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HALIFAX, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

Sixty-second General Assembly

Second Session

11:00 A.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Kevin Murphy

DEPUTY SPEAKER

Ms. Margaret Miller

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. Before we begin the daily routine, the topic for late debate tonight at the moment of interruption, as submitted by the honourable member for Kings North, is:

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Legislature work together to help Feed Nova Scotia provide nutritious food for Nova Scotia families who are in need during the holiday season and all year long.

The late debate, at the moment of interruption.

We'll now proceed with the daily routine.

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

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

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HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased today to rise in the House and present the Annual Accountability Report on Emergency Departments.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The report is tabled.

The honourable Minister of the Public Service Commission.

HON. LABI KOUSOULIS « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table the report Moving Toward Equity: Employment Equity and Diversity in the Nova Scotia Public Service, 2014-2015, in French and English.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The report is tabled.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. MICHEL SAMSON » : Mr. Speaker, we're waiting for some guests to arrive, so if we could just recess for maybe five minutes until they get here and then we will continue with the daily routine.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

The House will now recess for a few minutes.

[11:05 a.m. The House recessed.]

[11:08 a.m. The House reconvened.]

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. We will now move on to Statements by Ministers.

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

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

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, may I make an introduction?

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MR. GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to introduce Mr. Darren Lewis, who is here in the east gallery today on behalf of the Taavel Family. I would ask that he rise and all members of the House give him a warm welcome. (Applause)

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

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HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, today I rise in the House to provide an apology to the family and friends of Raymond Taavel. On behalf of the Government of Nova Scotia, I sincerely apologize to the family and friends of Raymond Taavel.

On April 16, 2012, Andre Denny, a patient deemed not criminally responsible for his own actions, was issued a one-hour unescorted pass from the East Coast Forensic Hospital. Mr. Denny, who was admitted to the hospital by court order, failed to return, and was reported absent without leave to the police. Hours later, while authorities were searching for Mr. Denny, Raymond Taavel was tragically killed. Mr. Denny was charged with Raymond's murder. On November 10, 2015, Mr. Denny pled guilty to killing Raymond Taavel.

Raymond Taavel was an extraordinary community activist and leader. He was a loving, caring, and compassionate son, partner, brother, and friend. Raymond was an active member of the Halifax LGBTI community, and his loss deeply affected many, many people within the community at large. His death will not be in vain. We are determined to ensure that positive change comes from this terrible tragedy.

I want the members and the general public to know that a joint review of the East Coast Forensic Hospital's community access privileges identified significant gaps where improvements were required, to ensure the protection of the general public, and made 18 recommendations. We were told to do better. We responded. All of the recommendations made by the joint review have now been implemented.

In addition, Raymond's family requested a GPS tracking program for forensic patients on leave from the hospital. I understand their request, and we asked experts to research it. Although we determined this particular action was not feasible, we have made many other changes that we believe will result in a lasting improvement. I hope Raymond's family would agree.

Our work will never be complete, but it is my sincere belief that the changes brought about by this senseless tragedy will increase the safety of the general public and the quality of care for patients at the hospital. There is nothing that I can say to ease the pain of Raymond's death. We hope that this apology will help those affected, to continue on a path towards healing.

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

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : First of all, I'd like to thank the minister for providing us a copy of his statement in advance.

On behalf of the Progressive Conservative caucus, I extend a sincere and heartfelt apology to the friends and family of Raymond Taavel. Even though I did not know Raymond, I feel that I do from all the positive and caring stories that I've heard about him since his untimely death. We understand the light that Raymond brought into your lives, and we are truly sorry for your loss.

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Raymond's senseless death showed us the danger of cracks in our justice and mental health systems. Public safety should never be undermined by those cracks. I can assure you that the Progressive Conservative caucus is dedicated to improving our province's mental health system, to examining it, identifying weakness, and finding solutions so that Nova Scotians who need mental health services can get them. We want to do everything that we can to prevent tragedies in our communities, and we think that public inquiry is the best way to do that.

Raymond was deeply committed to positive change in our community. We will continue to work tirelessly to bring about change in our mental health system. We will continue to learn from those senseless tragedies and encourage the expansion of the GPS tracking program in our province that will provide an extra level of public safety and security for the person who is wearing that device.

Raymond Taavel's death was senseless, Mr. Speaker. He is mourned by many in our province. There is nothing that we can do to lighten that burden. Only time can heal those wounds. But we can redouble our efforts to ensure that his death was not in vain, that the circumstances that led to his death are not repeated, and that his memory will be kept alive. We can all take up the torch and commit to positive change in our community in Raymond's name.

I hope this apology brings some peace to those who grieve for Raymond and that the days ahead are easier to bear. God bless, and thank you.

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

HON. MAUREEN MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by associating myself and the NDP caucus with the remarks that have been made by the Minister of Health and Wellness and the House Leader for the Official Opposition.

I had the great fortune of knowing Raymond Taavel. I did not know him well; I wish I had known him better. I remember very well the first time I met Raymond. It was at a meeting, and this man stood out in a meeting about some issues in the constituency that I'm privileged to represent in the North End of Halifax. When the meeting was over, I asked some other people, who was that guy? The kind of passion that he brought to issues was unparalleled in my experience - and I've been at a lot of meetings where there was a lot of passion. So to his partner, to his family, I understand your heartache, and we extend our condolences and our apology.

The loss of Raymond Taavel in our community is profound and to the LGBT community, profound. As the Government House Leader and as the Health and Wellness Minister has indicated, unfortunately this tragedy was what led us to some lessons about gaps and failures in our mental health system, our forensic system that need improving, and that hopefully have been improved. I have to say that's something Raymond would be very pleased about, because that's the kind of guy he was.

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Mr. Speaker, there is a group of people who knew Raymond well, who continue to work on the development of a monument or a memorial of some kind in the North End Halifax, just off Gottingen Street. As that group brings their ideas to fruition, I will share with my colleagues here in the House what it is that they're doing, so that there will be a permanent memorial to this extraordinary person we will not forget. Thank you.

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Justice.

RESOLUTION NO. 2823

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

Whereas Ron J. MacDonald, Q.C. is director of the Serious Incident Response Team, which independently investigates all serious incidents which arise from the actions of police in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Mr. MacDonald was recently recognized by the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society with a 2015 Distinguished Service Award for his exceptional contributions and service to the profession; and

Whereas Mr. MacDonald is recognized nationally, and internationally, for advancing public interest regulation for substantive criminal justice reform;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House join me in congratulating Mr. MacDonald on his Distinguished Service Award and his unwavering commitment to public service.

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.

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The motion is carried.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 147 - Entitled an Act Respecting Osteopaths. (Hon. Christopher d'Entremont)

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

NOTICES OF MOTION

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

HANUKKAH LIGHTING: CHABAD-LUBAVITCH - THANK

HON. LENA DIAB « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm delighted to share with members of the House of Assembly that I had the honour to represent the Province of Nova Scotia on Monday in joining Mayor Savage, Halifax Police Chief Blais, the RCMP Superintendent, and other dignitaries and members of the Jewish community in celebrating the beginning of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, and the Lighting of Candles.

Hanukkah commemorates a victory over repression and a miracle that happened in Jerusalem more than 2,000 years ago. The candles represent not just the triumph of the past but hope for the future. They represent freedom for people of all faith, for those who still suffer under tyranny and oppression. This is the reason that families around the world place the menorah in public view so the entire world can see the light.

As Minister of Immigration, I recognize that our communities are strengthened when we respect and celebrate the diversity of our culture and heritage. On behalf of the House of Assembly, I want to thank the Chabad-Lubavitch organization of the Maritimes for the preparation in Halifax to join cities around the world in this celebration of light.

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

FOOD BANK: CHRISTMAS - REMEMBER

MR. JOHN LOHR « » : On Friday, December 11^th, CBC will host its annual Feed Nova Scotia Day. From 6:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., volunteers will collect food and money to support Feed Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotians always give generously to Feed Nova Scotia, especially during the holiday season. This generosity helps the organization work toward its goal of feeding Nova Scotians in need and to reduce that need.

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Food bank use in Nova Scotia is increasing. Feed Nova Scotia distributes over two million kilograms of donated food to its network of 146 food banks and meal programs across the province.

As legislators, we must do everything we can to help feed Nova Scotia and to reduce the need for food banks in this province. As we begin holiday preparations, I urge all MLAs to remember those Nova Scotians who will rely on food banks this Christmas and work toward practical solutions.

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

MATTHEWS, GLEN - DISPLACED N.S. FILM WORKER

HON. MAUREEN MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to tell you the story of Glen Matthews. Glen is an award-winning actor, writer, and filmmaker. Now Glen lives in Toronto, thanks to the Liberal government's elimination of the film tax credit.

Glen travelled to Lunenburg to say goodbye to his family before the move. He said he wanted to live here in Nova Scotia forever, but now Glen Matthews says he's just another Maritimer who has fallen victim to poor leadership and been forced to seek greener pastures somewhere down the road.

That's not the only story, Mr. Speaker. Glen Matthews is just one of the many displaced Nova Scotia film-jobs workers heading out West.

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

KRIS KRINGLE LUNCHEON - ANL. (13^th)

MS. JOYCE TREEN « » : On November 29, I attended the 13^th Annual Kris Kringle Luncheon in support of Ocean View Continuing Care Centre.

This well-organized and festive event is the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. This year's event took place at the Brightwood Golf and Country Club, and the turkey dinner was absolutely delicious. The silent auction had many beautiful items up for grabs, and I was lucky enough to claim the snowman cake, which I then played forward and donated to the Eastern Passage Christmas tree lighting that took place later that afternoon.

This important event is one of the main fundraisers at Ocean View Continuing Care Centre, and it is always a lot of fun.

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

BELT, DAVE & SUZIE: PICTOU CO. C OF C

- BUS. ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (2015)

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise to congratulate Seafoam Lavender Farm owners and operators Dave and Suzie Belt for winning the Export Recognition Award at the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce 2015 Business Achievement Awards.

Dave and Suzie have created a unique export business with over 65 lavender-based products available in retail outlets throughout Atlantic Canada. The products are also available to thousands of cruise ship visitors at the Halifax Seaport Market. They sell to online customers from across Canada and the United States. The lavender farm, located in Pictou West on the Sunrise Trail, attracts many tourists throughout the summer months.

I congratulate Dave and Suzie for their hard work, perseverance and innovation that has enabled them to be a true rural Nova Scotia success story.

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

GOV'T. (N.S.): CONSULTATION PROCESS - EFFICACY

HON. STERLING BELLIVEAU « » : Mr. Speaker, this government's claim to be consultant, open, and transparent has certainly has been on trial this session. The court of public opinion continues to weigh in on this claim, and the evidence suggests that the government has not lived up to its word.

On Monday at Law Amendments Committee, presenter after presenter said that they had not been consulted by this government. These presenters used terms like "blindsided," "roadblocks," and "a step backwards" to describe the government's bill of the day.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the jury to consider this question in their deliberations: if the government's consultation process is so thorough and robust, why are key stakeholders continuing to show up at Law Amendments Committee saying they have not been consulted? I rest my case.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Glace Bay.

SHAW, LOGAN - NHL GOAL (1^st)

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HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I recently read a member's statement that a young man from Glace Bay, Mr. Logan Shaw, made his NHL debut on October 30^th with the Florida Panthers versus the Boston Bruins. Well, the dream is continuing for the Panthers' No. 48.

Last night, playing at home against the Ottawa Senators, Logie added a puck to his trophy case. At 7:49 of the first period, Shaw scored his first NHL goal, shooting a rocket bar down on Sens goalie Craig Anderson. Glace Bay celebrated as word of the kid's first goal and first of many spread throughout our community.

Logan fought his way to the NHL, he has pursued that first goal since he was a toddler. He never gave up and that's a lesson for all children in our proud town. Keep it going, Logan, we certainly believe in you.

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

MUISE, SHAWN: MONT-TREMBLANT IRONMAN TRIATHLON

- CONGRATS.

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : Mr. Speaker, in August of this year, 41-year-old Bellville, Yarmouth County resident Shawn Muise, a neighbour of mine, was successful in competing the Mont-Tremblant Ironman triathlon.

Muise had hoped to break 12.5 hours and he completed a 3.86 kilometre swim, 180 kilometre bike, and the final discipline of a 42.2 kilometre run with nine minutes to spare. Heat warnings and advisories were given a few days prior to the race. Shawn, like some of the other participants, walked some parts of the marathon to conserve energy as well as to protect hamstrings and to stay hydrated throughout.

I congratulate Shawn Muise for completing this monumental task, this triathlon, to earn the title of Ironman.

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

WOMEN'S EMPLOYMENT CTRS. - FUNDING ELIMINATION

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, the Liberal Government is eliminating funding for women's employment programs in Nova Scotia. A great many people signed an open letter to the Premier, condemning the elimination of funding for women's employment programs, including the Avalon Sexual Assault Centre, Adsum House and the Women's Employment and Advocacy Society.

The letter reminds the Premier that there is a 33 per cent wage gap between women and men. Women are far more likely to work part-time hours and make up a large majority of minimum-wage earners. Poverty is higher among women-led, single-parent households and among female seniors. This is not the government the Liberals promised they would be.

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

REDCLIFF MID. SCH. - WORLD CHANGERS

HON. KAREN CASEY « » : Mr. Speaker, World Changers started at Redcliff Middle School in Bible Hill, Colchester North last year; 38 students originally joined the group. They became involved in a Me to We initiative through Free the Children. The international organization encourages youth to help change one local and one global social injustice relating to things such as education, water and renewal resources, and others.

The students raised $600 for the Truro Homeless Outreach Society's Hub House; $2,400 for a We are Silent initiative through Free the Children; and $1,000 for clear water initiatives. The World Changers also worked with staff at the Royal Bank to help clean up garbage around their school.

A mini-We Day was held to celebrate the work of the students and to inspire more to join. The World Changers help students realize that they can have an impact and they can make changes on issues and this makes them more aware in how fortunate they are.

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

THORBURN & DIST. FD - OFF-ROAD RESCUE VEHICLE

MR. TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to extend my congratulations to the Thorburn and District Fire Department and their treasurer Barry MacKenzie for modifying an off-road rescue vehicle and new trailer this Fall for the department's use.

Barry did considerable work to tailor the unit to the needs of the department for use in the remote areas of Pictou County. It has a place for the paramedic, who is equipped with an oxygen tank and an IV unit and enables the medic to sit on the back and monitor a patient without getting caught up in the underbrush of some of the terrain they travel through. This vehicle is a welcome addition to the department and has already answered calls from as far away as Caledonia, in Guysborough County.

Congratulations to the Thorburn and District Fire Department, thank you for keeping our community safe.

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

CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS

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MS. MARIAN MANCINI « » : Mr. Speaker, I was watching The National last night and there was discussion by pundits about what, if any, threat Donald Trump posed to Hillary Clinton's campaign. One of the male pundits said, Hillary can just go get her Christmas shopping done, as Trump posed no threat. It did get me thinking, though, that he assumed and probably rightly that Hillary looks after Christmas preparations.

To all of my female colleagues, you know that . . .

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The time allotted for members' statements has expired. (Interruptions)

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS TO MINISTERS

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

PREM.: HFX. SHIPYARD CONTRACTS - UPDATE

HON. JAMIE BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, they're implying you're a Scrooge, but I don't think that. I just want you to know.

My question is for the Premier. Nova Scotians are growing more and more concerned about the future of our shipyard contract. After all, our province won, in a fair and open competition, the right to build 15 frigates and six arctic patrol ships. We won it fair and square.

Prime Minister Trudeau, when he was in Nova Scotia campaigning, promised that we would get every one of those ships. I've asked the Premier about this before and he said he was going to check with his counterparts in Ottawa. I'd just like to ask the Premier today, has he heard back - does he now have a firm commitment that Nova Scotia will build every one of those ships?

HON. STEPHEN MCNEIL « » : I want to thank the honourable member for the question. Much of the concern around this has been born out of a briefing note that was presented by federal bureaucracy to the incoming new government. It showed a reflection that the previous Conservative Government had made an announcement, quite frankly, without budgeting the proper amount of funding.

Fortunately for Nova Scotia, and indeed Canada, Canadians chose a new Prime Minister. Early in that journey, Prime Minister Trudeau, when he was here, talked about the cancellation of the F-35, recognizing that more funding was going to be required to go in to ensure that the ships that were being built here in Halifax - his announcement during the campaign was six to eight ships and, Mr. Speaker, we fully expect that to be the case.

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MR. BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, indeed Canada does now have a new Liberal Government, and their Leader came here to Nova Scotia and promised every one of those ships. It doesn't matter what happened before; he made that promise and we expect him to keep it. Nova Scotians expect their Premier to defend Nova Scotia and make sure he keeps it. He did just list, very publicly, the priorities of his government when he issued the Throne Speech earlier this week - not one mention of the shipyard contract; not one mention in his list of priorities that he was going to keep that promise.

What kind of message does the Premier think that the government in Ottawa is sending to Nova Scotia when they list their priorities in such a public way and they don't confirm their commitment to the shipyard?

THE PREMIER « » : Well, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. I haven't had an opportunity to listen to the Throne Speech from Ottawa. I'm busy working on behalf of Nova Scotians to build the economy of the province.

I can assure all Nova Scotians that this government will defend the interests of our province regardless of who the national government is.

MR. BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm sorry the Premier feels he's too busy to make sure that we're going to get those ships. It's one of the most important things that can happen for the economy of this province - and for our Navy, as a matter of fact.

So let me tell him what was in that Throne Speech that he was too busy to see if this was still a priority or not. It said they're committed to a leaner military; they're going to review existing defence capabilities. No wonder Nova Scotians want an assurance that somebody is going to stand up for Nova Scotia and make sure that that promise to build every one of those ships is kept.

I'd like to ask the Premier, will he commit now to making it clear to the government in Ottawa that he, as Premier, expects every one of those ships to be built here, and then to tabling the response that he gets?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. I want to tell all Nova Scotians, as I said in my previous answer, that this government will defend the interests of Nova Scotians regardless of who the Prime Minister is or who the national government is.

Unlike the Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party, I don't look for a camera to stand in front of and put out rhetoric. We defend the best interests of Nova Scotia based on principle and fact, and we expect the federal government to deliver on their commitment to the people of Nova Scotia.

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

PREM.: FILM INVESTMENT FUND

- NSBI JOB/INVESTMENT TARGETS

HON. MAUREEN MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. This morning at the Public Accounts Committee, the CEO of Nova Scotia Business Inc., who oversees the new film investment fund, indicated that NSBI has no job targets and no investment targets for the film and television industry. So I want to ask the Premier, could he explain why there are no job targets or investment targets for this industry?

THE PREMIER « » : I want to thank the honourable member for the question, and I want to thank all Nova Scotians who have recognized the challenges that we face in the province. I want to thank those Nova Scotians who recognize that this government recognizes the film industry as an important part of our economy; it's why we still provide the largest subsidy of any program toward the film industry. We're working with those sectors. People are recognizing that the new model is workable for them, and we're seeing that by the activity that is taking place in this sector.

MS. MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, given the unemployment statistics that we saw come out earlier this week, one of the very real challenges that we face is unemployment in Nova Scotia. Today at the Public Accounts Committee meeting the Deputy Minister of Finance and Treasury Board asserted that slashing the Film Tax Credit was bad for the film industry, but good for Nova Scotia. We know that with the IATSE numbers there was a drop of 82 per cent in the number of jobs in that industry this Fall, thousands of Nova Scotians out of work. My question for the Premier is, why does his government think putting hundreds of Nova Scotians out of work by cutting the Film Tax Credit is good for the province?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. I completely disagree with the premise of her question. Of course, we work with Nova Scotians to see economic activity by job creation. It's why we changed the ratio of apprentice opportunity: to create more opportunity for young people to stay in this province. It's why we have instituted the program Graduate to Opportunities: we are working with private sector employers to create new jobs for university graduates and community college graduates.

When you go down and look at the activity that we're working at on behalf of the credit union, we've enhanced small business loan opportunity from $25 million to $50 million. We've raised the threshold that we guarantee so that it can be distributed across the province in smaller communities, smaller credit unions to participate in that, providing funding to small businesses, and creating jobs and opportunities.

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There is no short-term fix for the challenges our province faces. What we need to do is fix the structural challenges that were left behind by the previous government and governments beforehand. We are committed to doing so by working hand in hand with Nova Scotians, who see an optimistic future for this province, and I'm so glad that they are willing to partner with us.

MS. MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, perhaps the Premier should have a discussion with the Deputy Minister of Finance and Treasury Board whose premise was that what was good for the province wasn't good for the industry. The Deputy Minister of Finance and Treasury Board also said it was tough to get a read on the fallout of the replacement of the film and television credit with the new film incentive fund.

Today we know that a new television series worth $20 million, The Code, has gone to Hamilton, Ontario, rather than here to Nova Scotia because the Film Tax Credit was eliminated. I want to ask the Premier, why is the Premier content to just stand and watch the industry contract and lose jobs and young workers out of our province?

THE PREMIER « » : I want to thank the honourable member for the question. Each and every time she stands in this House she stands for the status quo. The status quo has been the worst performing economy in Canada. They might want to sit back as this economy trails a national economy and every other provincial economy. This government is going to continue to work with the private sector to provide job opportunities. We're going to create public policy while providing new entry points for immigrants who want to come and start businesses, provide employment opportunities.

We're going to invest in research grants so that young students can stay here and work and build a future for themselves. We are going to invest in the Coast Guard across the harbour in Dartmouth South, so we can keep young people here driving new opportunities. We're going to invest in Volta in Halifax, to ensure that young people get an opportunity to create jobs in this province. The status quo may be good enough for them, that Party, but this government believes in moving forward and growing the economy of Nova Scotia, and providing young people with hope that they haven't had for a decade.

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

PREM. - ABERDEEN HOSP.: SHORT-STAY UNIT

- REOPENING GUARANTEE

HON. JAMIE BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, the Premier and the Minister of Health and Wellness refuse to tell the people of northern Nova Scotia whether the short-stay mental health unit at the Aberdeen Hospital will reopen or not. That is unacceptable when so many people rely on that unit for their mental health needs.

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It's time to end the uncertainty once and for all - will the Premier rise in his place today and guarantee to the people of Pictou County, the people who rely on that mental health unit, it will reopen?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. I want to thank the Minister of Health and Wellness and all the health care clinicians in Pictou County and across our province who are working with families to provide mental health services and ensuring that those families who require those services are receiving them. I want to assure the honourable member that the Minister of Health and Wellness and this government are committed to making sure that every Nova Scotian receives the proper support system. We will rely on the clinicians to make sure that we have the infrastructure in place that provides that service to each and every Nova Scotian.

MR. BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, if the government was committed to meeting the mental health needs of Nova Scotians, they would reopen that mental health unit at the Aberdeen Hospital - it's as simple as that. Until they do, those are all just words when people need real help. That is what's at issue here. They maintain the fiction that they're going to reopen it, but they won't say whether they'll reopen it or not.

I have here with me two job postings, that have been up and down and up and down, for a mental health psychiatrist and a general psychiatrist posted for Pictou County, specifically referencing the mental health unit - the very unit that the government won't answer a simple question about whether it's open or not.

I'd like to ask the Premier, why are they advertising for positions at the mental health unit when they have no intention of reopening it?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for his question, but he's completely inaccurate. Everyone in this House knows that that facility closed simply because the proper health care team that was there wasn't available there. I think he and all members of the area should be happy, quite frankly, that we're actually out soliciting and looking for clinicians to come in to continue to provide supports to the people not only of Pictou County but, indeed, to all Nova Scotians.

We're going to continue to make sure we have the right health care team in this province to deliver the services that Nova Scotians expect.

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS: ER CLOSURES - MIN. ADDRESS

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HON. DAVID WILSON « » : We now see why the Minister of Health and Wellness has waited until the dying days of the Legislature to table his Annual Accountability Report on Emergency Departments. We see in just the two years - two years, Mr. Speaker - under a Liberal Government an increase to almost 7,000 hours of closure across our province, to the total of 21,936 hours that emergency rooms were closed in the last year.

Why hasn't the minister addressed an important issue like emergency room closures across our province?

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, what the member needed to talk about was a little more balance in his statement. We've made tremendous progress in three or four very troublesome areas, and as the member opposite - and the former Health and Wellness Minister - knows, under his watch the scheduled hours of closure started with a very, very significant number of hours each and every year.

One thing I can say to 942,000 Nova Scotians today is that nobody has been affected by the closure. People who needed emergency help got the emergency help that they required.

MR. DAVID WILSON « » : I don't know what universe the minister lives in - 21,000 hours of closures mean that people aren't getting access to emergency rooms around communities in our province. That's unacceptable. The minister avoided and did not include or increase the number of collaborative emergency centres across our province, and I know one thing, under our watch emergency room closures went down.

Why has the minister ignored emergency room closures across this province - so he could amalgamate the district health authorities?

MR. GLAVINE « » : It's nice to see the member opposite be animated and passionate about this. What he failed to tell Nova Scotians is that under his watch, and his government's watch, eight emergency departments actually closed. Yes, a new model, but no emergency care in eight of those hospitals across the department. We will keep emergency centres where they are required in the province.

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS - ABERDEEN HOSP. SHORT-STAY UNIT:

HIRING PROCESS - TIME FRAME

HON. PAT DUNN « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. Yesterday the Minister of Health and Wellness told the House that the decision on the short-stay mental health unit at the Aberdeen Hospital is a work in progress. Government has already had more than four months to do what is necessary to reopen this unit. People in Pictou County are quickly losing faith that it will ever reopen.

[Page 6849]

My question to the minister, can the minister tell us when the hiring process will be completed and confirm that the short-stay mental health unit at the Aberdeen will reopen?

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm sure what the honourable member does realize is that across the province there are positions advertised for mental health and for doctors from time to time. This is a case where there weren't the psychiatrists available. We are still in an ongoing process to get the right number of clinicians that are required to provide mental health services to the residents of Pictou County.

What I can guarantee the good people of Pictou County is that they will have the needed mental health services for their future.

MR. DUNN « » : Mr. Speaker, the minister has frequently talked about the other services available for those struggling with mental illness. These services are unfortunately not helpful to someone who is in crisis and in need of a bed. Yesterday my colleague from Pictou East shared the experience of a family who was sent to Cape Breton only to find out that there was no bed available there either. If a physician has decided that in-patient treatment is needed, it must be available.

My question to the minister is, is the minister making plans to restructure the model of care so that only outpatient services are available in Pictou County, or will he tell us when the mental health unit will reopen?

MR. GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, what I can confirm is that since August 1^st, there have been eight patients that required some in-patient care. They have received the appropriate and needed care, and are back in the community.

At this time, there is a developing model of care right across Nova Scotia, one that strengthens community delivery. That is the one area that we keep getting reinforced. We need strong mental health community support across Nova Scotia, and that's what we will deliver.

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS - FARMERS:

FOOD BANK DONATIONS - DETAILS

MR. JOHN LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. On December 2^nd in this House, during the debate on the tax credit for farmers, the member for Halifax Chebucto said, "We want to make sure that the food quality that's delivered to the food banks is at the highest standards when it gets there, and we want to make sure that the food banks can handle the food influx and make sure that that doesn't get spoiled." He went on to say, ". . . make sure that the tax implications are not a burden onto taxpayers . . ."

[Page 6850]

My question for the minister is this, does the minister agree that farmers should not be donating to Feed Nova Scotia because the food banks cannot handle the influx, and that allowing famers to donate may cause a burden to taxpayers?

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, I didn't read the entire transcript around that debate. That's a very important debate. We support food banks across Nova Scotia. We know that there are currently farmers who provide their crops, some of it, that may not have been - some of it that's not appropriate for the fresh market, and that will go to food banks. It's my understanding that farmers can already get a tax receipt for donations of food that they make to the food bank.

MR. LOHR « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker, to the minister for that answer. Only 11 per cent of food to Nova Scotia food banks was donated by commercial farms and wholesale grocers in 2014-15. A year earlier, it was 26.5 per cent, which means that in one year, donations of that type dropped by 15 per cent. When the member for Halifax Chebucto was speaking about farmers donating food to Feed Nova Scotia, he said it was "not thought through thoroughly."

Since the minister has presented the same idea twice in the past, I would like to ask the following: does the minister agree with his colleague's statement that a tax credit for farmers donating food to Feed Nova Scotia is not thought through thoroughly?

MR. GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, what I can convey to the honourable member for Kings North and all Nova Scotians is that this is an area that I have presented to the Finance and Treasury Board Minister to take a look at. Tax credits come under the purview of the Finance and Treasury Board Minister and whether or not a charity tax receipt can be applied in a full manner and what the future will look like, that is something that the Finance and Treasury Board Department will have to provide me with guidance on.

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

PREM.: TEACHERS CONCERNS - ADDRESS

HON. MAUREEN MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, my question through you is to the Premier. Teachers have made it clear that they want their concerns with classroom conditions addressed at the bargaining table. Unfortunately, while teachers are focused on improving our education system, the Premier is fixated on monetary concessions and as I said before, this is a government that knows the cost of everything and the value of nothing.

Last week, the Justice Minister said informal talks had resumed with teachers but yesterday the Premier dismissed that notion. I will table the article from The Chronicle Herald where he said that. My question for the Premier is, why is he unwilling to address the valid concerns of teachers at the bargaining table?

[Page 6851]

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to assure the honourable member that we didn't wait to get to the bargaining to be able to address those concerns. From the very day that we were given the privilege to govern this province, we put class caps on P-3, improving the conditions of classrooms. We invited teachers from across the province representing classes from P-3 to help us look at the curriculum. We took out 200 outcomes; we are working on conditions in the classroom.

The very day they voted no to the agreement, there were teachers all across Nova Scotia representing Grades 4 to 6 removing things from the curriculum. I want to assure the honourable member that the failed public policy that they brought in when it came to Reading Recovery, our government turned it around and provided that tool for teachers across this province to work with students.

I also want to reassure you that we have brought in math mentors, addressing the concerns. I am very proud of the fact that we're going to lead the country putting coding in the classrooms. I also want to remind the honourable member it was this government that turned around the classroom cuts across this province, to students. While they lost focus, we were investing in desks and students.

MS. MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, well apparently front-line teachers aren't seeing the apparent investments this government has made in the classroom. Teachers make it clear that their priority at the bargaining table isn't money, its working conditions. The head of the Teachers Union told The Chronicle Herald yesterday that they want to go back to the table and address some of the working conditions, which we can within the contract. Unfortunately, while the Premier is threatening to legislate contracts to teachers, he told the media yesterday that he wasn't willing to legislate improvements to the classroom.

My question to the Premier, why is it an option for the Premier to legislate to take away the collective rights of teachers but not an option to bargain working conditions at the table?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to give the honourable member a little bit of a lesson here. The only government in recent time to take away anybody's bargain rights was the New Democratic Party who took away paramedics right to strike. What we are talking about - we have not taken away anybody's rights. What we have clearly said is that we need to live within the fiscal framework.

If there are issues around the classroom - and I want to remind the honourable member, we've been addressing those since October 2013. I said very clearly yesterday, if there are issues in the classroom that need to be addressed, we're prepared to work with teachers across this province, as we've been doing from the very beginning. I want to remind the honourable member, if teachers across this province are having issues with what was presented to them, it was the process by the union, not this government.

[Page 6852]

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

MUN. AFFS. - PORT OF SYDNEY: UPGRADE - MIN. COMMITMENT

HON. ALFIE MACLEOD « » : Mr. Speaker, my question through you is to the Minister of Municipal Affairs. Yesterday we heard that the Port of Sydney has an opportunity to partner with CCCC to upgrade their port. A feasibility study will be completed next year. Under the provincial rules the municipality can only sell land or lease in 20-year blocks, but the industry says they require 99 years for this lease. These lease terms are restrictive and could put that whole deal in jeopardy.

My question to the minister is, will the minister commit to working with the CBRM Council to create a charter for CBRM, yes or no?

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Premier.

THE PREMIER « » : I want to thank the honourable member for the question. To him, I want to recognize that from staff within the mayor's office through to my staff, I did receive this very question. I said we're prepared to have a conversation about what we can do with them around ensuring that the issue around the lease, which is now capped at 20 years, could potentially, in this particular case, provide an opportunity to allow that to extend longer so that they can capitalize on the opportunity that the mayor is talking about. That ongoing conversation is happening now. The mayor has reached out and we assured him that we would be prepared to have that conversation with him about what we can do to work together to ensure that if this is a real opportunity for the port, we want to be there with them.

MR. MACLEOD « » : I want to thank the Premier for that answer because this is not only an important economic initiative for the Island of Cape Breton it's an important economic issue for all the Province of Nova Scotia.

My next question to the Premier is quite simple. Can we get a commitment from you today as to a timeline when this discussion will start? Because of the fact that there's a feasibility study scheduled to start next year, time is of the essence. The sooner we can start these discussions, the better it will be for the economy of the Province of Nova Scotia.

THE PREMIER « » : I had an opportunity through staff to tell the mayor we're prepared to sit down and have a conversation whenever he's available and ready to go. As the honourable member would know, the mayor is pretty agile and quick to get to town. I'm sure that meeting will take place soon.

[Page 6853]

I'm excited, by the way. I do want to say and add to the comments made by the honourable member, this is a provincial opportunity. Any time that we can work with outside investment, private sector opportunities to come in and enhance and ask that like the Port of Sydney is to our province, it's a win-win for the entire province. I look forward, and hopefully we can see this come forward and bring that investment into the island and create opportunities there for the people of Cape Breton and indeed all Nova Scotians.

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

BUS. - FILM IND. CHANGES:

GOV'T. ASSESSMENT - TIME FRAME

MR. TIM HOUSTON « » : My question is for the Minister of Business. Today at Public Accounts, we learned that there are no real job targets for the Nova Scotia film industry and the fund that's created there. Not only did the government change the whole structure of the film industry, giving them only a couple of months to adapt, we're learning now that there's no plan or idea as to how to track the impact of those changes, no assessment of how many jobs have been lost or created, or whether the size of the industry is growing or shrinking.

I want to remind the minister that Santa Claus is listening as I ask him this question: when will the government actually have an assessment of the impact of their changes on the industry?

HON. MARK FUREY » : I'm told by Santa's elves that the Grinch was alive and well at Public Accounts this morning.

Mr. Speaker, there's been very good dialogue with the film industry over the past number of months. The new Film and Television Production Incentive Fund is a funding formula that industry representatives have said will work. As of today, there are nine productions announced and approved under the fund - $1.6 million expended. That triggers $13 million of investment in the film industry in Nova Scotia.

The industry has told us it's time to change the discussion. They're leading, and we're working with them. I would ask my colleague to start to think with the same optimistic attitude that Santa Claus has.

MR. HOUSTON « » : I thank the minister for his response. But the issue is that the industry is struggling. There's no way around that. The industry is struggling, and the witnesses at Public Accounts Committee were very much of - it's not us it's somebody else. Nova Scotia Business Inc. is not making recommendations on how the fund can be adapted. The Deputy Minister of Finance and Treasury Board is not having any conversations with the industry. He made it quite clear that he hasn't done that in quite some time, and the Deputy Minister of Business, who was at Public Accounts a few weeks ago, was pretty clear she sees her role as being not front-facing, so I assume she isn't talking to the industry either.

[Page 6854]

Nobody is looking at the new plan and trying to determine if it works, if it's effective. My question for the minister is, is the government set on the current structure of this fund as it sits or are they willing to make some changes to make it more effective and work for Nova Scotians?

MR. FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for the question. As I indicated earlier there has been $1.6 million drawn down on that fund. There is another $8.4 million that remains in that fund for any number of productions that industry representatives will advance. Let me say this to my colleague's point: yes, I've had direct discussion with industry representatives, one on one and in group committee meetings. They asked us one thing: we have to change the discussion.

They asked. They presented us with priorities, and one of those priorities was a strategic plan and we've endorsed that. A month ago we announced just under $500,000 in funding to support them specific not only to the strategic plan, but locations services, a web portable, and we've extended funding for an FTE. The discussion I've had and the message back from the Chair of Screen Nova Scotia who has said to me - and I've said this before - they realize government has to get out of the way. Their strategic plan is on the industry leading. It is consistent with private sector interests and investments in Nova Scotia, and the film industry wants to be part of that.

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

EECD - P3 SCHOOLS: LEASE RENEWALS - TERMS

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : Mr. Speaker, my question today is for the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, who is also the Treasury Board Chair. Developers continue to profit significantly from P3 school contracts, while substantial costs and risks continue to be absorbed by the province. The province must pay rent to the developer; they must also pay for all repair and maintenance costs, and even pay for all taxes related to the building and property. For instance, we've already paid $47 million and counting for one school built almost 20 years ago. My question for the minister is, if the province chooses to renew the leases for P3 schools, are we stuck with the terms of the original agreements, which greatly favour the developer over the province?

HON. KAREN CASEY « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the question. As we all know there are P3 schools, 39 of those schools in the province. We all know that those leases will expire and our goal right now and our work with the school boards is to determine which ones of those schools we need in order to continue to provide programming for the students in our province. Once we know which schools are required by the boards, then we do have some options at the end of the lease: one is to purchase, one is to renew a lease, and one is to walk away.

[Page 6855]

MS. ZANN « » : Mr. Speaker, thank you to the minister for that answer, which we already knew, actually. Excessive length is a trademark of P3 agreements, ensuring long-term financial pain for taxpayers, as we are seeing with the P3 school contracts. Auditors General from across Canada have criticized building public infrastructure through P3 agreements and recently this government's own deputy minister sounded the alarm bells on the risks associated with P3 projects. My question for the minister is, does she believe that P3 projects for public infrastructure represent the responsible use of taxpayers' dollars in Nova Scotia?

MS. CASEY « » : Mr. Speaker, I think it should be clear that this government certainly respects taxpayers' dollars, that's why we have made some tough decisions, that's why we are looking at how we can best invest taxpayers' dollars. We will determine what schools we need, and then we will determine our go-forward. It may be a new lease, it may be purchase, or it may be walk away.

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

NAT. RES. - PLANTS/ANIMALS:

ENDANGERED SPECIES - RECOVERY PLANS

HON. PAT DUNN « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Acting Minister of Natural Resources. We have 28 endangered species of plants and animals in Nova Scotia. The Endangered Species Act requires that the department create a recovery plan for the species within two years of them being listed as endangered. I'll table that.

There are only recovery plans for 14 of the 28 endangered species in this province. These plans are overdue and constitute a failure of the department's legal obligations. My question to the minister is, will the minister tell the House when his department plans to meet its legal obligations and implement overdue recovery plans for endangered species?

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL » : Mr. Speaker, the statistics that member opposite spoke are factual. We are currently working with our federal partners and developing new resources in the department to achieve the goals that are outlined in that Act.

MR. DUNN « » : Mr. Speaker, in Nova Scotia endangered species are those that face imminent extinction or exportation. Department delays that jeopardize the conservation of many important species of plants and animals are unacceptable. Clearly these delays indicate that the department has not allocated enough resources to recovery plans.

My question to the minister is, when will the minister and his department dedicate sufficient departmental resources to the recovery plans and start giving this serious problem the attention it deserves?

[Page 6856]

MR. CHURCHILL « » : Mr. Speaker, I do want to be clear: the department is focused on dealing with this particular situation and developing recovery plans for all the endangered species. We still have half of those that we do need to cover. We are working continuously with the federal government to do that and we are investigating the opportunity of hiring an endangered species wildlife biologist to support us in those efforts.

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

TIR - EXIT 31 OVERPASS: CONST. - TIME FRAME

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. At the present time a flat intersection exists at Exit 31 near Pubnico. An overpass is seriously needed. It has been asked for by the community for many years. I say this because of an accident Monday night involving a spill of sulfuric acid, which closed the highway Monday night between Exit 30 at Barrington and Exit 32 at Argyle. Luckily there were no injuries.

My question to the minister today is, when can residents expect enhanced traffic safety with the construction of an overpass at Exit 31?

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : As the member would know, the entire Highway No. 103, the corridor, is a priority for our government. We've made that very clear since October 2013. The member would also know that there is a wide-ranging, very innovative feasibility study being undertaken now for our province, on behalf of our taxpayers, with respect to what we do for the long-term plan for Highway No. 103. Obviously the twinning in the very heavy-traffic areas is a priority for us, and then there are a number of things we can do, identified in the traffic safety study for Highway No. 103, that can improve safety along that entire corridor.

We are looking at those. The member has brought this to my attention inside the House and outside it on a number of occasions, and it is a priority. We are aware of it. When we get to that long-term infrastructure plan, we'll certainly let the member and the residents in that community know, and they'll be fully aware. Thank you.

MR. D'ENTREMONT « » : Mr. Speaker, I will patiently await the answer from the minister. I thank him for that answer, but like I said, it's something that we do want a positive outcome for later on.

The next part of my question, because of that accident and the spill of sulfuric acid on Highway No. 103, brings up another issue that's important to the minister for EMO. I know the minister, who drives Highway No. 103 quite often, understands serious motor vehicle accidents. But there is no dedicated hazmat team on the South Shore that can take care of spills. The area is served by the Halifax Regional Municipality or Kentville, with Kentville only offering assistance on Highway No. 103. Local fire departments believe a well-trained hazmat team is needed for the South Shore. In this particular instance, the hazmat team from Kentville had to find its way all the way to Pubnico, which is an hour and a half, if not two hours, for them.

[Page 6857]

Mr. Minister, your government has initiated a number of cuts in the 2015-16 budget. How long before you can assure firefighters along the South Shore that they will have access to a hazmat unit?

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the intent of the question. We are working collaboratively with our EMO Department continuously to improve our ability to respond to these situations. This was a first in this particular circumstance, so I'll be working very closely with our leads in EMO to see if that is, in fact, required for the South Shore.

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS: HOME CARE CONTRACTS NEGOTIATIONS

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, yesterday in Question Period, the Minister of Health and Wellness stated it was our hope that home care contracts can be negotiated without having to put it out to tender. That process is now getting very close to where the department will start to negotiate a process with all the providers on an individual basis, but will have requirements in those contracts - and I'll table that response.

Can the minister advise the House and tell the House what those requirements will be?

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, what I am pleased to be able to report to the House, and to all Nova Scotians, is that in those contracts there will be an emphasis on a reduced number of providers that will go into a home to provide home care. The scheduling must also have an improvement component. In other words, it has to meet a deliverable, and that's what these providers will now take a look at - can they, in fact, meet the department's list of requirements or not and, also, price point, of course will be part of those contract discussions.

MR. DAVID WILSON « » : Yesterday the minister - and I must say, he's consistent with his message - stated one of the requirements, the deliverables, in that new contract will be the requirement to have a very small number of providers going into homes to deliver home care.

I'd like to ask the minister, will the minister tell us how many providers there will be, and provide this House with a list of what he is requiring of these home care providers?

[Page 6858]

MR. GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, over the past number of months, the department has been working with the 21 agencies that deliver home care across the province. In terms of how many providers, we know that there is a range of a couple of hours a week up to 150 hours a month that are provided. So it depends on the individual case as to how many providers will be required, and that is something that will be negotiated during those contract deliberations.

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

TIR: NEW BOSTON RD. - MIN. INSPECT

HON. ALFIE MACLEOD « » : Mr. Speaker, my question through you is for the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. Prior to the House sitting, I had an opportunity to do a road trip with the minister and travel some of the local roads that are quite problematic in my constituency.

One of those roads was a road in Grand Mira South. I'm just wondering if the minister has had an opportunity, after seeing first-hand the condition of that road, to speak with local staff, and if he could give us a status as to where things are going - not forgetting that Grand Mira North happens to be in someone else's constituency.

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the question. This is obviously a roadway that is very important for the member's riding, and he has brought it to the floor of the House many times over the last number of years.

With respect to the work, the reality is that it always becomes the challenge of limited capital funds. We're doing a significant amount of work in the member's riding connected to the Donkin Mine. I know that's very little comfort to those in Grand Mira South, but with respect - major capital investments, it is a tough one because of the low volumes.

Now, certainly with some of the small businesses that are there, and the tourism season, there is a requirement for some significant work. I've spoken to the district director, Gerard Jessome, and we're going to look at some of the large-scale patching and repair work we can do, to the best of our ability, and we'll keep the member informed on that project and that process.

MR. MACLEOD « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the minister for that response, but I was hoping that he'd be somewhat like the Minister of Business and turn around in 24 hours and actually have some work done on the road.

That being said, I would also ask the minister to - and I know he's going to be surprised when I ask this question . . .

[Page 6859]

AN HON. MEMBER: The New Boston Road.

MR. MACLEOD « » : . . . if he would ask his department once again to look at the New Boston Road (Interruption) I can tell you that if we had just 20 inches of pavement for every time I asked this question, we could have paved it three times.

Mr. Speaker, my question to him of course is, can he give us an update on the New Boston Road?

MR. MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, being very familiar with the New Boston Road at this point in my career with TIR, there is a legitimate argument because the volume and therefore the households on the New Boston Road are really congested on either end of the road which is a loop that brings us back to the Louisbourg highway, so certainly we're going to look at what we can do. It is a pretty structurally sound gravel road. Some of the sections need some repair, so we're going to do our best and I know the member will continue to bring this - and I'm sure I'll be answering this question in the Spring session as well.

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

NAT. RES.: TIMBER HARVEST - REPORTING

HON. STERLING BELLIVEAU « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Acting Minister of Natural Resources. In last month's report the Auditor General concluded that the Department of Natural Resources does not have the necessary procedures in place to ensure timber-harvest reporting is complete and accurate, relying instead on values reported by operators - and I can table that. Now that the government is providing a group of mills access to a partial of western Crown land roughly the size of Prince Edward Island, my question is, what additional resources has the department committed to to ensure that the timber-harvest reporting is complete and accurate on western Crown lands?

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Mr. Speaker, just to be clear, what the Auditor General said is that there weren't necessarily issues with the reporting mechanism that we have, but we could do a better job to have a more robust system. So we are moving forward with his recommendation. We're moving from quarterly reports to weekly reports on harvest and ensuring that there are appropriate resources in place to track those because we know how valuable our lands are to all Nova Scotians and we'll always do our best to get the greatest bang for our buck on how we manage our Crown lands.

MR. BELLIVEAU « » : Mr. Speaker, allowing mills increased access to Crown lands can help alleviate the shortage of timber supply in Nova Scotia in the short term. However, there are concerns that increasing access for large mills will have an adverse effect on small woodlot owners, such as a decrease in market value of their wood.

[Page 6860]

Mr. Speaker, my question for the acting minister is, what is being done to ensure that the increase in access for large mills does not - I repeat, does not - cripple the importance of the operations of our small woodlot owners?

MR. CHURCHILL « » : Mr. Speaker, just to clarify - this isn't an increase of access to Crown timber, what we are doing is asking these mills to come together under one licence. Instead of the Crown giving out allocations on an ad hoc basis to the mills based on their request, we're asking the private sector to step up to the plate, develop a management plan that suits their interests. That said, all of our rules are still in place to protect the land that is under protection, the Parks and Protected Areas Plan, and ensure that our ecosystem and landscapes are preserved as well.

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

NAT. RES.: SPRUCE BUDWORM - ECONOMIC IMPACT

HON. PAT DUNN « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Acting Minister of Natural Resources. I am going to leave the endangered species and move on to another problem in our forestry. The spruce budworm poses a significant threat to our forestry industries, private woodlots, and the livelihoods of many Nova Scotia families. Sampling in Nova Scotia indicates that the spruce budworm is on the rise and poses a significant threat. I'll table that.

My question to the minister is, can the minister inform the House of the potential economic impact that has been calculated by his department?

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Mr. Speaker, indeed the return of the spruce budworm to Nova Scotia has the potential to cause extreme economic devastation in the province for our forestry sector and all those industries that are supported by it. It has before - this is the most invasive, destructive species that has attacked our forestry, so we are preparing with our partners for this. We're working with the federal government and, of course, the other provinces that have been impacted, in developing a coordinated effort understanding, based on the evidence we receive, what tactics are best able to cope with that particular species, and we'll be sure to have the best information possible when the time comes to deal with it here.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The time allotted for Oral Questions Put by Members to Ministers has expired.

The honourable member for Kings South on an introduction.

MR. KEITH IRVING » : Mr. Speaker, all members of this House are well aware that we don't get the honour and privilege to serve here without the work of many volunteers. We're joined today by one of my volunteers from Kings South who serves on my executive, did many signs, and uses his handsome red truck to lead me in parades.

[Page 6861]

I'd like to invite Burnell Lyons to stand and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)

OPPOSITION MEMBERS' BUSINESS

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable House Leader for the New Democratic Party.

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Private Members' Public Bills for Second Reading.

PRIVATE MEMBERS' PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable House Leader for the New Democratic Party.

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 146.

Bill No. 146 - Insurance Act.

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

HON. MAUREEN MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to rise in my place today to debate Bill No. 146, which is a small amendment to the Insurance Act but, I think, a really relevant amendment that would be welcomed by many Nova Scotians, many households in Nova Scotia.

What this bill does is it amends the Insurance Act and makes it mandatory, essentially, that insurance companies provide a small discount to those who purchase snow tires and install them on their vehicles between December 1^st and the end of March. It's a way to encourage people to practise good road safety in the winter months which, sadly, are upon us now.

I could certainly feel the nip in the air this morning. It will be any day now that we'll have snow in metro, although I understand there has been a fair amount in other parts of the province, for example in the Annapolis Valley and parts of Cape Breton. I know one of my colleagues told me about driving over Mount Thom a few weeks ago, and that's always a place where you see a certain amount of snow and ice.

It does make a tremendous amount of difference. Since this bill was introduced, I've been watching some of the chatter on Facebook about whether or not you can, in fact, get through a winter with all-season tires on your vehicle and not have any problems.

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We had a pretty terrible winter last winter, particularly in the latter part of the winter. Quite often you see, in the first snowfall or two, cars trying to get up to Citadel Hill and along the way. Outside of metro, in our beautiful province, around our rural parts of the province and smaller communities, small urban centres, particularly all along the coastline, conditions on our highways can be pretty challenging and pretty extreme. Frankly, I can't imagine what it would be like to drive without snow tires.

But tires have gotten to be pretty pricey. I'm sure we're all noticing the growing costs of having snow tires and having two pairs of tires on your car. This is a small change to the Insurance Act that would provide an incentive - more than an incentive, it would provide some relief.

The insurance industry, in fact, provides a fair number of discounts for a wide variety of practices. There are discounts to people who have alarm systems for their homes, for example; you can be discounted, or at least your rates aren't quite as high if you live close to an active fire station or how far you are from fire hydrants. I have a family member who works in the industry and over the years I have come to learn a fair amount about the complex fee structure of this industry.

One thing we all know about this industry is that it is financially a very healthy industry and this would represent a very small impact on the annual profit margin of that industry. This bill would cost government nothing, but it would make life better for people and it certainly would ensure greater safety on our highways.

Right now, statistically, about 73 per cent of drivers in Atlantic Canada use snow tires. That may seem like a good rate but, in fact, that means that more than one-quarter of drivers are driving without snow tires and I have to say, that must be very concerning.

I know that some provinces, for example, the Province of Quebec, I believe, have gone to a system where it is mandatory that you have snow tires. Perhaps they are the only province that do that. Our caucus certainly had a discussion about what the best way would be to encourage people to put snow tires on their vehicles. We decided that the mandatory route of having snow tires was not something that we were really that keen on, but having more of an incentive to do it in a small discount on your insurance would probably be a better approach.

We wouldn't be the first province to adopt this approach if the government were willing to move this bill forward. In fact, the Province of Ontario has very similar legislation which they have adopted so that in Ontario, the Ontario drivers who purchase and install snow tires in a certain time frame become eligible for a discount on their insurance.

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We've calculated that a similar law in Nova Scotia would yield approximately 5 per cent discount on one's insurance or about $80 a year, so that would be a good measure and would help out a lot of families and certainly young people and people who have to rely on their vehicle to get to work, to get to school, who might not have access to public transit because many communities around our province don't have access to public transit. For some people, having winter tires and the affordability of winter tires can be challenging without any question.

Imagine if you are a minimum wage worker or if you're even working in the home care area, those folks are on the road all of the time, home care workers, all the time. They drive in some pretty treacherous conditions and they all use their own vehicles. I know that, for example, when my dad had home care a few years ago, many of the home care workers would come to his house - and inevitably they're not people who make very large incomes and they operate these vehicles. I often wondered the wear and tear on their vehicle is hardly compensated by the amounts of mileage that people are paid in these jobs, and how difficult it must be for them because those vehicles are fundamental to them being able to do their jobs and get paid.

Many of these people are paid on an hourly basis. If you have a really bad ice storm or snowstorm and you can't get to work because you don't have snow tires on your vehicle, and you don't want to take the risk, then you're losing that day of pay when you stay home. It's not like you get a snow day; you actually lose on your salary. There are many groups of people in the labour market who this would have a benefit for, beyond people who just use their vehicles in a kind of leisurely way. I would venture to say that in the rural areas, this legislation would have probably the most significant impact in terms of providing a few dollars in people's pockets and preventing people having to take time off.

As I indicated, when this bill was introduced in Ontario not that long ago - I think probably two years ago or so - by the Ontario Finance Minister, Charles Sousa, he went to a Canadian Tire store and made the announcement that the Ontario Government was going to change the legislation that would encourage people to purchase and install winter tires there and enhance safety in winter driving conditions. Ontario has since embarked on a fairly significant overhaul of their insurance legislation. They've introduced a number of other important reforms in their system. But I can't emphasize enough - and I think many of us, most of us, hopefully all of us know - the importance of road safety and how critical the tire on a car is for road safety.

One of the things that I take some pride in is the fact that I can change a tire, and have done so on more than one occasion - not because I really wanted to, but that's a conversation for another day, maybe with the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal with regard to the potholes in the roads in the province - not to make light of a very serious subject.

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The state of your tires is probably the most critical part of your automobile in terms of road safety. So I think it's incumbent on us to do anything that we can to enhance and encourage safe driving practices.

One of the really nice things about this legislation is that this wouldn't cost the taxpayers of Nova Scotia or the Government of Nova Scotia anything. This is an initiative that would, in fact, only be a consumer-provider initiative. As I indicated, there are already a number of items that the insurance industry discounts for. This would make an additional item in their fee schedule that they would have to factor in.

I'm encouraging my colleagues here on all sides of the House to take a look at this, to have a look at the Ontario situation. We would not be the leader on this, we wouldn't be the first province to do this, but it certainly would be, I think, a significant improvement toward both road safety and a little bit of relief to hard-working Nova Scotians who are challenged by the growing costs of living, particularly in areas where transportation is a necessary thing for most people.

With those few remarks, Madam Speaker, I will take my place.

MADAM SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Halifax Atlantic.

MR. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Madam Speaker, I stand here today to speak on Bill No. 146. While I appreciate the idea behind the bill there are some unintended consequences to this bill that have yet to be discussed, and I will get into that.

In Nova Scotia we have a high level of winter tire usage; in fact the latest statistics show that over 80 per cent of Nova Scotians use winter tires. So if the Third Party got its way and used the heavy hand of government to require insurance companies to provide discounts to these people, the small percentage of Nova Scotians who don't use winter tires will have to make up the difference. (Interruptions) If the member over there would like to speak, she can speak, too. Chirping.

This isn't a zero-sum scenario. Basic math tells us those individuals in the remaining 20 per cent will pay even more than what their discount might have been; it's just not an incentive. Consider that it's likely this segment of people are overrepresented by low-income Nova Scotians; consider that winter tires are extremely expensive - this might have the unintended consequence of punishing the poor among us.

In this Legislature's view, forcing a segment of low-income Nova Scotians to pay for the discounts of other Nova Scotians who are already using winter tires doesn't seem to be the best example of good public policy, but I'm not surprised that it's coming from the Third Party - after all, the same Party that just yesterday stood in this House and were in an uproar over jaywalking fines due to the impact such a fine could have on low-income people, if that person were jaywalking and caused a vehicle-pedestrian accident. Yet today, the same Third Party stands here and introduces a bill that would force low-income Nova Scotians to shell out hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars for snow tires and services, and hundreds of dollars in insurance premiums to cover the discounts of people who use winter tires.

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Government is not (Interruptions) It's six lines; I read it. Government is not forcing anyone to jaywalk, unlike this bill which actually imposes higher costs on low-income people in this province one way or another. (Interruption) The former Minister of Community Services hasn't stopped talking since I stood up for this bill, and she's one of the ones who is constantly telling us to act respectful in this House.

Can a single mother find the money to cover the Acting Leader of the NDP's auto insurance discount for taxpayers' purchased winter tires - should the single mother have to? Does the Third Party over there think that this is fair - do they think this is good public policy? According to the NDP, safety wasn't enough of a reason to enforce higher jaywalking fines, but it is enough of a reason to force undue costs onto the household budgets of low- and fixed- income Nova Scotians.

Madam Speaker, we need to create good public policy, policy that helps all people, policy that looks after our most vulnerable and doesn't penalize those who have less and reward those who have more. Sadly, I'm not shocked that the NDP are introducing this bill but, knowing all the members of the Third Party, I'd be shocked if all of them supported it.

We have some of the lowest annual premiums in the country. I will read the list of the premiums here. Where did I put that? I seem to have lost it.

In fact, we are eighth in the country. We're near the bottom in insurance premiums. Does the NDP think this is a bad thing? I do not know why they would want to reverse this and increase our premiums. The only benefits to this bill would be the benefits to the billionaire insurance companies. Does the NDP think that more money needs to go into their pockets and less money into the pockets of Nova Scotians? Who, exactly, do the NDP now represent?

Our premiums in Nova Scotia are just around - the average is just around $700. I heard one of the NDP members mention, did I read the bill? I did, and like I said, it's six lines. (Interruption) The member for Pictou East is over there chirping, as usual. He's going to have time to stand up and speak. Another member who constantly talks about decorum in this House, yet every chance anyone else is over here speaking, he sits over there and chirps. I guess that's what he was sent here to do.

So, six lines. What I would like to know from the Third Party that introduced this is, where does it say how much the discount is going to be? Whose hands are we leaving the discounts in? In Ontario the discount is 3 to 5 per cent, so in Nova Scotia, that is a $21 to $35 discount on your insurance.

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I bought winter tires last year for $1,000, plus the $100 to put them on my car. That's $1,100, so 50 years to see a benefit of insurance. I don't know if they think that every single Nova Scotian has $500 to $1,000, especially this time of year, when people are struggling. I live in a community where just in the last two weeks, we did a toy drive and a clothing drive. (Interruptions) The member for Queens-Shelburne, if you were here, you would have heard me say - yesterday you talked about a fine for jaywalking, and now you're saying . . .

MADAM SPEAKER « » : Order. The honourable member for Halifax Atlantic has the floor, and I would remind the member to please direct his comments to the Chair. Thank you.

MR. MAGUIRE « » : Sorry, Madam Speaker. It's hard to continue to speak to the Chair when the members opposite haven't stopped speaking since I stood up, yet we listened quietly as they spoke. I feel intimidated.

MADAM SPEAKER « » : Order. The honourable member for Halifax Atlantic has the floor.

MR. MAGUIRE « » : I assure you, being from where I'm from, this House does not intimidate me.

Bill No. 146 is six lines. Six lines. To me, that seems like a lot of thought went into it, clearly. Six lines. I want to go back and say - I understand, I really do. I've been trying to be kind of funny here, but I do understand what they are trying to do - but nowhere in these six lines does it mention low-income mothers or the impact on low-income families, the working poor. I was just mentioning how we spent the last two weeks in my riding raising awareness and help for families that are struggling this time of year. We ended up with hundreds, if not thousands, of pieces of clothing and toys. (Applause)

I didn't say that for applause. I said it to show the example of what a lot of Nova Scotians are going through right now, and yet we're saying to them, you can't afford tires, so you're going to pay for it. If they can't afford basic things like clothing for their children, what makes that party think that they can afford $1,000 for tires? (Interruption)

I'm hearing a lot of chirping over here, and that's fine. But we just talked about jaywalking and how on one side you're saying you can't penalize somebody for doing something voluntarily, but on the other side we need to penalize someone who can't afford something. So which is it? Yesterday you were one thing, today you're something else.

MADAM SPEAKER « » : Order. I remind the honourable member to please address his comments to the Chair.

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MR. MAGUIRE « » : Yesterday, Madam Speaker, they were one thing. Today, they're something else.

Let's talk about this bill. Two years ago (Interruption) - Madam Speaker, I assure the member for Sackville-Cobequid that I was talking about the bill.

But the NDP, the Third Party, was in government not that long ago. I know some of the members get a little worked up when we mention their record when they were in power. I would get worked up, too. I would absolutely get worked up if people were bringing up that record and putting it on me.

That Party, Madam Speaker, did a complete and comprehensive - let me repeat - that Party did a complete and comprehensive auto insurance review while in power. What? Shocked - and produced auto insurance reforms while in office. Guess what wasn't in it? This bill, this bill wasn't in it. They had an opportunity to address this pressing situation and make it right for all Nova Scotians, not just for people who can afford tires, not just for their friends in the insurance industry and all that stuff - to make it okay for the people who live in Greystone, the people who live in my riding who are the working poor. Like I said - we'll go back to them- they can't afford a doll for their daughter, a bike for their children, things that we take for granted, but let's make them spend $1,000 on tires.

I look across at the Third Party, the NDP, and I see some people over there who were in Cabinet. Madam Speaker, they like to refer to some of us as backbenchers and things like that, but I'm looking across there, and I see a lot of members who were in Cabinet, who had the ear of the former Premier. Listen, they put forward some good legislation; I'm not going to deny it.

AN HON. MEMBER: Which one?

MR. MAGUIRE « » : Two pieces. But where was the urgency? (Interruptions)

MADAM SPEAKER « » : Order. The honourable member for Halifax Atlantic has the floor.

MR. MAGUIRE « » : I guess, Madam Speaker, what I would like to know - there are a lot of things I'd like to know - what happened over those four years.

But we know that the Acting Leader of the NDP has had a long career. She has had a successful career. Most of us, to be quite frank, would love to have the career that she had. She's well versed in here. She knows what to say.

The Acting Leader of the NDP is going to stand up, and she was the minister in charge of auto insurance, of insurance. (Interruptions) Let me double-check that one because I don't want to get that fact wrong - Finance - sorry. So she stood up for 15 minutes and spoke on the urgency of this bill, but she was directly responsible for the changes. Where was it? What happened?

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Madam Speaker, there are multiple members over there who are seeking leadership. Maybe they should take this on. They should take this on; I think they should. It's a good cause. But get it right.

Like I said, we're not saying that this is bad legislation, maybe a little rushed, maybe not as well thought out as six lines should be, but I just think that there should be more thought put into six lines. If you're going to put six lines forward as legislation, let's talk about the impact to low-income families. Let's talk about the impact to all Nova Scotians, and let's not just pad the pocket of insurance companies.

I would like to know - when they did the complete and comprehensive auto insurance review, was this deemed a bad idea? Was it forgotten about? Maybe they weren't comfortable forcing more costs onto low-income Nova Scotians after hiking the HST and letting power rates skyrocket out of control, or maybe they thought jacking the HST and the cost of power was enough to bear.

MADAM SPEAKER « » : Order, please. Time has elapsed.

The honourable member for Kings North.

MR. JOHN LOHR « » : Madam Speaker, I'm pleased to be able to say a few words to Bill No. 146. I'd like to thank the member for Halifax Atlantic for his comments, and I do want to comment on some of his points. I'd like to thank the NDP caucus for bringing forward this bill.

Winter tire usage is something that is very interesting. I believe it has already been mentioned that it was in the mid-2000s that Quebec brought in legislation that would make winter tire usage mandatory. At that time, apparently, they had determined that 10 per cent of their motorists were not using winter tires and accounted for 33 per cent of the accidents, so that was the reason Quebec brought that legislation in.

We know we don't have quite as high a usage of winter tires in Atlantic Canada. I've heard two numbers - 73 per cent or 80 per cent. Whether it is one or the other, it's certainly not the 90 per cent that Quebec had, but it could be argued, I think, that with the freezing-thawing conditions we have more vicious winter weather here or more aggressive winter weather, more serious conditions for drivers. I think that the idea that we have something to encourage winter tire usage in Nova Scotia is a good idea, and this would save drivers money in the long run.

Something we know about winter tire usage is that if you use winter tires and summer tires, you will save money in the long run on fuel economy. That is because summer tires in the summer get better fuel economy than all-season radials, and winter tires in the winter will get better fuel economy than all-season radials. If you're switching between summers and winters, you'll get better fuel economy in the long run than you will running all-seasons. So not only is there a safety factor, there is the factor of better fuel economy, so it's good for the environment and good for the pocketbook.

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I do want to acknowledge my colleague for Halifax Atlantic's comments that the issue is, of course, that people who can't afford to switch these tires are the poor among us who struggle to maintain car ownership. This is a big issue for them, and I do recognize that. It has been said that we all will spend more money over our lifetime on car ownership than we will even on the ownership of our own home, so the cost of car ownership is very significant.

It is interesting to note that the Liberal Government in Ontario is bringing in this type of legislation. (Interruptions) That's what I understand. So that is an interesting point.

The Ontario auto insurance market is the largest insurance market of any type in the whole country. What happens in the Ontario insurance industry and insurance market is of great significance to the insurance companies across the country, and they would be following that. It will be very interesting to see what happens in the Ontario market with this type of legislation that is being brought in by the Ontario Government. There are some concerns about this that I have and the fact that we know that insurance companies already offer discounts of various types, it's quite clear that they are quite capable of deciding when and where they should offer a discount.

This is calculated by people called "actuaries" in the insurance industry. Actuaries are people who have very good math skills and calculate the risk of various things. The actuaries are constantly trying to determine where they can offer a discount, where they can offer a break or where, in fact, insurance is costing them money, so they can identify where they need to raise their rates.

The insurance industry does offer discounts frequently, so I'm not sure that I like the idea that we would mandate that they offer this through the URB. One issue is that the URB already has plenty to do, and another issue would be how the insurance companies would know whether you had winter tires on or not. That's another factor, so there would be . . .

MADAM SPEAKER « » : Order. I would ask that the House keep the chatter down, please. Thank you.

The honourable member for Kings North.

MR. LOHR « » : Thank you, Madam Speaker. An issue would be, does - well, to backtrack a little, should the URB be involved in this type of situation and what would the rate be? I mean we have the Ontario model already in progress and I understand it will be some time in 2016 they will bring in this type of legislation - maybe it is already brought in, the rules would be brought in in 2016.

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What will the discount be? That's another question. It's inherent if you mandate the insurance companies to provide a discount in one area, as the member for Halifax Atlantic suggested, then I would suggest that would mean that the insurance companies would - it's effectively mandating an increase in another part of that.

The insurance companies have to make money and even though they are massively big companies in some companies, or as we've talked in this House before, in some cases insurance companies are very small companies like some of our local insurance companies like Clare Mutual Insurance Company and Kings Mutual, very small.

The idea that an insurance company is actually in all of our best interests, insurance companies are profitable because insurance companies have to be ready in case of a disaster to pay out huge sums of money. Actually it is federally mandated the amount of money they have to have on hand - it is related to how much they underwrite, so what types of risks they take on. If an insurance company - when you buy your policy you pay $700 for your insurance, you might be getting a $3 million or $4 million or $1 million, depending on what you write. You get coverage on your car to $20,000, $30,000, $40,000, depending on the value of that car. You get $1 million or $2 million or $3 million liability insurance. If you have an accident and if you engage that liability insurance, the insurance company has to have the money to pay that out.

The holding on of those vast sums of money is federally regulated and it is in our interest that they are profitable. In fact the global insurance market is all interconnected. The insurance companies will take the money, that $700 that you are paying for your auto insurance and they'll probably take about $200 of that and they'll place insurance on a company above them. They'll take insurance out on your insurance - they call that reinsurance. Likely the company above that will take that insurance out on that. So in a sense that they are all pooling together to provide what is called "capacity", so that in case of a major disaster they can deal with these things. This is what the insurance companies are doing.

As I would say, it's in all of our interests that they are profitable. Insurance companies find two ways to make money - one way is through underwriting, so they offer you that policy for $700, that's their bet that they are going to make money at that so if they offer it to enough people, they know in a year whether they made money on that or not, simply underwriting. Because the government mandates them to have cash on hand in case there is a disaster, the exact amount of cash on hand is calculated and mandated federally, these big insurance companies take that pool of money and put it in the stock market. So sometimes they make more money on the stock markets than they do on underwriting.

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As you know, in the last number of years the stock markets have not been particularly kind to the insurance companies - or to anybody. The insurance companies have to make money, so mandating a discount in one area means that likely they're going to have to charge more in another. On the other hand, as I've said, insurance companies are quite capable of deciding themselves whether they should provide a discount or not.

One of the major issues on this is, what is the data for Nova Scotia on winter tires and accidents? In fact, we have a form in Nova Scotia called the Motor Vehicle Accident Reporting Form, used by the RCMP, which I believe is provided to them by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. This form, which I had a copy of in my hands two years ago, does not collect tire data. Although it is a one-page form with a vast amount of little boxes to check off, one of the items missing on the form is the type of tire involved in the vehicles in the accident.

I did write a letter to the minister, I think a year and a half or two years ago, asking that this form be changed. I'm not sure where that is in the process, but that would be a very auspicious thing to know, in fact, what are our own statistics. I know the minister is in the House and maybe he's not paying attention, but it would be good for us to know and I believe that would be a positive change to have this data collected so if there is an accident, when the RCMP are filling this out - I think it's Form 75-A, Motor Vehicle Accident Reporting Form - they could check off a box: summer tire, all-season tire, winter tire; and then we would know from all the other types of information on that form exactly what the circumstances are in Nova Scotia. At the moment we don't know the data for Nova Scotia.

I believe that would be a positive change; it's one I advocated for about a year and a half ago. This is something of interest to me that we do encourage the use of winter tires because I believe that it will make a difference.

It is interesting when you read the data on winter tires and you read some of the forms, one of the things that happens is that over time the data is not as good. When Quebec brought in the legislation over the first five years, I believe they saw a 17 per cent decrease in accidents, but when everybody is using winter tires, what happens is people become more confident driving on the road because they have better grip with their tires and they have better braking conditions and they start to drive a little faster than they drove before. Over a long period of time, human nature being what it is, some of the really good results of winter tires starts to get defeated by driving habit; people drive faster.

You may have experienced this, I have, where you are driving down one of our 100 Series Highways in really poor conditions and you are a line of cars that is hundreds of cars long, and somebody is out in the passing lane in the snow and slush, going twice as fast and they've got a four-wheel drive with really good winter tires on it and they're not afraid to drive that fast. When people do have these better tires, the reality is a certain number of people start to drive that way and some of the good results out of the winter tire law starts to get lost in that.

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Nevertheless, statistics still show that all-season tires and summer tires are involved in a disproportionate number of the accidents on the roads in winter, which is not a Nova Scotian statistic. So in speaking to this bill, I would like to encourage the minister to make those changes. It's simply a matter of cut and paste and photocopying a new form and setting it out so that we have the information on our own accident situation with summer tires, all-season tires and winter tires, and that we can collect the data and know what the circumstances are in Nova Scotia.

Nevertheless, we do know we live in a climate with a lot of freezing and thawing, where in some cases the salt trucks aren't always out right at the right time. We get black ice a lot. We have treacherous driving conditions in the winter; most people are accustomed to those treacherous driving conditions, but having winter tires is a huge factor in operating a vehicle more safely.

I do want to acknowledge the member for Halifax Atlantic's comments that this is, in fact for some of us, simply a matter of spending the money, but some people don't have the money to do this yet still want to have car ownership.

The reality of rural Nova Scotia is that to function in rural Nova Scotia, you pretty well have to own a car. There is no public transportation and the cost of taxis is very high so functioning in rural Nova Scotia makes car ownership virtually mandatory. The cost of insurance, the cost of licensing, registration, gasoline, maintenance on the car means that probably the last thing on the list of priorities sometimes is another set of tires when, in fact, it would benefit the car owner.

Another factor is, for some of the very poorest people, sometimes these cars aren't in operation very long. Sometimes they only have them for a year or two, and they're buying another car for $2,000 or $3,000 or even less. This is sort of the reality of this situation. This will place a burden on the very poorest people, the idea that we somehow make winter tires mandatory.

Now the idea that we somehow encourage winter tire usage, I do approve of that. I'm not sure this is quite the right way, to ask the URB to be in on this. As I've said, I think the first step is that we have adequate knowledge of what our own particular situation is; we collect that data, and we find out.

Again I do want to commend the NDP for bringing forward the idea that winter tire usage be encouraged. I do believe that that is the right way for us to go as a province.

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

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HON. STERLING BELLIVEAU « » : Certainly it is a pleasure to stand and talk regarding Bill No. 146. First of all, before I get to my notes, through you, Madam Speaker, to the MLA for Halifax Atlantic, he referred to the total package of eight lines, and I think how appropriate this particular line is that I picked up through some debates here. It's not about the quantity, it's about the quality. I think this bill captures that. We've heard some good discussion here most recently. Let's get into some of the details.

Yesterday we introduced a bill to improve road safety by reducing insurance premiums for people who install winter tires. These changes to the Insurance Act provide a discount insurance rate for all passenger vehicles with snow tires installed between December 1^st and March 31^st. This discount will be determined by the URB. The law will take effect in July 2016.

My notes say, interestingly enough - and I hope the member for Halifax Atlantic is listening intently - that the Ontario Liberal Government has a similar law that comes into effect January 1, 2016. That's not many days away, so maybe the member for Halifax Atlantic should have compared notes with some of the other jurisdictions. It will save people who install snow tires in Ontario money, up to 5 per cent annually on their insurance premiums, or about $80 a year.

We know that having winter tires on our vehicles is a good thing. It's important. It improves the ability to turn and to stop more efficiently on ice and snow. I'm going to get into that very topic a little later in this speech because I have some personal stories that I hope everybody will pay attention to. In fact, a vehicle stops 30 per cent shorter on ice with winter tires than it does with all-seasons. This ability to stop sooner could be the difference between a safe commute or an accident, and I'll get into that a little later on.

Our bill, which amends the Insurance Act, is a simple way of encouraging people to put winter tires on their cars by offering a discount on their auto insurance. Madam Speaker, who doesn't want to pay less insurance? We all have to have auto insurance in this province. So that to me is a very simple straightforward approach.

The Liberal Government is introducing this by the first day of January. Based on the Ontario Liberal Government numbers, as I mentioned earlier, the average insurance discount would save $80 a year. Now I know some people in here will say, what's $80 a year? But the life of a snow tire, Madam Speaker, is somewhere between three to five years, depending on your driving habits, so you can recoup a lot of that money over that period of time.

We know that some of these insurance companies already have discounts for safe- driving practices and installing safety features like auto alarms. This bill would also be along the same lines, as it acts as an incentive for people who are on the fence, who haven't determined whether they should have winter tires or are trying to get another year out of their all-season tires. This legislation would have even more impact in rural Nova Scotia, where public transportation is limited. It's certainly limited in southwestern Nova Scotia and most people are required to have a vehicle to get back and forth for work, for medical appointments, for groceries, and so on.

[Page 6874]

Madam Speaker - I apologize in advance if I refer to you as Madam Chairman, I spent nine years at the municipal government level and that is the reason why I use that term. It is not intended, so I apologize if I sneak that in.

Madam Speaker, one of the interesting stats that really jumped out at me - and I would like to have a real good late debate on this - is that 73 per cent of Nova Scotians have winter tires, so the remaining 27 per cent are driving with all-seasons. To me, it is not adequate to face the winter conditions. I am concerned and I can assure you, when this was discussed at our caucus table, you are not going to get a stronger cheerleader about this bill for having winter tires. I am thoroughly convinced that snow tires with the proper tread saves lives, that's how deeply I believe in this bill.

We talked about nine passengers or less and we also talked about the URB that will set the rates. I know there are other rates across other jurisdictions, including Quebec and Ontario. Quebec actually introduced theirs in 2007 and they replace or gave an incentive for all four tires, Madam Speaker.

I've spent a lifetime observing water temperatures, and when the snow tread really starts to have an effect is when the temperature drops somewhere near 7 degrees Celsius. I can assure you that somewhere we're in that bubble range as we move into late November and early December - where we are right now. That's when those tires actually start taking and showing the effects of their grip on the road surface.

Now the reason for this bill is quite simple, Madam Speaker, the summer tires - like I said earlier - don't grip the road surface in cold temperatures. We see all-season tires and I know I've had them and I've driven considerable distances, certainly since I've had this job - to me there's no comparison. When you get into cold temperatures that tire really pays for having it on your vehicle, I'm convinced of that. Winter tires are designed, they have a special tread form and they actually dig and grip the snow and ice surface.

If you properly store these tires, you can get three to five, like I said, a number of years out of them. You can actually pay for these tires over the long run if there was an incentive there to purchase them. I haven't seen a poor insurance company in my lifetime, so I believe we're on the right track here, Madam Speaker.

With just a few minutes left, I think you can sit here and you can have notes given to you by your staff, but to me I want to reflect on some personal stories, Madam Speaker. I've driven ever since I was 16 and I still recall getting an opportunity to get behind the wheel and I appreciated that privilege all my life. I've driven since I was a very young teenager. I'm not a great driver; I consider myself an average driver. In the number of years I've had two or three serious incidents or accidents including other vehicles and one was a very heavy rain hydroplaning situation. The car literally came at me and my wife head on, and you have a split second to make a decision - do you want to take the car head on, or do you choose the road?

[Page 6875]

I can tell you that a gentleman taught me a few driving habits many years ago, he's well known in our area, Mr. Carman Christie, who passed away; he was in the local stock car association in the area and was a famous driver. What I'm saying is I'm an average driver and on that heavy, rain-soaked night, the car came at us head on, fishtailing and I made a decision to take the ditch, and I did. I figure I saved my life and probably my wife's life and that automobile fishtailed and went into the road. Upon inspection by the RCMP, it was determined that the individual had slick tires and could not hold the traction on the road.

If I can back up roughly 35 years ago, one of the first snowstorms in southwestern Nova Scotia where I was involved - the end result was not that fortunate. A young female lost her life in the conditions that I'm describing. This was the first snowstorm and this included an ambulance that was coming at us that was not en route with his lights flashing, but there was some question regarding the speed.

That ambulance slid across the road and I had the same choice at that time, in the first snowstorm, which I believe is one of the greasiest snowstorms there is. I had a choice to make and I took the ditch, which I'm going to take for the rest of my life if I'm fortunate. I don't want another situation, but I'm not going to take something head on. My automobile responded and I took the ditch and I got the vehicle back on the road, but the one behind me wasn't that fortunate. There was an investigation, and I'm not going to get into details here, but I can assure you that those vehicles responded because they were adequately covered with the proper tires to get out of that situation. That's how convinced I am about having the proper tires and having the opportunity to address our winter conditions.

I know that we do not hope that we are faced with the winter conditions that we had last year. That was - I can't say the word, but we all think that was a winter from and it rhymes with shell - that was the winter from you fill in the blanks. In those conditions, you need to have the appropriate tires on your vehicles. This is not about putting extra burden on low income families and I understand that thoroughly. What I'm trying to say is that every automobile owner has to pay insurance so what's wrong with creating an incentive so that the insurance company will pay you for installing those tires, and they can pay that over a period of time.

I know the member for Halifax Atlantic has some difficulty with that, but I can assure you that having 27 per cent more people on this road with safe tires is going to be safer. I'm not a mathematician and I don't profess to be, but I can assure you that if we can get that 27 per cent to have tires and have safe road conditions, if we save one life and not attribute it to the inadequate snow tires or bald tires - and I've seen this in a number of different incident reports where they say the tires were slick. The tires were not proper for the situation and that creates some concerns for me and this is a simplistic approach, one minute.

[Page 6876]

The member for Halifax Atlantic needs to go back and refresh his notes, Madam Speaker, because what he was referring to doesn't align with the other jurisdictions like the Liberals in Ontario. How are they going to explain that when this comes into effect in just a few days, January 1^st? I encourage the member for Halifax Atlantic to spend some time, instead of sending Christmas cards to the Opposition Parties, and check up on other jurisdictions, especially the Liberals in Ontario.

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

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : On behalf of our caucus, I just want to make sure that the member for Halifax Atlantic realizes that his government, on a number of occasions, introduced bills with one line, three lines, or five lines. I want to make sure he's well informed.

With that, Madam Speaker . . .

MADAM SPEAKER « » : Order. Time has elapsed for Opposition debate today.

The honourable House Leader for the New Democratic Party.

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : I just thought that was an important thing to mention. (Interruption) I would like to turn it over to the Government House Leader to call business for tomorrow.

MADAM SPEAKER « » : The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Madam Speaker, if we could just take a five-minute recess, then we'll provide business for tomorrow.

MADAM SPEAKER « » : We will take a five-minute recess.

[1:21 p.m. The House recessed.]

[1:25 p.m. The House reconvened.]

MADAM SPEAKER « » : The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Madam Speaker, that concludes our business for today - a very productive Opposition Day.

[Page 6877]

Tomorrow being Thursday, December 10^th, the House will sit will sit from the hours of 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Following the daily routine we will go into Committee of the Whole on Bills, Bill Nos. 110, 138, 139, 140, 141, and 143. We will also continue third reading of Bill No. 112, and possibly there may be some other bills as well, and possibly a resolution called as well.

With that, Madam Speaker, I move that the House do now rise, to meet again tomorrow from the hours of 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

MADAM SPEAKER « » : The motion is that the House rise, to meet again on December 10^th between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

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

The motion is carried.

We stand adjourned until 1:00 p.m. tomorrow.

The time has now arrived for our Adjournment debate. The subject matter was brought forward by the honourable member for Kings North, which reads:

"Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Legislature work together to help Feed Nova Scotia provide nutritious food for Nova Scotia families who are in need during the holiday season and all year long."

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION UNDER RULE 5(5)

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

FEED N.S.: MLAs - ASSIST

MR. JOHN LOHR « » : Madam Speaker, it's my privilege to rise to speak to this resolution. I think there are a number of aspects in the resolution that we can address here. I know there has been some talk about Feed Nova Scotia's capacity to do this. Obviously this is clearly related to the bill that we brought in to have a farm tax credit for farmers donating food to Feed Nova Scotia and that we want to encourage that and that is part of it.

One of the things that's been debated is the capacity for Feed Nova Scotia to deliver this food and I can tell you that we're very privileged to have Feed Nova Scotia operating in this province in the way that it does. I'm not sure that every other province has the same type of infrastructure where we have one organization that has an umbrella role and delivers out to all of the food banks in the province and has a system of trucks.

[Page 6878]

I understand from speaking to the director of Feed Nova Scotia the other day, Nick Jennery, that they had recently made a $600,000 investment in refrigerated trucking which probably, depending on what they're buying and what it costs, it's probably two or three or four trucks, maybe five if they're quite small - maybe six. That's a significant ongoing investment in their capacity to deliver food and to deal with what would be a perishable product.

Mostly farmers in the province are growing what are very perishable products and I know that we've talked in the Legislature before why farmers do support Feed Nova Scotia now and do donate to Feed Nova Scotia. This would help Feed Nova Scotia to deliver nutritious food to Nova Scotia families.

One thing we can clearly see is that at this time of year, there is quite a bump in giving to Feed Nova Scotia because of the holiday season and a certain generosity of Nova Scotians comes to the fore during this season. I believe we are a very generous people and at Christmastime in particular people like to give. Also because the holiday season is so strongly associated with food and all the food traditions that go with the holiday season, Feed Nova Scotia has a lot of support right now and in fact, we already mentioned in the Legislature that on Friday, CBC will have the Feed Nova Scotia Food Drive. For 12 hours people will give to Feed Nova Scotia and there's no doubt that these donations help; there's no question about that. Like I said, there's no question Nova Scotians are very generous.

On Saturday past, I was with the Canning Volunteer Fire Department for their food drive. I don't actually know the amount of food that we raised but I can tell you I drove - what the Canning Volunteer Department does for their food drive is they send out lots of notice and then they send out their five or six big trucks with the sirens going and we go through all of the area that Canning Volunteer Fire Department covers, at about five or 10 miles an hour, with the sirens all going and people do come out to look and wonder what on earth is going on.

They give food and I was following the fire truck with my half ton truck and we got about a half ton truck full of food. There were about five or six trucks so the whole area got canvassed this way so it ends up being a substantial amount of food picked up. Some people who aren't prepared or you just catch them off guard, they donate money. We picked up a substantial amount of money and in fact, I'm not able to report to you what those sums of money were because that was all being tabulated on Saturday and I haven't actually heard since then.

That sort of thing happens in many communities. There are different versions of how money and food is raised, obviously that probably a fairly unique one. If you didn't know what was going on, you would think the whole district was on fire because the alarms are going everywhere. It does get everybody's attention and most people understand what is happening and donate to the Canning Volunteer Fire Department Food Drive.

[Page 6879]

It's a great way that the fire department in Canning gives back and I do want to give a shout out to the Canning Volunteer Fire Department for all they do, in particular, but this food drive as it relates to this. I think I mentioned in the House earlier another was the New Minas Baptist Church drive-through living Nativity and the numbers are in on that and they took in 1,250 pounds of food and some $650 on that exercise.

The Nova Scotians are very generous and as legislators we have to consider what we can do to both help the food banks, and I believe we can do that through legislation, and also make it easier for Nova Scotians to donate. One of the things we know is that after Christmas, there's always a drop in donations of this type. I'm sure that if you were to ask the food banks, they would say that they do a lot right now, but probably by February or March, it falls off our radar because of the season.

If this tax credit for farmers does come in, it will help to alleviate some of that, although in reality most of the fresh produce and vegetables in our season are produced from about the middle of June to the end of November, and then we're into storage season. But even the storage crops have a lot of food value, and as I've alluded to earlier in the Legislature, sometimes something is just slightly too small, slightly too large, doesn't make the grade to go into the grocery stores, yet has an enormous amount of food value in it. It's these types of foods that we know are very critical to a healthy diet.

As many of you were, I was at the Canadian Diabetes Association function last night. One of the things we know is that in the Nova Scotia diet there's not actually enough fruits and vegetables. I think I recall now that the wording is supposed to be vegetables - the emphasis being on the vegetables. It seems a bit more difficult for us to - the uptake of vegetables is a little bit less than fruit, but in fact, vegetables in a diet are more important. It's an important factor in reducing diabetes, apparently, and in all other types of illnesses.

Nova Scotians need healthy, nutritious food. We know that the poorest among us - it's a challenge, that we can do things in this Legislature to improve the flow of food into those homes through the food banks. We have a particularly well-set-up food bank system to take advantage of this type of legislation that we talked about earlier, and that would improve this situation because we have an organization, Feed Nova Scotia, that is well equipped with refrigerated vehicles and well equipped in distribution.

One of the factors, if you think about our local food bank, if you were to bring in even, for instance, three or four bags of cabbage, that would be 150 to 200 pounds of cabbage. That would probably be difficult for that local food bank to get out. But Feed Nova Scotia, where they're delivering to probably hundreds of food banks, can actually handle something like that and get that distribution with all their volunteer network.

[Page 6880]

I believe there are things we can do, as a Legislature, to improve the situation of Feed Nova Scotia in collecting food from farms in Nova Scotia. I think that fresh fruits and vegetables are such an important part of our diet, a healthy diet, that we can improve that situation for people who cannot afford to buy food or are struggling to make ends meet and are accessing the food bank.

I know there are probably other things we can do. I know the Ontario Government brought this legislation in in 2014, I understand, and I believe, from what I can understand, that it has been very successful in Ontario. It has the support of the farm population in Ontario. We know from when we brought that bill in a few days ago, that we had Horticulture Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture, and Feed Nova Scotia all in the room. They are all very much in support of that.

Likely it is Horticulture Nova Scotia and the vegetable and fruit farmers in the province, in particular, that would probably be the most significant donators to that program. If you think about a milk-producing farm, they are selling it - all of their milk is going to a large factory, and we know that these large processors, like Farmers or Scotsburn, they are - or Agropur, I guess, as it is now - or Baxter, Saputo - they are capable of doing some of those donations, in any case, and they do, I'm sure, donate those types of products, but it's not going to be an on-farm donation.

For the farmer themselves, it's probably the fruit and vegetable industry which will be most able to respond to this. Thank you.

MADAM SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The time has elapsed.

The honourable member for Lunenburg. (Applause)

MS. SUZANNE LOHNES-CROFT « » : I take it that was for the member for Kings North. (Laughter)

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise to speak on this topic today. Though I wish there was no need for this topic, the reality is that there are hungry people everywhere in Nova Scotia. Not just in the city where we seem to have more homeless people congregating because of the services that are provided, but there are hungry people all over Nova Scotia and I'm sure each of us has stories that we can share.

I really wanted to stress that it's not just families that are hungry; there are individuals who are hungry. For themselves they are a family and they have needs that need to be met, as well, so there are lot of single people out there who need support as well. It's not just during the holidays, Madam Speaker, but it is all year round and I think this is what this topic is trying to address.

[Page 6881]

I can only speak for my colleagues on this side of the floor because I know them better, but I've heard stories from many members of what they are doing in their own constituencies and some of the stories they have heard, and some of the situations they have dealt with. But I can speak from my own experiences and I do know 'tis the season for generosity.

The news is full of stories about buses being filled with food and businesses collecting at events. Tim Hortons has the bag they send out in the flyer pack for you to fill and donate. There just seems to be such an abundance of food and generosity at Christmas, which is all good, it's great and I'm glad to see that our food banks are filling up. I can tell you I've been known to be one of these mothers who gets her kids up when they're home for the school holidays and we go up to the food bank when the Feed Nova Scotia truck pulls in with their abundance of food for the holidays because they do do special dinners.

My boys, even in their teenage years, were willing to get up and go to the food bank and do the heavy lifting. Most of the volunteers are seniors in our community and are very happy to see these young boys come and move quickly and bend and carry the boxes. I've involved my own boys in that way and I've never heard them complain about doing such a good deed. That warms my heart because it gives me hope that the next generation is going to be as generous as I see the current generation of volunteers being.

Hunger and poverty exists all year round, but come mid-February the shelves are empty in our food banks. In my community a lot of the service clubs and the churches do a food drive, usually the end of February, early March, because it's getting kind of desperate in the food banks. These door-to-doors - I've gone on them many times. People don't want to partner with me because everyone wants to stop and talk to me and so we get slowed down, but it's always a good way to participate in your community and talk to people and they're always happy.

People are so generous. Even on Halloween when We to Me group from our local high school comes around, they bring a grocery cart and they go door-to-door. They're not filling their own bags of treats, they're getting food for the local food banks and I think that's a great way for young people in our communities to get involved in Halloween and turn a night that sometimes in communities can be a night of horror for local police officials, but these kids have turned it around and made it a really good night of servicing their community.

With the limited time that I get here as an MLA, I have taken time to go to the Brunswick Street Mission here in Halifax. I spoke of it last year in a members' statement and they do wonderful work there. They have a breakfast program. They have free clothing - no other place offers free clothing - and they have a food bank; they do counselling; they do tax returns; they do all sorts of services for people. They do their work all year round and I think the member who offered this subject for late debate is saying, we need to address needy people all year round and programs like that do.

[Page 6882]

In my own constituency I have three food banks: the New Germany and Area Food bank, the Mahone Bay Inter-Church, and the Lunenburg Inter-Church - and all of these are volunteer-organized and run. I think we need to be really appreciative of all the work that is done to feed nutritious food to needy families and individuals in Nova Scotia, all done by volunteers.

All of these are also part of the Feed Nova Scotia Program and network and they do get a lot of support, I must say that. I know some of the breakfast programs in our schools, even if they have a shortage, if they call Feed Nova Scotia, they will send food to the schools that have breakfast programs. That's a really good service to have because schools get very drained, with money always being asked of parents and whatnot. This is another source where they can get good nutritious food for their breakfast programs.

The many churches and service clubs that we have in my constituency are very active in serving people. One of the nice things is that they don't ask questions. When you go to the food bank, you have to give your health card number and answer questions, but the churches and the service clubs don't ask questions about why someone is in need.

Our Second Story Women's Centre in Lunenburg has a great offering that they make to the community. They have set up a cooking program on food bank day in Lunenburg, and they teach people how to cook with items that you would get at a food bank. Some of the people don't always have the foods that are offered at food banks - a lot of tomato sauces, pastas, beans, and whatnot, and some people haven't lived off a diet of those foods, so they have classes that teach people how to use the items that they have been collecting from the food bank. They've also made a cookbook, and that's wonderful. I have a copy of the cookbook myself. It's available to people who come to the food bank. Some people are so used to eating out of packages that they've lost that art of cooking - or they've never learned it. So they teach that skill.

Our local schools, which I sort of mentioned before, have breakfast programs which are widely used. Even in the high schools, the breakfast programs are being used. People are hungry for many reasons - with a breakfast program it isn't always people who are in need. Some children get up very early in the morning, they're up at 5:00 a.m. or 6:00 a.m. and off to a sitter or a daycare program and they're hungry by the time school goes in; we have athletes who are at early morning practices who have eaten a good breakfast, but are hungry again; there are people with no one home when they get up, so they can't be bothered to make breakfast; and then there are the families who can't afford breakfasts, they have a limited income. What I like most about this program is that it doesn't decide if you're in need of breakfast or why you're having breakfast, so I really encourage breakfast programs because they do not define people by their income.

Many of our churches keep emergency items on hand and discretionary funds for their ministers to distribute. We have wonderful concerts in our area where, instead of a ticket, you donate a food bank item. There are so many good programs being run by volunteers. I'm sure it's not just in my constituency, but everybody who sits here in this House has experienced that good-heartedness.

[Page 6883]

I want to stress that this abundance of generosity at the Christmas season needs to be spread out throughout the year. We all need to take part in that and, once you pack away the tinsel and the wrappings, open your eyes, your ears, and your hearts to feeding people nutritious food all year round. Work together as colleagues. I'm sure many of you have ideas you can share and help to feed all Nova Scotians. Thank you.

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

MS. MARIAN MANCINI « » : Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution. I think that we would probably all wish that at the end of the day we wouldn't need to have a resolution of this nature, but it is required, and it is a good one.

For those of us who have never directly experienced poverty, it may be difficult to really understand because it's so easy to lock ourselves away from it. When I grew up in Glace Bay, it was a very working class community. Our neighbourhood was an eclectic neighbourhood. There were people who worked in the coal mines; there were nurses; doctors; and teachers. Everybody lived in the same area; there were certainly no gated communities there. In that period of time back then, most of the mothers were staying at home and, to my recollection, there were no food banks but the people, primarily the women in the neighbourhood, had a very sharply honed eye for what was going on around them. They were home most of the days. They saw what was going on in the neighbourhood. If they saw a need, they would do what they needed to do very quickly.

I would note that a lot of the mothers could band together very quickly to help somebody out. There was not a lot of talk about it; it was just action. I always felt there was a real emphasis because it would be very unusual for us, as the kids, to even find out about it. It was a private thing. It was called charity, that's what it was, but they were concerned about not embarrassing the individual who had to receive the charity. That was a community and a neighbourhood.

Today we live in a very different world. We do live in gated communities. We can easily leave work, go home and know nothing, have no exposure whatsoever to what is happening to what I refer to sometimes as the underbelly of our communities, the people who are really suffering and who have almost nothing. It's easy for us to go home after work and for us food is such an enjoyable thing - preparing a meal is a social event. You gather with your family and friends. You catch up on days' events. It's another world. It's almost another planet, compared to what we're talking about in discussing this resolution.

When I retired from Legal Aid, I wrote a farewell note to my colleagues and I expressed how grateful I was, first for working with them but I was also very grateful to my Legal Aid clients. I knew that if I had had another type of job, perhaps if I had been working in a big firm in downtown Halifax or Dartmouth, I could go home to the suburbs and just really not know what was going on; so it's easy to block it out.

[Page 6884]

What I felt was that my Legal Aid clients made me bear witness to what was going on, on a daily basis. I could witness their struggle to keep body and soul together and it did force me not to forget. I think that probably - I'm quite certain that for the members of the Legislature you experience the same thing. You can't go home and shut the door and pretend it's not going on. You see what's going on through your constituents and through hearing from other members in this Legislature of the struggles that people are facing.

Food was and is a stress issue for people who cannot afford the grocery store. Because of that, food will never be an enjoyable experience or topic for them. The statistics for food bank use reflect - it is quite depressing what we see - in P.E.I. the usage is down by 8 per cent; in New Brunswick it's down by 3.1 per cent; in Newfoundland and Labrador it's down by 5.9 per cent; but food bank use in Nova Scotia is up. Fifty-one per cent of food bank users in Nova Scotia are women, up 5 per cent from last year. About one-third of food bank users in Nova Scotia are children, up 2 per cent from last year.

Feed Nova Scotia provided numbers for 2014. They said 23,655 households were supported by food banks and were collectively supported 94,000 times; 13,846 of the individuals who were supported were children. Only 9 per cent of the financial contributions to Feed Nova Scotia are from government.

We know that people using food banks are typically on income assistance and we are aware that their rates have been frozen for two years. This we maintain is a cut. Basic income assistance rates are set at $478 and that includes food. For a single parent with two children, income assistance rates are $548 a month, this includes food. Special needs diet recipients are barely afforded anything for serious illness - benefit rates. We've noted the poverty in Nova Scotia, Cape Breton still has the highest rate of poverty in the province - one in three children live in poverty. The Cape Breton census area has a child poverty rate of 42.7 per cent.

Parents across the province must make decisions between buying food for their children or paying bills. I'd ask for the members to consider as well that when we look at the federal electoral districts: West Nova, one in four children in poverty; South Shore-St. Margaret's, one in five children live in poverty; Kings-Hants, 22.4 per cent of children live in poverty; Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, 24.6 per cent of the children live in poverty; Central Nova, 22.3 per cent; Halifax West, 17.3; Halifax, more than one in four children live in poverty; and Dartmouth-Cole Harbour, one in five children live in poverty.

We know children are not getting proper nutrition. We know the type of food that is generally affordable, if they are able to go to the grocery store, is processed. All our research on food concludes that this type of food is not nutritional, but it is cheaper. It has a direct impact on children's ability to learn. This resolution calls for us to work together, it is something that is doable. We, as members in this Legislature, can work toward resolving. We need to do better in the province. We have to do better.

[Page 6885]

We need to eliminate the need for food banks, and I'll wrap up my comments with a quote from the executive director of Cape Breton's Family Place Resource Centre. She said:

"Imagine for a moment standing in the grocery store needing to make a choice between toothpaste, toilet tissue, or breakfast cereal because you cannot afford all three. For too many of our families, these kinds of choices are a regular part of their reality. Others don't even get to the grocery store to make a choice that week. Measuring progress is different than making progress. It is long past time for us to take our measuring seriously and act! Poverty is painful. It is also preventable. The time to act is now!"

MADAM SPEAKER « » : I would like to thank all members of the House for taking part in the Adjournment debate this evening, it was a good topic.

We stand adjourned until 1:00 p.m. tomorrow.

[The House rose at 2:00 p.m.]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

[Page 6886]

Tabled December 8, 2015

RESOLUTION NO. 2668

By: Hon. Stephen McNeil « » (The Premier)

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

Whereas the Legion of Honour is the highest recognition France bestows on individuals of "excellent civil and military conduct"; and

Whereas Dr. Robert Arnold Burden, of Springhill, received this humbling honour at a ceremony on November 28, 2015, for his service and bravery in the Canadian Royal Medical Corps during the Second World War; and

Whereas France honours Mr. Burden for the outstanding medical care he gave on D-Day and in the countries of France, Germany, Belgium, and Holland, during the liberation of Europe and the concentration camps, and Nova Scotia additionally salutes Mr. Burden, an Order of Nova Scotia recipient, for his courage during two Springhill mining disasters;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Mr. Robert Arnold Burden for becoming a Member of the Legion of Honour in the Degree of Knight, and saluting him on his tremendous service at home and abroad.

RESOLUTION NO. 2669

By: Hon. Stephen McNeil « » (The Premier)

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

Whereas Arthur McDonald, originally of Nova Scotia, has been named as the co-winner of the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physics; and

Whereas born in Sydney, N.S., in 1943, Arthur earned bachelor and master degrees from Dalhousie University, and got his Ph.D. in physics from the California Institute of Technology in 1969; and

Whereas Arthur shares the prize with physicist Takaaki Kajita of Japan for their research on neutrinos - among the tiniest known subatomic particles - which the academy said has changed our understanding of the innermost workings of matter;

[Page 6887]

Therefore be it resolved, on behalf of all Nova Scotians, I would like to congratulate Arthur McDonald on his outstanding recognition from the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

RESOLUTION NO. 2670

By: Hon. Diana Whalen « » (Justice)

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

Whereas every year the Canadian Progress Club of Halifax Cornwallis give Progress Women of Excellence Awards to women who have made an important contribution to their profession and to their community; and

Whereas Dr. Janice Keefe is Professor of Family Studies and Gerontology at Mount Saint Vincent University, former Canada Research Chairman in Aging and Caregiving Policy, and active member of a number of provincial, national and international advisory committees, including the Minister of Seniors' Expert Panel for Caregivers; and

Whereas Dr. Keefe was one of nineteen women selected this year to receive a Progress Women of Excellence Award, which she accepted at a gala on November 18, 2015;

Therefore be it resolved that this House join me in congratulating Dr. Keefe for her important contributions to research and to improving the quality of life of seniors.

RESOLUTION NO. 2671

By: Hon. Diana Whalen « » (Justice)

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

Whereas Sandra Staratt is well known and well respected in Clayton Park West as Department Head for French and Social Studies and as Student Government Advisor at Halifax West High School; and

Whereas Ms. Staratt and a team of students, parents, and teachers of Halifax West High School recently organized CLSLC 2015, a five-day national conference about leadership development and citizenship for 1,100 high school students; and

[Page 6888]

Whereas Ms. Staratt's consistent and compassionate support for youth has been recognized by the Canadian Club of Halifax Cornwallis, which awarded her a Progress Women of Excellence Award in November 2015;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House join me in congratulating Ms. Staratt, and all teachers who go above and beyond to support our young people.

RESOLUTION NO. 2672

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas President and CEO of GBS Mobility, Eli Hage, a constituent of Armdale, leads one of the largest and fastest growing TELUS dealers in Canada; and

Whereas the business aids our economy by creating jobs, and his professional team helps to take local businesses to greater heights by utilizing wireless technology, in turn increasing productivity and revenue; and

Whereas on June 25^th, 2015, I had the pleasure of attending the opening of GBS Mobility's new store location;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Mr. Hage and his family for demonstrating another example of value immigrants bring to Nova Scotia, and wish them continued success.

RESOLUTION NO. 2673

By : Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas GEM Health Care Group is a Nova Scotian, family-run business owned and operated since 1979 by successful immigrants Syed and Gloria Hussain, with their business headquarters and senior homes located in Armdale; and

Whereas their vision to support seniors with enhanced, innovative services in beautifully designed community homes provides local jobs and the best care possible for the elderly; and

[Page 6889]

Whereas Syed and Gloria are models of excellence in both business and philanthropy, and inspire newcomers to work hard and achieve their dreams;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Hussain for their outstanding achievements and wish them continued success.

RESOLUTION NO. 2674

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 June 27, 2015, Edith Messenger of Newellton, 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 Edith Messenger on reaching this milestone in her life and wish her many more happy birthdays and continued good health.

RESOLUTION NO. 2675

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 August 4, 2015, Alton Ralph Kenney of Hawk Point Rd., celebrated his 80^th birthday; and

Whereas to have reached 80 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;

[Page 6890]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Alton Ralph Kenney on reaching this milestone in his life and wish him many more happy birthdays and continued good health.

RESOLUTION NO. 2676

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 Norma Jane Goreham of Woods 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 Norma Jane Goreham on reaching this milestone in her life and wish her many more happy birthdays and continued good health.

RESOLUTION NO. 2677

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 Carl Atkinson of Cape Sable Island, celebrated his 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 Carl Atkinson on reaching this milestone in his life and wish him many more happy birthdays and continued good health.

[Page 6891]

RESOLUTION NO. 2678

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 August 4, 2015, Wentzell Swim, celebrated his 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 Wentzell Swim on reaching this milestone in his life and wish him many more happy birthdays and continued good health.

RESOLUTION NO. 2679

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 18, 2015, a very special occasion took place when Clyde and Alice Smith of Port LaTour celebrated their 66^th Wedding Anniversary;

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

RESOLUTION NO. 2680

[Page 6892]

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 August 14, 2015, a very special occasion took place when Irene and Morton Smith of Shag Harbour celebrated their 50^th Wedding Anniversary;

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

RESOLUTION NO. 2681

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 April 10, 2015, a very special occasion took place when Alfred and Sandra Symonds of Shag harbour, celebrated their 50^th Wedding Anniversary;

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

RESOLUTION NO. 2682

[Page 6893]

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 July 16, 2015, a very special occasion took place when Etheren and Helen Goreham of Woods Harbour, celebrated their 50^th Wedding Anniversary;

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

RESOLUTION NO. 2683

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 May 15, 2015, a very special occasion took place when Ginger Rose and LeRoy Walker of Woods Harbour celebrated their 50^th Wedding Anniversary;

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

RESOLUTION NO. 2684

[Page 6894]

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 May 14, 2015, a very special occasion took place when John and Judith Coulton of Doctor's Cove celebrated their 50^th Wedding Anniversary;

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

RESOLUTION NO. 2685

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," author Eda J. LeShan wrote; and

Whereas on June 24, 2015, Emily and Ryan Newell welcomed their son into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Emily and Ryan on this miraculous event in their lives and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 2686

[Page 6895]

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," author Eda J. LeShan wrote; and

Whereas on May 30, 2015, Selina Kaiser and Jeremy Kenney welcomed their son into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Selina and Jeremy on this miraculous event in their lives and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 2687

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," author Eda J. LeShan wrote; and

Whereas on July 3, 2015, Lyndsey and Adam Kenney welcomed their son into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Lyndsey and Adam on this miraculous event in their lives and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 2688

[Page 6896]

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," author Eda J. LeShan wrote; and

Whereas on July 28, 2015, Jasmine Melanson and William Thomson welcomed their son into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Jasmine and William on this miraculous event in their lives and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 2689

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," author Eda J. LeShan wrote; and

Whereas on May 22, 2015, Katrina and Aaron Swim welcomed their son into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Katrina and Aaron on this miraculous event in their lives and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 2690

[Page 6897]

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," author Eda J. LeShan wrote; and

Whereas on August 17, 2015, Tanya and Jeremy Doucette welcomed their son into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Tanya and Jeremy on this miraculous event in their lives and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 2691

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," author Eda J. LeShan wrote; and

Whereas on July 18, 2015, Tamara Atwood and Todd Ruff welcomed their son into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Tamara and Todd on this miraculous event in their lives and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 2692

[Page 6898]

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," author Eda J. LeShan wrote; and

Whereas on September 6, 2015, Sarah Ross and Jeffery Cleveland welcomed their daughter into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Sarah and Jeffery on this miraculous event in their lives and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 2693

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," author Eda J. LeShan wrote; and

Whereas on May 20, 2015, Lorraine Swim and Shane Piercey welcomed their daughter into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Lorraine and Shane on this miraculous event in their lives and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 2694

[Page 6899]

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," author Eda J. LeShan wrote; and

Whereas on July 10, 2015, Julia Smith and Bryant Sears welcomed their daughter into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Julia and Bryant on this miraculous event in their lives and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 2695

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," author Eda J. LeShan wrote; and

Whereas on June 15, 2015, Jody Malone and Donovan Shand welcomed their daughter into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Jody and Donovan on this miraculous event in their lives and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 2696

[Page 6900]

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," author Eda J. LeShan wrote; and

Whereas on July 30, 2015, Shawna and Travis LeBlanc welcomed their daughter into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Shawna and Travis on this miraculous event in their lives and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 2697

By: Mr. Chuck Porter « » (Hants West)

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

Whereas with the first official ride being held in 1887, the Musical Ride of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police showcases the equestrian skills performed by regular members of the force; and

Whereas the West Hants Ground Search & Rescue hosted the RCMP Musical Ride held on September 10^th to a sold-out crowd at the Hants County Exhibition Grounds; and

Whereas 97-year-old Harold Searle, who joined the RCMP 73 years ago and is now retired, was this year's honoured guest and gave permission to start the show;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the West Hants Ground Search & Rescue on a job well done and thank Mr. Harold Searle for his many years of service with the RCMP.

RESOLUTION NO. 2698

[Page 6901]

By: Mr. Chuck Porter « » (Hants West)

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

Whereas Paul Wile and his wife, Pat, attended the Holland Liberation Celebration in Friesland in May, where Paul was one of the guests of honour, commemorating the 70^th Anniversary of the liberation of Holland; and

Whereas in June 1941 Mr. Wile signed up in Halifax to fight for Canada, where he joined the Cape Breton Highlanders and soon found himself headed to England, Ireland, and on to Italy; and

Whereas Mr. Wile took part in the November 11^th Remembrance Day ceremony in Windsor as he laid the Provincial Wreath at Victoria Park among one of the largest crowds Windsor has seen;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly thank Mr. Paul Wile for his service and wish him all the best.

RESOLUTION NO. 2699

By: Mr. Chuck Porter « » (Hants West)

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

Whereas Travelling Kindness Rocks have made their way into the hands of people from Canada, the U.S., Australia, England, and many other parts of the world; and

Whereas Ginger LeBoutillier started sending Travelling Kindness Rocks, hand painted by her, in August 2015 and to date has mailed more than 125 rocks to individuals to bring cheer to those who are presently going through a difficult time; and

Whereas the purpose of the project is to show support to the individuals who received the Travelling Kindness Rocks and to promote giving;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Ginger LeBoutillier on her ingenuity and her kind way of spreading cheer and wish her all the best.

RESOLUTION NO. 2700

[Page 6902]

By: Mr. Chuck Porter « » (Hants West)

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

Whereas the first agricultural fair took place on May 21, 1765, at Fort Edward, and is now recognized as the oldest and longest-running agricultural fair in North America, and the Hants County Exhibition celebrated 250 years in September; and

Whereas from barrel racing and ox pulls to all nations drummers and kitchen parties, the 10-day event packed in record numbers of attendees for the festivities in Windsor; and

Whereas an event of this magnitude involves hundreds of volunteers who worked diligently for much of the preceding year to ensure the event was successful;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly thank all of the organizers, participants, sponsors, and advertisers for making the 250^th Anniversary of the Hants County Exhibition such a huge success.

RESOLUTION NO. 2701

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Aron Spidle was featured in the documentary My Week On Welfare; and

Whereas Aron Spidle is a volunteer at Veith House, has a Bachelor of Arts from Crandall University, and has a Master of Arts from Acadia University; and

Whereas Peep Media's documentary My Week On Welfare, featuring Aron Spidle, aired on August 29, 2015, on CBC Television;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly thank Aron Spidle for his role in highlighting the issues and the stigmas associated with poverty and recognize his contributions to the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2702

[Page 6903]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Agricola Open Mic House is a venue in North End Halifax that held its first Monday Open Mic Night in 2010; and

Whereas Agricola Open Mic House is located at 2539 Agricola Street and hosts a variety of events including open mics, workshops, poetry readings, and big-name band shows; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted Agricola Open Mic House Best Open Mic Night in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Agricola Open Mic on receiving The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Award for Best Open Mic Night and express its appreciation for Agricola Open Mic's contributions and commitment to arts and culture in Halifax.

RESOLUTION NO. 2703

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Ace Burger Company is a hamburger restaurant located on Agricola Street in the North End of Halifax; and

Whereas Ace Burger Company resides in Gus' Pub and makes their hamburgers from locally-sourced ingredients; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted Ace Burger Company Best Burger in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Ace Burger Company on receiving The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Award for Best Burger and express its appreciation for Ace Burger Company for its contributions to local business and North End Halifax.

RESOLUTION NO. 2704

[Page 6904]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas The Flower Shop was established in 1936 and is located in the North End of downtown Halifax; and

Whereas along with selling flowers and arrangements, The Flower Shop offers creative arrangement workshops and classes; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted The Flower Shop Best Flower Shop in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate The Flower Shop on receiving The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Award for Best Flower Shop and express its appreciation for its commitment to North End Halifax.

RESOLUTION NO. 2705

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas MVMNTS is a five-piece doom-prog, drone, post-metal, and art metal band; and

Whereas Ashley Pringle is an outstanding guitarist for the band MVMNTS; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted MVMNTS Best Experimental Band in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Ashley Pringle and MVMNTS on receiving The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Award for Best Experimental Band and express its appreciation for Ashley and MVMNTS' contributions and commitment to art and culture in Halifax.

RESOLUTION NO. 2706

[Page 6905]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas The Space Age is a three-piece rock band founded in 2011, comprised of Andy Patil, Greg Fry, and Roger Nelson; and

Whereas The Space Age released its second album, My Own Tonight, in June 2015; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted The Space Age Best Vinyl in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate the members of The Space Age on receiving The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Award for Best Vinyl and express its appreciation for their contributions and commitment to art and culture in Halifax.

RESOLUTION NO. 2707

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Courtney Nickerson is a registered massage therapist and owner of Agricola Holistic Health; and

Whereas Courtney Nickerson graduated from the International Complementary Therapy School at Northumberland College in 2006; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted Courtney Nickerson Best Massage Therapist in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Courtney Nickerson on receiving The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Award for Best Massage Therapist and express its appreciation for Courtney's contributions and commitment to health and wellness in North End Halifax.

RESOLUTION NO. 2708

[Page 6906]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Cyclesmith has been selling and servicing cycling equipment and accessories in Halifax for over 25 years; and

Whereas in 2014 Cyclesmith moved from their home of 20 years on Quinpool Road to Agricola Street in the North End of Halifax; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted Cyclesmith Best Bike Store in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Cyclesmith on receiving The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Award for Best Bike Store and express its appreciation for its contributions and commitment to Halifax.

RESOLUTION NO. 2709

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Dee Dee's Ice Cream is a small family-run ice cream and burrito shop on Cornwallis Street in the North End of Halifax; and

Whereas Dee Dee's Ice Cream originated in Peggy's Cove and has been serving Nova Scotia since 2004; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted Dee Dee's Ice Cream Best Ice Cream/Gelato/Frozen Yogurt in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Dee Dee's Ice Cream on receiving The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Award for Best Ice Cream/Gelato/Frozen Yogurt and express its appreciation for Dee Dee's contributions and commitment to North End Halifax.

RESOLUTION NO. 2710

[Page 6907]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas since 1971, the Ecology Action Centre has been working locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally to build a healthier, more sustainable world; and

Whereas the Ecology Action Centre strives to provide environmental information, to be a watchdog for the environment, and to advocate for and pursue solutions to environmental problems; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted the Ecology Action Centre Best Activist Organization in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate the Ecology Action Centre on receiving The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Award for Best Activist Organization and express its appreciation for EAC's contributions and commitment to the environment in our province.

RESOLUTION NO. 2711

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Edna is a bistro-style restaurant serving high-quality meals in Halifax's North End; and

Whereas Edna has been nationally recognized as one of the top 10 best new restaurants in Canada; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted Edna Best Brunch and Best Restaurant in The Coast's 2015 best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Edna on receiving The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards for Best Brunch and Best Restaurant and express its appreciation for Edna's contributions to North End Halifax.

RESOLUTION NO. 2712

[Page 6908]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas enVie - A Vegan Kitchen is a vegan restaurant located on Charles Street in the North End of Halifax; and

Whereas along with being a restaurant, enVie hosts events, runs workshops, and offers classes on healthy eating; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted enVie Best Vegetarian-Friendly in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate enVie - A Vegan Kitchen on receiving The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Award for Best Vegetarian-Friendly and express its appreciation for enVie's contributions and commitment to North End Halifax.

RESOLUTION NO. 2713

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas The Mellotones is an eight-piece jazz, soul, funk, and R&B band who have been playing together for 18 years; and

Whereas Eric Landry is The Mellotones' talented trombone player from Halifax's North End; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted The Mellotones Best Artist/Band To Dance To in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Eric Landry and The Mellotones on receiving The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Award for Best Artist/Band To Dance To and express its appreciation for Eric and The Mellotones' contributions and commitment to art and culture in Halifax.

RESOLUTION NO. 2714

[Page 6909]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Evolve Fitness is a personal training studio located on Cunard Street in the North End of Halifax; and

Whereas Evolve Fitness is dedicated to providing a safe, fun, non-intimidating, all-inclusive atmosphere; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted Evolve Fitness Best Gym in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Evolve Fitness on receiving The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Award for Best Gym and express its appreciation for Evolve's commitment to the health and well-being of residents in the community of North End Halifax.

RESOLUTION NO. 2715

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Field Guide is a restaurant and bar located on Gottingen Street in the North End of Halifax; and

Whereas Field Guide's menu features locally-sourced ingredients from local farmers and producers and beer from local microbreweries; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted Field Guide Best Cocktail in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Field Guide on receiving The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Award for Best Cocktail and express its appreciation to Field Guide for its contributions to North End Halifax and local business.

RESOLUTION NO. 2716

[Page 6910]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Finer Things is an antiques and curios store located on Agricola Street in the North End of Halifax and has been operating for 10 years; and

Whereas Finer Things has won The Coast's Best of Halifax Award for Best Antiques since 2011; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted Finer Things Best Antiques Store in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Finer Things on receiving The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Award for Best Antiques Store and express its appreciation for its contributions and commitment to Halifax.

RESOLUTION NO. 2717

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Garrett Mason is a Blues musician living in the North End of Halifax; and

Whereas Garrett Mason is a Juno Award nominee and won a Music Nova Scotia Award for Blues Recording of the Year; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted Garrett Mason Best Blues Artist/Band in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Garrett Mason on receiving The Coast's Best of Halifax Award for Best Blues Artist/Band and express its appreciation for Garrett's contributions and commitment to art and culture in Halifax.

RESOLUTION NO. 2718

[Page 6911]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Gypsophilia is a seven-piece jazz band from Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Gina Burgess is an outstanding violin player in the band Gypsophilia; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted Gypsophilia Best Jazz Artist/Band in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Gina Burgess and Gypsophilia on receiving The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Award for Best Jazz Band/Artist and express its appreciation for Gina and Gypsophilia's contributions and commitment to art and culture in Halifax.

RESOLUTION NO. 2719

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Jackie Torrens is a talented Halifax writer, actor, and director; and

Whereas Jackie Torrens has acted in many local film and TV productions, such as Sex & Violence, Heartbeat, and Shattered City: The Halifax Explosion; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted Jackie Torrens Best Female Film/TV Actor in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Jackie Torrens on winning Best Female Film/TV Actor in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards and express its appreciation for her contributions and commitment to creative arts in Halifax.

RESOLUTION NO. 2720

[Page 6912]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Jollytails Inc. is an independent, locally owned business catering to dogs; and

Whereas Jollytails Inc. offers products and services such as dog daycare, training, and grooming; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted Jollytails Inc. Best Dog Groomer and Best Pet Supply Store in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Jollytails Inc. on receiving The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards for Best Dog Groomer and Best Pet Supply Store and express its appreciation for its commitment to North End Halifax.

RESOLUTION NO. 2721

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Java Blend is a café located on North Street in the North End of Halifax; and

Whereas Java Blend has roasted, sold, and served delicious coffee to Halifax for over 70 years; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted Java Blend Best Coffee, Best Café and Best Specialty Coffee in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Java Blend on receiving The Coast's Best of Halifax Awards for Best Coffee, Best Specialty Coffee and Best Café and express its appreciation to Java Blend for its contributions to North End Halifax.

RESOLUTION NO. 2722

[Page 6913]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Julien's Patisserie, Bakery & Café is located in the Hydrostone area of North End Halifax; and

Whereas Julien's Patisserie, Bakery & Café has been selling high-quality pastry and artisan breads in the Hydrostone area for more than 10 years; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted Julien's Patisserie, Bakery & Café Best Bakery in The Coast's Best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Julien's Patisserie, Bakery & Café on receiving The Coast's Best of Halifax Award for Best Bakery and express its appreciation for its contributions to North End Halifax.

RESOLUTION NO. 2723

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Kurt Borden is a beloved bus driver in the Halifax Regional Municipality; and

Whereas Kurt has been a driver for Metro Transit for the past 12 years; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted Kurt Borden Best Bus Driver in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Kurt Borden on receiving The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Award for Best Bus Driver and express its appreciation for Kurt's contributions and commitment to public transit in Halifax.

RESOLUTION NO. 2724

[Page 6914]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Marina Smith is a talented crafter and artist in the North End of Halifax; and

Whereas Marina Smith is the founder and ex-president of the Jules Verne Phantastical Society of Halifax; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted Marina Smith Best Crafter in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Marina Smith on receiving The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Award for Best Crafter and express its appreciation for Marina's contributions and commitment to art and culture in Halifax.

RESOLUTION NO. 2725

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Megan McDowell is a comedian who has lived in Halifax since 2009; and

Whereas Megan McDowell is the winner of the first Second City Next Comedy Legend Competition; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted Megan McDowell Best Comedian in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Megan McDowell on receiving The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Award for Best Comedian and express its appreciation for Megan's contributions and commitment to arts and culture in Halifax.

RESOLUTION NO. 2726

[Page 6915]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Menz & Mollyz Bar is an all-inclusive LGBTQI bar on Gottingen Street in the North End of Halifax; and

Whereas Menz & Mollyz features all-inclusive entertainment, often showcasing local music, artists, and performers; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted Menz & Mollyz Best Gay Bar in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Menz & Mollyz on receiving The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Award for Best Gay Bar and express its appreciation to Menz & Mollyz for its contributions to North End Halifax.

RESOLUTION NO. 2727

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Gypsophilia is seven-piece jazz band from Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Ross Burns is an amazing guitar player in the band Gypsophilia; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted Gypsophilia Best Jazz Artist/Band in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Ross Burns and Gypsophilia on receiving The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Award for Best Jazz Band/Artist and express its appreciation for Ross and Gypsophilia's contributions and commitment to art and culture in Halifax.

RESOLUTION NO. 2728

[Page 6916]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Octopi Computers is a computer store and service centre on Cornwallis Street in the North End of Halifax; and

Whereas Octopi Computers sells and services computers both locally and online; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted Octopi Computers Best Computer Store in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Octopi Computers on receiving The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Award for Best Computer Store and express its appreciation for its commitment to North End Halifax.

RESOLUTION NO. 2729

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Salvatore's Pizzaiolo Trattoria is an Italia restaurant in the Hydrostone area of North End Halifax; and

Whereas Salvatore's Pizzaiolo Trattoria has been serving high-quality pizza and pasta for over 20 years; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted Salvatore's Pizzaiolo Trattoria Best Pizza Pie in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Salvatore's Pizzaiolo Trattoria on receiving The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Award for Best Pizza Pie and express its appreciation for Salvatore's contributions and commitment to North End Halifax.

RESOLUTION NO. 2730

[Page 6917]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Scotia Pharmacy is a pharmacy located on Gottingen Street in the North End of Halifax; and

Whereas Scotia Pharmacy provides North End Halifax with quality service, products, and information; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted Scotia Pharmacy's twitter tag @ScotiaPharmacy Best Twitterer in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Scotia Pharmacy on receiving The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Award for Best Twitterer and express its appreciation for Scotia Pharmacy's contributions and commitment to health and wellness in North End Halifax.

RESOLUTION NO. 2731

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas the Italian Canadian Cultural Association is dedicated to enriching and sharing Italian and Canadian culture through cultural, recreational, and educational services; and

Whereas Hanna Bowers is furthering her education by attending post-secondary school; and

Whereas Hanna Bowers was awarded a bursary from the Italian Canadian Cultural Association;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Hanna Bowers for being awarded an Italian Canadian Cultural Association bursary and extend best wishes in her post-secondary endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2732

[Page 6918]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas the Italian Canadian Cultural Association is dedicated to enriching and sharing Italian and Canadian culture through cultural, recreational, and educational services; and

Whereas Sylvie Julien is furthering her education by attending post-secondary school; and

Whereas Sylvie Julien was awarded a bursary from the Italian Canadian Cultural Association;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Sylvie Julien for being awarded an Italian Canadian Cultural Association bursary and extend best wishes in her post-secondary endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2733

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas the Italian Canadian Cultural Association is dedicated to enriching and sharing Italian and Canadian culture through cultural, recreational, and educational services; and

Whereas Katie Rubinger is furthering her education by attending post-secondary school; and

Whereas Katie Rubinger was awarded a bursary from the Italian Canadian Cultural Association;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Katie Rubinger for being awarded an Italian Canadian Cultural Association bursary and extend best wishes in her post-secondary endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2734

[Page 6919]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Erin Costelo is a talented musician based in Halifax; and

Whereas Erin Costelo won an ECMA in 2012 and has performed with Symphony Nova Scotia and the Blue Engine String Quartet; and

Whereas on November 8, 2015, Erin Costelo was awarded the 2015 Music Nova Scotia Award for Educator of the Year;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Erin Costelo on her Music Nova Scotia Award and thank her for her contributions and commitment to music in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2735

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas In-Flight Safety is a five-piece indie rock band made up of John W.D. Mullane, Glen Nicholson, Daniel Ledwell, Brad Goodsell, and Jon Sheen; and

Whereas on November 8, 2015, Music Nova Scotia held its annual awards ceremony in Yarmouth; and

Whereas In-Flight Safety was awarded the 2015 Music Nova Scotia Award for Alternative Recording of the Year;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate the members of In-Flight Safety on their Music Nova Scotia Award and thank them for their contributions and commitment to music in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2736

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Old Blood is a grunge, alternative, post-rock band made up of Trevor DeSouza, Cory Leach, Josh White, and Lloyd Smith; and

[Page 6920]

Whereas on November 8, 2015, Music Nova Scotia held its annual awards ceremony in Yarmouth; and

Whereas Old Blood was awarded the 2015 Music Nova Scotia Award for Loud Recording of the Year;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate the members of Old Blood on their Music Nova Scotia Award and thank them for their contributions and commitment to music in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2737

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Stephen Cooke is an entertainment reporter at The Chronicle Herald; and

Whereas Stephen Cooke earned a Bachelor of Journalism from University of King's College and runs the podcast, Lens Me Your Ears; and

Whereas on November 8, 2015, Stephen Cooke was awarded the 2015 Music Nova Scotia Award for Media Professional of the Year;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Stephen Cooke on his Music Nova Scotia Award and thank him for his contributions and commitment to art and culture in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2738

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Tanya Beers is a promoter/co-owner of Broken Chord Promotions; and

Whereas on November 8, 2015, Music Nova Scotia held its annual awards ceremony in Yarmouth; and

Whereas Tanya Beers was awarded the 2015 Music Nova Scotia Award for Volunteer of the Year;

[Page 6921]

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Tanya Beers on her Music Nova Scotia Award and thank her for her contributions and commitment to music in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2739

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas The Town Heroes are an alt-rock duo from Cape Breton Island made up of Mike Ryan and Bruce Gillis; and

Whereas on November 8, 2015, Music Nova Scotia held its annual awards ceremony in Yarmouth; and

Whereas The Town Heroes were awarded the 2015 Music Nova Scotia Award for Digital Artist of the Year;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate the members of The Town Heroes on their music Nova Scotia Award and thank them for their contributions and commitment to music in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2740

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Trevor Murphy is a publicist at Pigeon Row Public Relations and an Ambassador at Acadian Embassy; and

Whereas on November 8, 2015, Music Nova Scotia held its annual awards ceremony in Yarmouth; and

Whereas Trevor Murphy was awarded two 2015 Music Nova Scotia Awards for Industry Professional of the Year and Publicist of the Year;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Trevor Murphy on his Music Nova Scotia Awards and thank him for his contributions and commitment to art and culture in Nova Scotia.

[Page 6922]

RESOLUTION NO. 2741

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Ian Johnson is the Servicing Coordinator for the Communications Team with the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union; and

Whereas Ian Johnson has been a policy analyst and researcher with the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union; and

Whereas Ian Johnson has decided to retire from the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union after 20 years of service;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Ian Johnson on his retirement and thank him for 20 years of hard work and dedication to Nova Scotia workers.

RESOLUTION NO. 2742

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Paul O'Hara was a social worker at the North End Community Health Centre; and

Whereas Paul O'Hara has been an advocate for people on low incomes and welfare, homeless people, and youth; and

Whereas Paul O'Hara retired from the North End Community Health Centre at the end of October 2015, after 35 years;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly thank Paul O'Hara for his dedication to social work and advocacy in Nova Scotia and extend best wishes to a well-deserved retirement.

RESOLUTION NO. 2743

[Page 6923]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Stephen Ayer was the tireless leader of the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia as the executive director from 2006 to 2015; and

Whereas Stephen Ayer has held many positions related to the health sector and mental health in specific; and

Whereas after almost a decade of hard work and dedication, Stephen Ayer has decided to retire from his position as executive director of the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly thank Stephen Ayer for his advocacy and leadership for mental health and recognize his contributions to mental health awareness in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2744

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Rick Clarke was the president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour for over 25 years; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour represents 70,000 union members by lobbying the provincial government for justice and fairness for workers across the province; and

Whereas in October 2015, Rick Clarke resigned from his position of president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly thank Rick Clarke for his hard work and dedication to the labour movement and to the workers of our province, and extend best wishes in all his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2745

[Page 6924]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Brian States has been an official in a variety of basketball leagues and is a resident of Halifax, Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Brian States is known on the court for his exceptionally calm demeanor and intolerance for profanity; and

Whereas Brian States was awarded, in June 2015, a Ricoh Sport Award for Official of the Year in Basketball;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Brian States on his Ricoh Sport Award for Official of the Year in Basketball and recognize his contributions to the promotion of sport and active lifestyle in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2746

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas John Campbell is a resident of Halifax, Nova Scotia; and

Whereas John Campbell has volunteered for Founders Cup and was awarded the Lacrosse Nova Scotia Volunteer of the Year in 2014; and

Whereas in June 2015, John Campbell won the Ricoh Sport Award for Volunteer of the Year in Lacrosse;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate John Campbell for winning the 2015 Ricoh Sport Award for Volunteer of the Year in Lacrosse and thank him for promoting sport and active living in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2747

[Page 6925]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas John Gray is a referee for Soccer Nova Scotia and has been appointed to the Canadian Soccer Association list of National Officials; and

Whereas John Gray has been an assistant referee for the North American Soccer League and works in many other youth and adult leagues in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas John Gray won the Ricoh Sport Awards Official of the Year award for Soccer in June of 2015;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly thank John Gray for his outstanding work as a soccer official and referee in Nova Scotia, and thank him for promoting sport and active living in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2748

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Jim Blanchard is a director on the Orienteering Canada Board of Directors and is a member of the Officials Program Committee, the Coaching Program Committee, the Technical Committee and the Long Term Athlete Development Committee; and

Whereas Jim Blanchard has held positions as technical director and in Junior Development for the Orienteering Association of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas in June 2015, Jim Blanchard won the Ricoh Sport Award for Volunteer of the Year in Orienteering;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Jim Blanchard for winning the 2015 Ricoh Sport Award for Volunteer of the Year in Orienteering and thank him for promoting sport and active living in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2749

[Page 6926]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Alisha Boyd is an award-winning Canadian artist, designer, goldsmith and owner/operator of Luxi Studioworks; and

Whereas Alisha Boyd has completed three arts degrees, most recently a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jewellery & Metalsmith from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design; and

Whereas Alisha Boyd held the grand opening of Luxi Studioworks, a lighting design studio, in Fall 2015;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Alisha Boyd on the opening of Luxi Studioworks and extend best wishes for her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2750

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Ben Proudfoot is a director, producer, and founder of Breakwater Motion Pictures, who was born in Halifax; and

Whereas Ben Proudfoot has written and directed a number of well-received short films, including Dinner with Fred and Ink&Paper; and

Whereas Ben Proudfoot won Best Director for Life's Work: Six Conversations with Makers at the Raindance Film Festival in London, England;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Ben Proudfoot on winning Best Director and for his nominations for Best International Series and Best Production, and recognize his contributions to the film industry in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2751

[Page 6927]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas The Book of Negros is a mini-series based on the novel of the same name by Lawrence Hill; and

Whereas The Book of Negros is a story partly based in Nova Scotia about an enslaved woman and her struggle to secure freedom; and

Whereas The Book of Negros won the Directors Guild Award's Best Television Movie/Mini-Series award on October 24, 2015;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate the cast and crew of The Book of Negros on their Directors Guild Award and recognize their contributions to the arts community and film jobs in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2752

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Danny Cavanagh has been the president of CUPE Nova Scotia since 2005; and

Whereas Danny Cavanagh is a founding member of CUPE's Literacy Working Group and is the board chair of Literacy Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Danny Cavanagh was awarded the CUPE Literacy Award at the CUPE National Convention in November of 2015;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Danny Cavanagh for being awarded the CUPE Literacy Award and thank him for his hard work and dedication to literacy and to the public employees of Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2753

[Page 6928]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Danny Cavanagh has been on CUPE Nova Scotia's executive board since 2005; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour represents 70,000 union members by lobbying the provincial government for worker justice and fairness; and

Whereas in October 2015, Danny Cavanagh was elected as the president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Danny Cavanagh on being elected as president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour and thank him for his hard work and dedication to the labour movement and to the workers of Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2754

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas the No. 2 Construction Engineers Battalion was the only predominantly black battalion in Canadian military history and the only Canadian battalion composed of black soldiers to serve in World War I; and

Whereas the No. 2 Construction Engineers Battalion was, in 1992, designated an event of national historic significance by the government of Canada; and

Whereas July 5, 2015, will be the centennial of the commissioning of the No. 2 Construction Engineers Battalion;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly recognize the No. 2 Construction Engineers Battalion for their dedicated service in the Canadian military and their contribution to black history in Nova Scotia, and thank them for their bravery and valour.

RESOLUTION NO. 2755

[Page 6929]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas the financial and social barriers homeless and disadvantaged people face in obtaining government identification can prevent them from participating fully in our community; and

Whereas The Identification Clinic is a volunteer group that helps homeless and disadvantaged people in Halifax acquire government identification in the hope of providing an opportunity to overcome these obstacles; and

Whereas Darren Greer founded The Identification Clinic in August 2015;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly thank Darren Greer for his generous commitment to disadvantaged people in Nova Scotia and recognize his contributions to the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2756

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas the Nova Scotia Provincial Injured Workers Association is an advocacy group focused on building a more humanitarian Workers' Compensation Act; and

Whereas David Conohan has previously served as president of the association and introduced an online community where workers could receive help with documents from professionals; and

Whereas in April 2015, David Conohan once again became president of the Nova Scotia Provincial Injured Workers Association;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate David Conohan on his new position as president of the Nova Scotia Provincial Injured Workers Association and thank him for his commitment to our community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2757

[Page 6930]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Irvine Carvery is a community activist and former school board chairman, born in Africville; and

Whereas Irvine Carvery was president of the Africville Genealogy Society for 28 years, during which time the Africville church was rebuilt and the Africville community received an apology from the City of Halifax; and

Whereas Irvine Carvery has stepped down as president for the Africville Genealogy Society;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly thank Irvine Carvery for 28 years of service as the president of the Africville Genealogy Society, and recognize his contributions to the community and the struggle for social justice in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2758

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Elizabeth Paris is a member of the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 2330 and serves as equity vice-president for CUPE Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Elizabeth Paris helped to establish the CUPE Nova Scotia Human Rights Committee and is a member of the CUPE National Rainbow Committee; and

Whereas Elizabeth Paris was awarded CUPE's Biennial Ed Blackman Award for Commitment to Activism on Racial Justice in November 2015;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Elizabeth Paris for winning the Ed Blackman Award, and thank her for commitment to human rights and racial justice in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2759

[Page 6931]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Jackie Torrens is a journalist, writer, actor, director, and co-owner of the production company Peep Media Inc.; and

Whereas Jackie Torrens personally understands the stigmas and struggles of many Nova Scotians in receipt of income assistance; and

Whereas Peep Media extolled those struggles in its documentary, My Week on Welfare, which aired on August 29, 2015, on CBC Television;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Jackie

Torrens on the release of the documentary, My Week on Welfare, and thank her for her work in highlighting the challenges of people in poverty in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2760

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Jessica Brown is an artist, producer, and co-owner of the production company Peep Media Inc.; and

Whereas a growing number of income assistance recipients face significant stigmas and struggles in our province; and

Whereas Peep Media extolled those struggles in its documentary, My Week on Welfare, which aired on August 29, 2015, on CBC Television;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Jessica Brown on the release of the documentary, My Week on Welfare, and thank her for her work in highlighting the challenges of people in poverty in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2761

[Page 6932]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas the Jackson family, from the north end of Halifax, lost 46 out of 66 family members in the Halifax Explosion, the largest loss in a single family; and

Whereas the Jackson family was separated and lost contact for decades, some of the family living in California and some in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the Jackson family was reunited in August of 2015 for the first time in many decades, two years before the 100^th Anniversary of the Halifax Explosion;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate the Jackson family for their long-awaited reunion, and recognize the loss they suffered in the Halifax Explosion - a tragic event in our local history.

RESOLUTION NO. 2762

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Jordan Poole is a talented film, television, and voice actor; and

Whereas Jordan Poole plays the role of Alex in the award winning CBC comedy Mr. D; and

Whereas Jordan Poole won a Joey Award for Best Actor in a TV comedy Recurring Role;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Jordan Poole on winning Best Actor in a TV Comedy Recurring Role at the 2015 Joey Awards and thank him for his contributions and commitment to arts and culture in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2763

[Page 6933]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Jillian Saulnier is a skilled hockey player who has played for a number of competitive hockey teams including the Halifax Hawks and Team Atlantic as well as Canada's National Women's Under-18 and Under-22 Teams; and

Whereas at the IIHF Women's World Championship in Sweden this spring Jillian Saulnier became the first Nova Scotian to play for Team Canada at the Women's World Championship; and

Whereas Jillian Saulnier helped Team Canada place second in the world and earn a silver medal;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Jillian Saulnier on her silver medal and thank her for representing Nova Scotia and Canada with pride at the IIHF Women's World Championship.

RESOLUTION NO. 2764

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Lisa Roberts serves on United Way Halifax's Neighborhood Council and is a founding board member of the North End Opportunities Fund; and

Whereas Lisa Roberts was the community facilitator for the North End Community Circle, which works to bring people together on community projects; and

Whereas in September 2015 Lisa Roberts became executive director of Vieth House;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Lisa Roberts on her new position as the executive director of Vieth House and thank her for her continued commitment to community development in Halifax.

RESOLUTION NO. 2765

[Page 6934]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Melanie Clarke is a coach at Blended Athletics in Dartmouth; and

Whereas Melanie Clarke created and runs Mel's Belles Barbell Club, a women's only barbell club; and

Whereas Melanie Clarke was the only female weightlifter from the Maritimes competing in the Canadian Weightlifting Federation Championships;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Melanie Clarke for representing Halifax with pride at the Canadian Weightlifting Federation Championships and thank her for her commitment to sport and fitness in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2766

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Laura King is an Early Literacy Support Teacher at St. Joseph's A. McKay Elementary School; and

Whereas Laura King helped get a bursary for St. Joseph's A. McKay Elementary School from Indigo's Love of Reading Foundation; and

Whereas in the summer of 2015 Laura King started a bookmobile to keep students reading throughout the summer;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly thank Laura King for her strong commitment to literacy and promotion of education in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2767

[Page 6935]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas the reachAbility Association is a not-for-profit community organization which works to enrich and empower individuals and the community through a fair, equitable, and inclusive culture; and

Whereas reachAbility provides free programs, camps and events in the areas of self-awareness, employment, recreation, and legal services; and

Whereas the reachAbility Association celebrated their 15^th Anniversary on June 15, 2015;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly thank reachAbility for their leadership in creating an inclusive environment for all, and congratulate them for their 15 years of outstanding service.

RESOLUTION NO. 2768

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Scott Simpson is a producer/writer, advocate for the arts, secretary of the Nova Scotia Creative Leadership Council, and the owner/operator of Playmaker Films; and

Whereas The Toll is a short film, shot in Nova Scotia, about a toll booth attendant's life being thrown into chaos when a car crashes into his toll plaza; and

Whereas The Toll was a finalist in the CBCs Short Film Faceoff competition;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Scott Simpson and the cast and crew of The Toll for having their film chosen as a finalist in the Short Film Faceoff, and thank them for their contribution to art and culture in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2769

[Page 6936]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Sage Tree Law is a community-focused law firm practicing family law, powers of attorney, and non-profit law; and

Whereas Sarah Greenwood and Melissa McGregor are advocates and leaders of affordable, accessible, and community-minded law; and

Whereas Sage Tree Law celebrated the opening of a community-focused law firm based out of Veith House in January 2015;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly thank Sage Tree Law for their leadership and service in accessible, community-based law, and congratulate them on the grand opening of their Veith House office.

RESOLUTION NO. 2770

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas The Welcome BBQ Association is committed to organizing intercultural events that welcome newcomers to Halifax; and

Whereas The Welcome BBQ Association has hosted many events, bringing newcomers and current residents together to build relationships and make connections; and

Whereas The Welcome BBQ Association hosted their 10^th Anniversary Celebration Welcome BBQ on Saturday, August 8, 2015, at the Halifax Commons;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly thank The Welcome BBQ Association for promoting an inclusive environment for newcomers, and congratulate them on their successful hosting of the 10^th Anniversary Celebration Welcome BBQ.

RESOLUTION NO. 2771

[Page 6937]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Stephanie Kenny is an Early Literacy Support Teacher at St. Josephs A. McKay Elementary School; and

Whereas Stephanie Kenny works to promote literacy in her students; and

Whereas in the summer of 2015 Stephanie Kenny started a bookmobile to keep students reading throughout the summer;

Therefore it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly thank Stephanie Kenny for her strong commitment to literacy and education in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2772

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Mulgrave Park Caring and Learning Centre is a community development initiative, offering valuable courses and information for adults and children on a wide variety of topics including health, hobbies, and parenting; and

Whereas Mulgrave Park Caring and Learning Centre seeks to empower the residents of Mulgrave Park through entrepreneurial action that inspires inclusiveness and challenges stigma; and

Whereas Mulgrave Park Caring and Learning Centre celebrated its grand reopening on July 21, 2015;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly thank Mulgrave Park Caring and Learning Centre for promoting inclusiveness by offering valuable courses and programs to the residents of Mulgrave Park, and congratulate them on their grand reopening.

RESOLUTION NO. 2773

[Page 6938]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Michael Donovan is an executive chairman of DHX Media Ltd., a global film and television company; and

Whereas Michael Donovan is also a producer and writer known for well-known productions like Bowling for Columbine and This Hour Has 22 Minutes; and

Whereas Michael Donovan is the 2015 Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year and will compete for the world title in Monaco next June for World Entrepreneur of the Year;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Michael Donovan on winning the 2015 Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year, and recognize his contributions to arts and culture in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2774

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Peak Audio is a home entertainment store located on Agricola Street, in the north end of Halifax, and has been open for over 25 years; and

Whereas Peak Audio provides high-quality audio and home theatre equipment, furniture, custom installation, and a full on-site service department; and

Whereas the people of Halifax voted Peak Audio Best Home Entertainment Store in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Peak Audio on receiving The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Award for Best Home Entertainment Store, and express its appreciation for its commitment to North End Halifax.

RESOLUTION NO. 2775

[Page 6939]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas the Progress Centre for Early Intervention is a non-profit Resource and Community Outreach Program for Infants and Young Children with Developmental Delays; and

Whereas the Progress Centre for Early Intervention has provided valuable services and information to the Halifax Regional Municipality; and

Whereas the Progress Centre for Early Intervention is celebrating 30 years of service to families of young children with special needs in the Halifax Regional Municipality;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly thank the Progress Centre for Early Intervention for its outstanding service to the special needs community, and congratulate them for 30 successful years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2776

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Nauss Bicycle Shop is located on Agricola Street in Halifax and was established in 1968; and

Whereas Nauss Bicycle Shop has provided quality sales and service of bicycles and accessories for 46 years; and

Whereas Nauss Bicycle Shop recently announced that they will be closing their doors on December 15^th;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly thank the owners and staff of Nauss Bicycle Shop for their contributions to a healthy, active lifestyle in Nova Scotia, and extend best wishes for their future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2777

[Page 6940]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Youth Art Connection is an organization dedicated to supporting a diverse range of young artists in Nova Scotia to help them flourish and succeed; and

Whereas Ann Denny is a mentor at and founder of Youth Art Connection; and

Whereas Ann Denny was awarded the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Halifax INSPIRE Imagination Award;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Ann Denny for being awarded the INSPIRE Learning Award and thank her for her commitment and dedication to creativity and the arts in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2778

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Ben Leppan has worked for the RCMP for 23 years as an auxiliary constable and RCMP officer; and

Whereas Ben Leppan has helped to create the Hybrid Hub youth intervention model, which is designed to help youth at risk of offending or re-offending; and

Whereas Ben Leppan was awarded the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Halifax INSPIRE Service Award;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Ben Leppan for being awarded the INSPIRE Service Award and thank him for his commitment and dedication to youth and community in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2779

[Page 6941]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Brad Crossley is a teacher of physical education at Astral Drive Junior High School; and

Whereas Brad Crossley has been head coach to many hockey teams from bantam level to university level; and

Whereas Brad Crossley was awarded the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Halifax INSPIRE Leadership Award;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Brad Crossley for being awarded the INSPIRE Leadership Award and thank him for his commitment and dedication to community and active lifestyle in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2780

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Ben Leppan has worked for the RCMP for 23 years as an auxiliary constable and RCMP officer; and

Whereas Ben Leppan has helped to create the Hybrid Hub youth intervention model, which is designed to help youth at risk of offending or re-offending; and

Whereas Ben Leppan was awarded the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Halifax INSPIRE Service Award;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Ben Leppan for being awarded the INSPIRE Service Award and thank him for his commitment and dedication to youth and community in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2781

[Page 6942]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas David Moir is a volunteer, bus monitor, and lunch monitor at École Shannon Park School; and

Whereas David Moir is and has been involved in Scouts Canada for 30 years; and

Whereas David Moir was awarded the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Halifax INSPIRE Learning Award;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate David Moir for being awarded the INSPIRE Learning Award and thank him for his commitment and dedication to youth and community in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2782

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Scott Jones is the president of the Don't Be Afraid Campaign, which raises awareness against homophobia and transphobia; and

Whereas Scott Jones is the Artistic Director of VOX: A Choir for Social Change and sits on the board of the Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Scott Jones was awarded the Big Brothers Big Sisters of grater Halifax INSPIRE Community Spirit Award;

Therefor be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Scott Jones for being awarded the INSPIRE Community Spirit Award and thank him for his commitment and dedication to community and social change in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2783

[Page 6943]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Megan Leslie was an incredible representative of Halifax as Member of Parliament from 2008 to 2015; and

Whereas Megan Leslie has been a strong, principled advocate for social, economic, and environmental justice in the House of Commons and in the community for many years; and

Whereas Megan Leslie will continue to stand up for environmental causes in her new position as Senior Advisor on WWF Canada's oceans team;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly recognize Megan Leslie's dedication and service to the people of Halifax and extend best wishes in her future endeavors.

RESOLUTION NO. 2784

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Youth Art Connection is an organization dedicated to supporting a diverse range of young artists in Nova Scotia to help them flourish and succeed; and

Whereas Ryan Veltmeyer founded Youth Art Connection and is now a mentor with the organization; and

Whereas Ryan Veltmeyer was awarded the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Halifax INSPIRE Imagination Award;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Ryan Veltmeyer for being awarded the INSPIRE Learning Award and thank him for his commitment and dedication to creativity and the arts in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2785

[Page 6944]

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas the Narrative in Space+Time Society is an interdisciplinary creative research group working on projects involving mobile media and walking; and

Whereas the Narrative in Space+Time Society hosted a public walk called Walking the Debris Field: A Natural History, which highlights the flora, fauna, terrain and people affected by the Halifax Explosion on December 6, 2015;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly recognize the Narratives in Space+Time Society for their contributions to public art and thank them for their promotion of local history in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2786

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Trevor Quinlan is a registered nurse in an emergency department for a Halifax Hospital; and

Whereas when Trevor was eight years old he and his father, Kevin Quinlan, started a coat collecting initiative called Coats for Kids; and

Whereas each year Trevor Quinlan collects coats at The Sydney Santa Clause Parade and distributes the collection to surrounding charities;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly recognize Trevor's contributions to charity in Nova Scotia and thank him for keeping Nova Scotia warm in the winter.

RESOLUTION NO. 2787

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Acting Leader of the NDP)

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

Whereas Gypsophilla is a seven-piece jazz band made up of Adam Fine, Alex Frith, Gina Burgess, Matt Myer, Nick Wilkinson, Ross Burns, and Sageev Oore; and

[Page 6945]

Whereas on November 8, 2015, Music Nova Scotia held its annual awards ceremony in Yarmouth; and

Whereas Gypsophillia was awarded two 2015 Music Nova Scotia Awards for Group Recording of the Year and Jazz Recording of the Year;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate the members of Gypsophillia on their two Music Nova Scotia Awards and thank them for their contributions and commitment to music in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2788

By: Ms. Marian Mancini « » (Dartmouth South)

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

Whereas the students of Southdale-North Woodside School held a walk-a-thon on October 9, 2015, as a fundraising activity; and

Whereas 460 students from Primary to Grade 8 raised funds by asking family, friends and neighbours to sponsor them in their walk; and

Whereas the total funds raised by students amounted to $6,300, with $1 per student donated to the Terry Fox Foundation and the remainder used to support the students' education;

Therefore be it resolved that this House recognize the students of Southdale-North Woodside School for their charitable donation and congratulate them on their successful fundraising initiative.

RESOLUTION NO. 2789

By: Hon. Kevin Murphy » (The Speaker)

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

Whereas Paul Wolfe was raised in Musquodoboit Harbour and attended school in Musquodoboit Harbour and Gaetz Brook; and

Whereas Paul, in his younger years, was a newspaper carrier and learned that the value of hard work pays off; and

[Page 6946]

Whereas Paul owns and operates Jeddore Variety Store, which supports many community causes, and he also plays guitar in a music group providing entertainment to people along the Shore in many charitable endeavours;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Paul Wolfe for giving his time and talents for the betterment of people on the Eastern Shore.

RESOLUTION NO. 2790

By: Hon. Kevin Murphy « » (The Speaker)

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

Whereas Jim Kidson is a lifelong resident of Lake Charlotte and has been actively involved in his community most of his life; and

Whereas Jim is a business owner providing excavating services to hundreds of Eastern Shore residents over the past 40-plus years; and

Whereas Jim is a well-respected pillar of his community, willing to lend a hand where needed;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Jim Kidson for giving of his time and talents for the betterment of the Eastern Shore.

RESOLUTION NO. 2791

By: Hon. Kevin Murphy « » (The Speaker)

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

Whereas Gordon Hammond is a long-time resident of Clam Harbour and has been actively involved in his community; and

Whereas Gordon was a key member of the Eastern Shore Development Commission, engaging in activities that would attract businesses to the Eastern Shore; and

Whereas Gordon is a strong promotor of the Memory Lane Heritage Village in Lake Charlotte, actively searching for improvements to the Village and to the Eastern Shore;

[Page 6947]

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Gordon Hammond for giving his time and talents for the betterment of the Eastern Shore.

RESOLUTION NO. 2792

By: Hon. Kevin Murphy « » (The Speaker)

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

Whereas Emma Kiley is a resident of Musquodoboit Harbour and is a young, talented entrepreneur; and

Whereas Emma has recently opened a food service business in Musquodoboit harbour called Uprooted Cafe; and

Whereas Emma provides top quality food service and employment opportunities for residents and visitors to the Eastern Shore;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Emma Kiley for having the courage to start a new business and provide an attraction to the Eastern Shore.

RESOLUTION NO. 2793

By: Hon. Kevin Murphy « » (The Speaker)

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

Whereas Eleanor Keeping is a resident of East Jeddore and has been actively involved in her community; and

Whereas Eleanor is a member of St. John's Anglican Church in Oyster Pond and helps with various aspects of parish activities; and

Whereas Eleanor is an active member of the seniors Harbour Lites New Horizon Club and the Musquodoboit Harbour & District Lions Club and is always willing to lend a hand;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Eleanor Keeping for giving her time and talents for the betterment of the Eastern Shore.

[Page 6948]

RESOLUTION NO. 2794

By: Hon. Kevin Murphy « » (The Speaker)

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

Whereas Brian Staple is a longtime resident of Musquodoboit Harbour and has been actively involved in his community; and

Whereas Brian was a long-serving member of the Eastern Shore Recreation Commission; and

Whereas Brian is currently a member of the Musquodoboit Harbour Railway Museum, who is quick to volunteer on any project;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Brian Staple for giving his time and talents for the betterment of the Eastern Shore.

RESOLUTION NO. 2795

By: Hon. Kevin Murphy « » (The Speaker)

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

Whereas Richard Rector is a longtime resident of West Jeddore and has been actively involved in his community, particularly through his contributions to minor hockey; and

Whereas Richard has been an active participant in organizing and playing various sports events along the Shore; and

Whereas Richard is a key organizer of Sledge Hockey within Nova Scotia where he has seen growth in the sport of which he played a significant role;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Richard Rector for giving his time and talents for the betterment of residents of Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2796

[Page 6949]

By: Hon. Kevin Murphy « » (The Speaker)

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

Whereas Sheila Livingston is a longtime resident of Wisdom Point, Owls Head, and has been actively involved in her community; and

Whereas Sheila is a retired realtor who during her long time career assisted hundreds of residents on the Eastern Shore sell and purchase their homes; and

Whereas Sheila gives of her time to help with various activities at Memory Lane Heritage Village in Lake Charlotte;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Sheila Livingston for providing dedicated service to residents and visitors of the Eastern Shore.

RESOLUTION NO. 2797

By: Hon. Kevin Murphy « » (The Speaker)

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

Whereas Scott MacKenzie is a long-time resident of Musquodoboit Harbour; and

Whereas Scott is a charter member of the Musquodoboit Harbour and District Lions Club, having served in various capacities locally and provincially; and

Whereas Scott has provided the outstanding leadership in the Lions movement by being King Lion of his own Club and District Governor within the provincial jurisdiction;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Scott MacKenzie for his long-time commitment to his community and for demonstrating his continued embodiment of the Lions Club motto, We Serve.

RESOLUTION NO. 2798

[Page 6950]

By: Hon. Kevin Murphy « » (The Speaker)

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

Whereas Ralph Bayers is a lifelong resident of Ship Harbour and has been actively involved in his community most of his life; and

Whereas Ralph owns and operates Eastern Shore Auto and Excavation, employing several people on the Shore; and

Whereas Ralph had the courage and vision to acquire the old Webber's Store in Lake Charlotte with the intent of revitalizing business and employment in the area;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Ralph Bayers for his business vision and his dedication to the Eastern Shore.

RESOLUTION NO. 2799

By: Hon. Kevin Murphy « » (The Speaker)

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

Whereas John Verlinden is a long-time resident of Musquodoboit Harbour and has been actively involved in his community; and

Whereas John is currently president of the Musquodoboit Harbour Railway Museum; and

Whereas John, as president, provides exemplary leadership with the Musquodoboit Harbour Railway Museum by always taking part in the various projects, be they fundraising and/or maintenance;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking John Verlinden for giving his time and talents for the betterment of his community of Eastern Shore.

RESOLUTION NO. 2800

[Page 6951]

By: Hon. Kevin Murphy « » (The Speaker)

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

Whereas John Siteman is a long-time resident of Oyster Pond and has been actively involved in his community; and

Whereas John has carried on the family business of an automotive service station; and

Whereas John has helped many people along the Eastern Shore with automotive needs, many times in emergency situations;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking John Siteman for giving his time and talents for the betterment of residents of the Eastern Shore.

RESOLUTION NO. 2801

By: Hon. Kevin Murphy « » (The Speaker)

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

Whereas Jim Livingston is a long-time resident of Wisdom Point, Owls Head and has been actively involved in his community; and

Whereas Jim is a member of Memory Lane Heritage Village providing volunteer help wherever it is needed; and

Whereas Jim is a retired air traffic controller and well-respected pillar of his community;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this house of Assembly join me in thanking Jim Livingston for giving his time and talents for the betterment of the Eastern Shore.

RESOLUTION NO. 2802

[Page 6952]

By: Hon. Kevin Murphy « » (The Speaker)

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

Whereas Edgar Kerr is a long-time resident of Clam Harbour and has been actively involved in his community; and

Whereas Edgar is a long-serving, skilled carpenter helping residents of the Eastern Shore with building and renovation projects; and

Whereas Edgar is a long-time volunteer of the Oyster Pond Fire Department, serving in many leadership capacities, including many years as chief;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Edgar Kerr for his contribution to residents of the Eastern Shore.

RESOLUTION NO. 2803

By: Ms. Joyce Treen « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas Flight Corporal Woodford was the recipient of the Silver level of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award; and

Whereas he has 80-plus hours learning and perfecting the use of the cadet air rifle, placing him many times in the top three; and

Whereas he has many hours in volunteering with the IWK and he also enjoys sharing his time with Scouts Canada;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Flight Corporal John Robin Burnet Woodford on receiving the Silver level of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 2804

[Page 6953]

By: Ms. Joyce Treen « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas Hannah Bowers is an active member of the Helping Hands Leadership Group; and

Whereas on December 6^th, they went door to door in the community collecting non-perishables; and

Whereas on December 10^th this fine group of youth will donate a truck full of food to the local food bank just in time for Christmas;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Helping Hands Youth Leadership Group on their efforts in planning and executing a very successful holiday food drive.

RESOLUTION NO. 2805

By: Ms. Joyce Treen « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas Daniel Lowe is an active member of the Helping Hands Leadership Group; and

Whereas on December 6^th, they went door to door in the community collecting non-perishables; and

Whereas on December 10^th, this fine group of youth will donate a truck full of food to the local food bank just in time for Christmas;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Helping Hands Youth Leadership Group on their efforts in planning and executing a very successful holiday food drive.

RESOLUTION NO. 2806

[Page 6954]

By: Ms. Joyce Treen « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas Samantha Cyr is an active member of the Helping Hands Leadership Group; and

Whereas on December 6^th, they went door to door in the community collecting non-perishables; and

Whereas on December 10^th, this fine group of youth will donate a truck full of food to the local food bank just in time for Christmas;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Helping Hands Youth Leadership Group on their efforts in planning and executing a very successful holiday food drive.

RESOLUTION NO. 2807

By: Ms. Joyce Treen « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas Chloe Baker is an active member of the Helping Hands Leadership Group; and

Whereas on December 6^th, they went door to door in the community collecting non-perishables; and

Whereas on December 10^th, this fine group of youth will donate a truck full of food to the local food bank just in time for Christmas;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Helping Hands Youth Leadership Group on their efforts in planning and executing a very successful holiday food drive.

RESOLUTION NO. 2808

[Page 6955]

By: Ms. Joyce Treen « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas Emma Joy Allen is an active member of the Helping Hands Leadership Group; and

Whereas on December 6^th, they went door to door in the community collecting non-perishables; and

Whereas on December 10^th, this fine group of youth will donate a truck full of food to the local food bank just in time for Christmas;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Helping Hands Youth Leadership Group on their efforts in planning and executing a very successful holiday food drive.

RESOLUTION NO. 2809

By: Ms. Joyce Treen « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas Jamee Lea is an active member of the Helping Hands Leadership Group; and

Whereas on December 6^th, they went door to door in the community collecting non-perishables; and

Whereas on December 10^th, this fine group of youth will donate a truck full of food to the local food bank just in time for Christmas;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Helping Hands Youth Leadership Group on their efforts in planning and executing a very successful holiday food drive.

RESOLUTION NO. 2810

[Page 6956]

By: Ms. Marian Mancini « » (Dartmouth South)

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

Whereas experienced Dartmouth restauranteur Rocco Scarola, along with co-owners Guiseppe Giardino and Bruno Lattanzi, have combined forces to open Il Trullo Ristorante, a 105-seat Italian restaurant and patio at King's Wharf in downtown Dartmouth; and

Whereas Il Trullo's chef has combined authentic Southern Italian dishes with locally-sourced ingredients and a dash of contemporary flair to create a nice, modern dining experience; and

Whereas Il Trullo's presence will encourage the growth of existing local businesses and the appearance of new ones in downtown Dartmouth, providing employment for residents and revitalization to the local economy;

Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate the owners and staff of Il Trullo Ristorante for injecting new life into both Dartmouth's fine dining scene and the character of downtown Dartmouth, and wish for them much success in the years to come.

RESOLUTION NO. 2811

By: Ms. Marian Mancini « » (Dartmouth South)

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

Whereas New Scotland Yard Emporium, an innovative business medley conducted by Dartmouth musician Joel Plaskett, opened on Portland Street in downtown Dartmouth in October 2015; and

Whereas local business Taz Records (Jimmy Donnelly), Elk's Haircutting (Chris Pennell) and Honey & Butter (Cait Holmes and Alex Babineau) provide music, a cut, and a coffee and a snack under one roof; and

Whereas national media coverage of this collaboration has brought renewed attention to an enhanced national profile of the City of Lakes;

Therefore be it resolved that this House applaud New Scotland Yard Emporium for establishing in Dartmouth a pilgrimage site for East Coast music fans the world over.

RESOLUTION NO. 2812

[Page 6957]

By: Ms. Marian Mancini « » (Dartmouth South)

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

Whereas The Disc Clinic is a paramedical health care clinic that offers chiropractic services, spinal decompression, physiotherapy, massage therapy, and naturopathic medical services; and

Whereas The Disc Clinic's team of experienced practitioners in these fields have been treating patients since September 2011; and

Whereas The Disc Clinic has expanded into Dartmouth South, opening on October 3, 2015, its second location in downtown Dartmouth to complement its headquarters in Musquodoboit Harbour;

Therefore be it resolved that this House recognize the work of The Disc Clinic's practitioners and staff for continuing to provide physical aid and rehabilitation to the residents of Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2813

By: Ms. Marian Mancini « » (Dartmouth South)

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

Whereas Brittany Connors, owner of Vivacious Vixen Apparel, opened her pinup-inspired clothing store on Portland Street in downtown Dartmouth's shopping district, in December 2014; and

Whereas Vivacious Vixen Apparel, with stock combining Connors' own designs and those from retailers across the city and the continent, has earned popular recognition with The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax Readers' Choice Awards under Best Women's Clothing Store; and

Whereas as of December 6, 2015, Vivacious Vixen has been in operation in Dartmouth South for one year;

Therefore be it resolved that this House recognize and congratulate Brittany Connors of Vivacious Vixen Apparel for her successful first year in Dartmouth, and wish for her all the best in the years to come.

RESOLUTION NO. 2814

[Page 6958]

By: Ms. Marian Mancini « » (Dartmouth South)

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

Whereas Dartmouthian Kate Hamilton opened Bodega Boutique in downtown Dartmouth as a women's clothing store selling quality brands; and

Whereas Bodega Boutique also sells gifts and accessories by local designers and companies;

Whereas Bodega Boutique sponsors "pop-up" shops at its location to provide a venue for new businesses to make themselves known to the community;

Therefore be it resolved that this House recognize Dartmouth's Bodega Boutique for its role in the vitalization of downtown Dartmouth as a shopping destination for Nova Scotians.

RESOLUTION NO. 2815

By: Ms. Marian Mancini « » (Dartmouth South)

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

Whereas Robert Lawrence Chisholm served the constituents of the provincial riding of Halifax Atlantic from 1991 to 2003; and

Whereas Chisholm, as Leader of the Nova Scotia New Democratic Party, led his Party to an electoral breakthrough in 1998 that saw the NDP form Official Opposition for the first time in Nova Scotia's history; and

Whereas after a period of time serving the community outside of politics, Chisholm returned to public life as the Member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour from 2011 to 2015;

Therefore be it resolved that this House recognize Robert Chisholm for his over two decades of service to his country and the people of Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2816

[Page 6959]

By: Ms. Marian Mancini « » (Dartmouth South)

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

Whereas Vancouverite-turned-Dartmouthian Tanessa Holt has opened FoodNoise in Dartmouth South as a resource encouraging healthy food consumption; and

Whereas FoodNoise provides cooking workshops and meal-planning advice for Nova Scotians who wish to prepare and eat delicious, nutritious, and balanced food for themselves and their friends and families; and

Whereas FoodNoise also prepares take-away meals and healthy snacks for customers, in addition to selling organic and fair trade ingredients, spices, and products that fit within its mandate to "bring healthy back" to the masses;

Therefore be it resolved that this House commend FoodNoise and its owner, Tanessa Holt, for their mission to improve the health and livelihoods of all Nova Scotians.

RESOLUTION NO. 2817

By: Ms. Marian Mancini « » (Dartmouth South)

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

Whereas Dartmouth café Two if By Sea has distinguished itself over the years as a reliable and refreshing source of fair trade coffee in its downtown location; and

Whereas Two If By Sea's baked treats, from delicious cookies to enormous croissants, are things of legend, spoken of with much reverence far and wide; and

Whereas Two If By Sea was the silver medal winner in the Best Café category in The Coast's 2015 Best Of readers' survey;

Therefore be it resolved this House congratulate Dartmouth's Two If By Sea Café for its many successful years in business and establishing itself as a prominent Dartmouth landmark.

RESOLUTION NO. 2818

[Page 6960]

By: Ms. Marian Mancini « » (Dartmouth South)

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

Whereas five years ago negligence, improper maintenance, and pollution threatened the ecosystem and wildlife of Oathill Lake, a popular Dartmouth South recreational spot; and

Whereas the Oathill Lake Conservation Society, a non-profit community organization now numbering over 200 members, was founded by residents and scientists to study the lake and work toward revitalization through activism and appropriate use of technology; and

Whereas the devotion and hard work of the society has seen pollution go down, oxygen levels go up, and wildlife return;

Therefore be it resolved that this House commend the Oathill Lake Conservation Society for their stewardship of Oathill Lake and for being a fine model of successful community-minded environmental activism.

RESOLUTION NO. 2819

By: Ms. Marian Mancini « » (Dartmouth South)

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

Whereas Dartmouth playwright Wendy Lill's latest play, The Messenger, premiered at Halifax's Neptune Theatre on October 29, 2015, and ran until November 8, 2015; and

Whereas The Messenger's story, involving family strife surrounding a political failure to confront environmental crisis in the past, personalizes the issue of living with climate change today; and

Whereas The Messenger received wide critical acclaim from reviewers and audiences alike for its deep story and exceptional direction and the performances of its cast;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate playwright Wendy Lill for the success of her play The Messenger and wish her success on her future plays in the years to come.

RESOLUTION NO. 2820

[Page 6961]

By: Ms. Marian Mancini « » (Dartmouth South)

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

Whereas Humble Pie Kitchen, founded by Nova Scotians Shauna MacLean and Denise Noakes, and new Zealander Mike Noakes, serves up the New Zealand treat of meat pies in many varieties, from steak and cheese pies to pulled pork pies, as well as the locally-influenced donair pie; and

Whereas Humble Pie Kitchen, which began modestly by serving their fresh pies weekly at Alderney market, has grown and has recently opened a storefront at 77 King Street, Dartmouth South; and

Whereas this coming April Humble Pie Kitchen will have been in business for two years, having gone from producing 80 pies a week to almost 500 a week, today;

Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate Shauna MacLean, Denise Noakes and Mike Noakes, owners of Humble Pie Kitchen, on the entrepreneurial success of their venture and for making downtown Dartmouth their base of operations.

RESOLUTION NO. 2821

By: Ms. Marian Mancini « » (Dartmouth South)

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

Whereas Dartmouth father/son team of Neil and Max Cook opened the Portland Street Creperie in Dartmouth South on Friday, October 30, 2015; and

Whereas opening weekend of the Portland Street Creperie saw more than 400 crepes sold, instantly establishing itself in the neighbourhood as a place for a delightful snack to enjoy in the bistro or on the go; and

Whereas the seven-day-a-week selection of crepes offered at Portland Street Creperie vary from sweet to savoury, with the menu planned to expand over time;

Therefore be it resolved that this House recognize Portland Street Creperie for adding to the vibrancy of downtown Dartmouth and wish for them success in the years to come.

RESOLUTION NO. 2822

[Page 6962]

By: Ms. Marian Mancini « » (Dartmouth South)

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

Whereas the Dartmouth Heritage Museum, in operation since 1967, was founded as a Canadian Centennial Project by the City of Dartmouth to commemorate the Centennial year of Canada; and

Whereas the museum is operated by the Dartmouth Heritage Museum Society, which has a mandate to acquire, preserve, display, and make available materials relating to the rich cultural history of Dartmouth; and

Whereas the museum relies heavily on the work of volunteers and private donors to maintain operations;

Therefore be it resolved that this House recognize the nearly half-century of work by the Dartmouth Heritage Museum as stewards of Dartmouth's heritage for the benefit of those in the present and for those who have yet to come.

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

[Page 6963]

Tabled December 9, 2015

RESOLUTION NO. 2824

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 Sophie Patriquin, 10 years old, from Amherst, Nova Scotia, has sold lemonade, and the proceeds raised during last year's lemonade stand were donated to the Cumberland Health Care Foundation's mental health fund; and

Whereas this year Sophie and her friend Serah Quinn have honoured the memory of their former teacher Ruth Nichols by selling and donating the proceeds to the Cancer Care Assistance Fund, after Nichols died last Fall after a short battle with pancreatic cancer; and

Whereas they raised $200 selling lemonade, which was sold by donation only;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly commend Sophie Patriquin for her contribution to Cumberland Cancer Care Assistance and her community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2825

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 Serah Quinn, 10 years old, from Amherst, Nova Scotia, has sold lemonade, and the proceeds raised during last year's lemonade stand were donated to Cumberland Health Care Foundation's mental health fund; and

Whereas this year Sophie and her friend Sophie Patriquin have honoured the memory of their former teacher Ruth Nichols by selling and donating the proceeds to the Cancer Care Assistance Fund, after Nichols died last Fall after a short battle with pancreatic cancer; and

Whereas they raised $200 selling lemonade, which was sold by donation only;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly commend Serah Quinn for her contribution to Cumberland Cancer Care Assistance and her community.

[Page 6964]

RESOLUTION NO. 2826

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 Roy Mattinson was named CTV's Maritimer of the Week October 29, 2015; and

Whereas Roy Mattinson has hosted two ball games a week in Pugwash every summer for 65 years; and

Whereas these are pickup games, meant for anyone who enjoys the game, and everyone plays, including Roy, who was front and centre when the TSN Celebration Tour stopped in Pugwash back in 2012, and the community received $25,000 for upgrades to the field;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Roy Mattinson for his commitment and dedication to baseball in Pugwash and for his Maritimer of the Week award.

RESOLUTION NO. 2827

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 Frank Elliott was presented with the Amherst Rotary Club's Distinguished Service Award; and

Whereas this award is presented annually to an individual who has, over an extended period of time, made a significant contribution to the club and to his community; and

Whereas Elliott was born and raised in Amherst, was active in politics at both the provincial and federal level, was instrumental in establishing the Bacon-Elliott Scholarship Dinner, chaired the Rotary youth exchange committee and hosted numerous young people from other countries, and played a role in the auction that raises money for Camp Tidnish and other Rotary projects;

[Page 6965]

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Frank Elliott on receiving the Amherst Rotary Club Distinguished Service Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 2828

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 Abbie Smith, a member of the Amherst Selects basketball team, won the Provincial Midget Girls Division 3, 2015; and

Whereas the Amherst Selects is a team that never gives up; and

Whereas they always make it a team effort, and their final win was 54 to 23, beating the Halifax Osprey to become their division champions;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Abbie Smith for her commitment and dedication to basketball and for her team winning the Provincial Midget Girls title.

RESOLUTION NO. 2829

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 Abby Mosley is a member of the Amherst Selects basketball team, winning Provincial Midget Girls Division 3, 2015; and

Whereas the Amherst Selects is a team that never gives up; and

Whereas they always make it a team effort - their final win was 54-23, beating the Halifax Osprey to become their division champions;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Abby Mosley for her commitment and dedication to basketball and her team winning the Provincial Midget Girls title.

RESOLUTION NO. 2830

[Page 6966]

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 Brianna McIntyre is a member of the Amherst Selects basketball team, winning Provincial Midget Girls Division 3, 2015; and

Whereas the Amherst Selects is a team that never gives up; and

Whereas they always make it a team effort - their final win was 54-23, beating the Halifax Osprey to become their division champions;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Brianna McIntyre for her commitment and dedication to basketball and her team winning the Provincial Midget Girls title.

RESOLUTION NO. 2831

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 Christine Burbine is a member of the Amherst Selects basketball team, winning Provincial Midget Girls Division 3, 2015; and

Whereas the Amherst Selects is a team that never gives up; and

Whereas they always make it a team effort - their final win was 54-23, beating the Halifax Osprey to become their division champions;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Christine Burbine for her commitment and dedication to basketball and her team winning the Provincial Midget Girls title.

RESOLUTION NO. 2832

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 Natalie Gould is a coach of the Amherst Selects basketball team, winning Provincial Midget Girls Division 3, 2015; and

[Page 6967]

Whereas the Amherst Selects is a team that never gives up; and

Whereas they always make it a team effort- their final win was 54-23, beating the Halifax Osprey to become their division champions;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Coach Gould for her commitment and dedication to basketball and her team winning the Provincial Midget Girls title.

RESOLUTION NO. 2833

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 Taylor Cormier is a coach of the Amherst Selects basketball team, winning Provincial Midget Girls Division 3, 2015; and

Whereas the Amherst Selects is a team that never gives up; and

Whereas they always make it a team effort - their final win was 54-23, beating the Halifax Osprey to become their division champions;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Coach Taylor for her commitment and dedication to basketball and her team winning the Provincial Midget Girls title.

RESOLUTION NO. 2834

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 Emma Bickerton is a member of the Amherst Selects basketball team, winning Provincial Midget Girls Division 3, 2015; and

Whereas the Amherst Selects is a team that never gives up; and

Whereas they always make it a team effort - their final win was 54-23, beating the Halifax Osprey to become their division champions;

[Page 6968]

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Emma Bickerton for her commitment and dedication to basketball and her team winning the Provincial Midget Girls title.

RESOLUTION NO. 2835

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 Emma Gould, a member of the Amherst Selects Basketball team, won the Provincial Midget Girls Division 3, 2015; and

Whereas the Amherst Selects is a team that never gives up; and

Whereas they always make it a team effort and their final win was 54-23, beating the Halifax Osprey to become their division champions;

Therefore be it resolved the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Emma Gould for her commitment and dedication to basketball and for her team winning the Provincial Midget Girls title.

RESOLUTION NO. 2836

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 Jemma Todoschuk, a member of the Amherst Selects Basketball team, won the Provincial Midget Girls Division 3, 2015; and

Whereas the Amherst Selects is a team that never gives up; and

Whereas they always make it a team effort and their final win was 54-23, beating the Halifax Osprey to become their division champions;

Therefore be it resolved the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Jemma Todoschuk for her commitment and dedication to basketball and for her team winning the Provincial Midget Girls title.

RESOLUTION NO. 2837

[Page 6969]

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 Maddie Bacon, a member of the Amherst Selects Basketball team, won the Provincial Midget Girls Division 3, 2015; and

Whereas the Amherst Selects is a team that never gives up; and

Whereas they always make it a team effort and their final win was 54-23, beating the Halifax Osprey to become their division champions;

Therefore be it resolved the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Maddie Bacon for her commitment and dedication to basketball and for her team winning the Provincial Midget Girls title.

RESOLUTION NO. 2838

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 Renee Allen, a member of the Amherst Selects Basketball team, won the Provincial Midget Girls Division 3, 2015; and

Whereas the Amherst Selects is a team that never gives up; and

Whereas they always make it a team effort and their final win was 54-23, beating the Halifax Osprey to become their division champions;

Therefore be it resolved the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Renee Allen for her commitment and dedication to basketball and for her team winning the Provincial Midget Girls title.

RESOLUTION NO. 2839

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 Sharon McCrossin, a member of the Amherst Selects Basketball team, won the Provincial Midget Girls Division 3, 2015; and

[Page 6970]

Whereas the Amherst Selects is a team that never gives up; and

Whereas they always make it a team effort and their final win was 54-23, beating the Halifax Osprey to become their division champions;

Therefore be it resolved the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Sharon McCrossin for her commitment and dedication to basketball and for her team winning the Provincial Midget Girls title.

RESOLUTION NO. 2840

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 Temeka Hussy, a member of the Amherst Selects Basketball team, won the Provincial Midget Girls Division 3, 2015; and

Whereas the Amherst Selects is a team that never gives up; and

Whereas they always make it a team effort and their final win was 54-23, beating the Halifax Osprey to become their division champions;

Therefore be it resolved the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Temeka Hussy for her commitment and dedication to basketball and for her team winning the Provincial Midget Girls title.

RESOLUTION NO. 2841

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 Alisha Christie, a Grade 12 student at Amherst Regional High School, recently attended a recognition ceremony in Dartmouth, N.S., where she was recognized for her volunteerism; and

Whereas Alisha started volunteering at the young age of six, fundraising and taking part in the Relay for Life with her mother, causing her to see how powerful volunteering and giving back to the community could be; and

[Page 6971]

Whereas she has maintained a steady commitment to volunteerism throughout her young life, acting as a key member of Amherst Regional High School Student Council, as a member of the Amherst Regional Youth Council, and as a member of the First Baptist Youth Group Association, to name just a few;

Therefore be it resolved the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Alisha on all of her passion and dedication for volunteerism, as well as on her recent award recognition.

RESOLUTION NO. 2842

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Mr. Jan Skora is a successful, hardworking immigrant to Halifax from Poland, with a background in agriculture and urban planning; and

Whereas in 2012 he was appointed as the Honourary Consul of the Republic of Poland in Nova Scotia, promoting cultural and economic links between the two countries; and

Whereas I had the privilege on November 22, 2015, to represent the Province of Nova Scotia by attending the 97^th Anniversary commemorating Polish Independence Day in Halifax;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Consul Skora for contributing to the cultural and landscape development of Nova Scotia and wish him and his family continued success.

RESOLUTION NO. 2843

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Ralph Alphonse has been an active and important member of The Canadian Lebanon Society of Halifax for over 50 years when he first served as Sergeant-at-Arms in 1959 and is being honoured for his commitment at the annual Christmas dinner on December 13^th; and

[Page 6972]

Whereas Mr. Alphonse served as president of the society on six different occasions: 1965, 1966, 1967 , 1969, 1973 and 1998, and was also instrumental in the building maintenance of the club on Agricola Street when I served as president in my first term in 1993; and

Whereas Ralph demonstrated great leadership and worked very hard to give the society a powerful presence in both the local and international scenes;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Mr. Alphonse for being a pillar of our culture and community and wish him a happy Golden Anniversary.

RESOLUTION NO. 2844

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Ann Hallal has been an active and an integral member of The Canadian Lebanon Society of Halifax for 50 golden years and is being honoured for her commitment at the annual Christmas dinner on December 13^th; and

Whereas educated and practical, Ann had all the necessary skills to serve on the executive board for many different terms; and

Whereas Ann had a flair for orchestrating important functions such as the 1977 society dinner hosted for Sheikh Bashir Gemayel, former President of Lebanon, held at the Nova Scotia Hotel, with 500 people in attendance;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Ms. Hallal for being a pillar of our culture and community and wish her a happy Golden Anniversary.

RESOLUTION NO. 2845

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Maroun Hage has been an active and an integral member of The Canadian Lebanon Society of Halifax for 50 golden years and is being honoured for his commitment at the annual Christmas dinner on December 13^th; and

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Whereas Mr. Hage served as president of the society in 1979, 1980 and 1989, and was instrumental in organizing the Lebanese Heritage School, which still operates today; and

Whereas Maroun has taken on the responsibility on behalf of the Society in 2003 to assemble teams of Lebanese community members to give blood at yearly drives for the Canadian Blood Services;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Mr. Hage for being a pillar of our culture and community and wish him a happy Golden Anniversary.

RESOLUTION NO. 2846

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas December 5, 2015, the parishes of St. Agnes on Mumford Road and St. John the Baptist in Armdale held a turkey dinner and silent auction fundraiser in support of sponsoring refugees; and

Whereas the Syrian Refugee Committee made up of members from both parishes inspired everyone present at the event with the words from the Gospel of Matthew, "I was a refugee and you welcomed me"; and

Whereas I had the privilege to be a guest speaker and I was inspired to see so many residents at the event enthusiastic to support refugees;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate the members of St. Agnes and St. John the Baptist for being a beacon of Christ's light and for their support to help those in need find refuge in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2847

By: Hon. Kevin Murphy « » (The Speaker)

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

Whereas Joanne Coolen is a long-time resident of Ship Harbour and has been actively involved in her community; and

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Whereas Joanne is a retired schoolteacher, having helped hundreds of students achieve their dreams; and

Whereas Joanne is a member of the board of The Birches long term care facility in Musquodoboit Harbour and the Oyster Pond Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary Club;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Joanne Coolen for giving her time and talents for the betterment of residents of the Eastern Shore.

RESOLUTION NO. 2848

By: Hon. Kevin Murphy « » (The Speaker)

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

Whereas Lloyd Kent is a long-time resident of the Musquodoboit Harbour area and has been actively involved in his community; and

Whereas Lloyd had owned and operated the Esso service station in Musquodoboit Harbour, providing employment for many residents; and

Whereas Lloyd is a member of Gaetz Brook Legion and Harbour Lites Senior Club in Musquodoboit Harbour;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Lloyd Kent for providing support and employment for residents of the Eastern Shore.

RESOLUTION NO. 2849

By: Hon. Kevin Murphy « » (The Speaker)

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

Whereas Bernadette Monk is a lifelong resident of the Eastern Shore and has been actively involved in her community; and

Whereas Bernadette is a volunteer at Memory Lane Heritage Village in Lake Charlotte; and

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Whereas Bernadette has always been an advocate for the Eastern Shore;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Bernadette Monk for giving of her time and talents for the betterment of the Eastern Shore.

RESOLUTION NO. 2850

By: Hon. Kevin Murphy « » (The Speaker)

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

Whereas Adrien Blanchette is a resident of East Petpeswick and has been actively involved in his community; and

Whereas Adrien had owned and operated the Salmon River House in Salmon River Bridge, employing residents of the Shore and providing excellent food service to those who came to dine; and

Whereas Adrien has been a member of the St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Musquodoboit Harbour, being past chair of the parish council and currently chair of the refugee campaign;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Adrien Blanchette for giving his time and talents for the betterment of the Eastern Shore.