents are already disappointed with the Liberal Government's flip-flops and broken promises on power rates. Now they are worried that the new Liberal carbon tax will raise power rates even further. It is already too hard to make ends meet for families in this province under the Liberal Government.

A new job-killing carbon tax that will hike power rates will do nothing to help families, it will only make things worse. Now is not the time for risky, new experiments in the tax field. Instead, it's time for Liberals to get on with the job of providing real tax rate relief for Nova Scotians. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

LAW, MS. BROOKLYN: DISNEY WORLD PARADES - CONGRATS.

MR. BILL HORNE « » : Seven-year-old Brooklyn Law, who dances out of Dance Zone Performing Arts studio, is getting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase her talent during two Christmas parades in Disney World, Florida. Normally the program is for eight-year-olds and up, however Brooklyn's mom sent in an audition tape when she was six and Disney provided the special permission for her to attend. Brooklyn will be in two parades while down in Disney World. The first is down Main Street, U.S.A., in front of Disney guests and the other is for the ABC TV taping of Disney Christmas Parade, which will be televised on Christmas Day.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Brooklyn and her family, and wish her much success as she follows her dreams.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Argyle-Barrington.

CARBON TAX: LIBERALS - OBJECT

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : Following the release of yesterday's Tax and Regulatory Review, Mr. Speaker, many have expressed concerns about the proposed job-killing carbon tax. I rise today to add my name to those in objection - a Liberal carbon tax will raise the price of many goods and products that Nova Scotia families rely on.

This is a punitive tax that will hurt those in rural communities the most. Rural Nova Scotians, like my constituents, are rarely able to take advantage of public transportation opportunities. They rely on their vehicles for groceries, medical appointments, and to see family members, and a carbon tax would make life more expensive for them.

[Page 2874]

The Liberals have yet to rule out the carbon tax for Nova Scotia. Today I am calling on them to do so, just like I am calling on the member for Halifax Chebucto to do so as well. For that, Mr. Speaker, I'm looking forward to that answer. Thank you very much.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Lunenburg.

CHRISTMAS - SHOP LOCAL

MS. SUZANNE LOHNES-CROFT « » : Mr. Speaker, it can arguably be said that the backbone of any community's economy is its small business. In rural Nova Scotia it can be even more evident. With Christmas approaching and the holiday shopping underway, it is important to think about these small and local businesses when we're buying, they are your neighbours and your friends and by shopping local you are not only helping them, you are helping your entire community. Economists will tell you that each dollar spent in a community circulates through that community seven times. Imagine how much that helps your local economy.

For my constituents, Lunenburg County offers everything you need from Christmas trees - as we are the balsam fir Christmas tree capital of the world - to food, clothing, presents, and everything associated with holiday cheer. What a better present to give your community than supporting the local businesses that help make it what it is.

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

CARBON TAX: GOV'T. - VETO

MR. TIM HOUSTON « » : Yesterday I quizzed the Premier, the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board, and the Minister of Energy on the proposed job-killing carbon tax. I'm disappointed that on each occasion the Liberals refused to rule out a carbon tax for Nova Scotia. The Liberals have already done enough to deter industry from investing in Nova Scotia. Dithering on whether or not to introduce a new Liberal carbon tax will soon be another black mark against our province.

If the Liberals were serious about creating jobs in our province, they would forcefully say no to a new carbon tax now, because it's not too late for the Premier and his government to send the right message to job creators. I urge the government to say no to a new carbon tax today.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Halifax Chebucto.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING - BUY LOCAL

[Page 2875]

MR. JOACHIM STROINK « » : As the Christmas season is upon us, we will all head soon to do some Christmas shopping. As you shop for family please consider local small businesses. Small businesses play a huge role in Nova Scotia economy. For every dollar that is spent in a local family-owned business, roughly 62 per cent stays in Nova Scotia. So if you live in Yarmouth, maybe think about shopping at Sandy's Gifts & Ladies Wear; in Glace Bay, Bay Bye Sports; in Halifax, maybe Woozles. These are some small businesses in Nova Scotia that you can support so I encourage all members to shop local.

I am challenging all members to shop in your constituency and try to do 100 per cent of your Christmas shopping at local businesses. I know my family will be taking this challenge on and I know you will, especially the member for Argyle-Barrington.

MR. SPEAKER « » : I'd just like to remind the honourable member for Halifax Chebucto not to promote specific businesses in your member statements, local or otherwise.

The honourable member for Inverness.

BEYOND BORDERS

MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, there has been some question about who paid for the ad placed by some of the victims of Ernest Fenwick MacIntosh. That ad was signed by Bob Martin, Dale Sutherland, Alvin MacInnis, Barry Sutherland, Jeff Hadley, and Weldon Reynolds. The ad was paid for by Beyond Borders.

Beyond Borders Canada is a national advocacy organization advancing the rights of children everywhere to be free from sexual abuse and exploitation. They are a registered charity without political or religious affiliation. They are the Canadian representative of ECPAT International, which is a global network of more than 82 groups in 75 countries, is also the Canadian representative for the Code of Conduct for the protection of children from sexual exploitation in travel and tourism. They raise awareness, advocate for improved legislation, monitor court cases for human rights violations, promote and support effective prevention and intervention initiatives, intervene in court cases to provide a voice for victims, and provide training and education. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

DAVISON, KEVIN: PTSD SONG - CAREER SUPPORT

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : I would like to bring the members' attention, and all Nova Scotians' attention to a new up and coming country artist from our province. Kevin Davison is from Kentville, Nova Scotia and recently has been nominated for a Nova Scotia Country Recording of the Year for 2014, his song Encore. Kevin also had the great opportunity to represent our province at the CCMAs in Edmonton recently where he had two showcases in Edmonton at the Diamonds in the Rough stage and at the prestigious Coast to Coast Showcase at West Edmonton Mall.

[Page 2876]

I hope all Nova Scotians will recognize the importance of supporting our young artists but more importantly Kevin has been a paramedic for over 20 years and recently has co-written a song about PTSD, When Those Sirens are Gone. I would hope all Nova Scotians would support him in his music career.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Fairview-Clayton Park.

FARES, WADIH/BENNET, JACK

- CDN. RED CROSS HUMANITARIAN OF YR. AWARD

MS. PATRICIA ARAB « » : Last night the Canadian Red Cross presented their Humanitarian of the Year Awards. This year's recipient was Mr. Wadih Fares. Mr. Fares, along with the 2014 Young Humanitarian recipient, Jack Bennet, are amazing examples of what giving of your time and abilities to those in need can do to make our world a better place.

In the words of Lebanese poet Gibran Khalil Gibran: I felt in my heart to give a little because I was given so much. Mr. Fares and Mr. Bennet are prime examples of this philosophy and their message and positivity should be embraced by all of us. Thank you.

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

DAVISON, KEVIN: MUSIC CAREER - SUPPORT

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to again hopefully encourage all members of the House to support Kevin Davison in his music career. I did forget to mention that he has been contacted by CTV to perform next week his song about PTSD, When Those Sirens Are Gone. It just shows the commitment on behalf of the profession as paramedics that Kevin wants to give back to that profession in hopes to hopefully support any of his colleagues or anybody within the emergency response team who finds themselves with PTSD. I hope all Nova Scotians would encourage and support him.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Cape Breton-Richmond.

LEGISLATURE STAFF - THANK

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today seems an appropriate day to reflect on this fall session, which has lasted approximately eight weeks. The work that we do here as parliamentarians would not be possible without the assistance and the guidance of yourself as Speaker, our Deputy Speaker, Legislative Counsel, the Clerks who work here, our beloved Pages who have spent some long days and long nights with us here along with all the other staff, as well as Margaret Murphy and her team in the Legislative Library, our Commissionaires who have been here with us during this sitting, our administrative people, Mike Laffin and Peter Theriault as well, and I should always remember Hansard and Legislative TV for the work that they do for us as well.

[Page 2877]

As well, outside of this Chamber, we wouldn't be able to do our work if it wasn't for our hardworking caucus staff who work to prepare us for our work, and as ministers, our executive assistants and department staff who are there to assist us during these sittings. With that, Mr. Speaker, I'm sure on behalf of all members, I want to thank all of the men and women who help us do the work that we do and help us keep our democracy alive and strong here in Nova Scotia.

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

HFX. EXPLOSION - NOVA SCOTIANS REFLECT

MR. ALLAN ROWE « » : Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, December 6^th, communities right across our region will gather to commemorate the 97^th Anniversary of the Halifax Explosion. I'm sure all members of this Legislature know and appreciate the details of that fateful day in 1917. Of course, in light of this week's events with the Boston tree-cutting and send-off, I join my colleagues in reflecting on the impact which this disaster has had on our region.

Mr. Speaker, I'm sure you join me in paying respects to the more than 2,000 souls who perished on that day and the 9,000 individuals who suffered injuries in the Halifax Explosion. I wish to recognize the brave individuals who came to the rescue of those who needed assistance as well as those who were trapped under debris, who were injured and needed medical attention, and those who were dedicated to searching for their family members and neighbours who were missing in the wake of the explosion. In no small part, the Halifax Explosion has shaped our cultural identity. On December 6^th, I encourage all Nova Scotians to take a moment and reflect on this solemn occasion.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Lunenburg West.

GLEN MURRAY HOCKEY TOURNAMENT

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This weekend, two of our local high schools, Park View Education Centre and Bridgewater High School, will partner for the 12^th time to bring us the Glen Murray Hockey Tournament. This year, we'll see 14 teams from across the province as well as a team from Slovenia compete against each other for the championship banner. A tournament such as this would not be possible without the dedicated volunteers and parents who spend hours leading up to and during the tournament to ensure a positive hockey experience for all in attendance. This tournament is named for our local hockey hero Glen Murray, who spent many years in the NHL and continues to promote and support local hockey in the area.

[Page 2878]

I'd like to acknowledge the parents and volunteers who have continued to make this tournament a success, one that brings visitors from across the province, and to the players of this tournament for showcasing their skill and school spirit as they play for their respective high school teams. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Kings South.

KINGS/ANNAPOLIS COS. - FOAM POLYSTYRENE RECYCLING PROG.

MR. KEITH IRVING « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Nova Scotia is recognized the world over as the leader in recycling and solid waste resource management. Yesterday, I was pleased to announce on behalf of the Minister of Environment . . .

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The honourable member for Kings South has the floor.

MR. IRVING « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday I was pleased to announce on behalf of the Minister of Environment that in Kings and Annapolis Counties we have achieved yet another milestone with the foam polystyrene recycling program, the first of its kind in Nova Scotia. Our new ability to recycle foam polystyrene products significantly increases the sustainability of our solid waste resource system and our waste diversion rates.

Thanks to the collaboration and innovation of the key project partners Valley Waste Resource Management, Scotia Recycling, CFK Inc., the Canadian Plastics Industry Association, and the Resource Recovery Fund Board, we are significantly closer to achieving our goal of reducing per capita solid waste disposal to 300 kilograms per year, and can look forward to recycling foam polystyrene throughout the province in the years to come. Thank you.

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

EAST. PASSAGE-COW BAY COMMUN.

FOOD BANK CHRISTMAS CAROL SING

MS. JOYCE TREEN « » : Mr. Speaker, on the evening of December 14^th, the Eastern Passage-Cow Bay Community Food Bank will be holding a Christmas carol sing at the St. Peter's Anglican Church in Eastern Passage. The carol sing is a fundraiser for our local food bank. Donations of food, along with cash donations, are welcome on that evening as well.

[Page 2879]

This is a great feel-good event and a chance to give back to the people in need. Participants will enjoy the beautiful Christmas music, snacks, and refreshments, along with the company of your friends and neighbours. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Hammonds Plains-Lucasville.

OPPOSITION: ATTITUDE CHANGE - CONSIDER

MR. BEN JESSOME « » : Mr. Speaker, on several occasions I've heard children, often times too young to have made the decision on their own, say that there's nothing here for me and I'm going out West. A couple of weeks back I had the privilege of listening to Dan Christmas speak, and he spoke about an attitude change, a change in the way we converse with the next generation.

In this House we constantly hear the Opposition say we're doing nothing and that we're banning jobs. I would like to encourage the Opposition and all naysayers in Nova Scotia to think about an attitude shift and refrain from packing the bags of the next generation for them.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Fairview-Clayton Park.

ANNAPOLIS MLA ET AL - BIRTHDAYS CONGRATS.

MS. PATRICIA ARAB « » : Mr. Speaker, on a significantly lighter note, there have been a number of birthdays that have already been celebrated during this session of the Legislature, but over the past two weeks we've missed a few that have taken place. Before we finish I'd like to wish very happy birthdays to the honourable member for Annapolis, whose birthday was November 10^th; the honourable member for Cape Breton-Richmond, whose birthday was November 15^th; and the honourable member for Clayton Park West, whose birthday is actually today. Happy birthday to all of my esteemed colleagues.

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

LOCKVIEW HIGH KIDS HELP PHONE

MR. BILL HORNE « » : Mr. Speaker, the Lockview High Kids Help Phone has been an ongoing organization at the school for many years, dedicated to raising funds and spreading awareness for Kids Help Phone, being one of only two schools in all of HRM to have a Kids Help Phone group. They have a lot of pride in what they do and what they stand for. This past September and October, the group worked to raise money for one of their two major fundraisers, raising nearly $1,300 - an all-time school record.

The Lockview group is pleased to know the money they raised will go toward helping youth like themselves at their school, in their communities, and across the entire country, and are extremely excited to continue with their work for the duration of the school year. Thank you.

[Page 2880]

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Lunenburg West.

VOGLERS COVE COMMUN. HALL

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the Voglers Cove Community Hall on its fine board of directors. This group of community members have worked tirelessly to renovate an existing community hall, creating the heart of their community. I can tell you that the pride shown by community members is second to none. They've contributed with the fundraising, the planning, and the construction, and are now enjoying the fruits of their labour. This hall is used for so much more than a monthly breakfast. There are volunteers who take time to read to young children during a weekly story hour, and they have book signing events and card parties, to name a few.

The group of volunteers who have made this happen are a strong and determined group who are always looking for ways to make their community just a little better, a little stronger, and a unified group who can teach us a wonderful lesson about teamwork and the ability to persevere.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to acknowledge and congratulate the people of Voglers Cove Community Hall for the community spirit, and wish them all the best of luck as they continue to serve their community.

MR. SPEAKER « » : In the absence of no further Statements by Members, the House will now stand in recess until 3:00 p.m.

[2:46 p.m. The House recessed.]

[3:00 p.m. The House reconvened.]

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS TO MINISTERS

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Inverness.

JUSTICE - LIMITATIONS LEGISLATION: MISHANDLING - MOTIVATION

MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Justice. For the last two weeks, the Minister of Justice has ignored invitations to meet, ignored emails, disregarded reasonable amendments, provided inaccurate information to this House, and has repeatedly been unable or unwilling to answer straightforward Opposition questions about limitations legislation. Worst of all, she has made survivors of historical sexual abuse feel like victims again because of her tragic mishandling of this vitally important issue.

[Page 2881]

My question, was her mishandling of limitations legislation done on purpose or was it just incompetence?

HON. LENA DIAB » : Mr. Speaker, thank you to the honourable member for that very important question that he has asked over and over again in the last two days. I feel I've responded to it in English and French, and the next time I will respond in Arabic as well. I have said on many occasions that I have been honest and I've been upfront. I've brought in legislation that is a good piece of legislation for all sexual assault victims, for all victims and for all litigants who are going through civil procedures and civil processes in court in the Province of Nova Scotia. Thank you very much.

MR. MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, not for all of them. Before introducing Bill No. 64, the minister should have been aware of similar legislation across the country. Because she did not do her homework, many victims of historical sexual violence have been made to feel that they matter less than other victims. Instead of doing what was right and fixing her legislation, the minister blamed her staff.

Will the minister finally take responsibility for letting victims down and resign?

MS. DIAB « » : Mr. Speaker, thank you to the honourable member for the question. No, I'm not going to resign. It's absurd. I've never heard of any such thing. We have brought in a good piece of legislation that protects all victims. Thank you.

MR. MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, I don't know. We've talked about it in here at length. We've given the minister four chances; four times, this government has voted against it. Can the minister explain why she will not give the same rights? Can she explain why she is not recognizing that this legislation existed, that she was aware of it? Why?

MS. DIAB « » : Mr. Speaker, thank you for his question. We have said that we will look at this information and we will examine it, and if appropriate, we will bring amendments. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Acting Leader of the New Democratic Party.

PREM.: HST EXEMPTIONS - ELECTION PROMISES

[Page 2882]

HON. MAUREEN MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, my question through you is to the Premier. On Page 7 of the 2013 election platform for the Liberal Party, the Premier promised to "Maintain all current HST exemptions." I'll table that.

Yesterday during Question Period, when the Premier was asked if he would keep his commitment in regard to HST rebates, the Premier would not answer. Instead, he chose to take the opportunity to thank members of his Party for their help in drafting their platform.

My question for the Premier is this, when it comes to keeping the HST off essentials like diapers, books, children's clothing, and home energy, why is the Premier refusing to reiterate the same promise he made to voters just 13 months ago?

HON. STEPHEN MCNEIL » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. I again want to thank the members of Nova Scotia who have supported us and helped us draft the platform that we are continuing to move forward on. We'll continue to implement it to ensure that we keep all of our commitments to the people of this province.

MS. MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, according to official sources, which I'll table, the average family of three with a newborn child in Nova Scotia spends about $150 a month on electricity, $72 a month on diapers, and $60 a month on children's clothing. This means that under the Liberal plan that we saw yesterday, these families could end up paying considerably more a year in taxes, $300 on these household essentials alone.

My question for the Premier, at a time when Nova Scotia is struggling with out-migration and a stagnating economy, how is increasing costs for young families by $300 a year going to encourage them to remain in our province?

THE PREMIER « » : I want to thank, again, the honourable member for the question. I want to correct her comments, Mr. Speaker, there was no Liberal plan that she saw yesterday, there was an independent report brought out that all Nova Scotians can look at. Our government will receive it and move forward. What she can count on is that we've delivered on our platform, we'll continue to deliver on our commitments to the people of this province, and we'll continue to deliver good government to the people of Nova Scotia.

MS. MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, on Page 4 of the Liberal Platform the Premier promises his tax review will be guided by "the principles of simplicity and fairness." Well one out of two is not bad - and I'll table that as well. So my question for the Premier is, how is giving top earners thousands of dollars in tax breaks, while charging young families an additional $300 a year on home essentials, ensuring tax fairness for Nova Scotians?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question, and I want to, again, remind her that the report brought forward is an independent analysis done on behalf of all Nova Scotians. I want to assure the honourable member I won't do what the former government did, which was give themselves a tax break.

[Page 2883]

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Inverness.

PREM. - BILL NO. 64 MISHANDLING: JUSTICE MIN. - FIRE

MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. In a letter to the Premier just today the executive director of Avalon Sexual Assault Centre outlined her concern that survivors of historical abuse are left out of this government's legislation. She says her participation in the government's initial press conference was based on the understanding that limitations for all victims of sexual assault would be abolished.

She says: "Inadvertently, this decision causes another layer of secondary wounding for victims/survivors of historical sexual assault/abuse, and continues to create barriers to access to justice. It sends a message that those people who have been sexually victimized in the past do not deserve the same options under the law as victims that will come after them."

And she goes on to say: "If true systemic change is to happen in this province then any time limitations pertaining to sexual assault/abuse, intimate partner violence, and child abuse within this Act must be eliminated."

My question is, advocates for victims of sexual assault were misled by the Justice Minister's incompetent handling of Bill No. 64 - if she does not resign today will the Premier remove her?

THE PREMIER « » : The answer is no.

MR. MACMASTER « » : Once again, Mr. Speaker, the Premier and this government say no to historical victims of sexual abuse and sexual violence.

In an email sent to the Minister of Justice, Lynn Martin, Bob Martin's spouse, expresses her disappointment that the Minister of Justice did not do her homework on limitation legislation. She urges the minister to rethink her position as Justice Minister and do her research on behalf of all Nova Scotians. Failing that, Mrs. Martin asks the minister to resign.

My question is, victims and their families have completely lost faith in this Minister of Justice; if the Premier truly wants to make changes to limitation legislation he needs someone else to do it - will the Premier remove the Minister of Justice and restore Mrs. Martin's faith in Nova Scotia's justice system?

[Page 2884]

THE PREMIER « » : I want to thank the honourable member for the question. We have said in the very beginning the piece of legislation that has been brought before this House is a good piece of legislation and it builds on an Act that was already passed, had been law in this province. We have information that has been brought before us, we said we would review it, we would analyze it, we would look at it, and if the bill needs to be amended going forward we would do so.

But let me assure all members of this House, I have all the confidence in the Minister of Justice to continue to do her job the way she has been doing it on behalf of all people in the Province of Nova Scotia.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Acting Leader of the New Democratic Party.

PREM.: HST REFERENDUM - PREM. CONFIRM

HON. MAUREEN MACDONALD « » : My question through you is to the Premier. Yesterday the government received findings from the tax review they commissioned earlier this year, and one recommendation is to eliminate rebates for the provincial portion of the HST on family essentials, like children's clothing, diapers, and home energy.

In 2013, the NDP Government passed a law in this Chamber that would require a referendum before the provincial portion of the HST could be added back to these family essentials. Mr. Speaker, my question is, when will the Premier hold a referendum on whether to put the HST back on family essentials?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, she's right. That is the law in this province. We have made no decision to put the HST back on anything. We're going to receive that report. There's a lot of information in that report; we're going to analyze it. We're going to continue to move forward, but we will respect the law of the province.

MS. MACDONALD « » : In April 2013, the Premier was asked about holding a referendum before putting the HST back on family essentials. He said he had ". . . no idea why the government would chose [sic] to protect these items through a referendum. 'It's irrelevant to me. We're not talking about adding HST to any of these items . . . It's funny, they want (Nova Scotians) to have a say on issues that no one's talking about.'"

Well let me tell you, Nova Scotians are talking about this now. My question for the Premier is, will he commit today to keeping the current HST exemptions on home energy and family essentials, or is he prepared to hold a referendum?

THE PREMIER « » : As I said in my previous answer, we have not at all entertained the idea of moving forward with increasing the HST. It's interesting the member's talking about a piece of legislation I brought in on a referendum. It's too bad they didn't hold a referendum when they increased the HST by 2 per cent. Wait a minute, they did. It was called a general election.

[Page 2885]

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

PREM.: CARBON TAX (B.C.) - COMPARISON

HON. JAMIE BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. The Liberal tax report proposes a carbon tax for Nova Scotia modelled on the one in British Columbia, but that is completely unfair to the people of Nova Scotia. B.C. gets over 90 per cent of their electricity from hydroelectricity, which of course does not emit any carbon, while here in Nova Scotia we get over half of ours from coal and natural gas.

It's bad enough they want to ban natural gas development; now they want to tax it, too. I'd like to ask the Premier if he will confirm that copying the B.C. carbon tax is the wrong thing to do for Nova Scotia.

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I can assure the honourable member I have not looked at the B.C. carbon tax. I have no idea how they apply it, what it's applied to. We're moving forward to govern the Province of Nova Scotia and are focused on moving this province forward.

MR. BAILLIE « » : Well, the Premier commissioned a $154,000 report to tell us that we should have a carbon tax like B.C. even though it would raise our electricity prices, which are already the highest in the country. Comparing us to B.C. is completely unrealistic. You know, Australia has a carbon tax and they have the exact same fuel mix for electricity as we do, and their prices went up 25 per cent.

I'll just ask the Premier, will he confirm we will not have a carbon tax like B.C. which drives up electricity prices here in Nova Scotia?

THE PREMIER « » : Again, I want to tell the honourable member I have not looked at the carbon tax in B.C., nor have I looked at what's happening in Australia. I can tell you what I have done - continue to support the Minister of Energy to bring down energy prices in the province.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Acting Leader of the New Democratic Party.

PREM.: TAX REVIEW - FAVOURITISM

[Page 2886]

HON. MAUREEN MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, my question through you is to the Premier. Now that we have seen the government's tax review, we know their road map is for increasing inequality. There's not a lot of fairness in the government's tax review. People earning $60,000 will pay more tax and people earning $150,000 will pay less.

Can the Premier please explain why his government's tax review helps the wealthiest Nova Scotians at the expense of middle-income earners?

THE PREMIER « » : Again, I want to tell all members of this House that it's an independent report. The author of the report talked to Nova Scotians. She put out what she heard, the thoughts that she had. That report will be brought in, will be looked at; we will analyze it. But again, I want to remind the honourable member it was her government that actually gave Cabinet Ministers a tax cut at the expense of poor Nova Scotians.

MS. MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to remind the Premier that as Finance Minister, I saw a lot of these proposals and rejected them. The Canadian Union of Public Employees says the government's tax review is a regressive plan. The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives says the plan is eroding tax fairness. The government's tax plan to eliminate the income tax refund for low-income seniors and for first-time homeowners will make things much tougher for these people in our province. So why does the government's tax review chart a path to greater inequality for Nova Scotians?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. Again, I want to remind her that it is an independent review. It's not the government's plan. It was one that was an independent analysis. We'll look at it with all the information that comes forward.

I want to remind all members of this House, and indeed all Nova Scotians, that the honourable member was a member of a Cabinet but we learned very quickly that they didn't make any decisions, Mr. Speaker; they were made on the seventh floor by the unelected part of that government.

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

PREM. - N.S. POWER: MONOPOLY - DETAILS

HON. JAMIE BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, we learned today another version of the Liberal energy policy has been released and I will table it. As reported in the local paper, "Grits pull back on rate relief for NSP customers." The Minister of Energy is now saying they are going to delay wind projects in order to try to save money.

Mr. Speaker, the whole break-the-monopoly promise was based on the premise that there would be renewable suppliers, including wind, to compete with Nova Scotia Power. I'd like to ask the Premier, is the monopoly on Nova Scotia Power broken or is that another promise that is just blowing in the wind?

[Page 2887]

THE PREMIER « » : Yes, I want to tell the honourable member that the monopoly of Nova Scotia Power is broken. I am pleased to report the municipal utilities across this province are looking for other power sources, not only inside but outside. They are looking for an opportunity to provide savings for their ratepayers and continue to provide competition.

I also want to remind all members of this House that we removed the efficiency tax off power bills as of January 1^st. We've created a separate Efficiency Nova Scotia, which is in direct competition with the fuel mechanism, and we continue to drive down prices on the fuel side.

MR. BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, of course all Nova Scotians know that the monopoly of Nova Scotia Power is, in fact, still in place. They are now realizing that our efficiency tax is not being removed, it is being deferred to a future day, with interest. The minister now says he is going to save money by delaying wind projects, which are the very competitors that the government held up as they are to compete against Nova Scotia Power.

So the Premier says this is all going to happen, I'll just ask him very simply, how many competitors have actually registered, under the new Liberal policy, to compete against Nova Scotia Power?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, what is happening is we are seeing municipal utilities across this province looking to purchase power from other fuel sources, looking to buy energy from other people, which in turn is good for those customers. We are seeing a set-up where we've created a separate entity, which is driving competition on the fuel side. We've seen the Utility and Review Board drive down those prices and we're very encouraged by the way communities across this province are looking at ways to generate their own energy so they don't have to purchase energy from Nova Scotia Power. They are looking after their own communities and their own community energy needs.

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

MUN. AFFS.: EMERGENCY RESPONDERS - SUPPORT

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Municipal Affairs. A 2008 news release about fire service in our province, the member for Annapolis spoke about the need to ". . . support the hard work of firefighters here in Nova Scotia who selflessly protect all of us." I'll table that.

I would agree with him, Mr. Speaker. These are people who literally run into burning buildings when everyone else is running out of them. So my question to the Minister of Municipal Affairs is, does he agree that emergency responders like firefighters deserve the provincial government's support?

[Page 2888]

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for the question. I, too, agree with his assessment of our firefighter service and the individuals who risk their lives on a regular basis. I had the good pleasure over many years to work side by side with our emergency first responders and can tell you there is nobody in this House who values their service more than I do.

MR. DAVID WILSON « » : I'll compete with the minister on that one, I don't know about that one, Mr. Speaker; I'll challenge him on it but I agree with him.

According to the organization Volunteer Canada, 80 per cent of Canadian firefighters are volunteers. In some rural areas of our province, for example, Mr. Speaker, 100 per cent of those firefighters are volunteers. For many years now the provincial government has been giving these hard-working men and women volunteers a tax rebate, a small token of appreciation for the work that they do. So my question through you to the Minister of Municipal Affairs is, given the important role volunteer firefighters play in our province, why is this government entertaining eliminating their tax rebate?

MR. FUREY « » : I appreciate the question. As has been stated in this House before, the report submitted is simply an independent report with a number of recommendations. We will consider all of the recommendations in the assessment over the next number of months.

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

FIN. & TREASURY BD. - VOL. FIREFIGHTER TAX CREDIT:

ELIMINATION - DETAILS

MR. TIM HOUSTON « » : My question is for the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board. Page 35 of the Liberal tax plan contains Recommendation 1.7 which calls for the elimination of the volunteer firefighter tax credit. We ask our volunteers to train, practice, and then risk their lives by running into burning buildings. This tax credit is just a small thank you and now it is at risk of being taken away.

My question for the minister is, will the minister reassure our brave volunteer firefighters that she won't consider for one millisecond the elimination of one of the few ways that government expresses its appreciation for the work our volunteer firefighters do?

HON. DIANA WHALEN » : I appreciate the opportunity to answer that question today about the firefighters and the tax credit. As it has already been said, all members of this House appreciate the work of all first responders and firefighters and the work that they do every day. That goes without saying and it's nothing but really cheap shots to say otherwise, I would say.

[Page 2889]

Mr. Speaker, what we're doing here today - well perhaps I'll wait for a second question.

MR. HOUSTON « » : Well my question was why would the minister consider for one millisecond the elimination of the tax credit? So I will give her another chance to answer because many of us do stand in this House to praise and recognize the outstanding work of volunteer firefighters and I certainly do that on a number of occasions. My question quite simply for the minister is the same, and hopefully we can get an answer this time. Why would the minister tell this House that she will not consider taking away the volunteer firefighter tax credit? It's the only way to encourage volunteer firefighters to join and stay committed.

MS. WHALEN « » : I think the context of this report is very important. All members of the House knew that a campaign commitment was made to ask for a tax review on all of our taxes, fees, and regulations. That was a commitment made and a commitment kept. It has been done at an arm's length. It has been done with the consultation of many people and now we have the responsibility to look at it and I would hope that you would also look at it in its entirety. It's not intended to be discussed in one little piece at a time or taken out of context. Mr. Speaker, that's the story.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Chester-St. Margaret's.

ERDT - TAX REPT.: ECONOMY - EFFECT

HON. DENISE PETERSON-RAFUSE « » : Mr. Speaker, for the last year the Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism sat on his hands as nearly 10,000 jobs vanished, and that saga continued this week. Yesterday the government received a tax report that lacked even basic language on jobs and the economy. The government's new tax report refused to talk about what effect the new tax package would have on our economy or if the government's new tax system will even create one single job.

My question to the Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism is, how could the minster allow this government to commission a tax report that is completely silent on economic impacts and job creation?

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to refer the member to Valerie Payn of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce to answer that question for her.

MS. PETERSON-RAFUSE « » : Mr. Speaker, if the minister thinks taxing low- and middle-income earners is funny, or to give to the rich a tax break will create jobs, he's dead wrong. The minister might not believe it but it's the workers in our province who make our economy strong.

[Page 2890]

My question is, can the minister explain how taxing books, diapers, and children's shoes will help workers in Nova Scotia who make less than $150,000 a year?

MR. SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, what we learned the hard way of what doesn't work is a Cabinet that sits there with a chequebook and writes cheques to winners and losers in the hundreds of millions of dollars with no accountability, which did not create jobs but certainly increased the debt of this province.

We learned and we have listened to the business community that have asked us to work with them to create the winning conditions. We have made significant reforms to the way we do economic development in this province. One of the concerns we have heard is taxation, as well we have received a report that provides a myriad of different suggestions relating to that. We will continue to work very closely with not only the business community, but with all Nova Scotians, to move this province forward.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Argyle-Barrington.

ERDT - TAX REVIEW: E-GOV'T. - BROADBAND SERV. EXTEND

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : Mr. Speaker, the government's Tax and Regulatory Review recommends, on Page 87, that government take advantage of new information technology, noting that e-government and regulatory reform are a natural fit. The report finds that technology is an essential tool in engaging and motivating citizens in many processes that enable regulatory reform. While successful examples exist where citizens can access these services, it may not be a normal fit for many Nova Scotians whose existing Internet service may not be capable of accessing basic web pages, let alone participating in forms of e-government services.

My question to the Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism is, since this broadband service was partially supported by government, what actions can the department take to bring these residents into the current century and be able to participate in forms of this recommended e-government?

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, as I've stated numerous times in this House, the rural broadband initiative started in 2006, was implemented in 2007, and it has gone through successive governments. As I indicated the intention was to have 100 per cent connectivity. That has proven to be a challenge due to some of the geographical aspects of our province. We continue to work closely not only with Eastlink for some of the areas that are not receiving the level of service that they should, but as well we continue to await some of the details from our federal counterparts that have announced there will be funding coming for better broadband service throughout the country.

MR. D'ENTREMONT « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank the minister for that answer. We know that not so long ago I introduced a petition in this House of Assembly with 800 names of people who were very unhappy with the Eastlink service in southwestern Nova Scotia, and these are the kinds of Nova Scotians who would not be able to directly access e-government services that are supposedly - according to the report - a significantly improved access to reliable information to alleviate a significant burden on businesses through better internal information sharing.

[Page 2891]

Since it would be the Nova Scotia Government and not the federal government to implement these types of changes to allow greater access, what will the minister do so that all Nova Scotians and provincial business could access e-government services that the report calls an essential tool in engaging citizens?

MR. SAMSON « » : Our department continues to work with some of the C@P sites that are located throughout the province that Nova Scotians can access to receive service. I believe the member is aware of that, but at the same time I have acknowledged the fact that there are still way too many Nova Scotians who do not have access to high-speed Internet or those who have access are certainly not getting the speed that one would deem to be high speed.

It's a problem that has existed for quite some time, as I mentioned. The initiative started in 2006, so it's certainly not something that started in October 2013. I work with the providers in question to try to find solutions and remain hopeful that we are going to be able to find a long-term solution to this very problem.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Sydney River-Mira-Louisbourg.

FIN. & TREASURY BD. - CARBON TAX: DONKIN MINE - EFFECT

HON. ALFIE MACLEOD « » : Mr. Speaker, my question through you will be to the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board. Yesterday's Liberal tax plan calls for a carbon tax, a tax that kills jobs and raises power. That news will strike fear into those that who want to see the Donkin mine open and those who hope to work at the mine.

My question to the minister is, will the minister allow the job-killing carbon tax to jeopardize the development of the many jobs at the Donkin mine?

HON. DIANA WHALEN « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to just refer again to the fact that this is a report that was done and commissioned as a commitment during the last election that we would look at all taxes throughout. We are going to give it some consideration for everything that's in it, but I want to assure the member opposite, you will be invited to the opening of the Donkin mine.

MR. MACLEOD « » : Well, I want to thank you now for that invitation. Mr. Speaker, the Ivany report points out that Nova Scotia has untapped potential for resource development, and some of those in the House have heard me sing this song a long time. The tax review seeks to kill resource jobs with a carbon tax.

[Page 2892]

My question to the minister is, which report will the Minister of Finance listen to? The Ivany report, to use our resource development, or the Broten report that includes a job-killing carbon tax?

MS. WHALEN « » : Mr. Speaker, it's amazing to me how really complex issues can be boiled down into such trite questions. I'm really surprised. (Interruptions) I think it's parliamentary, I do.

There are a host of recommendations in this report. They are interrelated, they are complex, and they require some consideration. It's been 24 hours since we've seen this report. The report we have before us took into account - and I know it took into account - the Ivany report and the recommendations there. This government has nothing more than a commitment to see the province succeed and improve, and that's where we'll stand.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River.

CCH - SOUND RECORDING TAX CREDIT: ELECTION PROMISE - BREACH

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question today is for the Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage. The Liberal platform made a promise to Nova Scotian artists and the platform reads, "A Liberal government will strengthen Arts and Culture and will continue to support our thriving cultural industries by . . . Implementing a Sound Recording Tax Credit" in the first year. I will table that.

However, the first year has come and gone, and the Liberal Government's recent tax review makes no mention of this plan for the music industry. Can the minister explain why he has moved away from keeping this election promise to implement a sound recording tax credit?

HON. TONY INCE « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will punt that to the Minister of ERDT. Thank you.

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The member would be aware that we just recently announced the extension of the Film and Digital Media Tax Credits. We have received accolades from throughout the industry for having done that.

What I can tell the member is that we continue to consult with the industry as to what exactly the sound digital recording tax credit should look like. We want to ensure that it is a reflection of what will best serve the industry. I think it's a perfect example of where government is actually listening to those who would be impacted by this prior to implementing that credit.

[Page 2893]

MS. ZANN « » : All I can say to that is I look forward to seeing what they actually do as opposed to just making promises. The Liberal platform also states that their promises to the arts and culture community are designed to strengthen " . . . Nova Scotia's heart and soul". I would like to remind all Nova Scotians that it was our NDP Government that brought back the Arts Council, as we promised, approved the new Black Loyalist Heritage Centre, and improved the film and television tax credits which are now improving our creative economy.

Can the minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage please explain why taxing books is "Strengthening Nova Scotia's heart and soul".

MR. INCE « » : Thank you for that question. I will say to you that our government has put forward a tax review. We have explained to you what the tax review and its recommendations are for Nova Scotians. We will address all those issues for you. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Acting Leader of the New Democratic Party.

FIN. & TREASURY BD. - BROTEN REVIEW:

FIN. DEPT. ASSISTANCE - DETAILS

HON. MAUREEN MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, my question through you is to the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board. It's only 24 hours ago, approximately, that we had the release of the tax review, and the government already appears to be distancing themselves from some aspects of this report, if not the entire report. (Interruptions)

Mr. Speaker, this report was commissioned at a cost of $150,000 to the taxpayers of the province, and it was led by a former Liberal Party Cabinet Minister from the Province of Ontario, and now the government are talking about how independent this report is.

I'll table a letter from Ms. Broten at the front of the report that indicates the assistance she had from staff in the Department of Finance and Treasury Board . . .

MR. SPEAKER « » : Does the member have a question?

MS. MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, my question to the minister is, would she please outline what assistance her staff provided in preparing the tax review that Ms. Broten refers to in her report?

HON. DIANA WHALEN « » : Mr. Speaker, that is a good question. I'd be happy to discuss that here in the House in this Oral Question Period. It's well known that we engaged a lead for the tax review. That person is Laurel Broten, and she came by herself, without an entourage of other consultants. It would have cost a lot more than the current price, had she had others, not to mention that to do things like tax modelling is a very difficult thing. Very few people can do it, and really only people in the Department of Finance and Treasury Board would have that capacity.

[Page 2894]

They did help with the modelling and the implications of what would happen in various scenarios, so they helped in the analysis.

MS. MACDONALD « » : I thank the minister for the answer, because it's obvious that staff in the department were intimately involved in the preparation of this report. Mr. Speaker, my question to the minister is simple: how can you possibly say that this is an independent tax review when staff in the Department of Finance and Treasury Board were intimately involved in its preparation?

MS. WHALEN « » : Mr. Speaker, I know the members opposite understand the difference between the politics that go on here and partisanship and the professionalism of the Public Service. That's important.

Mr. Speaker, what I can say as well is that throughout the work that was done, I did not meet with Laurel Broten at all. She did her work with the staff so that they could support her work. She also consulted widely with people across the province and even beyond. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Argyle-Barrington.

HEALTH & WELLNESS: AT-HOME CANCER DRUGS - FUNDING UPDATE

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : As much as I could go on the tax review, I'm not. I'm going to go to a Health and Wellness question.

On October 14^th I asked the Minister of Health and Wellness to provide a timeline for his department's review of oral cancer medications that individuals take at home. He indicated that he would know more following a meeting with the other Maritime Provinces that was to take place at the end of October. My question is, can the minister provide an update on how that meeting went and whether his department has decided to proceed with funding at-home cancer drugs?

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, what I can inform the honourable member is that our department is taking a look at the provinces that have provided funding. We will get back to meet with CanCertainty and our oncologists and support people who assist those Nova Scotians who are able to use oral cancer treatment and how the funding process takes place. We have made a commitment to bring those people together early in the new year.

[Page 2895]

MR. D'ENTREMONT « » : So basically what the minister is saying is that they are developing a cost analysis based on the latest figures associated with at-home cancer care. We know this would be incredibly beneficial for those Nova Scotians whose situation could allow them to remain in their homes. We know the stress on cancer patients when they do have to travel back and forth for their treatment, so if they could stay at home, this would be a tremendous opportunity for them.

When will the cost analysis be complete and if it is, will the minister table it here in the House or give us a call later and make sure we have this information?

MR. GLAVINE « » : In fact it was just yesterday that I met with a patient who has had to rely on oral cancer treatment and we went through that process that he had to move through in order to get that treatment paid for. It is a very trying experience for many Nova Scotians; it's one that we are working to address, as much as possible, and we will have that timeline and that cost available for all Nova Scotians to see early in the New Year.

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

COM. SERV. - RIVERVIEW HOME: PHASE 3 CHANGES - COSTS

MR. TIM HOUSTON « » : My question is for the Minister of Community Services. The minister knows my concerns about the cost of cancelling or changing phase three at the Riverview home and how those change fees are monies diverted away from care and I think that we could be talking upwards of a million dollars in change fees and penalties at issue here. The minister said last week, "I know that in the process of stopping the construction and redesigning what happens, there were additional costs. . ."

So my question today is, can the minister tell us the amount of these costs that will be diverted from care and paid out in fees as a result of this change in course? If she doesn't have the number at hand maybe she could agree to provide the number to me within the month.

HON. JOANNE BERNARD « » : I thank the member and I really want to commend him for his relentless advocacy on this issue. I know it's important to you and one of these days you and I will sit down, perhaps over dinner, a little wine, and I will explain to you the right side of the issue and why you should come over and talk about transformation and why it's a good thing.

Actually the cost of phase three, had it gone on, would have been $31.1 million. In winding up the costs of phase one and phase two it is $26.9 million, so there has actually been a savings of $4.1 million from the whole project all together.

MR. SPEAKER « » : I'd just like to remind the honourable minister to direct her comments through the Chair and if she's going to invite anybody for dinner and wine, I'll go. (Laughter)

[Page 2896]

The honourable member for Pictou East.

MR. HOUSTON « » : I think the minister is implying that I do a lot of whining. I think the minister knows that by not completing the construction, the money that is not spent is not a savings because you don't have the facility that you would have. But the government will move forward with its own new plan at Riverview and it is becoming apparent that no matter what I or the community say, the government is going on its own on this one.

Today I just want to remind the minister that people have been waiting over a year for those new 32 beds. Oftentimes this wait is in a hospital bed and the cost of a night in a non-acute hospital bed is greater than $500 per night. So if money is not used at the Riverview facility to meet its needs, it should be used ASAP to create other homes within our community. Action for this vulnerable population is needed now. So my question to the minister is, can she provide some clarification on how and when residents of our area can expect this reinvestment?

MS. BERNARD « » : I just want to reiterate that it is not just this government's commitment but it was the previous government's commitment. More importantly it was actually the people from the community who came together and said we want person-directed choice and inclusion for people who are living with disabilities.

We will work with the board of directors at Riverview and we will not just make beds, I'm not interested in increasing beds, and I've said there will be no bed increase under my government, but we are interested in making homes for folks that they choose to live in and that they can stay in their community.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Cape Breton Centre.

PREM. - ENERGY: HST - APPLICATION CONFIRM

HON. FRANK CORBETT « » : Mr. Speaker, the on-again, off-again affair between the Liberals and charging the HST on electricity began a new chapter yesterday with the release of the Liberal Government's tax review. As they say, like sands through the hourglass, these are the days of our lives. (Laughter)

So let me take you back, Mr. Speaker. In 2008 we saw the first date when the Liberals voted to put the HST back on energy. Now in 2009 Nova Scotians were shocked and appalled. They were glued to their TV sets for the marriage as the Premier vowed that removing the HST on electricity was bad public policy. Then, lo and behold, in 2013, the breakup . . .

MR. SPEAKER « » : Can the member skip to the final act, please. (Laughter)

[Page 2897]

MR. CORBETT « » : Oh, but Mr. Speaker, love springs eternal. So in 2013, the breakup - the Premier read a resolution in this very House calling on HST to remain off energy for all eternity.

Mr. Speaker, I want to ask the minister through you, were yesterday's public overtures about putting the HST back on energy just a tease, or in the Spring, will romance be back in the air?

THE PREMIER « » : Me and the honourable member in a romance. I'm not sure that anyone would have ever predicted that. (Laughter)

MR. CORBETT « » : Look, I don't like it any better than you. (Laughter)

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, after listening to the honourable member, I now know what he did with his time for the last four years.

MR. CORBETT « » : Let's get to the altar again, Mr. Speaker. Mine will come with crayons. To put it bluntly though, it's unfair that the Liberal Government is talking about burdening low-income Nova Scotians with a tax grab on their electricity bills while giving the CEO of Emera a tax break.

I want to ask the Premier again, why would his Liberal Government release a report that calls for giving Nova Scotia's top earners a tax break while taking money out of the pockets of hard-working families?

THE PREMIER « » : The Liberal Government didn't release a report that suggested that. There's an independent report done by someone that was commissioned by the province. They've gone out and spoken to Nova Scotians. They put the report out. We told the honourable member we would look at it, we'd analyze it. We'll continue to move forward, Mr. Speaker. Equally as important, we'll continue to do the hard work to ensure that energy prices in this province are affordable for all Nova Scotians.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Kings North.

ERDT: BUS. PARKS (KINGS CO.) - MIN. PLANS

MR. JOHN LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism. Business parks are the number one issue raised to me by the Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce after becoming elected. The lack of shovel-ready land is restricting new industrial development in Kings County. Does the Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister have any plans to assist in the strategy for developing future parks in Kings County for industrial use?

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : I want to thank the member for the question. The parks that we have throughout the province are managed by NSBI on behalf of the Province of Nova Scotia. There have been some concerns that have been raised in various ones. We're working with our stakeholders there and trying to review how best to have these parks and how the future of these should look. I will certainly get back to the member as to any specific concerns that he has raised regarding the park.

[Page 2898]

MR. LOHR « » : I'd like to thank the minister for that answer. Recently the Valley Regional Enterprise Network, the REN, hired its first executive director, Kelly Ells. Can the minister update this House on what assistance his department will provide the REN in the coming year, and will he commit to meeting with the Valley REN and Kelly Ells at his earliest convenience?

MR. SAMSON « » : There was a funding envelope that was provided to the Regional Enterprise Network which we provide to all of them to help them with the start-up costs. The member will recall that the federal Conservative Government had abandoned the regional development authorities with their funding, which led to the creation of these regional enterprise networks. We have certainly learned from some of the failings of the RDA model, which has brought in much stronger accountability, which is not only good for all the businesspeople who will be involved with this, but it's accountability for the people of Nova Scotia.

I would certainly be more than happy to meet with the executive director and all members of that regional enterprise network. More importantly, I want to commend the municipalities of the Valley for working together in co-operation to create this regional enterprise network.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Queens-Shelburne.

HON. STERLNG BELLIVEAU: My question is for the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, but Mr. Speaker, the question should be to the Minister of Natural Resources.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. Time allotted for Oral Questions Put by Members to Ministers has expired.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

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

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, as a result of the new rule changes that we brought in with the tabling of resolutions of a congratulatory nature, it was always the intent that at the end of the session we would pass a motion that would deem that all the congratulatory resolutions be deemed to have received the unanimous support of all members of the House, which members can indicate when they are sending out these resolutions.

[Page 2899]

So I would ask the unanimous consent of the House that all resolutions that have been tabled with the Clerks, including today's resolutions which will be added to Hansard tomorrow, that are of a congratulatory nature be deemed to have received the unanimous support of all members of the House.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Public Bills for Third Reading.

PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING

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

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 60.

Bill No. 60 - Smoke-free Places Act and Tobacco Access Act.

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

MR. TIM HOUSTON « » : Thank you, your honour, maybe I could get some clarification on how much time I have left.

It's a pleasure to stand today for the last time and speak to Bill No. 60 a little bit. I don't know what more we can say about Bill No. 60 to be honest. I think we made our frustration with Bill No. 60 pretty clear to the government.

Today I think what I would just say is leave some words with the minister and encourage him over the next little while to make sure a good consultation process with business takes place because we do believe that regulation is good, we're happy with the public spaces legislation that came forward here, we're happy with the age requirement in selling stuff, those are good things - regulation is good there. And like everyone else we do believe that in the fullness of time we need to see some legislation before this House to legislate e-juice and make sure it's properly packaged, make sure it doesn't contain any harmful filler-type substances that we've all heard - we don't want that, we want a good, safe product.

At the same time, we need to recognize that there are people who are moving from smoking to vaping. In fact, this week I saw that the Oxford dictionaries picked "vape" as the word of the year. I think that should be an indication to the members of this House of how popular that is a tool for people who are, in many cases, trying to get away from smoking. I know we haven't had the vaping process approved as a cessation device or cessation product, but I don't think there can be much doubt that it is helping people get off of smoking. I think that it is probably also fair to say that vaping is not as harmful to your health as smoking.

[Page 2900]

Of course there probably is still some research that will say over the fullness of time, but they can't be as harmful as smoking just by the mere fact that there are 4,000-some-odd-plus chemicals and substances in cigarettes and very few in the vaping juice.

My final words on this subject are to plead with the minister that when this legislation comes back before us that we've had a good consultation with people who are vaping, with store owners, with stakeholders, to make sure we properly understand. I don't want to be part of a piece of legislation, part of a House that passes a bill that sends people back to smoking. People who have been able to get away from smoking, I don't want to send them back to smoking. I think there's a risk of that, I think the minister has time to mitigate that risk and properly understand that risk, and I look forward to being part of that process.

So with those few words today, added to the very few words that I've had a chance to say on Bill No. 60 over the past couple of weeks, I think I will take my seat. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Acting Leader of the New Democratic Party.

HON. MAUREEN MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to have an opportunity to rise in my place on third reading and put on the record a few remarks about Bill No. 60 and what our caucus, the NDP caucus, feel about this piece of legislation. There has been a lot of debate with respect to this bill. I didn't stand in my place and speak on this bill during second reading. The bill that we are about to pass through this Legislature is a different bill, in my opinion, than the bill that was brought into this House and was debated on second reading. It changed over in the Red Room after interveners were at Law Amendments Committee and so we are dealing with a very different piece of legislation.

I didn't speak on second reading because that bill was a bill that I could support but this bill is a bill, frankly, I can't support and I'm disappointed in and so is our caucus. This is the first time, Mr. Speaker, in the 17 years that I've been in this House that I have not and will not be voting for a piece of tobacco control legislation and I do that with a very heavy heart. It's not because I don't support the measures that will be going forward - and I want to congratulate the Minister of Health and Wellness for taking the initiative for doing something about e-cigarettes, something that we don't have enough information on and we really need to have a better appreciation of the impact of these particular devices on people's health.

[Page 2901]

However this is the concern that we have about this bill as it now stands. It is a seriously flawed piece of legislation. It initially excluded menthol and that menthol flavoured tobacco, which in and of itself was a weakness in the first bill, perhaps a weakness that we could have lived with, a weakness that we could have had some debate around, a weakness that we could say, okay this is a product that has been used for a long time and perhaps it needs to be phased out over a period of time. Let's have a discussion about what is the appropriate way to address this particular product.

That has been the history of tobacco control legislation debates here in this Chamber, actually. There has been a lot of collaboration on pretty much every piece of tobacco control legislation that I have seen put through this House over 17 years. I'm not going to go through the litany of what those measures were. There have been a substantial number of measures: taking away tobacco in drug stores, and the power walls, confined areas in bars and pubs, to no smoking whatsoever, and smoke-free public places. There have been many pieces of legislation. It has all been conducted in a very collaborative, thoughtful way here and this bill has not reflected those patterns, in my experience, and I'm disappointed in that.

Mr. Speaker, if there is anything that guides my decision and the decision of the members of this caucus it is with respect to whether or not we will bow to the pressure, the considerable pressure that is brought to bear on members of this Legislature from the tobacco industry and agents of the tobacco industry. I am not going to go through a litany of all the techniques that the tobacco industry use but they are a very powerful group. They have been around a long time and they are very effective in getting governments to weaken and to defer legislation that will have an impact on their bottom line. It troubles me greatly that they have been and continue to be in the background of this bill and no doubt any other legislation that may be brought forward in the future.

I have the greatest respect for the convenience store operators in the province. I know they have experienced many challenges in the past 20 years. They tend to be the business operators for whom now tobacco sales are probably the most important. They live in a very, very difficult environment, unquestionably. The notion, though, the explanation that I've heard government members say - that they need an opportunity to rid themselves of their inventories of flavoured tobacco - does not ring true to me, Mr. Speaker.

There are ways to deal with those issues. The way that the government has chosen does not, I think, adequately explain their decision to withdraw the flavoured tobacco piece of the tobacco control measures in this bill. Most of these businesses are selling inventory on commission. There is the potential for many vendors to return product that goes unsold, with little or no penalty.

If in the future there is legislation brought forward to deal with flavoured tobacco, there will have to be measures built in to allow for some period so that unless there's compensation offered, that there is an opportunity for people to make arrangements to rid themselves of these inventories, without a huge cost to the individual convenience store.

[Page 2902]

I am troubled by the government's decision and the explanation we've received and the lack of detail that would convince me that the steps the government has taken with respect to removing the flavoured tobacco portion were necessary. Nevertheless, that is the decision that the government has made and I recognize that they have a majority and that they will be able to see this bill through.

There will be a consultation process on a variety of elements of this legislation and I hope that indeed it is a thorough consultation and that we will see the government find the courage to bring this feature, this particular piece of Bill No. 60 back to us in the Spring. I think the Minister of Health and Wellness recognizes that he has an Opposition that will hold him to that commitment so he can look forward to doing this.

I think I've heard the date, the 27^th of March, thrown around a few times. Whether or not that will be the actual date, it doesn't really matter, I know that we'll be back here in the Spring and we will be looking for these changes to come back and perhaps be better. Our caucus had brought forward an amendment to Bill No. 60 to cover flavoured tobacco with the menthol flavouring as well and so I'm anticipating that that could be a piece and should be a piece of the amendments that will be brought forward in the Spring.

With those few words which reflect the position of the NDP caucus and with profound disappointment, we will not be supporting this bill.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable House Leader for the Official Opposition.

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : Mr. Speaker, I won't be speaking long on this one either just simply because I think we have said everything we can possibly can say to convince this government and this minister that there's a gaping hole in his legislation.

We started this debate with a lot of optimism as the Leader of the NDP just alluded to. We all spoke in favour of this next step of tobacco legislation in the province, to be able to look at the issues of vaping, of e-cigarettes and flavoured tobacco. These were all the topics that were mixed into this document, into this bill and into the law that would slow some of these things down anyway. I can't say that any bill or any law of this province is going to completely stop one activity from happening versus any other, but at least I thought we were going down the right road during second reading.

We know during Law Amendments there were a number of presentations that came forward. I think, from what we had heard there from the e-cigarette/vapour people, that there had to be a little more work done on that side of things and I think we all agreed that it would probably make sense to go and do a little more consultation on that side of it and find out exactly what e-juices are, what is really in them, how they actually work, what flavours, and what the incidents are of people getting off of smoking tobacco that use this product versus others. There's not a lot of data on that one that we can necessarily grab a hold of and say yes, this is a smoking cessation product versus anything else.

[Page 2903]

We thought that was a decent step that we could take a piece of it, do a little more consultation on it, after we had heard that government had done very little consultation on this one. We were very surprised and quite honestly many people were surprised. Not just the Opposition but advocates for the Canadian Cancer Society, The Lung Association, amongst others, were very disappointed to see not only the e-juice stuff, the flavours and those things but to see the flavoured tobacco issue get pulled out of that bill, and really not to have a good answer because no one had asked for that side of things to be removed from that bill.

What we have today, even though we spent hours and hours in this House of Assembly trying to convince the government - we still have a government, quite frankly, that doesn't seem to want to change anything that is suggested, doesn't seem to want to work with the Opposition. Alright, I'm okay, I'm a big guy, I can understand that. We worked in this House of Assembly. We worked under minority governments. Unfortunately that's when most consultation happens and we do work with one another. I thought maybe we could get there because we did hear positive things from the Premier that he would be consultative and work with everybody to try to make things better for Nova Scotians.

I think that's a laudable thing, that we're actually here to make things and make life better for Nova Scotians. If it means that we have to make a bit an adjustment to a bill, which we did have the opportunity during Committee of Whole House over a number of hours to make changes to that bill, I thought that would be a good thing. I think we could all say we won something, we could all say we lost something, but we could all say, we as a Legislature came to the right decision when it came to this bill.

I want to finish up where I started my Committee of Whole House discussion, when I talked about my family. I listened to the minister's debate and why he feels this bill is important, that tobacco legislation is important. I talked about my grandparents. I talked about my mom and my family who were smokers. I talked about how I lost my grandparents a little too early. I can talk about my mom, who has had cancer.

I just want to finish off by saying to my mom I love her, because she's getting stuff done again, going through the tests, because maybe there's something else there. We can look directly back at it being because of smoking. Again, all I can do is say I love her, but this Act is not the Act that we wanted it to be, and that's why we're going to be voting against it as well. Thank you for that.

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

[Page 2904]

The honourable Minister of Health and Wellness

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, it is with really sincere thanks that I recognize the contribution of the Opposition to this debate. Not supporting where we're going with again the most progressive e-cigarette legislation is disappointing, but they wanted more from the bill. Their contribution in debate, as well as that of many colleagues, is one of the real positive developments that came after Law Amendments Committee. I think it paves the way for where we want to go.

One of the things I need to mention is that from day one, our approach here was to focus on the health and safety of Nova Scotians and in particular our youth, to do all we can through legislation to protect the next generation of Nova Scotians.

Our intention has also been to ensure that we continue to shift to a smoke-free culture in Nova Scotia and that's really where all Parties and all members of the Legislature over the last decade or so can in fact see themselves as having been part of that change. In fact, we have been a leader in Canada in this shift.

One of the elements that came out very strongly from everybody who spoke, no matter what their past has been in relation to smoking, but they did not need any convincing of the harm of tobacco. We have all the evidence.

We heard from a lot of Nova Scotians about this bill over the past couple of weeks and that we were moving too quickly without proper consultation. I certainly am one who recognizes that, who accepts that. It's a good part of that lesson of being in government - even when you are there to bring forth the strength, as the Minister of Health and Wellness, that it's a health bill, there still needs to be some wider consultation.

We heard that our bill may include products and flavours that did not meet the original intention of protecting our youth from starting smoking. Rather than proceed without considering the input of Nova Scotians, we listened. Consultations on flavoured tobacco and flavoured e-juice will begin shortly. Our process will be transparent and involve stakeholders from all sectors. But let me be clear; I will not consult with Big Tobacco. The consultation will begin shortly and we will bring forward new legislation in the Spring.

Mr. Speaker, with that said, I don't want anyone to forget that today we are taking a very important step forward in our mission to shift to a smoke-free culture in Nova Scotia. Today we have a bill that will protect our youth and will be the most progressive in the country on e-cigarettes. As of May 31, 2015, no person under the age of 19 will be able to purchase e-cigarettes and they will not be displayed, promoted or marketed. There will be no smoking e-cigarettes or water pipes in indoor public places. Probably no other piece of advice, information that had been passed along in that - no more, I guess, in particular in that regard, because people did not want to see an e-cigarette in a restaurant, in an arena, in a public place. Public health officers will have the ability to issue summary offence tickets. With the support of members of this Legislature, we will have these measures in place effective May 31, 2015.

[Page 2905]

Mr. Speaker, this is important legislation to protect the health and safety of Nova Scotians from the risks of smoking. It will help us continue to promote a culture in this province where not smoking is the norm, and I thank all members again for their contribution to that debate and that commitment. We will look forward to this legislation becoming effective in the Spring, and to our consultation with Nova Scotians on flavoured products. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 60.

A recorded vote is being called for.

We will ring the bells for 10 minutes. Call in the members.

[4:16 p.m.]

[The Division bells were rung.]

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. Are the Whips satisfied?

[The Clerk calls the roll.]

[4:26 p.m.]

YEAS	NAYS
Mr. Colwell	Mr. MacLeod
Mr. Churchill	Mr. MacMaster
Ms. Bernard	Mr. Dunn
Mr. Samson	Mr. Baillie
Mr. McNeil	Mr. d'Entremont
Ms. Whalen	Mr. Corbett
Mr. Glavine	Ms. MacDonald
Ms. Casey	Mr. David Wilson
Mr. MacLellan	Ms. Zann
Ms. Diab	Ms. Peterson-Rafuse
Mr. Horne	Mr. Belliveau
Mr. Hines	Mr. Orrell
Mr. Stroink	Ms. MacFarlane

[Page 2906]

Ms. Arab	Mr. Houston
Mr. Delorey	Mr. Lohr
Mr. Ince
Mr. Kousoulis
Mr. Furey
Mr. Farrell
Mr. Gordon Wilson
Ms. Miller
Mr. Rowe
Ms. Lohnes-Croft
Ms. Treen
Mr. Gough
Mr. Jessome
Mr. Irving

THE CLERK » : For, 27. Against, 15.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is carried.

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

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, that concludes the government's business for this Fall session. It's my understanding that His Honour is en route. As a result I would ask that the House now recess until 5:00 p.m., when we will reconvene.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The House will now stand recessed until 5:00 p.m. while we await the arrive of His Honour to give the bills Royal Assent.

We stand recessed until 5:00 p.m.

[4:30 p.m. The House recessed.]

[5:03 p.m. The House reconvened.]

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please.

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: His Honour the Lieutenant Governor is without.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Let his Honour be admitted.

[The Speaker and the Clerks left the Chamber.]

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: His Honour, the Lieutenant Governor.

[Page 2907]

[The Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable John J. Grant, preceded by his Private Secretary, and Mr. Ken Greenham, Sergeant-at-Arms, bearing the Mace, entered the House of Assembly Chamber. The Lieutenant Governor then took his seat on the Throne.

The Sergeant-at-Arms then departed and re-entered the Chamber, followed by the Speaker, the Honourable Kevin Murphy, the Chief Clerk of the House, Neil Ferguson, and Assistant Clerk, Annette Boucher.

The Speaker, with the Clerk on his left, and the Sergeant-at-Arms and Assistant Clerk on his right took up his position at the foot of the Speaker's Table.]

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: It is the wish of His Honour that the ladies and gentlemen be seated.

MR. SPEAKER « » : May it please Your Honour, the General Assembly of the Province has, in its present session, passed certain bills to which, in the name and on behalf of the General Assembly, I respectfully request Your Honour's Assent.

THE ASSISTANT CLERK « » :

Bill No. 5 - Government Restructuring (2014) Act.

Bill No. 6 - Petroleum Resources Act.

Bill No. 9 - Embalmers and Funeral Directors Act.

Bill No. 10 - Service Nova Scotia Statutory Officers Appointment Act.

Bill No. 12 - Correctional Services Act.

Bill No. 14 - Gas Distribution Act.

Bill No. 15 - Builders' Lien Act.

Bill No. 16 - Police Act.

Bill No. 17 - Police Act.

Bill No. 18 - Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation (Nova Scotia) Act.

Bill No. 22 - Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission Act.

Bill No. 24 - Civil Service Act.

[Page 2908]

Bill No. 25 - Housing Act and Housing Nova Scotia Act.

Bill No. 26 - Animal Protection Act.

Bill No. 38 - Pooled Registered Pension Plans Act.

Bill No. 44 - Victoria Hall Continuation Act.

Bill No. 45 - Black Cultural Society Act.

Bill No. 49 - Economic Development in Nova Scotia Improvement Act.

Bill No. 50 - Halifax Regional Municipality Charter.

Bill No. 51 - Motor Vehicle Act.

Bill No. 52 - Consumer Protection Act and Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act.

Bill No. 58 - Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act.

Bill No. 59 - Halifax Regional Municipality Charter.

Bill No. 60 - Smoke-free Places Act and Tobacco Access Act.

Bill No. 61 - Onslow Cemetery Company Trustees Incorporation Act.

Bill No. 62 - Shared Services Act.

Bill No. 64 - Limitation of Actions Act.

Bill No. 65 - Railways Act.

Bill No. 66 - House of Assembly Act and House of Assembly Management Commission Act and Members' Retiring Allowances Act.

THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR:

In Her Majesty's name, I Assent to these Bills.

[The Speaker and the Clerks left the Chamber.]

[The Lieutenant-Governor left the Chamber.]

[Page 2909]

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: His Honour, the Speaker.

[The Speaker took the Chair.]

MR. SPEAKER « » : I would ask all members to please rise and join me in the singing of our National Anthem.

[The national anthem was sung by the members.]

MR. SPEAKER « » : Please be seated.

The honourable Premier.

THE PREMIER « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before we move to adjourn, may I just say, on behalf of all of us, a great thanks to the Pages who are here, for the work that they have been doing in this session on behalf of all of us. To the Commissionaires, some of them are here but not all of them, so I would ask that you pass on our gratitude for the work that you do during the session. We know sometimes these can be long nights but we do appreciate the work that you have been doing on behalf of all of us.

To our Clerks, many of us get to escape some of this debate; you two listen to a great deal of it. We will try to make sure that next session we have someone that can at least provide you some relief instead of having to stay here the entire time, so thank you for what you have been doing here. To our respective caucus staff, some are here, but pass on to them our thanks for the work that they've been doing on behalf of each of our caucuses. I will say that no matter how raucous this debate may sometimes get, I think our staff show a great example of communicating with one another outside of this House and working together, which speaks volumes to them and who they are, so congratulations to them. (Applause)

To Legislative TV and to Hansard, I want to thank them as well, and to the staff in the Library - you are doing too good a job for the Opposition Party so stop doing as much as you've been doing (Laughter), but thank you for what you've been doing.

I would like to say to the Public Service that supports all of us, quite frankly, and supports the running of government no matter who's in power, they respond to do the best they can every day to ensure that government continues to move forward, so I would like to say to them, thank you for ensuring that not only do sessions continue to move along but government continues to move along.

In closing I just want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope at some point you find some music to go along with the bells that have been ringing and extend to your families, from each of our families, the very best for this holiday season. No matter where we sit in this House, none of us get here on our own; it's our loved ones who often give up a lot of their own time and quite frankly, for many of us while we're sitting here, do an awful lot of campaigning at home and work at home on behalf of the unit. I wish them the very best as you get a chance to go back home, as we all get a chance to go back home and celebrate the Christmas season with our loved ones.

[Page 2910]

In closing, Mr. Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, I move that this General Assembly do now adjourn to meet again at the call of the Speaker.

AN HON. MEMBER: Ring the bells.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Overruled. (Applause)

The motion is that the House do now adjourn to meet again at the call of the Speaker.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

The House is adjourned until the call of the Speaker.

[The House rose at 5:19 p.m.]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

[Page 2911]

RESOLUTION NO. 1035

By: Hon. Tony Ince « » (Communities, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas Gerry Blackwood at Park Jewellery marked the 25^th Anniversary of his Cole Harbour business in August, 2014; and

Whereas Park Jewellery provides jewellery repairs and restoration, custom designed jewellery, and corporate jewellery; and

Whereas Mr. Blackwood incorporated Park Jewellery in 1989 in Cole Harbour's Sobeys Plaza, relocated to 1082 Cole Harbour Road 10 years ago and has thus been a local Cole Harbour business for the past 25 years, and has more than 35 years of experience in the jeweller's business;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize the value of local businesses such as Parks Jewellery and congratulate Mr. Blackwood on 25 years of business in Cole Harbour.

RESOLUTION NO. 1036

By: Hon. Tony Ince « » (Communities, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas Cole Harbour Heritage Farm, located in the Cole Harbour-Portland Valley riding, presented "Farmer for a Day" to over 300 Grade 3 students from Tuesday, September 23^rd to Thursday, September 25^th, 2014; and

Whereas the Cole Harbour Heritage farm Museum is owned and operated by the Cole Harbour Rural Heritage Society, and has been in operation for more than 200 years; and

Whereas Cole Harbour Heritage Farm is supporting traditional and modern-day farming through activities and interactive sessions by way of the "Farmer for a Day" program;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in recognizing the educational value of the Cole Harbour Heritage Farm, and wish them many more years of support to the Nova Scotia agricultural sector.

[Page 2912]

RESOLUTION NO. 1037

By: Hon. Tony Ince « » (Communities, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas the Cole Harbour Harvest Festival Society held their 7^th annual Cole Harbour Festival on September 6^th, 2014, at Cole Harbour Place; and

Whereas the Cole Harbour Harvest Festival Society is a non-profit, voluntary, community-based organization, consisting of representatives from Cole Harbour Place, HRM Community Development and Cole Harbour Recreation, Cole Harbour Boys and Girls, Salt Marsh Trail Running Club and a group of dedicated community volunteers, musicians, and youth; and

Whereas the Cole Harbour Harvest Festival has been a wonderful celebration of the Cole Harbour community since its establishment in 2008;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize the dedication of the volunteers on the Cole Harbour Harvest Festival society and the organizations who support the event, and join me in congratulating the society on another successful Harvest Festival.

RESOLUTION NO. 1038

By: Hon. Tony Ince « » (Communities, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas since 1974, the East Preston Day Care Centre has been a strong foundation for children, parents and families in the Prestons and neighbouring communities; and

Whereas the East Preston Day Care Centre provides child care services, a before-and-after-school program, pre-natal classes for parents and a family resource centre; and

Whereas on September 27^th, the East Preston Day Care Centre celebrated its 40^th Anniversary with a silent auction, dinner and entertainment at the East Preston Recreation Centre.

[Page 2913]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate the East Preston Day Care Centre on its 40^th Anniversary celebration and commend the staff and board members for their endeavors in providing valued service and support to the families in the communities.

RESOLUTION NO. 1039

By: Hon. Tony Ince « » (Communities, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas the Association of Black Social Workers is a volunteer charitable organization for Black social workers and human service workers operating in Nova Scotia since 1979; and

Whereas the Association of Black Social Workers addresses social injustices and improves the quality of life for persons of African ancestry by introducing community-based projects and programs; and

Whereas from September 24^th to 27^th, social workers from across Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom gathered in Dartmouth to celebrate the association's 35^th Anniversary;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate the Association of Black Social Workers on its 35^th Anniversary and commend the members for their efforts to enhance quality of life for people in communities across the province.

RESOLUTION NO. 1040

By: Ms. Suzanne Lohnes-Croft « » (Lunenburg)

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

Whereas Barry Crozier began his basketball refereeing career 38 years ago; and

Whereas Mr. Crozier was a member of the Nova Scotia Basketball Officials and helped mentor generations of fellow officials and players alike, offering an invaluable and selfless service to youth of our province; and

Whereas Mr. Crozier has retired from his role as a basketball referee of the Nova Scotia Basketball Officials;

[Page 2914]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly recognize the many years of service Mr. Crozier has devoted to basketball in the Province of Nova Scotia, and wish him a happy and well-deserved retirement.

RESOLUTION NO. 1041

By: Ms. Suzanne Lohnes-Croft « » (Lunenburg)

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

Whereas Rachelle Siteman of Rose Bay has represented Nova Scotia on various levels at various events; and

Whereas the Park View Education Centre student won a silver medal at November's Nova Scotia's Sectional Figure Skating Competition; and

Whereas Rachelle earned a gold medal in the novice women's division at the Rob McCall Memorial Competition in Dartmouth, a bronze medal at Fall Skate New Brunswick, and will represent the province at the National Challenge Competition in Montreal from December 3^rd to 8^th;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Rachelle on her hard work and tremendous achievements in representing her community and her province in the sport of figure skating.

RESOLUTION NO. 1042

By: Hon. Zach Churchill « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the Yarmouth Abuptic Lobster Bantam AA Gateways captured the 2014 provincial baseball title; and

Whereas the AA Gateways defeated Shelburne in the championship game; and

Whereas the team includes tournament MVP Sebastian Mullen and top hitter Dylan d'Entremont;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate the Yarmouth Bantam AA Gateways and their coaches on their championship season.

[Page 2915]

RESOLUTION NO. 1043

By: Hon. Zach Churchill « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the Yarmouth PetValu Clippers have won the girls' U14 soccer provincial championship; and

Whereas this team won the gold medal game with an 8-0 shutout; and

Whereas the clippers were undefeated during their entire season;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate the Yarmouth PetValu Clippers on their spectacular season.

RESOLUTION NO. 1044

By: Hon. Zach Churchill « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas Doctor Shelagh Delaney has been designated the Dalhousie Medial Alumni Association's Family Physician of the Year; and

Whereas Doctor Delaney graduated from Dalhousie University School of Medicine in 1975 and established her medical practice in Yarmouth in 1976; and

Whereas Doctor Delaney is now Site Director for Dalhousie University's Family Medicine Residency Training Program in Southwest Nova;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly recognize Doctor Shelagh Delaney for her selfless and long-standing dedication to her profession and wish her continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1045

[Page 2916]

By: Hon. Zach Churchill « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the Yarmouth WL Nelson Mosquitos A Gateways have won the provincial baseball championship in their category; and

Whereas the team won the final championship game by a score of 9 to 2; and

Whereas the team came back from a very slow start to eventually become their league champions;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the WL Nelson Mosquitos A Gateways on their fine achievement.

RESOLUTION NO. 1046

By: Hon. Zach Churchill « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the Yarmouth Pizza Delight Peewee AA Gateways are the Atlantic Provinces' 13U 2014 baseball champions; and

Whereas the team had already won the Nova Scotia provincial championship; and

Whereas the team was undefeated during its regular season in the Bluenose League;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Yarmouth Pizza Delight Peewee AA Gateways on their spectacular season.

RESOLUTION NO. 1047

By: Hon. Zach Churchill « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas Stephen Jeffrey of Yarmouth is platoon chief of the Yarmouth Fire Department; and

[Page 2917]

Whereas Stephen Jeffrey has distinguished himself with the fire department; and

Whereas he is a recent recipient of an Exemplary Service Medal;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Stephen Jeffrey on this prestigious award and wish him continued success in his career.

RESOLUTION NO. 1048

By: Hon. Zach Churchill « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas Kristen Holmes has been crowned Yarmouth's Seafest Queen for 2014; and

Whereas Kristen, a graduate of Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School, has been a scholarship student and an accomplished athlete; and

Whereas Kristen enters her second year at Saint Thomas University this Fall;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Kristen Holmes on this latest accolade and wish her continued success.

RESOLUTION NO. 1049

By: Hon. Zach Churchill « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas Nancy Lesser of Yarmouth has, since retirement as an elementary school teacher, been recognized as a tireless volunteer; and

Whereas Nancy Lesser has volunteered daily during the school year at Meadowfields Elementary School as well as being an executive member of the Multiple Sclerosis Society; and

Whereas Nancy Lesser has earned the Yarmouth Lions Club Volunteer of the Year Award;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly also recognize Nancy Lesser for her years of selfless volunteer work in the Yarmouth community.

[Page 2918]

RESOLUTION NO. 1050

By: Hon. Zach Churchill « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas 11-year-old Sophie Geis of Yarmouth has earned her Junior Black Belt in Tae-Quon-Do; and

Whereas this is a remarkable achievement for one so young; and

Whereas her instructor, Randy Muise, foresees a great future for here in this sport;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Sophie Geis on this accomplishment and offer her all good wishes in her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 1051

By: Hon. Zach Churchill « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas Ann Marie Clow of Yarmouth has demonstrated tremendous initiative by bedecking a massive, otherwise vacant Main Street storefront with her amazing artwork and photography; and

Whereas Ann Marie Clow is an internationally renowned award-winning painter whose inspired artwork captures the history and beauty of the Yarmouth area; and

Whereas Ann Marie Clow is also an accomplished award-winning photographer;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly acknowledge Ann Marie's contribution to the artistic community and Nova Scotia and wish her continuing success as she explores her chosen art forms.

RESOLUTION NO. 1052

[Page 2919]

By: Hon. Zach Churchill « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas Nancy Nguyen was named Miss Friendship at Yarmouth's Seafest Queen Pageant; and

Whereas Nancy is a graduate of Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School; and

Whereas she has completed her third year of study at Dalhousie University;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Nancy Nguyen on the receipt of this latest award and wish her every success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1053

By: Hon. Zach Churchill « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas Eden Saulnier has been named the first lady-in-waiting at Yarmouth's Seafest Queen Pageant; and

Whereas Eden is a 2014 graduate of Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School; and

Whereas Eden begins studies in the Dalhousie School of Nursing this Fall;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Eden Saulnier on this latest accolade and wish her continued success as she pursues her chosen profession.

RESOLUTION NO. 1054

By: Hon. Zach Churchill « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas Erica Gavel was awarded the Scholastic Achievement plaque at the 2014 Seafest Queen Pageant; and

[Page 2920]

Whereas Erica is a graduate of Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School; and

Whereas Erica has already obtained full-time employment in her home town of Yarmouth;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Erica Gavel on her award and wish her every success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1055

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas Sandy Wickens of Bear Point was honoured by the Municipality of Barrington on August 21, 2014, for his long-time contributions to the community; and

Whereas Wickens has volunteered for over 40 years to coach both baseball and hockey teams from the municipality; and

Whereas Wickens has selflessly devoted many years to coach, teach, inspire, encourage and challenge both youth and adults on various sports teams in the Municipality of Barrington;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Sandy Wickens on being honoured for his many years of contributions to the community, and wish him continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1056

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas anniversaries are an occasion for family and friends to gather together to celebrate the life of two individuals united as one; and

Whereas it was once said that a marriage anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity, but the order varies for any given year; and

Whereas on June 5, 2014, a very special occasion took place when Carl and Marilyn Atkinson of Clark's Harbour celebrated their 65^th wedding anniversary;

[Page 2921]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Carl and Marilyn on this remarkable milestone in their life together, and wish them many more happy years.

RESOLUTION NO. 1057

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas birthdays are an occasion for family and friends to gather together to celebrate the life of an individual; and

Whereas on May 6, 2014, Viola Nickerson of Shag Harbour celebrated her 95^th birthday; and

Whereas to have reached 95 years of age and continue to be active and share all the memories gathered over your lifetime with your loved ones is a wonderful reason to celebrate;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Viola on reaching this milestone in her life, and wish her many more happy birthdays and continued good health.

RESOLUTION NO. 1058

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas birthdays are an occasion for family and friends to gather together to celebrate the life of an individual; and

Whereas on September 18, 2014, Kathleen Garron of Bayside Home celebrated her 90^th birthday; and

Whereas to have reached 90 years of age and continue to be active and share all the memories gathered over your lifetime with your loved ones is a wonderful reason to celebrate;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Kathleen on reaching this milestone in her life, and wish her many more happy birthdays and continued good health.

[Page 2922]

RESOLUTION NO. 1059

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas birthdays are an occasion for family and friends to gather together to celebrate the life of an individual; and

Whereas on July 30, 2014, Norma Jane Goreham of Woods Harbour celebrated her 94^th birthday; and

Whereas to have reached 94 years of age and continue to be active and share all the memories gathered over your lifetime with your loved ones is a wonderful reason to celebrate;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Norma on reaching this milestone in her life, and wish her many more happy birthdays and continued good health.

RESOLUTION NO. 1060

By: Hon. Tony Ince « » (Communities, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas Mr. Paul Hagen is celebrating 25 years of working for the Province of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Mr. Hagen received a Long Service Award in September recognizing this accomplishment; and

Whereas the Long Service Award recognizes a long and successful career in government providing the leadership, programs and services to help Nova Scotians have healthy, prosperous and vibrant lives;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly take this opportunity to thank Mr. Hagen for his commitment and dedication to our public service, as we appreciate his time and contributions to the Province of Nova Scotia.

[Page 2923]

RESOLUTION NO. 1061

By: Hon. Tony Ince « » (Communities, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas Mr. Joseph MacEachern is celebrating 25 years of working for the Province of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Mr. MacEachern received a Long Service Award in September recognizing this accomplishment; and

Whereas the Long Service Award recognizes a long and successful career in government providing the leadership, programs and services to help Nova Scotians have healthy, prosperous and vibrant lives;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly take this opportunity to thank Mr. MacEachern for his commitment and dedication to our public service, as we appreciate his time and contributions to the Province of Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 1062

By: Hon. Tony Ince « » (Communities, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas Mr. Scott Nicholson is celebrating 30 years of working for the Province of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Mr. Nicholson received a Long Service Award in September recognizing this accomplishment; and

Whereas the Long Service Award recognizes a long and successful career in government providing the leadership, programs and services to help Nova Scotians have healthy, prosperous and vibrant lives;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly take this opportunity to thank Mr. Nicholson for his commitment and dedication to our public service, as we appreciate his time and contributions to the Province of Nova Scotia.

[Page 2924]

RESOLUTION NO. 1063

By: Hon. Tony Ince « » (Communities, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas Mr. Gary Pyke is celebrating 35 years of working for the Province of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Mr. Pyke received a Long Service Award in September recognizing this accomplishment; and

Whereas the Long Service Award recognizes a long and successful career in government providing the leadership, programs and services to help Nova Scotians have healthy, prosperous and vibrant lives;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly take this opportunity to thank Mr. Pyke for his commitment and dedication to our public service, as we appreciate his time and contributions to the Province of Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 1064

By: Hon. Tony Ince « » (Communities, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas Mr. Tyson Webb is celebrating 25 years of working for the Province of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Mr. Webb received a Long Service Award in September recognizing this accomplishment; and

Whereas the Long Service Award recognizes a long and successful career in government providing the leadership, programs and services to help Nova Scotians have healthy, prosperous and vibrant lives;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly take this opportunity to thank Mr. Webb for his commitment and dedication to our public service, as we appreciate his time and contributions to the Province of Nova Scotia.

[Page 2925]

RESOLUTION NO. 1065

By: Hon. Tony Ince « » (Communities, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas Ms. Lynne Blank is celebrating 25 years of working for the Province of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Ms. Blank received a Long Service Award in September recognizing this accomplishment; and

Whereas the Long Service Award recognizes a long and successful career in government providing the leadership, programs and services to help Nova Scotians have healthy, prosperous and vibrant lives;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly take this opportunity to thank Ms. Blank for her commitment and dedication to our public service, as we appreciate her time and contributions to the Province of Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 1066

By: Hon. Tony Ince « » (Communities, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas Ms. Lorraine Boyd is celebrating 30 years of working for the Province of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Ms. Boyd received a Long Service Award in September, recognizing this accomplishment; and

Whereas the Long Service Award recognizes a long and successful career in government, providing the leadership, programs, and services to help Nova Scotians have healthy, prosperous, and vibrant lives;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly take this opportunity to thank Ms. Boyd for her commitment and dedication to our Public Service as we appreciate her time and contributions to the Province of Nova Scotia.

[Page 2926]

RESOLUTION NO. 1067

By: Hon. Tony Ince « » (Communities, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas Ms. Elizabeth-Ann Cody is celebrating 35 years of working for the Province of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Ms. Cody received a Long Service Award in September, recognizing this accomplishment; and

Whereas the Long Service Award recognizes a long and successful career in government, providing the leadership, programs, and services to help Nova Scotians have healthy, prosperous, and vibrant lives;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly take this opportunity to thank Ms. Cody for her commitment and dedication to our Public Service as we appreciate her time and contributions to the Province of Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 1068

By: Hon. Tony Ince « » (Communities, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas Ms. Janice Stella Cossar is celebrating 25 years of working for the Province of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Ms. Cossar received a Long Service Award in September, recognizing this accomplishment; and

Whereas the Long Service Award recognizes a long and successful career in government, providing the leadership, programs, and services to help Nova Scotians have healthy, prosperous, and vibrant lives;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly take this opportunity to thank Ms. Cossar for her commitment and dedication to our Public Service as we appreciate her time and contributions to the Province of Nova Scotia.

[Page 2927]

RESOLUTION NO. 1069

By: Hon. Tony Ince « » (Communities, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas Ms. Carmelle d'Entremont is celebrating 25 years of working for the Province of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Ms. d'Entremont received a Long Service Award in September, recognizing this accomplishment; and

Whereas the Long Service Award recognizes a long and successful career in government, providing the leadership, programs, and services to help Nova Scotians have healthy, prosperous, and vibrant lives;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly take this opportunity to thank Ms. d'Entremont for her commitment and dedication to our Public Service as we appreciate her time and contributions to the Province of Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 1070

By: Hon. Tony Ince « » (Communities, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas Mr. Shaun O'Neil is celebrating 25 years of working for the Province of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Mr. O'Neil received a Long Service Award in September, recognizing this accomplishment; and

Whereas the Long Service Award recognizes a long and successful career in government, providing the leadership, programs, and services to help Nova Scotians have healthy, prosperous, and vibrant lives;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly take this opportunity to thank Mr. O'Neil for his commitment and dedication to our Public Service as we appreciate his time and contributions to the Province of Nova Scotia.

[Page 2928]

RESOLUTION NO. 1071

By: Hon. Tony Ince « » (Communities, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas Ms. Janice Gammie is celebrating 25 years of working for the Province of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Ms. Gammie received a Long Service Award in September, recognizing this accomplishment; and

Whereas the Long Service Award recognizes a long and successful career in government, providing the leadership, programs, and services to help Nova Scotians have healthy, prosperous, and vibrant lives;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly take this opportunity to thank Ms. Gammie for her commitment and dedication to our Public Service as we appreciate her time and contributions to the Province of Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 1072

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Economic and Rural Development and Tourism)

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

Whereas the 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games were held July 8 to 12 in Vancouver; and

Whereas Nova Scotia was represented by many talented athletes including track athlete Sasha Repko from Port Hawkesbury; and

Whereas Sasha won a gold medal in the 100 meters and a silver in the 4 x 400 relay;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating Sasha on the excellent showing and for making the Strait area proud.

RESOLUTION NO. 1073

[Page 2929]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Economic and Rural Development and Tourism)

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

Whereas the Nova Scotia Special Olympics Summer games were held in Antigonish in June; and

Whereas Strait area athletes Alex Dearden, Christian Gerro, and R.J. Pitt proudly represented the region; and

Whereas Alex Dearden won gold in the long jump and bronze in the 400 m, Christian Gerro won silver medals in the 100 m and the 400 m, and R.J. Pitt won gold in the long jump, and silver in both the shot put and the 200 m;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating these athletes on their impressive accomplishments.

RESOLUTION NO. 1074

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Economic and Rural Development and Tourism)

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

Whereas Jeux de L'Acadie is an annual event that promotes healthy and active living, along with the French language; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia tennis team took home bronze from this year's Les Finales des Jeux de l'Acadie; and

Whereas the team consisted of local athletes Renee George of D'Escousse, Reilly Sampson of Louisdale, and Samantha Martell of Rocky Bay;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating these athletes on representing Nova Scotia and on their third place finish.

RESOLUTION NO. 1075

[Page 2930]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Economic and Rural Development and Tourism)

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

Whereas the community of River Bourgeois is located in eastern Richmond County; and

Whereas it was established in 1714 by Acadian brickery workers who were providing bricks for the Fortress of Louisbourg and

Whereas the community proudly celebrated its 300^th birthday this past summer;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in wishing Happy Birthday to the friendly and hard-working people of River Bourgeois.

RESOLUTION NO. 1076

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Economic and Rural Development and Tourism)

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

Whereas the Judo Canada 2014 Nationals were held in May in Quebec; and

Whereas Clayton Peebles, from the Port Hawkesbury Judo Club, competed in the 55 kg weight class, and

Whereas Mr. Peebles came away with a hard-fought bronze medal victory;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating Clayton Peebles for this outstanding athletic achievement.

RESOLUTION NO. 1077

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Economic and Rural Development and Tourism)

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

Whereas Eric Poirier is a talented young singer/songwriter from St. Peter's, Richmond County; and

Whereas Mr. Poirier has released a CD called Open Door; and

[Page 2931]

Whereas the CD was produced by noted musician J.P. Cormier, and most of the songs were written by Eric Poirier and David Stone;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating Eric Poirier on this impressive accomplishment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1078

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Economic and Rural Development and Tourism)

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

Whereas Superport Marine Services Ltd. is a Port Hawkesbury-based company that provides a wide range of marine services, working with a diverse clientele on an international, national, and regional basis; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association presented Marine Superport with an award for innovation; and

Whereas Marine Superport earned the annual award because of work done on the tugboat Strait Raven, which they designed, built, and operate;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating Superport Marine on receiving this honour.

RESOLUTION NO. 1079

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Economic and Rural Development and Tourism)

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

Whereas the Lieutenant Governor's Education Medal is awarded to one boy and one girl in Grade 11 for their educational and extracurricular activities; and

Whereas these medals were awarded to students in the Strait region in May; and

Whereas medal recipients included Drake Boudreau and Ava Sturm from the Richmond Education Centre and Academy, and Jordan Delaney and Seamus MacDonald from SAERC;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating these students on being recognized for all of their hard work.

[Page 2932]

RESOLUTION NO. 1080

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Economic and Rural Development and Tourism)

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

Whereas the Isle Madame Red Hawks won the Baseball N.S. Intermediate A championship in late August in Dartmouth with a perfect 4-0 record; and

Whereas the team is made up of players from the Little Anse Hawks and the Petit-de-Grat Red Caps team from the Richmond Amateur Baseball Association; and

Whereas the team consists of Laurier Samson, Tyler Babin, Mitchell Farrell, Ryan Samson , Richard Boudreau, Clem Fougere, Noah Landry, Rod Samson, Jeremy Samson, Justin Delorey, Josh Marchand, Maurice Boudreau, Jake Boudreau, Brandon Boudreau and manager Barry Marchand;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating the Isle Madame Red Hawks on their impressive victory.

RESOLUTION NO. 1081

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Economic and Rural Development and Tourism )

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

Whereas Options and Opportunities (O2) is a program from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development which offers students hands-on learning experiences with a career focus; and

Whereas the O2 group from the Richmond Education Centre and Academy, along with community volunteers, have revamped the Louisdale community baseball field; and

Whereas the students involved are Kyle Marchand, Aidan Sampson, Matthew McNamara, Blake Morrison, Dawson Embree, Ashton Dorton, Taya Francis, Edmund Bonin, Adam Sampson, Michael Stone, Bryden Fougere, Blake Johnson, Karson Messervey and Travis Frost;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking this group of students for their hard work in the community.

[Page 2933]

RESOLUTION NO. 1082

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Economic and Rural Development and Tourism)

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

Whereas on June 7 the Strait Regional School Board said thank you to 40 members during their 14^th annual retirement banquet, Celebrating Service 2014; and

Whereas Celebrating Service 2014 celebrates the contributions of the retiring staff members to the students and the communities; and

Whereas the retiring staff members are: Eddie Avery, Paula Avery, Wayne Avery, George Boudreau, Francis Bowman, Marlene Boyd, Vaughan Chisholm, Georgie Cleary, Rita Colp, Annette Daemen, Debbie DeCoste, Gloria Dixon, Joe Gallant, Helen Marie Griffin, Everlyn Gillies, Linda Gottschall, Catherine Gray, Deanna Henry, Mike Hinchey, Patrick LeBlanc, Ian MacDougall, Colleen MacInnes, Judy MacMullin-Smith, Anne Marie MacNeil, Judy Martell, Sharon Martell, Betty Mills, Kevin Oullette, Edna Pelly, Bonnie Picard, Jeanette Power, Ursula Ryan, Cecile Schurman, Cheryl Sinclair, Amanda Skinner, Mary Smith, Audrey Swan, Mary Williams, Theresa Worthylake and Wade Worthylake;

Therefore be it resolved, that the members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking these dedicated individuals for their years of service.

RESOLUTION NO. 1083

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Economic and Rural Development and Tourism)

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

Whereas every year the Nova Scotia School Boards Association selects one member who demonstrates outstanding board member service; and

Whereas Richelle MacLaughlin of the Strait Regional School Board was this year's recipient of the Montgomery Award, named for the association's founder, Hector Montgomery; and

Whereas Richelle MacLaughlin has spent six years as a school bus driver and teacher's assistant and nine years as a member of various school committees;

[Page 2934]

Therefore be it resolved the members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating Richelle MacLaughlin on this well-deserved honour.

RESOLUTION NO. 1084

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Economic and Rural Development and Tourism)

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

Whereas the Strait Area Saints U16 girls volleyball team were crowned Provincial Champions in 16U Tier 2 in April; and

Whereas the Saints faced the Sydney-based Cape Breton Force in the championship game and prevailed 25 to 18 and 25 to 5; and

Whereas the team consisted of Kallie Harb, Hannah MacDonald, Danielle Knott, Megan MacNeil, Carly Fitzpatrick, Deanne Blagdon, Allison Jewers, Kelsey Lucas, Randi Harb, Madison Melnick, Cailey MacNamara, Hannah MacNeil, Cailey Jamieson, and coaches David MacIsaac and Solange Landry;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating the Strait Area Saints U16 girls volleyball team on becoming provincial champs.

RESOLUTION NO. 1085

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Economic and Rural Development and Tourism)

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

Whereas the Richmond Country-based Island Steppers dance troupe performed in two different sections of Walt Disney World in July; and

Whereas they were invited by Dance the World, a program that arranges for youth dance groups from around the world to appear at Disney parks; and

Whereas the Island Steppers consist of Ava Sturm, Victoria Mury, Kendra MacDonald, Kaitlynn Keating, Alexandria Samson, Amber Keating, Leah Boudreau, Emma LeBlanc, Ivy Marchand, Regan Hunt, Kathryn Joyce, Mackenzie Keating, and instructor Trina Samson;

[Page 2935]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating these talented young women on representing Nova Scotia so well.

RESOLUTION NO. 1086

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Economic and Rural Development and Tourism)

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

Whereas the Strait United U16 girls soccer team won gold at the Cape Breton Cup; and

Whereas Strait United defeated Glace Bay 1-0 in a dramatic overtime; and

Whereas the team consists of Dayna MacNeil, Lauren Boyd, Rebecca Roussy, Vanessa Legatto, Jessica Digout, Grace White, Mikaela O'Hearn, Faith MacEacher, Giuliana Zovatto, Ellen MacDougall, Attison Meagher, Jasmine Meagher, Deanne Blagdon, Emma Doiron, Neely Porter, Leah MacDonald, Chloe Fox, Mya Denny, Gaelyn Campbell, and coaches Dannie MacKinnon and Erin MacKinnon;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking these young athletes on their gold medal victory.

RESOLUTION NO. 1087

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Economic and Rural Development and Tourism)

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

Whereas paramedics are playing a greatly expanded role in our health care system; and

Whereas 50 paramedics province-wide received Long Service Awards in May for 20-plus years of service; and

Whereas Kevin Boudreau of Arichat received his award for 26 years of service, Charles Dixon of Port Hawkesbury received his award for 25 years, and Paul Landriault, also of Port Hawkesbury, received his for 20 years;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking these gentlemen for their many years of dedicated service to the people of Nova Scotia.

[Page 2936]

RESOLUTION NO. 1088

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Economic and Rural Development and Tourism)

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

Whereas John Deere Canada awarded 15-4-H members with $1,000 Fall scholarships; and

Whereas West Bay, Richmond County resident Nicole MacEachern was one of the recipients; and

Whereas these scholarships go towards a post-secondary education related to agriculture/mechanical trades, engineering, science, business or health;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating Nicole MacEachern on her hard work and dedication.

RESOLUTION NO. 1089

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Economic and Rural Development and Tourism)

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

Whereas Robert Bouchard is a singer-songwriter from West Arichat, Richmond County, who has enjoyed a 45-year career; and

Whereas Robert Bouchard has been inducted into the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame; and

Whereas his induction celebration took place in Truro on September 13^th and he performed some of his classic songs, including, When the Wind Blows in Chicago, Rose-Coloured Glasses, Shutters and Boards and She's My Lady;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating Mr. Bouchard on the great honour and on his very impressive career.

RESOLUTION NO. 1090

[Page 2937]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Economic and Rural Development and Tourism)

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

Whereas Kenny Petitpas, a singer-songwriter from Isle Madame, has released a new album called Our Town; and

Whereas Our Town consists of 10 songs, nine of which were written by Mr. Petitpas; and

Whereas Mr. Petitpas in the past year has won the 103.5 The Eagle radio station talent search and opened for country legend Mel Tillis;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating Kenny Petitpas on the release of his new album and wish him much success.

RESOLUTION NO. 1091

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Economic and Rural Development and Tourism)

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

Whereas the Strait United U12 girls soccer team won silver medals at the Cape Breton Cup in August in Sydney; and

Whereas the team, made up of players from Port Hawkesbury and Richmond County defeated Riverview 3-0 in the semifinals, before losing to the Northside team 2-0; and

Whereas the team consists of Katelynn Marchand, Abby Bona, Allison Pluta, Faith Morgan, Mya Boucher, Margaret Doiron, Katelyn Clow, Taylor MacIsaac, Kaitlyn MacGregor, Faith Samson, Sara Pluta, Cassie Cameron, Natalie Cameron, Shannon Ouelette, Makayla Boudreau, Isabella Sampson, Christine Ryan, Hannah Curtis, Sarah Poirier, Kelly Trainer, Marissa Bond, Emma MacDonald, Morgann Smith, Paige Hickey, and coaches Craig Bona and Paul Pluta;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating the Strait United U12 girls soccer team on their fine showing.

RESOLUTION NO. 1092

[Page 2938]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Economic and Rural Development and Tourism)

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

Whereas Dave Carruthers is a long-time community hockey leader in Port Hawkesbury; and

Whereas the Hockey Canada Century Tour is a 20,000 square foot interactive hockey experience caravan visiting approximately 100 communities across Canada; and

Whereas Dave Carruthers has been named a Canadian Tire Hero of Hockey for his years of dedication as a player, coach, referee, and skate sharpener;

Therefore be it resolved the members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating Mr. Carruthers on this well-deserved honour.

RESOLUTION NO. 1093

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Economic and Rural Development and Tourism)

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

Whereas the Canadian Association of Principals is an advocacy group for principals and vice-principals at the national level; and

Whereas every year the CAP names a Distinguished Principal of the Year to recognize and honour leadership in school administration; and

Whereas this year's recipient is Jacinta Samson-Sullivan of Ecole Beau-Port in Arichat;

Therefore be it resolved the members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating Jacinta Samson-Sullivan on this wonderful award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1094

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Economic and Rural Development and Tourism)

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

Whereas the SAERC Saints boys soccer team won the Highland Region league banner on October 30^th; and

[Page 2939]

Whereas they defeated the Saint Mary's Coyotes 2-0; and

Whereas the team consists of coach David Briggs, coach Steve Briggs, and players Matteo Zovatto, Patrick Holder, Matthew Morgan, Zack Cameron, Austin Embree, Ryan Harper, Chandler Murray, Liam Candow, Thomas Simmons, Nick McNamara, Nicolas Klein, Carmen D'Intino, Devon Welsh, Kyle Araujo, Johnny West, Seamus MacDonald, Hayden Bourinot, Braden Murray, Craig Ryan, Dylan Kelly, Aaron MacLean, and Keegan Bourinot;

Therefore be it resolved the members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating the SAERC Saints boys soccer team on their successful season.

RESOLUTION NO. 1095

By: Mr. Stephen Gough « » (Sackville-Beaver Bank)

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

Whereas Mr. Mitchell Carvery of Lower Sackville is one of approximately 250 provincial government employees being recognized for their many years of dedicated service; and

Whereas Mr. Carvery, this year, is celebrating 25 years of continuous service with the Department of Community Services; and

Whereas Mr. Carvery demonstrates the strong work ethic that characterizes so many workers, not only those employed by the Province of Nova Scotia but throughout all sectors of the provincial workforce;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize Mr. Mitchell Carvery and congratulate him on this milestone, and wish him all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1096

By: Mr. Stephen Gough « » (Sackville-Beaver Bank)

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

Whereas Ms. Colleen Denomme of Lower Sackville is one of approximately 250 provincial government employees being recognized for their many years of dedicated service; and

[Page 2940]

Whereas Ms. Denomme, this year, is celebrating 30 years of continuous service with Legislative Services; and

Whereas Ms. Denomme demonstrates the strong work ethic that characterizes so many workers, not only those employed by the Province of Nova Scotia but throughout all sectors of the provincial workforce;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize Ms. Colleen Denomme and congratulate her on this milestone, and wish her all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1097

By: Mr. Stephen Gough « » (Sackville-Beaver Bank)

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

Whereas Mr. Kevin Eric Duncanson of Lower Sackville is one of approximately 250 provincial government employees being recognized for their many years of dedicated service; and

Whereas Mr. Duncanson, this year, is celebrating 35 years of continuous service with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal; and

Whereas Mr. Duncanson demonstrates the strong work ethic that characterizes so many workers, not only those employed by the Province of Nova Scotia but throughout all sectors of the provincial workforce;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize Mr. Kevin Eric Duncanson and congratulate him on this milestone, and wish him all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1098

By: Mr. Stephen Gough « » (Sackville-Beaver Bank)

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

Whereas Ms. Susan Garland of Middle Sackville is one of approximately 250 provincial government employees being recognized for their many years of dedicated service; and

[Page 2941]

Whereas Ms. Garland, this year, is celebrating 25 years of continuous service with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal; and

Whereas Ms. Garland demonstrates the strong work ethic that characterizes so many workers, not only those employed by the Province of Nova Scotia but throughout all sectors of the provincial workforce;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize Ms. Susan Garland and congratulate her on this milestone, and wish her all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1099

By: Mr. Stephen Gough « » (Sackville-Beaver Bank)

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

Whereas Ms. Sandra Lively of Beaver Bank, Halifax County, is one of approximately 250 provincial government employees being recognized for their many years of dedicated service; and

Whereas Ms. Lively, this year, is celebrating 25 years of continuous service with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal CUPE; and

Whereas Ms. Lively demonstrates the strong work ethic that characterizes so many workers, not only those employed by the Province of Nova Scotia but throughout all sectors of the provincial workforce;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize Ms. Sandra Lively and congratulate her on this milestone, and wish her all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1100

By: Mr. Stephen Gough « » (Sackville-Beaver Bank)

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

Whereas Ms. Julie Smith of Lower Sackville is one of approximately 250 provincial government employees being recognized for their many years of dedicated service; and

[Page 2942]

Whereas Ms. Smith, this year, is celebrating 25 years of continuous service with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal; and

Whereas Ms. Smith demonstrates the strong work ethic that characterizes so many workers, not only those employed by the Province of Nova Scotia but throughout all sectors of the provincial workforce;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize Ms. Julie Smith and congratulate her on this milestone, and wish her all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1101

By: Mr. Stephen Gough « » (Sackville-Beaver Bank)

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

Whereas Mr. Richard B. Thomas of Lower Sackville is one of approximately 250 provincial government employees being recognized for their many years of dedicated service; and

Whereas Mr. Thomas, this year, is celebrating 40 years of continuous service with the Department of Health and Wellness; and

Whereas Mr. Thomas demonstrates the strong work ethic that characterizes so many workers, not only those employed by the Province of Nova Scotia but throughout all sectors of the provincial workforce;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize Mr. Richard B. Thomas and congratulate him on this milestone, and wish him all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1102

By: Mr. Stephen Gough « » (Sackville-Beaver Bank)

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

Whereas Mr. Todd Brown of Lower Sackville is one of approximately 250 provincial government employees being recognized for their many years of dedicated service; and

[Page 2943]

Whereas Mr. Brown, this year, is celebrating 25 years of continuous service with the Department of Internal Services; and

Whereas Mr. Brown demonstrates the strong work ethic that characterizes so many workers, not only those employed by the Province of Nova Scotia but throughout all sectors of the provincial workforce;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize Mr. Todd Brown and congratulate him on this milestone, and wish him all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1103

By: Mr. Stephen Gough « » (Sackville-Beaver Bank)

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

Whereas Mr. Michael Miller of Middle Sackville is one of approximately 250 provincial government employees being recognized for their many years of dedicated service; and

Whereas Mr. Miller, this year, is celebrating 25 years of continuous service with Communications Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Mr. Miller demonstrates the strong work ethic that characterizes so many workers, not only those employed by the Province of Nova Scotia but throughout all sectors of the provincial workforce;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize Mr. Michael Miller and congratulate him on this milestone, and wish him all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1104

By: Mr. Stephen Gough « » (Sackville-Beaver Bank)

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

Whereas Ms. Debra Rodgers of Lower Sackville is one of approximately 250 provincial government employees being recognized for their many years of dedicated service; and

[Page 2944]

Whereas Ms. Rodgers, this year, is celebrating 30 years of continuous service with the Department of Community Services; and

Whereas Ms. Rodgers demonstrates the strong work ethic that characterizes so many workers, not only those employed by the Province of Nova Scotia but throughout all sectors of the provincial workforce;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize Ms. Debra Rodgers and congratulate her on this milestone, and wish her all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1105

By: Mr. Stephen Gough « » (Sackville-Beaver Bank)

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

Whereas Ms. Annette F. Saulnier of Lower Sackville is one of approximately 250 provincial government employees being recognized for their many years of dedicated service; and

Whereas Ms. Saulnier, this year, is celebrating 35 years of continuous service with the Public Service Commission; and

Whereas Ms. Saulnier demonstrates the strong work ethic that characterizes so many workers, not only those employed by the Province of Nova Scotia but throughout all sectors of the provincial workforce;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize Ms. Annette F. Saulnier and congratulate her on this milestone, and wish her all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1106

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road, where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

[Page 2945]

Whereas "A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.", as quoted by author Eda J. LeShan; and

Whereas on July 21, 2014, Tracy and Adam Newell welcomed their son into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Tracy and Adam on this miraculous event in their lives, and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 1107

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road, where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas "A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.", as quoted by author Eda J. LeShan; and

Whereas June 25, 2014, Tiffany Nickerson and Jason Middleton welcomed their son into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Tiffany and Jason on this miraculous event in their lives, and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 1108

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road, where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

[Page 2946]

Whereas "A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.", as quoted by author Eda J. LeShan; and

Whereas on May 7, 2014, Parise and James Doucette welcomed their son into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Parise and James on this miraculous event in their lives, and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 1109

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road, where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas "A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.", as quoted by author Eda J. LeShan; and

Whereas on August 14, 2014, Julia Spinney and Brandon Hatfield welcomed their son into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Julia and Brandon on this miraculous event in their lives, and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 1110

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road, where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

[Page 2947]

Whereas "A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.", as quoted by author Eda J. LeShan; and

Whereas on April 21, 2014, Joline and Steven Doucette welcomed their son into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Joline and Steven on this miraculous event in their lives, and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 1111

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road, where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas "A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.", as quoted by author Eda J. LeShan; and

Whereas on September 5, 2014, Jodie d'Entremont and Travis Fitzgerald welcomed their son into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Jodie and Travis on this miraculous event in their lives, and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 1112

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road, where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

[Page 2948]

Whereas "A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.", as quoted by author Eda J. LeShan; and

Whereas on June 17, 2014, Ellie and Jason Kitchen welcomed their son into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Ellie and Jason on this miraculous event in their lives, and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 1113

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road, where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas "A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.", as quoted by author Eda J. LeShan; and

Whereas on July 3, 2014, a very special occasion took place when Jessica and Jeremy Hallett welcomed their son into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Jessica and Jeremy on this miraculous event in their lives, and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 1114

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road, where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

[Page 2949]

Whereas "A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.", as quoted by author Eda J. LeShan; and

Whereas on August 21, 2014, a very special occasion took place when Charlene Fitzgerald and Seth Smith welcomed their son into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Charlene and Seth on this miraculous event in their lives, and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 1115

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road, where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas "A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.", as quoted by author Eda J. LeShan; and

Whereas on July 25, 2014, a very special occasion took place when Candace and Ryan Malone welcomed their son into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Candace and Ryan on this miraculous event in their lives, and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 1116

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road, where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

[Page 2950]

Whereas "A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.", as quoted by author Eda J. LeShan; and

Whereas on May 14, 2014, a very special occasion took place when Debbie and Travis Smith welcomed their son into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Debbie and Travis on this miraculous event in their lives, and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 1117

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road, where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas "A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.", as quoted by author Eda J. LeShan; and

Whereas on May 12, 2014, a very special occasion took place when Jana Hipson and Rickey Smith welcomed their son into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Jana and Rickey on this miraculous event in their lives, and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 1118

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road, where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

[Page 2951]

Whereas "A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.", as quoted by author Eda J. LeShan; and

Whereas on May 31, 2014, Julie and Matthew d'Eon welcomed their daughter into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Julie and Matthew on this miraculous event in their lives, and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 1119

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road, where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas "A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.", as quoted by author Eda J. LeShan; and

Whereas on July 25, 2014, Lacey and Yvon d'Entremont welcomed their daughter into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Lacey and Yvon on this miraculous event in their lives, and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 1120

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road, where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

[Page 2952]

Whereas "A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.", as quoted by author Eda J. LeShan; and

Whereas on July 9, 2014, Joanne and Gabriel LeBlanc welcomed their daughter into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Joanne and Gabriel on this miraculous event in their lives, and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 1121

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road, where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas "A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.", as quoted by author Eda J. LeShan; and

Whereas on July 30, 2014, Helen Surette and Dean Bourque welcomed their daughter into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Helen and Dean on this miraculous event in their lives, and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 1122

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road, where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

[Page 2953]

Whereas "A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.", as quoted by author Eda J. LeShan; and

Whereas on July 11, 2014, Deidra Crosby and Jason Muise welcomed their daughter into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Deidra and Jason on this miraculous event in their lives, and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 1123

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road, where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas "A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.", as quoted by author Eda J. LeShan; and

Whereas on June 18, 2014, a very special occasion took place when Wanda and Wade Penney welcomed their daughter into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Wanda and Wade on this miraculous event in their lives, and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 1124

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road, where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

[Page 2954]

Whereas "A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.", as quoted by author Eda J. LeShan; and

Whereas on June 7, 2014, a very special occasion took place when Geri-Lynn and Josh Ross welcomed their daughter into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Geri-Lynn and Josh Ross on this miraculous event in their lives, and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 1125

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road, where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas "A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.", as quoted by author Eda J. LeShan; and

Whereas on June 7, 2014, a very special occasion took place when Jessica and Travis Swaine welcomed their daughter into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Jessica and Travis on this miraculous event in their lives, and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 1126

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road, where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

[Page 2955]

Whereas "A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.", as quoted by author Eda J. LeShan; and

Whereas on May 26, 2014, a very special occasion took place when Amanda Hatfield and Chris Baker welcomed their daughter into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Amanda and Chris on this miraculous event in their lives, and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 1127

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road, where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas "A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.", as quoted by author Eda J. LeShan; and

Whereas on May 15, 2014, a very special occasion took place when Daphnee Banks and Collis Francis welcomed their daughter into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Daphnee and Collis on this miraculous event in their lives, and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 1128

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road, where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

[Page 2956]

Whereas "A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.", as quoted by author Eda J. LeShan; and

Whereas on April 23, 2014, a very special occasion took place when Robin and Curtis Ross welcomed their daughter into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Robin and Curtis on this miraculous event in their lives, and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 1129

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road, where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas "A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.", as quoted by author Eda J. LeShan; and

Whereas on April 22, 2014, a very special occasion took place when Melissa Jones and Grant Nickerson welcomed their daughter into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Melissa and Grant on this miraculous event in their lives, and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 1130

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle-Barrington)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road, where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

[Page 2957]

Whereas "A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.", as quoted by author Eda J. LeShan; and

Whereas on April 19, 2014, a very special occasion took place when Alicia and Preston Cottreau welcomed their daughter into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Alicia and Preston on this miraculous event in their lives, and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 1131

By: Mr. Terry Farrell « » (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas Brandon Ott is assistant captain of the Amherst Special Olympics Soccer team that won silver at the 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Vancouver; and

Whereas after a year of extensive training and preparation, Brandon Ott's soccer team was named to Team Nova Scotia in September of 2013; and

Whereas the Amherst Soccer Team was the first from Amherst to be named to Team Nova Scotia, having only been represented by individual athletes at nationals in the past, and thus the first national team medalists from our region, and the soccer team's silver medal was one of 68 medals brought home by Team Nova Scotia athletes at these games;

Therefore be it resolved the members of this House of Assembly commend Brandon Ott, assistant captain of the Amherst Soccer Team, for his recent accomplishments and especially for winning silver at the 2014 Special Olympics in Vancouver, B.C.

RESOLUTION NO. 1132

By: Mr. Terry Farrell « » (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas Jason Rhindress is a member of the Amherst Special Olympics Soccer team that won silver at the 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Vancouver; and

[Page 2958]

Whereas after a year of training and preparation, Jason Rhindress was named to Team Nova Scotia in September of 2013; and

Whereas the Amherst Soccer Team was the first from Amherst to be named to Team Nova Scotia, having only been represented by individual athletes at nationals in the past, and thus the first national team medalists from our region, and the soccer team's silver medal was one of 68 medals brought home by Team Nova Scotia athletes at these games;

Therefore be it resolved the members of this House of Assembly commend Jason Rhindress, of the Amherst Soccer Team, for his recent accomplishments and especially for winning silver at the 2014 Special Olympics in Vancouver, B.C.

RESOLUTION NO. 1133

By: Mr. Terry Farrell « » (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas Jesse Williams is a member of the Amherst Special Olympics Soccer team that won silver at the 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Vancouver; and

Whereas after a year of training and preparation, Jesse Williams was named to Team Nova Scotia in September of 2013; and

Whereas the Amherst Soccer Team was the first from Amherst to be named to Team Nova Scotia, having only been represented by individual athletes at nationals in the past, and thus the first national team medalists from our region, and the soccer team's silver medal was one of 68 medals brought home by Team Nova Scotia athletes at these games;

Therefore be it resolved the members of this House of Assembly commend Jesse Williams, of the Amherst Soccer Team, for his recent accomplishments and especially for winning Silver at the 2014 Special Olympics in Vancouver, B.C.

RESOLUTION NO. 1134

[Page 2959]

By: Mr. Terry Farrell « » (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas Joey Timmons is a member of the Amherst Special Olympics Soccer team that won silver at the 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Vancouver; and

Whereas after a year of training and preparation, Joey Timmons was named to Team Nova Scotia in September of 2013; and

Whereas the Amherst Soccer Team was the first from Amherst to be named to Team Nova Scotia, having only been represented by individual athletes at nationals in the past, and thus the first national team medalists from our region, and the soccer team's silver medal was one of 68 medals brought home by Team Nova Scotia athletes at these games;

Therefore be it resolved the members of this House of Assembly commend Joey Timmons, of the Amherst Soccer Team, for his recent accomplishments and especially for winning silver at the 2014 Special Olympics in Vancouver, B.C.

RESOLUTION NO. 1135

By: Mr. Terry Farrell « » (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas Jonathan Dauphinee is a member of the Amherst Special Olympics Soccer team that won silver at the 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Vancouver; and

Whereas after a year of training and preparation, Jonathan Dauphinee was named to Team Nova Scotia in September of 2013; and

Whereas the Amherst Soccer Team was the first from Amherst to be named to Team Nova Scotia, having only been represented by individual athletes at nationals in the past, and thus the first national team medalists from our region, and the soccer team's silver medal was one of 68 medals brought home by Team Nova Scotia athletes at these games;

Therefore be it resolved the members of this House of Assembly commend Jonathan Dauphinee, of the Amherst Soccer Team, for his recent accomplishments and especially for winning silver at the 2014 Special Olympics in Vancouver, B.C.

RESOLUTION NO. 1136

[Page 2960]

By: Mr. Terry Farrell « » (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas Lisa Lines is a coach of the Amherst Special Olympics Soccer team that won silver at the 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Vancouver; and

Whereas after a year of extensive training and preparation, Lisa Lines' soccer team was named to Team Nova Scotia in September of 2013; and

Whereas the Amherst Soccer Team was the first from Amherst to be named to Team Nova Scotia, having only been represented by individual athletes at nationals in the past, and thus the first national team medalists from our region, and the soccer team's silver medal was one of 68 medals brought home by Team Nova Scotia athletes at these games;

Therefore be it resolved the members of this House of Assembly commend Lisa Lines, a coach of the Amherst Soccer Team, for her recent accomplishments and especially for winning silver at the 2014 Special Olympics in Vancouver, B.C.

RESOLUTION NO. 1137

By: Mr. Terry Farrell « » (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas Mike Greek is a coach of the Amherst Special Olympics Soccer team that won silver at the 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Vancouver; and

Whereas after a year of extensive training and preparation, Mike Greek's soccer team was named to Team Nova Scotia in September of 2013; and

Whereas the Amherst Soccer Team was the first from Amherst to be named to Team Nova Scotia, having only been represented by individual athletes at nationals in the past, and thus the first national team medalists from our region, and the soccer team's silver medal was one of 68 medals brought home by Team Nova Scotia athletes at these games;

Therefore be it resolved the members of this House of Assembly commend Mike Greek, a coach of the Amherst Soccer Team, for his recent accomplishments and especially for winning silver at the 2014 Special Olympics in Vancouver, B.C.

RESOLUTION NO. 1138

[Page 2961]

By: Mr. Terry Farrell « » (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas Rebecca LeBlanc is a member of the Amherst Special Olympics Soccer team that won silver at the 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Vancouver; and

Whereas after a year of training and preparation, Rebecca LeBlanc was named to Team Nova Scotia in September of 2013; and

Whereas the Amherst Soccer Team was the first from Amherst to be named to Team Nova Scotia, having only been represented by individual athletes at nationals in the past, and thus the first national team medalists from our region, and the soccer team's silver medal was one of 68 medals brought home by Team Nova Scotia athletes at these games;

Therefore be it resolved the members of this House of Assembly commend Rebecca LeBlanc, of the Amherst Soccer Team, for her recent accomplishments and especially for winning silver at the 2014 Special Olympics in Vancouver, B.C.

RESOLUTION NO. 1139

By: Mr. Terry Farrell « » (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas Robert Babineau is a member of the Amherst Special Olympics Soccer team that won silver at the 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Vancouver; and

Whereas after a year of training and preparation, Robert Babineau was named to Team Nova Scotia in September of 2013; and

Whereas the Amherst Soccer Team was the first from Amherst to be named to Team Nova Scotia, having only been represented by individual athletes at nationals in the past, and thus the first national team medalists from our region, and the soccer team's silver medal was one of 68 medals brought home by Team Nova Scotia athletes at these games;

Therefore be it resolved the members of this House of Assembly commend Robert Babineau, of the Amherst Soccer Team, for his recent accomplishments and especially for winning silver at the 2014 Special Olympics in Vancouver, B.C.

[Page 2962]

RESOLUTION NO. 1140

By: Mr. Terry Farrell « » (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas Robyn Munro is assistant captain of the Amherst Special Olympics Soccer team that won silver at the 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Vancouver; and

Whereas after a year of extensive training and preparation, Robyn Munro's soccer team was named to Team Nova Scotia in September of 2013; and

Whereas the Amherst Soccer Team was the first from Amherst to be named to Team Nova Scotia, having only been represented by individual athletes at nationals in the past, and thus the first national team medalists from our region, and the soccer team's silver medal was one of 68 medals brought home by Team Nova Scotia athletes at these games;

Therefore be it resolved the members of this House of Assembly commend Robyn Munro, assistant captain of the Amherst Soccer Team, for her recent accomplishments and especially for winning silver at the 2014 Special Olympics in Vancouver, B.C.

RESOLUTION NO. 1141

By: Mr. Terry Farrell « » (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas Stu Colson is a coach of the Amherst Special Olympics Soccer team that won silver at the 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Vancouver; and

Whereas after a year of extensive training and preparation, Stu Colson's soccer team was named to Team Nova Scotia in September of 2013; and

Whereas the Amherst Soccer Team was the first from Amherst to be named to Team Nova Scotia, having only been represented by individual athletes at nationals in the past, and thus the first national team medalists from our region, and the soccer team's silver medal was one of 68 medals brought home by Team Nova Scotia athletes at these games;

Therefore be it resolved the members of this House of Assembly commend Stu Colson, a coach of the Amherst Soccer Team, for his recent accomplishments and especially for winning silver at the 2014 Special Olympics in Vancouver, B.C.

[Page 2963]

RESOLUTION NO. 1142

By: Mr. Terry Farrell « » (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas Terry Black is a coach of the Amherst Special Olympics Soccer team that won silver at the 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Vancouver; and

Whereas after a year of extensive training and preparation, Terry Black's soccer team was named to Team Nova Scotia in September of 2013; and

Whereas the Amherst Soccer Team was the first from Amherst to be named to Team Nova Scotia, having only been represented by individual athletes at nationals in the past, and thus the first national team medalists from our region, and the soccer team's silver medal was one of 68 medals brought home by Team Nova Scotia athletes at these games;

Therefore be it resolved the members of this House of Assembly commend Terry Black, a coach of the Amherst Soccer Team, for his recent accomplishments and especially for winning silver at the 2014 Special Olympics in Vancouver, B.C.

RESOLUTION NO. 1143

By: Mr. Terry Farrell « » (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas the Amherst Special Olympics Soccer team won silver at the 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Vancouver; and

Whereas after a year of training and preparation, the Amherst Soccer Team was named Team Nova Scotia in September of 2013; and

Whereas the Amherst Soccer Team was the first from Amherst to be named to Team Nova Scotia, having only been represented by individual athletes at nationals in the past, and thus the first national team medalists from our region, and the soccer team's silver medal was one of 68 medals brought home by Team Nova Scotia athletes at these games;

Therefore be it resolved the members of this House of Assembly commend the Amherst Soccer Team for their recent accomplishments, and especially for winning silver at the 2014 Special Olympics in Vancouver, B.C.

[Page 2964]

RESOLUTION N0. 1144

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Education and Early Childhood Development)

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

Whereas Rob Stevens of Onslow, Colchester North, has been a truck driver for 23 years, currently driving a B-train for Home Hardware, Debert, between the Maritimes and eastern Quebec; and

Whereas last year on his first attempt at a truck driving competition, Rob placed third in Atlantic Canada and won the Professionalism Award, and on his second attempt he placed first in his category, going on to compete at the Canadian National Professional Truck Driving Championship in Saint-Jerome, Quebec; and

Whereas the competition involves a written test, a pre-trip inspection when drivers are given eight minutes to spot five defects on a truck, and a difficult obstacle course for a B-train requiring backing up, making two right turns and two left turns on a cloverleaf configuration;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Rob Stevens for receiving top honour at the Canadian National Professional Truck Driving Championship, winning second place in the B-train Category, and the Rookie of the Year Award.

RESOLUTION N0. 1145

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Education and Early Childhood Development)

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

Whereas students at Debert Elementary School, in Colchester North, are determined and committed to helping Mother Nature take care of the planet; and

Whereas the students have planted a community garden, have a green team that takes care of composting, and practice reduce, reuse, and recycle in the lunchroom; and

Whereas all the students help clean the yard, even picking fallen apples for compost, thus ensuring bees are not attracted to pose a threat to students with allergies;

[Page 2965]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate these conscientious, ambitious students for their conservation efforts, and commend them for participating in such events as Earth Day, Lights Out Canada, and the National Recycle for Education contest.

RESOLUTION NO. 1146

By: Mr. Terry Farrell « » (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas on March 18, 2014, the Cumberland Twirlers welcomed 13 new dancers into their membership; and

Whereas these dancers have graduated with their Bachelor of Mainstream Square Dancing degree; and

Whereas this makes a total of 393 Cumberland Twirlers graduates since the club was formed in 1974, with the current caller for the club, Faye Germon, having been calling for almost 15 years, during which time the club held open houses and made spectators welcome at any time;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly commend the Cumberland Twirlers for continuing to offer square dancing to their community, and for taking part at the national and provincial levels.

RESOLUTION NO. 1147

By: Mr. Ben Jessome « » (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas Garry Oliver and Kamila Rybicka are the founders of Fundacja Dziecieca Fantazja, a foundation which grants wishes to children in Poland suffering from life-threatening illness, and Coalition for Kids International, an organization which provides leadership experiences for Canadian students; and

Whereas Mr. Oliver and Mrs. Rybicka received the Canadian Governor General's Medallion for their contributions to strengthening the relationship between Canada and Poland, and creating a new generation of givers in both countries;

[Page 2966]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Mr. Garry Oliver and Ms. Kamila Rybicka on this prestigious award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1148

By: Mr. Ben Jessome « » (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas Olivia Rybicka-Oliver won first place in the Nova Scotia Juvenile U14 competition; and

Whereas Olivia will travel to Warsaw, Poland, to attempt to break the Guinness Book of World Records for the fastest spinner on ice skates; and

Whereas Olivia's world record challenge will be used to raise funds for the children from Fundacja Dziecieca Fantazja suffering from life-threatening illnesses in Poland, as well as for the youth charity Leave Out Violence (LOVE);

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Olivia on this ambitious undertaking, and wish her continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1149

By: Mr. Ben Jessome « » (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas Midget AAA baseball is the highest level currently played in Hammonds Plains; and

Whereas Hammonds Plains Midget AAA has never finished a season with more wins than losses before this year; and

Whereas the 2014 team finished with the second-best record in Nova Scotia, as well as finishing second in the national qualifier and provincials;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate the Hammonds Plains A's Midget AAA team on this historic season, and wish the organization further growth and success in the future.

[Page 2967]

RESOLUTION NO. 1150

By: Mr. Ben Jessome « » (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas the Hammonds Plains and Lucasville communities support local writers; and

Whereas Shan Kodejs has been a part of the community for a long time; and

Whereas Ms. Kodejs has written and published a number of horror and thriller novels;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Ms. Kodejs on her impressive achievements as an author.

RESOLUTION NO. 1151

By: Mr. Ben Jessome « » (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas the Hammonds Plains and Lucasville communities support their local writers; and

Whereas Kim Hawker is an author living in Hammonds Plains; and

Whereas Ms. Hawker has written and published the young adult fiction series, The Branded Trilogy, and is currently working on her next trilogy, The Dream Keeper;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Ms. Hawker on her impressive achievements in her field.

RESOLUTION NO. 1152

[Page 2968]

By: Mr. Ben Jessome « » (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas MacKenzie Taekwondo is a highly successful tae kwon do school in the Hammonds Plains area; and

Whereas the school won the most outstanding school award for Eastern Canada and placed 12^th in the World Cup in Montego Bay, Jamaica; and

Whereas Kathleen Gilgan-MacKenzie placed fourth in Advanced Senior Female Colour Belt Patterns, as well as Advanced Senior Female Colour Belt Sparring in Montego Bay;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Kathleen Gilgan-MacKenzie on her great performance.

RESOLUTION NO. 1153

By: Mr. Ben Jessome « » (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas Edible Matters is a local restaurant in Hammonds Plains that uses high-standard products, training and service, providing responsibly sourced meals to the community; and

Whereas the Atlantic Business Ethics Awards shines the spotlight on great businesses that go above and beyond maintaining high standards of ethical behaviour, giving public recognition to these companies across the Atlantic Provinces; and

Whereas Edible Matters was an Atlantic Business Ethics Awards finalist in the 26-75 Employees Category;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Edible Matters on this outstanding achievement, and wish Edible Matters continued growth and success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1154

[Page 2969]

By: Mr. Terry Farrell « » (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas St. Francis Xavier University student Margaret Skabar, of Amherst, is attending an international peace conference in Sarajevo; and

Whereas Margaret Skabar is pursuing a major in psychology and a minor in political science, and she became involved in the peace movement three years ago when she worked at the Thinker's Lodge in Pugwash; and

Whereas the Sarajevo Peace Event of 2014 marked the anniversary of the First World War and the conference will call for a global culture of peace and non-violence, and Skabar will take part in discussions on gender roles and women's roles in peacemaking;

Therefore be it resolved the members of this House of Assembly commend Margaret Skabar for her endeavours and efforts in maintaining a peaceful society.

RESOLUTION NO. 1155

By: Mr. Terry Farrell « » (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas the Deanne Fitzpatrick Rug Hooking Studio of Amherst, N.S., was presented with the Gift Shop Award for 2013 by the Central Nova Tourist Association; and

Whereas Deanne Fitzpatrick's business has expanded over the years and has been able to assist in the growth of the Nova Scotia Fibre Arts Festival, and she and festival chairman Phyllis Cameron believe the 2014 festival will be the biggest yet; and

Whereas Fitzpatrick's studio has become a major centre for the fibre arts and her work has appeared in newspapers, magazines, and books around North America in permanent collections like the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and the Canadian Museum of Civilization;

Therefore be it resolved the members of this House of Assembly commend Deanne Fitzpatrick for receiving the CNTA Gift Shop Award and for continuing to promote fibre arts in the local community and throughout North America.

RESOLUTION NO. 1156

[Page 2970]

By: Mr. Terry Farrell « » (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas Felicia Landry, a 17-year-old Grade 12 student at Amherst Regional High School, has been involved in gymnastics since she was three years old; and

Whereas Felicia Landry, from the Aerials Gymnastic Club, recently retired from gymnastics following the Atlantic Championships in Charlottetown, P.E.I., at which Team Nova Scotia won gold and Felicia came home with personal fifth- and sixth- place finishes; and

Whereas Felicia hopes to find time to coach at the Aerials Gymnastics Club in Amherst while attending Mount Allison University;

Therefore be it resolved the members of this House of Assembly commend Felicia Landry for her many years of devotion to gymnastics and the Aerials Gymnastics Club.

RESOLUTION NO. 1157

By: Mr. Terry Farrell « » (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas Daren White of Amherst, Nova Scotia, has been presented with the YMCA Peace Medallion; and

Whereas the YMCA Peace Medallion is intended to recognize the achievements of individuals and groups in local communities who, without any special resources, demonstrate in their lives and activities the values expressed in the World Alliance of YMCAs 1981 Statement of Peace which says "peace begins with each person, in relationship with family and friends, and extends to community life and national activities"; and

Whereas Daren White, a schoolteacher at Spring Street Academy, goes above and beyond his duties to install pride and encouragement to his students and the school as a whole, and his involvement in the community through various organizations is evident in his day-to-day activities;

Therefore be it resolved the members of this House of Assembly commend Daren White for his humanitarianism and outstanding contributions to the people of Amherst, his community, and Spring Street Academy.

[Page 2971]

RESOLUTION NO. 1158

By: Mr. Terry Farrell « » (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas Dr. Brian Ferguson was awarded the Doctors Nova Scotia Rural Physician of the Year Award during the association's 2014 annual conference; and

Whereas this honour is bestowed upon a rural physician who has made an outstanding contribution to the health of individuals, various community groups, and/or to non-profit organizations in rural communities; and

Whereas for the past 33 years Dr. Ferguson has provided his rural community with in-patient care, ambulatory care clinics, nursing home care and house calls, in addition to his own practice, and works shifts at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre's emergency department;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Dr. Ferguson on receiving this award, and commend him for his commitment to the patients of Cumberland County.

RESOLUTION NO. 1159

By: Mr. Terry Farrell « » (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas Dale Fawthrop, a long-time supporter of the Cumberland YMCA and chairman of the board of directors, has created an event to raise money for the Strong Kids Campaign; and

Whereas he celebrated his 70^th birthday on May 7, 2014, and used the day to fundraise by swimming 70 lengths of the YMCA pool; and

Whereas his contribution to the Strong Kids Campaign will sponsor YMCA memberships for children who would not otherwise enjoy the benefits of membership;

Therefore be it resolved the members of this House of Assembly commend Dale Fawthrop for his contributions to the Cumberland YMCA, and especially the Strong Kids Campaign.

[Page 2972]

RESOLUTION NO. 1160

By: Mr. Terry Farrell « » (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas Anne Marie Davis having demonstrated dedication and loyalty to the province over the past 25 years; and

Whereas Anne Marie Davis of Amherst, Nova Scotia, has faithfully served the Province of Nova Scotia for 25 years with the province;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly commend Anne Marie Davis for her dedication and loyalty to the Province of Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 1161

By: Mr. Terry Farrell « » (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas Chuck MacInnes has been honoured by Ducks Unlimited for dedication to the organization in various capacities, such as the annual fundraising dinner, currently serving as chairman, and he is also a member of the Nova Scotia Provincial Council; and

Whereas he started volunteering with Ducks Unlimited over 28 years ago; and

Whereas Chuck MacInnes has also helped out with the Atlantic Experience, an effort that brings in supporters, mostly from the United States, to show them what has been done with funds they have contributed to the Canadian organization;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly commend Chuck MacInnes for his outstanding contributions to Ducks Unlimited.

RESOLUTION NO. 1162

[Page 2973]

By: Mr. Terry Farrell « » (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas Carter's Sport Cresting of Amherst, Nova Scotia, has celebrated 15 years of doing business in downtown Amherst; and

Whereas Carter's Sport Cresting has added a new Print Division, and this complements the embroidery, engraving, signs, and promotion products; and

Whereas Carter's Sport Cresting now has nine full-time employees and has customers throughout the Maritime Provinces, and the Carters feel their staff are key to the success of their business;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly commend Carter's Sport Cresting for celebrating 15 years of doing business in Amherst, Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 1163

By: Mr. Terry Farrell « » (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas Amherst Striders have presented money to several community organizations that work with youth; and

Whereas Amherst Striders raised the money from a February 2014 Valentine's Run and donated to West Highlands School Enhancement Committee, the Cumberland YMCA Child Care Program, and the Town of Amherst (to be placed in trust to help fund a permanent running facility in the community); and

Whereas the Amherst Striders continue to grow, with more runners joining the group every month;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly commend Amherst Striders on contributing and supporting groups that work with young people in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 1164

[Page 2974]

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Education and Early Childhood Development)

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

Whereas Londonderry, Colchester North, has earned the distinction of having the first playforest in Canada; and

Whereas the project has been funded by the Municipality of Colchester County, the province, the Londonderry Community Council (through local fundraising), and in-kind donations; and

Whereas the park features a stroller and wheelchair accessible walkway, rock-climbing wall, double slide, Kenomee log playhouse, steel arbour, picnic tables, and a musical hill which includes bongo drums, a whale drum, thunder drums, and a hanging xylophone;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Amanda Langille and Robin Spencer, the coordinators of the project, and the many volunteers who have given of their time, resources, and money to create this wonderful one-of-a-kind playforest for the children to enjoy.

RESOLUTION NO. 1165

By: Ms. Lenore Zann « » (Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River)

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

Whereas Salmon River resident Judy Adams spent six months on a trip to Haiti with Global Partners, a mission arm of the Wesleyan Church serving more than 90 countries; and

Whereas Judy witnesses much unrest but also saw positives in Haiti such as a working program for women called Sew Hopeful, which teaches women to sew, and a carpentry program for men; and

Whereas knowing French and Spanish helped Judy as she volunteered in a children's hospital as well as assisting at a feeding program called Outside the Bowl;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate Judy Adams for her altruism and dedication to helping those much less fortunate, and wish her great success on her future mission trips.

[Page 2975]

RESOLUTION NO. 1166

By: Mr. Ben Jessome « » (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas MacKenzie Taekwondo is a highly successful tae kwon do school in the Hammonds Plains area; and

Whereas the school won the most outstanding school award for Eastern Canada and placed 12^th in the World Cup in Montego Bay, Jamaica; and

Whereas Mark Tarves placed third in Pre-Junior Male Colour Belt Sparring in Montego Bay;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Mark Tarves on his great performance.

RESOLUTION NO. 1167

By: Mr. Ben Jessome « » (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas MacKenzie Taekwondo is a highly successful tae kwon do school in the Hammonds Plains area; and

Whereas the school won the most outstanding school award for Eastern Canada and placed 12^th in the World Cup in Montego Bay, Jamaica; and

Whereas Mike Digdon placed second in Advanced Senior Male Colour Belt Sparring in Montego Bay;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Mike Digdon on his great performance.

RESOLUTION NO. 1168

[Page 2976]

By: Mr. Ben Jessome « » (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas MacKenzie Taekwondo is a highly successful tae kwon do school in the Hammonds Plains area; and

Whereas the school won the most outstanding school award for Eastern Canada and placed 12^th in the World Cup in Montego Bay, Jamaica; and

Whereas Wayne Cochrane placed first in Veteran Male Colour Belt Sparring in Montego Bay;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Wayne Cochrane on his great performance.

RESOLUTION NO. 1169

By: Mr. Ben Jessome « » (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas MacKenzie Taekwondo is a highly successful tae kwon do school in the Hammonds Plains area; and

Whereas the school won the most outstanding school award for Eastern Canada and placed 12^th in the World Cup in Montego Bay, Jamaica; and

Whereas Ryan O'Neil placed third in Junior Male Black Belt Team Sparring in Montego Bay;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Ryan O'Neil on his great performance.

RESOLUTION NO. 1170

By: Mr. Ben Jessome « » (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas MacKenzie Taekwondo is a highly successful tae kwon do school in the Hammonds Plains area; and

[Page 2977]

Whereas the school won the most outstanding school award for Eastern Canada and placed 12^th in the World Cup in Montego Bay, Jamaica; and

Whereas Sean O'Neil placed third in Junior Male Black Belt Team Sparring in Montego Bay;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Sean O'Neil on his great performance.

RESOLUTION NO. 1171

By: Mr. Ben Jessome « » (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas MacKenzie Taekwondo is a highly successful tae kwon do school in the Hammonds Plains area; and

Whereas the school won the most outstanding school award for Eastern Canada and placed 12^th in the World Cup in Montego Bay, Jamaica; and

Whereas Hayley O'Neil placed first in Junior Female Black Belt Patterns and first in Junior Female Black Belt Specialty Breaking;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Hayley O'Neil on her great performance.

RESOLUTION NO. 1172

By: Mr. Ben Jessome « » (Hammonds Plains-Lucasville)

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

Whereas MacKenzie Taekwondo is a highly successful tae kwon do school in the Hammonds Plains area; and

Whereas the school competed in the Eastern Canadian Championships in Amherst, Nova Scotia, involving 186 students from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario; and

Whereas Collier Fougere won gold in Sparring in the Eastern Canadian Championships;

[Page 2978]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Collier Fougere on his great performance.