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HALIFAX, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015

Sixty-second General Assembly

Second Session

9:00 A.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Kevin Murphy

DEPUTY SPEAKER

Ms. Margaret Miller

MR. SPEAKER » : Order, please.

We'll now begin the daily routine.

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

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

RESOLUTION NO. 2967

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

Whereas local sprint canoer Mark de Jonge is an Olympic bronze medalist, two-time world champion, and Pan American Games champion; and

Whereas Mark's international successes can be attributed to his ongoing commitment, hard work, and dedication to his sport; and

Whereas Mark has been voted the winner of the 2015 Air Canada Athlete of the Year Award for his outstanding athletic achievements on the international scene;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House congratulate Mark de Jonge on this award, and wish him the very best as he trains for the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

NOTICES OF MOTION

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

RESOLUTION NO. 2968

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

Whereas the Christmas season is a time for giving and sharing with those less fortunate; and

Whereas food bank use is increasing in Nova Scotia, with almost 20,000 people being assisted in March - 31 per cent of them children; and

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Whereas a lack of fresh, nutritious food is often in short supply at our province's food banks;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the importance of having access to fresh, nutritious local food and commit ourselves to doing everything we can to ensure it is available to all Nova Scotians.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

SYRIAN REFUGEES: WELCOMING SUMMIT - MIN. ATTENDANCE

HON. LENA DIAB « » : It's my pleasure to inform the House that last week, at the invitation of the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, I attended the summit on welcoming Syrian refugees to Canada at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.

I was honoured to join over 150 other guests and dignitaries from across the country, including provincial Immigration Ministers, deputy ministers, mayors - one of whom was our very own Halifax Mayor Mike Savage, who co-chairs the task force on Syrian refugee resettlement of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities - and community and business leaders for a spirited discussion about diversity, inclusion, and our collective response to the Syrian refugee crisis.

After an inspiring opening address by the Governor General, participants shared ideas and experiences and highlighted the importance of community connections and networks for ease of integration, and also showcased private sector contributions, volunteer efforts, and support.

After the summit, I attended the first in-person federal-provincial-territorial Ministers responsible for Immigration meeting, where I shared, among other items, Nova Scotia's efforts and enthusiasm to take up to 1,500 people through private and government-assisted sponsorship.

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My sincere thanks to Governor General Johnston and Minister John McCallum for bringing us together and hosting this historic dialogue. Thank you.

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

BOYD, DAN: RETIREMENT - CONGRATS.

HON. JAMIE BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, December 31^st will mark a new milestone in the Progressive Conservative caucus. After 25 years, Dan Boyd is retiring. Dan started working at the PC caucus office in October 1990 - a fresh-faced former radio reporter with a penchant for politics. It is fair to say, for anyone who knows him, that Dan has a unique set of skills and a big heart. He has seen seven Premiers come and go and has proudly served seven Leaders of the Progressive Conservative Party.

In addition, Dan is a tireless community volunteer, a tenacious fundraiser for many organizations at home, and an enthusiastic sports fan, including his favourite junior hockey team, which occasionally does well against the Cumberland Blues, I can say. It's an area of disagreement between Dan and myself. He's also a former town councillor.

Dan Boyd has served our Party and our province well, and so it is my great pleasure to extend our best wishes to Dan, his wife Nancy, and their daughter Allison, as they begin a new chapter in the Boyd family life. Mr. Speaker, I invite all members to congratulate Dan on 25 years of service to this Chamber. (Standing Ovation)

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

EECD: TUITION CAP REMOVAL - EFFECTS

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : The Liberal Government made a mistake when they lifted the cap on tuition. Instead of asking universities to tackle executive costs, the Liberal Government is putting the burden on the backs of students. King's College (Interruptions) King's College (Interruptions) They might not hear me, Mr. Speaker.

King's College is asking for a 24 per cent increase in tuition; Cape Breton University raised tuition by 22 per cent; and Saint Mary's University is also raising tuition by over $1,600, Mr. Speaker. It is becoming increasingly hard for young people to stay in Nova Scotia.

The Liberal Government cut the Graduate Retention Rebate and now tuition is increasing at the highest rates in the county - I'm sure something the Liberal Government will be proud of, Mr. Speaker. This is not the government the Liberals promised they would be.

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

RAWDING, HILARY - ACADEMIC/ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENTS

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, Nova Scotia is a province which produces many great and wonderful athletes. Hilary Rawding is one such athlete. Hilary is a grad of West Kings High School, having been raised in Greenwood, in the Annapolis Valley. She has been involved in athletics her entire life.

She recently capped off a successful track and field season at the University of Vermont Catamounts with all New England and all American East Conference performances, placing third in the American East Coast Conference track and field championships.

Ms. Rawding is taking neuroscience, having just finished a third year of study. Ms. Rawding has been a fine example of commitment to both her academics and her athletics. She's a proud example of some of the best values of a Nova Scotian, and she should be applauded for her triumphs.

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

NKEC TITANS: PROV. FOOTBALL TITLE

MR. JOHN LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the Northeast Kings Education Centre Titans on claiming the provincial football title. This high school football team took the championship 28-14 in a tough game against the Central Kings Gators in the Division 3 provincial championship. The whole team had been training hard all year for this game, and their efforts paid off.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate all the members of the team on their success, and the following individuals for their dedication and support helping to make this happen: Reg Ogilvie, head coach and special teams; Andrew Hartnett, defensive coordinator; Devon Adams, offensive and defensive assistant; Bennett Gaskin, offensive and defensive assistant; Allan Bond and Thomas Countway, assistants; and team managers, Eileen Hiltz and Laurie Bolan.

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

GOV'T. (N.S.): FALL SESSION - EFFECTS

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HON. STERLING BELLIVEAU « » : Mr. Speaker, this Fall session has had a cumulative effect on this government - kicking a Cabinet Minister out of office, firing a chief of staff, dissatisfied teachers, emergency department closures, and the list goes on. Nova Scotians are starting to speak out (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The honourable member for Queens-Shelburne has the floor.

MR. BELLIVEAU « » : Mr. Speaker, Nova Scotians are starting to speak out against this government. I've seen it at Law Amendments Committee and in the media. Rural Nova Scotians have travelled to the city to be here in the gallery, looking for answers from this government. Unfortunately (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The honourable member for Queens-Shelburne has the floor.

MR. BELLIVEAU « » : Mr. Speaker, Nova Scotians are starting to speak out against this government. I've seen it in Law Amendments Committee and in the media. Rural Nova Scotians have travelled to the city to be here in the gallery, looking for answers from this government. Unfortunately, during this session, the government has not provided us with any answers.

Mr. Speaker, I believe the cumulative effect of this season has had a negative impact on this government. The time will come when they will eventually have to pay the piper.

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

N.S. BANTAM GIRLS LACROSSE TEAM (2015) - NATIONALS

MR. IAIN RANKIN « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize the players, coaching staff, and families of the Nova Scotia 2015 Bantam Girls Lacrosse team. The girls worked tirelessly to earn their spot at the national championship tournament, which took place July 21^st to July 25^th of this year.

In addition to their outstanding work in the arena, there was an enormous amount of fundraising that took place to make the trip a reality. One of the team's undertakings was through the sponsorship of local businesses. The team cleaned the roadside of litter and garbage along the very busy Prospect Road. Unfortunately for them, the weather was dismal, but it did not dampen the team's enthusiasm.

Although the girls did not win at the nationals, they had a fabulous experience and were wonderful ambassadors of our province. I would like the members of this Nova Scotia Assembly to join me in congratulating Nova Scotia's 2015 Bantam Girls Lacrosse team on their participation and their community spirit.

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

HUMPHREY'S GLASS LTD. (TRENTON)

HON. PAT DUNN « » : In 1890, five Humphrey brothers from the Trenton/New Glasgow area established Humphrey's Glass Ltd. in Trenton. The business was very successful and, over the next 27 years, they became the leading bottle manufacturer in Nova Scotia.

By 1917, Humphrey's Glass Limited experienced fierce competition from the Dominion Glass Company, which also established a glassworks in Trenton. The cost of fuel was rising due to the war, and the efficiency of the coal-heated furnaces used in manufacturing the glass was becoming an issue. An abundant supply of local coal cost 10 cents a ton in those days. John Humphrey decided to move the factory to Moncton in order to take advantage of the abundance of natural gas.

Humphrey Glass Works specialized in bottles, supplying huge numbers for Halifax and Quebec retailers. James Humphrey, a retired Pictou County teacher and a descendant of the Humphrey brothers, continues to search throughout the Maritime Provinces for glass products manufactured at Humphrey Glass.

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

N.S. CORR. FACILITY (TRURO) - INMATE DEATHS INQUIRY

MS. MARIAN MANCINI « » : Mr. Speaker, on November 25^th, the Minister of Justice committed to reaching out to her federal counterparts to find out more about the time frame and process of the internal review of the deaths of two women earlier this year at the Nova Correctional Facility for Women in Truro, and providing myself and others with this information. I thank the minister for this commitment made, and I look forward to hearing from her in the near future on the status of the internal review. Although I firmly believe she has the authority to do this review herself, I thank her for her commitment to oversee this matter.

Mr. Speaker, the tragic deaths of these two women remain somewhat of a mystery, and with the holiday season upon us, the families of Camille Strickland-Murphy and Veronica Park deserve some answers to their questions.

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

BOYD, DAN: RETIREMENT - SERV. THANK

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MR. CHUCK PORTER « » : Mr. Dan Boyd has been an invaluable member of the Progressive Conservative caucus since 1990, where he worked under many different Premiers such as Roger Bacon, Donald Cameron, John Hamm, and Rodney MacDonald.

Earlier in his working career, Dan was a radio personality in Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and New Brunswick, before working with our very own Annapolis Valley radio right here in Nova Scotia - also spending five years with Global TV before being hired by the PC caucus.

Dan recently received a medal for all his work at the Windsor fire department as an active veteran firefighter. One of Dan's greatest passions, as most of us know, is hockey, which is evident through his extracurricular activities such as his position on the board of directors for the Windsor Hockey Heritage Society and Dan's flair for his great newspaper articles in The Hants Journal about the latest game at our local arenas.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Dan for his many years of service and his work, but more importantly his relationship as a personal friend of mine since we were kids. I want to wish him, his wife, Nancy, and his daughter Allison, all the very best as he retires and, hopefully, spends a little more time at home to enjoy some of that. Thank you.

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

STEELE, LEO - JOE SCOTT AWARD

MR. EDDIE ORRELL « » : I rise today to congratulate Leo Steele of North Sydney. He was presented with the Joe Scott Award for his community involvement in sports by the Northside Sports Hall of Fame. Leo has been a tireless volunteer over the years with the Northside Minor Hockey Association. It's a pleasure to have this opportunity to thank Leo for his endless hours of volunteering, and making the Northside community a better place to live. Thank you.

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

GOV'T. (N.S.) - PRIORITIES

HON. DENISE PETERSON-RAFUSE « » : Mr. Speaker, this is a government that acts first and thinks later - or sometimes never at all; it's a government that thinks making laws without speaking with Nova Scotians is okay; and it's a government that thinks that seniors and those living below the poverty line are less important than the government's own fantasy fiscal envelopes. This is a Premier who lets his ministers spend thousands of dollars to hang flat screen TVs and spruce up their ministerial offices, while allowing income assistance to be frozen for the second year in a row. And this Premier's government is okay to spend $42,000 on fancy doors in the Premier's office while he's charging pedestrians $700 to cross the street.

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

FOUR SEASONS FARM (MAITLAND)

MS. MARGARET MILLER « » : Mr. Speaker, on a positive note, Four Seasons Farm, located in Maitland, Nova Scotia, is a unique medium-sized certified-organic farm that was established in 1992 by Nancy and David Roberts. In 2012, the ownership of the farm was transitioned to the next generation, son Owen Roberts and Sina Wagner.

This farm has 10 greenhouses, which allows them to start their growing season in February and finish harvesting in December. They have a processing building with a walk-in cooler that allows them to process the produce more effectively and out of the elements.

Four Seasons Farm offers an internship program each year for four or five young people from around the world. The interns live and work on the farm while learning all aspects of organic farming. They are each given a small plot of land where they can grow what they want and experiment with crops while experiencing rural Nova Scotia.

Since the farm produces herbs, vegetables, and eggs, all available at the historic farmers' market in Halifax, all Nova Scotians can experience the superior produce from Four Seasons Farm.

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

GREENCORN, TROY: STAN ROGERS FOLK FEST.

- FOUNDER CONGRATS.

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Troy Greencorn, artistic director and founder of the Stan Rogers Folk Festival, for the outstanding success of this year's event. Following the heart-wrenching decision to cancel the festival in 2014 due to Hurricane Arthur, "Stanfest," as it is affectionately known, returned better than ever in 2015.

The annual three-day festival, held in Canso, had fantastic July weather, featured over 60 talented performers, and boasted a team of hard-working, dedicated volunteers.

I am pleased to recognize Troy for his vision and hard work in developing and sustaining the Stan Rogers Folk Festival. I wish Troy and the entire team of organizers and volunteers well as they plan for next year's 20^th Anniversary Stanfest.

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

LIB. GOV'T. - MISTAKES

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HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, the Liberal Government legacy will be one of petty cuts, fights with workers, and a health care system that is deteriorating. They pick fights with health care workers while ER closures rise and home care wait-lists double. They drive our film industry away and cut funding to organizations that help vulnerable Nova Scotians and people living with mental illness.

We need to create and preserve good-paying jobs like those in the film industry. We need to reduce ER closures and provide better care for seniors, who deserve more long-term care beds and more home care they can count on, not cuts. We need to protect the strong Public Service against the Premier's privatization plan that costs families more and delivers less.

Let's hope the Liberal Government learned from their mistakes and does a better job in the next session.

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

RAMEY, JULIE: WORLD WITHOUT HUNGER - EFFORTS

MS. SUZANNE LOHNES-CROFT « » : Mr. Speaker, on another positive note, I rise today to recognize Julie Ramey, a resident of Upper Northfield and a junior high school English teacher. Recently, Ms. Ramey was one of 10 teachers selected to travel to Ethiopia on a 15-day educational tour sponsored by the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and the Canadian Lutheran World Relief program. The mission of the organizers was to someday live in a world without hunger.

In Ethiopia she learned first-hand what living in a world without food really means to people. She also saw how the work being done by various organizations to provide food has made a difference in their lives. She told a local newspaper she left with a new sense of understanding on many levels. The experience has motivated her to learn more and to do more.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me today in recognizing Ms. Ramey for her efforts in working toward a world without hunger.

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

HUDSON, DARREN - COLOURING BOOK PROJ.

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HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : All politics are local, Mr. Speaker.

Barrington's seven-time world champion lumberjack Darren Hudson has recently collaborated with local illustrator Erin Smith to complete a 36-page colouring book filled with games and puzzles. I'd say children, but who doesn't like a good colouring book?

The idea came to Hudson earlier this year after he issued a request to local artists for a caricature he could use in an advertisement. His goal is to encourage young people to disconnect from their electronics and engage in simple activities.

I would like to congratulate Mr. Hudson on creating such a community-minded project and wish him continued success in the future.

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

GOV'T. (N.S.) - OPPOSITION PRESSURE

HON. STERLING BELLIVEAU « » : Mr. Speaker, usually Private Members' Bills get as far as a flat tire. I wasn't sure how much traction it would get but Wednesday's Winter Tire Bill had at least one Liberal backbencher jacked up.

Mr. Speaker, I wasn't trying to reinvent the wheel so I'm not sure why the member for Halifax Atlantic felt so inflated. Going forward, I will try to tread lightly so the member opposite doesn't break his chains.

Mr. Speaker, you may be getting tired of these puns so I'll try to stop. I guess if the government has been feeling the Opposition pressure, then maybe it has been a good year. (Applause)

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

BRAS D'OR LAKERS (1964-65):

NORTHSIDE SPORTS HALL OF FAME - INDUCTION

MS. PAM EYKING « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the recent induction of the 1964-65 Bras d'Or Lakers to the Northside Sports Hall of Fame. The Bras d'Or Lakers competed in the Intermediate B hockey league in Cape Breton in the mid-1960s. Their best season came in 1964-65 when they claimed both Cape Breton and Eastern Nova Scotia titles and went on to represent Nova Scotia at the Maritime championships.

The team was made up of local men who would leave during the summers to work on the lakes of Ontario and would form a hockey team each winter. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to congratulate the members of the Bras d'Or Lakers on their recent induction.

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

STELLA MARIS CWL - ANNIV. (75^th)

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise and recognize the 75^th Anniversary of the Stella Maris Catholic Women's League. A large crowd of past and present parishioners and pastors, members and executive of other CWL councils in Pictou County and members from other local faith communities attended the celebration on October 18, 2015. Past and present CWL members were remembered for their faithful service to the parish and community.

A time capsule from the year 2000 was opened. Bonnie Sullivan and Janice O'Hearn were recipients of the Maple Leaf Pin, the second-highest award given to any member of the CWL.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank all the individuals responsible for organizing the 75^th Anniversary celebration and thank the members of the CWL and the award recipients for their faithful service.

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

COM. SERV. - ESIA TRANSFORMATION

MS. MARIAN MANCINI « » : Mr. Speaker, in a letter sent to the Minister of Community Services on May 25, 2015, from the Nova Scotia Association of Social Workers, they raised significant concerns about the transformation of the ESIA program and the sudden and devastating ways in which DCS policy has recently been administered.

The association urges the department to use an all-encompassing social determinants of health lens when restructuring this program, in order to ensure that all vulnerable Nova Scotians and their families are meaningfully cared for by this government.

Mr. Speaker, as the minister embarks on Phase 2 of the ESIA transformation, I hope she uses the advice and concerns raised in the NSASW's letter as a guide to ensure equity and positive change.

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

BROWN, BEN - ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENTS

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MR. KEITH IRVING « » : Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise to acknowledge the impressive athletic achievements of wheelchair racer Mr. Ben Brown. At the 2015 Canadian national championships Mr. Brown won two bronze and a silver medal and in the 2015 Para Pan Am Games Mr. Brown placed 4^th in the men's 100 metres by only .07 seconds off the bronze medal.

He is ranked third in Canada and 15^th in the world in the 100-metre of the T53 division. Mr. Brown trains six days a week and relentlessly attacks his goals. He says - and, Mr. Speaker, this is an inspiration for us all - when you put the time and work in, you will achieve your goals, never give up.

His next goal is the 2016 Paralympics in Brazil. On behalf of the House of Assembly, I would like to congratulate him on his achievements and wish him well in 2016.

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

MACKAY, HON. ELMER/FAM.

- ORDER OF THE CROSS OF TERRA MARIANA

MR. TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, recently the Honourable Elmer MacKay and his family were honoured by the Government of Estonia for their assistance to Estonian refugees in Pictou County after World War II. Gita Kalmet, Estonian Ambassador to Canada, presented Mr. MacKay with the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana, one of Estonia's highest honours, at a ceremony at Pier 21 on Estonia's Independence Day, February 24^th.

Thirty-seven Estonians with little English arrived in Pictou County and were assisted by the MacKays, who provided comfort and employment in their lumbering operations. The generosity to strangers in need that the MacKays exhibited all those years ago still exists today. It's a tradition that makes our province stronger and that stirs a sense of pride in all of us.

On behalf of the residents of Pictou East, I extend congratulations to the MacKays.

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

GOV'T. (N.S.): JUDGMENT - QUALITY

HON. DENISE PETERSON-RAFUSE « » : Mr. Speaker, this is a government that consistently displays poor judgment and even worse listening skills. This government thinks it is okay to rest on the laurels of past government job creation efforts. It's a government that thinks they shouldn't care if they have increased emergency room closures by 30 per cent in one short year.

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This is a Premier who lets his ministers ram through child protection laws, even when he's convinced they are moving too fast and without adequate consultation. This Premier thinks that the best way to pay for falling university enrolment is to lift the cap on tuition and make students go further into debt. This is a Premier who continues to defend and hire people as his closest advisers who he admits act as though they're above the law.

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

CHURCHILL FAM.: HAITI - MOVE

MR. STEPHEN GOUGH « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to tell you about a Middle Sackville family that has embarked on a life-changing journey. On September 8^th they moved to one of the poorest areas in Haiti. The Churchill family adopted two children from Haiti following the 2010 earthquake. Their plan is to work with the Christian development organization called West Indies Self Help, better known as WISH.

WISH provides clean water along with medical and dental care. The family said this is where they need to be and where they should be. They know that it will be a challenging transition for the whole family. The Churchills know that it's going to be difficult to adapt to a new home, new school, and new friends, but they are confident that it's the right choice.

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

BURKE-MORASH, NATASHA

- TEACHERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE AWARD

HON. ALFIE MACLEOD « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Natasha Burke-Morash on receiving the Teachers Make a Difference award. Natasha is a Grade 9 teacher at George D. Lewis School in Louisbourg. Natasha Burke-Morash is one of those teachers who really gets her kids involved in giving back. Every community, every school, and every student at some point in their lives needs a teacher like Natasha. At this time I would like to thank Natasha Burke-Morash for her dedication to her students and to her whole community. Teachers Make a Difference is an honour of which she is very deserving.

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

HENNEBERRY, TIM - FOG OFF CLOTHING STORES

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MS. JOYCE TREEN « » : Tim Henneberry of Eastern Passage opened his first retail store in Fisherman's Cove two years ago. Since then he has opened two additional stores, one in Cavendish P.E.I, and another in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Fog Off clothing line is not just your average retail store for clothing. All of us at some point in our lives will find ourselves struggling with depression, mental illness, bullying, and many other conditions that can create a mental fog in our lives. Tim says that supporting and helping one another is what this brand believes in 100 per cent. No one should ever have to travel down a foggy path alone. Fog Off donates 10 per cent of all of its gross sales to the mental health foundation in each province they sell in.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Tim Henneberry and his business Fog Off, with many more years of success.

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

BISHARA, JOE - N.S. COLL. COUNSELLING THERAPISTS:

PRES. - APPT.

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Joe Bishara on his appointment as Chair of the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. Joe Bishara, a resident of Tusket, is a very popular counsellor at Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School. Since finishing graduate school, he was invited to serve on their board and also served a term at the national level, with the board of directors of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Associations School Counsellor's chapter.

Registered counselling therapists deal with many personal, emotional, or mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, et cetera.

I'd like to thank Joe Bishara, and all counselling therapists, for their dedication to their profession.

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

FILM TAX CREDIT CUTS - EFFECTS

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : Last session this Liberal Government made a short-sighted decision that has had long-lasting implications. They cut the successful Film Tax Credit and eventually replaced it with a much less attractive film fund, which is capped. Local directors and producers can no longer guarantee this incentive when pitching Nova Scotia as a location for international multi-million dollar production companies.

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This has hurt our industry, Mr. Speaker, in a way that the Liberal Government still does seem to recognize, but Nova Scotians do. Whether they are small businesses who had a tougher summer because projects were cancelled, local residents who missed the news and the crews coming to town this year, or the family and friends of the many people in the industry who have left our province, Nova Scotians all know what these Liberals don't - that their short-sighted, ill-informed decisions have hurt our thriving, productive, creative industries which, in turn, hurts all of us.

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

FLEMING, DR. MICHAEL - N.S. FAM. PHYSICIAN OF YR. (2015)

MR. BILL HORNE « » : Mr. Speaker, on a brighter note it is my pleasure and honour to recognize Dr. Michael Fleming who was named the 2015 Family Physician of the Year for Nova Scotia. Winners of this award exemplify the best of what being a family doctor is all about, and Dr. Fleming is recognized for his dedication to his patients and his relentless pursuit of advocacy of continuing professional development.

Dr. Fleming has practised family medicine with the Fall River Family Practice for the past 34 years, after graduating from Dalhousie University. Dr. Fleming has enjoyed career roles with the Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine, and is currently Director of Family Medicine Programs and an assistant professor with the Dalhousie Division of Medical Education, as well as holding many other important roles in provincial and national organizations.

Fall River is proud to have one of their members recognized for their outstanding contribution to the medical community. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Fleming for his award.

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

CHASE THE ACE - FUNDRAISING

MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Chase the Ace - words not soon forgotten in Inverness - over $2.5 million raised for the Inverness Legion and the Cottage Workshop, money that will find its way into the hands of other local charities and good causes.

Donelda MacAskill of Englishtown drew the ace of spades after reaching the Dr. Bernie McLean Cultural and Recreation Centre. Mr. Speaker, she had to drive all the way from the fields of the Broad Cove Concert grounds because the event grew so big that it had to expand beyond the Legion, beyond the arena, and beyond the parking area provided by the entire Inverness Raceway. Who would have wagered that the weekly event would have gone for almost an entire year without a winner?

[Page 7071]

While it may have tested the patience of some in the area, 15 years of fundraising were accomplished in just one year. Visitors injected the local economy with millions of other dollars that supported local business. What was perhaps most notable was the hospitality and professionalism of all these events - no matter how many people came, Inverness handled them all.

May we in this Legislature congratulate all the volunteers who made Inverness proud.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Clare-Digby.

DIGBY TOWN: TOWN CLOCK - UNVEILING

MR. GORDON WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to take the brief moment that we have in the House of Assembly to commend the efforts of the residents of our rural communities and to realize new and exciting projects for the towns and villages. For the Town of Digby one of these new projects was actually the return of the Digby fixture present in most centres, the town clock. Absent since 1963, town officials hoped to have a new clock in place by 2015 as part of the 125^th birthday celebrations of our town.

This time it would cost significantly more than the $1,800 paid in 1903 for the last clock. For the town to get a new clock its residents would have to support the project, including covering two-thirds of its cost. As they have done many times when asked to help, the people of Digby did so enthusiastically, they donated and went to fundraising activities organized by the Masonic Lodge and the employees of Scotiabank.

On June 20^th, following a parade of bagpipers, town criers, and town officials, the people of Digby watched their new clock as it was unveiled. Through their efforts there now stands a 12-foot clock at the centre of the town, across from the cenotaph. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

PERO, WILLIAM - EMS EXEMPLARY SERV. MEDAL

MR. EDDIE ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize William Pero of Sydney Mines. In October he was awarded the Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal by Lieutenant Governor J.J. Grant, along with 13 other paramedics. All of the medal recipients demonstrated exemplary service for at least 20 years, including 10 years in an emergency medical services position that could put them at risk.

It is a true honour to have this opportunity to salute William for his special service to health care in Nova Scotia.

[Page 7072]

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Portland Valley.

WESTPHAL COLE HBR. FIREFIGHTERS ASSOC. - LADDER-A-THON

HON. TONY INCE « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge a group of committed citizens in Dartmouth community.

This June the Westphal Cole Harbour Firefighters Association participated in their 26^th annual Don Crook Memorial Ladder-a-thon, a fundraising challenge for Muscular Dystrophy Canada. As reported in Snapd, these firefighters are known as one of the biggest groups to support muscular dystrophy within the Atlantic Region.

For the Ladder-a-thon, Lieutenant Matt Bordian spent the weekend perched above his comrades in the bucket of the fire truck's ladder. While Lieutenant Bordian was up above, his fellow firefighters collected donations from generous folks passing by.

Mr. Speaker, it's a pleasure to commend the work of the Westphal Cole Harbour Firefighters Association.

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

CUMB. DIST. MASONIC ASSOC.:

CUMB. EARLY INTERVENTION PROG. - DONATION

MR. TERRY FARRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, for the sixth consecutive year, the Cumberland District Masonic Association, with the support of the Masonic Foundation of Nova Scotia, presented $9,800 to the Cumberland Early Intervention Program to cover their expenses. In total, the association has provided Cumberland Early Intervention with over $77,000 over the last six years.

Cumberland Early Intervention Program promotes potential for families who have children with special needs or behavioural challenges through support, education, advocacy, and partnerships. In operation since 1990, Cumberland Early Intervention supports children with special needs from birth to age six.

I want to thank the Masons for their generosity in supporting this program. Thank you.

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

KoC: EAST. PASSAGE SCHOOLS - DONATIONS

[Page 7073]

MS. JOYCE TREEN « » : The Knights of Columbus are a very important service group in the community of Shearwater, Eastern Passage, and Cow Bay. Last month, they presented cheques to the three elementary schools in the community to assist with their school breakfast program.

Many children leave their homes in the morning without the time to eat breakfast, or there simply is no food. This fantastic program ensures that each child in the school can have breakfast when they arrive for the day. With breakfast being the most important meal of the day, this program is essential for learning in school.

Thank you to Grand Knight Jim McPhee for the presentation of the cheques, and thank you to the entire Knights of Columbus Council for their continued community support.

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

MAWHINNEY, LAURENCE - KEN SIMPSON MEM. AWARD

MS. SUZANNE LOHNES-CROFT « » : In every corner of Nova Scotia, the name Laurence Mawhinney is met with reverence and respect. There isn't a politician or community leader who hasn't crossed paths with the former mayor of Lunenburg sometime over the last decades.

Mr. Mawhinney served as mayor for an astonishing 33 years. To be trusted by his community as a leader for so long speaks to his character not only as a leader but as a person. He was and still is held in highest regard in the town he so faithfully served for so long. So it was quite fitting when earlier last month Mr. Mawhinney was named winner of the Ken Simpson Memorial Award for Outstanding Public Service and Leadership in Nova Scotia's Municipal Government at the UNSM banquet last month.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to take the time to congratulate Mr. Mawhinney for this honour, and I'd also like to thank him for everything he has done for Lunenburg and beyond.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Clare-Digby.

SABEAN, TORI - HEALTH RECOVERY

MR. GORDON WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to take this opportunity to praise the courage of 10-year-old Tori Sabean and her family who had to live their life through a few difficult years. For the last three years the family has been living the reality which no family should have to endure: the critical illness of your child. In September 2012, Tori was having trouble breathing. The news wasn't good; Tori had a large mass on her lung and was diagnosed with leukemia.

[Page 7074]

After two and a half years of treatments and much time away from her family and friends, Tori is now cancer-free. (Applause) After finishing her treatments she then volunteered to be part of a research project. She did so in spite of the fact that this meant more needles and more time away from home. Tori wanted to help some other little girl so that she would not have to go through the same difficulties of treatment that Tori had just endured.

I am happy to add that Tori did celebrate being cancer-free in the happiest place on earth, Disney World. This was possible because of the Children's Make-a-Wish Foundation and a big thank you to the Digby CIBC branch.

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

LIB. GOV'T.: N.S. - OPEN FOR BUSINESS

MR. IAIN RANKIN « » : In October 2013, Nova Scotians overwhelmingly rejected the direction of the former NDP Government. Corporate giveaways now amount to over $800 million; power rates rose to the highest in the country; HST was hiked after a promise not to; public education cut by $65 million; $35 million cut from universities - those savings didn't even go to a balanced budget, Mr. Speaker. They went to increases in labour costs in the public sector during a recession, although labour costs were permitted to outstrip economic growth. We have an opportunity to restrict that unsustainable path. No longer can 70 per cent of Nova Scotians afford to increase wage settlements that are above the federal average.

Nova Scotia is now open for business under the Liberal Government. The highest small business confidence in the country; leading the country in export growth; class sizes getting smaller; more immigrants staying in our province; wait times for surgeries declining. Things are looking up in Nova Scotia and, after two years, we are just getting started.

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

HICKS, JOHN: MAITLAND LAUNCH DAYS - EFFORTS

MS. MARGARET MILLER « » : Mr. Speaker, let's talk of sunny ways.

Maitland Launch Days are unique as the local residents celebrate the history of the community by dressing in period costume and recreating the shipbuilding history.

The success of the day would not be possible without the efforts of costumer extraordinaire John Hicks. John is a costumer who loves the period from 1850 to 1919, and that makes him very popular as a resource for groups and plays wanting to recreate the romance of earlier days - John even costumed a local wedding.

[Page 7075]

He has supplied local gowns, hats, boots, feminine fripperies and more. His home has become the local tickle trunk. John says he is running out of space, but costuming is his passion. So far he doesn't charge for his services, but only asks that folks who borrow his costumes bring them back in good condition.

Mr. Speaker, our communities are full of special people who embrace our daily lives and enhance our daily lives. John Hicks is one of those special people - he helps to make Maitland the unique place it is. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and Merry Christmas.

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

MORRISON, AMANDA/MACASKILL, CAROLYN

- WOMEN IN BUS. INNOVATION AWARD

MS. PAM EYKING « » : I rise today to congratulate Victoria County residents Amanda Morrison and Carolyn MacAskill. At the recent 2015 Women in Business Conference and Gala celebrating success, held on October 22^nd in Sydney, Ms. Morrison and Ms. MacAskill were presented with the Innovation Award for their year-old business, Above and Beyond Home Care Services.

Above and Beyond strives to live up to its name and deliver services that will make a positive difference and enhance the quality of the lives of all clients. I'd like to congratulate both Ms. Morrison and Ms. MacAskill, and wish them continued success in the future.

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

ROSS, AMY ET AL

- CRANTON CROSSROADS COMMUN. CTR. PLAYGROUND

MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, the Cranton Crossroads Community Centre has a new playground. Amy Ross proposed the idea at a community meeting back in 2011. The community centre board liked the idea and a subcommittee was formed to manage the project, with Ashton Brown as chairperson.

Canadian Tire contacted the group in 2014, offering a donation of $25,000; the Municipality of the County of Inverness provided $5,000; and the Central Inverness Community Health Board contributed another $4,000. The playground committee held fundraisers and contacted local businesses to raise the remainder of funds needed. Volunteers went to work installing the playground equipment.

[Page 7076]

Let us all recognize Amy and Ashton and committee members Julie Murphy, Melinda Ingraham, Megan Brown, and Melissa Hart for creating a fun place to play and encouraging physical activity in Margaree Centre.

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

NOVA TRUCK CTR. - TOY DRIVE

MR. TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, once again the kindness and sense of community that abounds in Pictou East makes me proud. Nova Truck Centre is taking part in a toy drive for needy children by asking for donations of unwrapped toys. Toys will be distributed through the Salvation Army and Tearmann House.

Christmas can be a very sad and lonely time for many, and receiving a special and unexpected gift can mean the world to a parent or a child. The team at Nova Truck Centre Westville is doing its part to support our community, and for this thoughtful gesture we thank them and wish them great success and a Merry Christmas. Thank you.

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

BEERS, REV. JOHN - BIRTHDAY (80^th)/ORDINATION (50^th)

MR. KEITH IRVING « » : Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise to acknowledge the Reverend John Beers for two occasions he recently celebrated: his 80^th birthday and the 50^th Anniversary of his ordination. Over 200 people gathered at the New Minas Baptist Church to celebrate with Reverend Beers, including congregants from every pastorate in which he has ministered over the last half-century: churches in Kings, Annapolis, Queens, Yarmouth, and Halifax Counties. Reverend Beers earned three degrees from the Acadia Divinity College, and he was presented with the Alumni Distinguished Service Award back in 2001. He has always sought to make a difference in the world by not remaining within the walls of the church, but by being out where the people are.

On behalf of the House of Assembly, I would like to thank and congratulate Reverend Beers for his half-century of service to so many Nova Scotian communities.

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

LONEY, BRETTON - REBEL WITH A CAUSE: THE DOC NIKAIDO STORY: PUBLICATION - CONGRATS.

[Page 7077]

HON. DIANA WHALEN « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to congratulate Bretton Loney, a resident of Clayton Park West, on the recent publication of his book Rebel With A Cause: The Doc Nikaido Story. Mr. Loney's book tells the important story of Dr. Harry Nikaido and the lifelong effect of the treatment of Japanese-Canadians during WWII. Dr. Nikaido turned his back on material things and practiced medicine in small-town Alberta, where Brett actually grew up.

Bretton would be known to many in the House, because he is a director with Communications Nova Scotia. He's also an award-winning journalist, an excellent public servant, and an author whose previous work has been published in a number of magazines and anthologies.

With this new book he adds to the strong reputation of Nova Scotian authors. Please join me in congratulating Bretton Loney on the publication of Rebel With A Cause: The Doc Nikaido Story, and wishing him continued success in all his future endeavours. Thank you.

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

MORGAN, GORDON - COMMUN. CONTRIBUTIONS

MR. STEPHEN GOUGH « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to take this opportunity to recognize Gordon Morgan. Gordon hung up his volunteer hat with the Sackville Community Development Association last year, after many years of service. The long-time Sackville volunteer may not be a household name, but his legacy has left its mark on many local residents.

Morgan has devoted countless hours to numerous community endeavours. His work as head of the Heritage Park Advisory Committee helped ensure the beautification of Sackville's Heritage Park. He is also the founding member of the Sackville Development Association, formed in 1997 by a group of like-minded volunteers who aimed to ensure Sackville would retain a community character of its own.

We want to thank Gordon Morgan for lighting this spark within our community and for his continued contributions to the people of Sackville-Beaver Bank. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Portland Valley.

FRASER, CAROLYN: CROSSING GUARD SERV. - THANK

[Page 7078]

HON. TONY INCE « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and thank Carolyn Fraser. Carolyn has been a crossing guard for children living in the Portland Estates-Portland Hills area of my riding. Carolyn retired this October after 16 years of commendable service. She not only worked hard to keep children walking to school safe, but she also ensured that they would be greeted with a smile each and every morning. On the last day of class before Christmas, Carolyn would dress as Santa for the children.

I'd like to thank Carolyn for her years of service. I'd also like to thank the members of the Portland Estates & Hills Residents' Association for presenting Carolyn with a certificate of recognition for her dedication to the children of the community. I'm proud to represent folks like Carolyn and the Portland Estates & Hills Residents' Association.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Barring any more Statements by Members, the House will now recess until 10:00 a.m.

[9:55 a.m. The House recessed.]

[10:00 a.m. The House reconvened.]

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS TO MINISTERS

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS - VALLEY REG. MENTAL HEALTH UNIT CLOSURE: CONSIDERATION - REASONS

HON. JAMIE BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Premier. This week the Minister of Health and Wellness said, ". . . one of the options being considered by the newly amalgamated Nova Scotia health authority is having fewer mental health units . . ." Mr. Speaker, that is shocking news to people like Lianne Griffin, who has said that her brother, who is schizophrenic and bipolar, relies on the mental health unit at the Valley Regional Hospital when he is in crisis.

I would like to ask the Premier, why is his government considering closing mental health units when people like Lianne's brother so clearly still need help?

HON. STEPHEN MCNEIL « » : I want to thank the honourable member for the question. As I said yesterday, I believe what the Minister of Health and Wellness said was that in some of those facilities across the province, the team may look different and the service delivery may look different, based on what the clinicians and health advocates across the province talk about, and what communities believe are their needs in order to deliver mental health services to the citizens of the province.

[Page 7079]

The Minister of Health and Wellness continues to work with health care providers to ensure that the health care model that is in our respective communities across Nova Scotia is the one that meets the needs of that particular community and is the one that community believes is in its best interest.

MR. BAILLIE « » : What the Minister of Health and Wellness said is that they may look different in that the mental health unit in their community might close, Mr. Speaker. Well, I've got to tell you: there are people like Lianne's brother who show up in our emergency rooms every day at our hospitals around the province, many of them in crisis, needing inpatient services, needing short-stay units like the one in the Valley, like the one at the Aberdeen in New Glasgow; those community needs include a mental health unit for people who need to be admitted for treatment.

I have asked regularly whether the Premier agrees there is a crisis in mental health services delivery, and he says no. Mr. Speaker, how can the Premier continue to say there is no crisis in the delivery of mental health services when people like Lianne's brother may find the mental health unit in their community closed?

THE PREMIER « » : I think the important word that the honourable member just said is "may." The fact of the matter is he's creating fear among communities across this province.

The reality is the Minister of Health and Wellness is out working with health care professionals across Nova Scotia to ensure that the proper health care supports are there for families across Nova Scotia. What I would encourage families across Nova Scotia to do, Mr. Speaker, is continue to work with their health care providers and continue to work with the Department of Health and Wellness and the new health authority to ensure that we have a comprehensive strategy and a comprehensive suite of services to provide to Nova Scotians in a way that the professionals know works on their behalf and not get caught up in the fear-mongering of the Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Nova Scotia.

MR. BAILLIE « » : It is the Premier's Minister of Health and Wellness who says that mental health units may close, and I'll table that quote again today for the benefit of the Premier. Those are the words of the government: that the mental health units may close. The same minister who told the people of northern Nova Scotia that the closure of the mental health unit there was only temporary and that it would open by November, and yet it is still closed today. No wonder people are worried, people like Lianne Griffin and her family - no wonder.

The Premier has an opportunity to clear this up. If he's so worried about this issue, he can clear it up right now. I will ask him to just categorically tell us that no mental health units will close. If he won't do that, will he call a public inquiry into the state of our mental health system, so that we can clear all of this up for the people who need help?

[Page 7080]

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to remind the honourable member that the C in CA is not for clinician. The fact of the matter is the Minister of Health and Wellness is going to continue to work with health care providers and families across this province to ensure that the health care services are in communities so that community members who require those health care services - we will supply them with the right health care providers.

I want to thank the Minister of Health and Wellness, the Department of Health and Wellness, the new district health authority, and all those Nova Scotians who are coming together recognizing there's a need in this province and finding a long-term solution to ensure that it is there for the long haul.

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

IMMIGRATION: SYRIAN REFUGEES - MENTAL HEALTH SERV.

HON. MAUREEN MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, there has been a great outpouring of donations from Nova Scotians across the province with respect to the resettlement of Syrian refugees, unparalleled probably, and it demonstrates the compassion of people in our province.

Mr. Speaker, as Nova Scotia prepares for the Syrian refugees who will soon call Nova Scotia home, there are many things the government should be considering. One of these things is mental health. In a recent news story Dr. Stan Kutcher, a local psychiatrist, outlines that it will be critical to examine the refugees' mental health.

Mr. Speaker, my question to the Premier is, can the Premier outline what steps his government has taken to ensure that all Syrian refugees will be provided with appropriate mental health services when they arrive?

THE PREMIER « » : I want to thank the honourable member for the question and I want to thank the minister for the tremendous work she has been doing on behalf of all Nova Scotians. I'll ask the minister to respond to the member's question.

HON. LENA DIAB « » : I very much appreciate the question. This is a very important question for all Nova Scotians and all Canadians at this time, at a time when there are four million-plus refugees who are fleeing Syria to neighbouring countries. Nova Scotia is very much prepared and ready to assist.

When we launched the 211 system, we received - and it has been three weeks - we received over 2,000 calls of donations, many of which were for volunteer work as well as assistance for donations, money, and other things.

[Page 7081]

I've also received calls from doctors, from lawyers, from optometrists, from many professionals who are willing to volunteer their services, including mental health.

MS. MACDONALD « » : I want to thank the minister. Refugees coming to Nova Scotia have been through pretty traumatic situations, making their way to Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, and other countries. Many will require extensive mental health services that are culturally appropriate.

In this year's budget, Mr. Speaker, the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia, which has been a leader in the ongoing resettlement process in our province, saw their mental health funding cut by 24 per cent for mental health services. Will the Premier restore the mental health funding to ISANS so they will be able to provide culturally appropriate mental health services, as Syrian refugees arrive in Nova Scotia?

THE PREMIER « » : I want to thank the honourable member for the question. Again I want to thank all Nova Scotians for the way they are responding to the Syrian refugees. As the honourable member would know, of the first 10,000 refugees who are coming into Canada, about 80 per cent of them are privately sponsored. Community groups across our province, and indeed across the entire county, families have come together to provide a new beginning for these families.

I also want to tell the honourable member there were no cuts to the ISANS program. Those cuts she is referring to are by the federal government. Canadians passed judgment on that federal government. We have a new one in place that responded, that quite frankly put Canada back on the map, internationally, where we are known to be a compassionate country. Finally the national government stood up and told the rest of the world that we will do our part to ensure that these Syrian refugees get an opportunity to start a new life globally.

MS. MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, I don't want to be argumentative on such an important topic as mental health. (Interruptions) It's not a funny matter either, I have to say.

Mr. Speaker, this government in fact did cut the Community Grants Program under the Mental Health and Addictions Strategy to the Immigrant Services Association by $22,000 from the $99,000 that they received. I will table that, that's from the Minister of Health and Wellness, his department.

I want to ask the Premier again, will those resources be restored, in light of the fact that we will have Syrian refugees arriving in this country requiring mental health and other medical services - and not only restored, but expanded?

[Page 7082]

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. Again, I want to tell her that Canadians responded to a new vision and a new direction with a new government. The new government has announced that it will be restoring former cuts when it comes to refugees coming into Canada that were provided by the previous government. We're encouraged by that. We are looking forward to continuing to work with the partnership.

I want to remind the honourable member - and I believe what she's actually doing is endorsing our labour movement and the fact that we need to get labour costs under control in Nova Scotia, so that we can continue to invest in the services that Nova Scotians want to have. At the end of the day we need to be able to get to the point, so I want to say, and I really do appreciate the fact that she's standing up and willing to support that labour movement. I hope as we transition through a new direction we'll be able to continue to count on her support. She's beginning to recognize a good government when she sees one.

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

Prem. - Food Banks: Donors - Tax Credits

HON. JAMIE BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, today is Feed Nova Scotia Day, a day when hundreds of Nova Scotians come forward and make donations to Feed Nova Scotia at their local food bank at various locations around the province so that those families in need who are struggling to pay for Christmas presents and food have a chance at a good Christmas. The problem is that not enough of that food will be fresh, local produce.

There are solutions to match up farmers who have surplus produce with the families that need it, but the Premier says no action on that solution will be taken during this session of the House. I would like to ask him, why not make it easier for those families and those food banks to bring a solution together that will help families in need this Christmas?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. I want to tell the honourable member that farmers across this province are doing exactly what he's suggesting they should be doing, which is providing produce to food banks. I want to thank them for the tremendous work that they've been doing.

What I've also said is that the bill that was brought forward has been brought forward by a number of people in this House at various times. I've asked the Department of Finance and Treasury Board to look at that bill to see what the actual costs would be and if there are any unintended consequences, not only to the taxpayers of Nova Scotia but to the farmers. As he would know, some of them already receive a tax credit for a charitable contribution. We haven't said no to the idea, but I think most Nova Scotians would want us to ensure we knew what the consequences of that decision would be before we moved on it.

[Page 7083]

MR. BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, one way to thank farmers for the donations they make is to recognize it through a tax credit. The fact of the matter is, in other provinces where that has been done, like Ontario, the amount of surplus produce donated to food banks there increased dramatically, meaning more families in Ontario could be helped. That is exactly what I believe all of us or most of us in this Chamber would like to see happen here.

In Opposition, the Liberal Party was in favour of just such a plan. Now they have a chance to make it a reality, so I'll ask the Premier, what happened to make the government change its view from in favour to "we'll see"?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I don't think anything happened. When the honourable member for Kings West tabled that information in Opposition, what he hoped for was that the government of the day would have taken that bill to the Department of Finance and Treasury Board and actually understood what the consequences would be.

I want to remind the honourable member, that is exactly what this government is doing: taking it to the Department of Finance and Treasury Board to tell us what the consequences would be. We will look at (Interruptions) Mr. Speaker, as I said outside this House, we are prepared to give credit to whoever wants credit, but we need to make sure of the financial consequences, and will it do what we expect it to do?

I want to remind the honourable member that farmers across this province are responding in the way we know Nova Scotians respond to the needs of citizens of this province. We're going to continue to thank them, we're going to continue to work with them, and we'll assess that bill. If it makes sense, if it will actually do what the honourable member thinks it will do, we would be more than happy to continue to move forward and progress and make sure it's there.

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

Health & Wellness: Pugwash Hosp. Plan - Update

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, the new hospital in Pugwash was to include a Collaborative Emergency Centre, the East Cumberland Lodge, Pugwash Professional Centre, and the Emergency Health Services station. Right now paramedics take patients back and forth across the parking lot in their ambulances from the hospital to the nursing home for their care. Kitchen and staff push carts of food and laundry bins across that parking lot from one building to the other.

Pugwash deserves to have the planned hospital go ahead. Can the Minister of Health and Wellness explain why the plan for the new hospital in Pugwash has stalled?

[Page 7084]

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : I'm pleased to say that I have met with the team who are involved with planning, and have been through the hospital and taken a look at the challenges that they currently have. We decided to put things into a holding pattern while the Provincial Health Authority did a clinical services review so that when the future Pugwash Hospital is built, that we will know exactly what services should be in that hospital.

MR. DAVID WILSON « » : I'll table an article from The Citizen-Record on the hospital build in Pugwash twelve months ago - the minister stated that within a couple of weeks we'll be involved in budget discussions and we'll make a determination, very quickly, on the level of support, Mr. Speaker. The minister said the facility would be considered for 2015-16 budget. It's a year later and the people of Pugwash are growing concerned.

I'll also table an article - even the MLA for Cumberland North, who's advocating for this, Mr. Speaker, stated that he hopes for a groundbreaking ceremony this Fall. So can the Minister of Health and Wellness tell us when the construction will begin on the new Pugwash Hospital?

MR. GLAVINE « » : What I can tell the member opposite and also our MLA for Cumberland North, who has indeed been a great advocate for this new facility, while he would've liked to have had a groundbreaking ceremony this Fall, he realizes that the new Nova Scotia Health Authority must look at all services in the four zones across the province, so that when it is built we know that we have the right services for the future. We're definitely looking at the future of this area, because actually their population is starting to grow, they have more children entering school and this area will get a new hospital.

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

Aboriginal Affs.: Cornwallis Statue - Removal

MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier as Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.

Last March, I wrote to Halifax Mayor Savage about a tender for the redevelopment of Cornwallis Park. I had asked that it be used as an opportunity to create a community space respectful for all citizens, Cornwallis Park. Racism, Mr. Speaker, whether it happened 250 years ago or today, brings people down and we all know the mark that Cornwallis left on our province.

We do know that HRM councillors recently passed what I became aware of as a statement of reconciliation with its indigenous people, and I think that's a positive sign. Will the Premier speak with Mayor Savage and ask that the Cornwallis statue be removed, because it stands as a tribute to the near extermination of Mi'kmaq people in Nova Scotia?

[Page 7085]

THE PREMIER « » : I want to thank the honourable member for the question. I had an opportunity more recently to be with a number of the Chiefs in the Mi'kmaq community; I had also an opportunity to speak with Dan Paul, whom I think all Nova Scotians hold in high esteem. We talked about this particular issue, and he made a request of me when it came to the Cornwallis River, as it goes through the First Nations community in the Annapolis Valley, in Cambridge. He felt it was inappropriate that there would be a sign there that recognized Cornwallis very close to the Mi'kmaq community.

I called him a few days later, having had an opportunity to look at it, and I had those signs removed and we will continue to work with our partners, both municipally and our Mi'kmaq community, to ensure that our history is reflected, but done so in a respectful way, Mr. Speaker. I continue to look forward to working with not only Mayor Savage, but with the honourable member, as we move through what has been a very difficult part of our history, to see that we can make sure that we do right by all of our citizens.

MR. MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank the Premier for the response and also thank him for the removal of those signs, because I know that is a matter that affects our Mi'kmaq people deeply, and to have to drive by those signs is certainly something that is good that they're taken down.

Mr. Speaker, I received letters from students in Inverness, a Grade 11 history class in Inverness and I was very impressed - they asked for the statue to be removed. I know their teacher had mentioned, what message are we giving the youth of our province if we allow that statue to remain?

Sunday, we know, is Acadian Remembrance Day, they know as well of what Cornwallis has done in our province and some people, Mr. Speaker, out of respect feel that Cornwallis may be a part of their heritage, but I don't think it means they have to own what he did or celebrate it in the form of a park.

What the Premier said has been very positive. I would ask him again - I'll let him comment - but I would ask him that this move ahead and that we, as a province and as a Legislature, support the removal of that statute.

THE PREMIER « » : Again I want to thank the honourable member for the question. I particularly want to thank the students from his riding who obviously have put a lot of time and thought into this. It reminds me how fortunate and blessed we are in this province to have so many great young people who are - we only hear about the very small percentage of young people who are in trouble and the vast majority of them are like the students the honourable member represents, who are very thoughtful young people, looking forward and looking back to see if there a way that we can ensure, as we move forward collectively, that we can deal with the things that we're not proud of.

[Page 7086]

I made a commitment to the honourable member that I would continue to work toward doing that to make sure that our history is reflected - the good and the bad - but done so in a way that is not insulting or in a way that is having some members of our community feel that they are being ignored or, quite frankly, being insulted, as I said a few minutes ago, and we'll continue to try to find that ground that reflects who we are as a people. I will continue to work with the mayor and the honourable member to ensure that we can achieve that.

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

Nat. Res.: MacKay Brook Commun. Forest Proj. - Visit

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : My question is to the Acting Minister of Natural Resources. In past Question Periods the minister has agreed with the importance of creating community forest projects within Nova Scotia. In fact I have a letter from him indicating his wishes to visit the MacKay Brook Community Forest project in Pictou West. I'll table that letter.

However, that visit never happened, although I will admit that we both tried to coordinate that. However, as soon as the new Minister of Natural Resources began his duties, I immediately received another letter indicating he would not follow through with a visit. Can the minister explain why there is such a disconnect between the two ministers in seeing the value and importance of coming to the forest and having us explain the meaning of it and why we need this project to happen?

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : To speak directly about the proposal that was put in by that group, it did not fit the criteria of a community forest that was established by the province, Mr. Speaker. That is why its application was rejected by the province.

MS. MACFARLANE « » : Thank you to the minister for his answer. What I have identified, though, is that the land was given to Port Hawkesbury Paper, however, the representatives from Port Hawkesbury Paper were more than happy to come and view the land and see what we wanted to do there. Your letter came months after that, indicating . . .

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. I just want to remind the honourable member for Pictou West not to refer to the minister directly.

MS. MACFARLANE « » : The minister's letter came after that, indicating a visit and still wanted to see the land, as well as the representatives from Port Hawkesbury Paper indicated that the onus would really be on the department because they saw the value. In fact in Section 10 of the agreement with Port Hawkesbury Paper, you have the ability to remove a parcel of land to make this project happen.

[Page 7087]

My question is, will you review the proposal again and . . .

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. I just want to remind the honourable member not to refer to the minister directly.

MS. MACFARLANE « » : Will the minister please review the proposal again, with the Minister of Natural Resources, and consider coming to Pictou West and sitting down with the MacKay Brook group and discussing the future plans of this project?

MR. CHURCHILL « » : Mr. Speaker, my offer still remains. If we can coordinate a time to visit, we will do that. I'm not sure when my next visit to Pictou County will take place but we will do our very best.

When it comes to the allocations that have been committed to Port Hawkesbury Paper, that was done under the previous government. The province is actually having a very difficult time right now because of the overall softwood fibre shortage to actually come through with all the fibre that was committed by the NDP Government. Port Hawkesbury Paper is part of their plan so I cannot commit at this time that any decisions will be made to change course at this point.

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

Health & Wellness: Health Care Facilities Review - Results

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, the Victoria General Hospital flood that forced the cancellation of hundreds of surgeries was more proof for the minister that a plan to replace the Centennial Building had to continue progressing. On September 15^th, the minister stated that the delay in the plan to replace the Centennial Building was caused by the shift from Capital Health to the Nova Scotia Health Authority, which led to another review of facilities across the province. Can the minister provide us with the results of this review of health care facilities?

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, I can tell the honourable member and former Health and Wellness Minister that the clinical services review has been completed. That work is now starting to translate into planning for the future what facilities we need, what we need where across Nova Scotia and we will start very shortly. In fact, many significant changes will get underway in 2016. I'm sure he will like some of those changes because he was in the department when many of them started their momentum.

MR. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, Capital Health District Health Authority had a plan to replace the Centennial Building with steps outlined on their website to be taken from 2012 to 2020; construction was supposed to begin in 2016. The minister has replaced Capital Health, of course, with the Nova Scotia Health Authority and a new schedule has been developed. Can the minister tell us and all Nova Scotians when construction will begin on the new building to replace the crumbling Centennial Building?

[Page 7088]

MR. GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, we know that the first phase of some of the capacity at the Centennial Building is now underway at the Dartmouth General. It is now in the final schematic and design changes and we will be adding significantly to the Dartmouth General as part of the overall plan for our provincial hospitals. In terms of the phased work for the QEII, between six and 12 months we will see work getting underway.

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

Bus. - Southern N.S.: Employment Decrease - Explain

MR. JOHN LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Business. Southern Nova Scotia employment has decreased by 12 per cent and that is the second-worst decrease in any region in the country. It represents the loss of 6,900 positions of employment. Full-time employment decreased by 10 per cent over the last five years, which is the third-worst regional result in the country. The population of southern Nova Scotia has also been decreasing at an alarming rate - 2,900 in the past five years.

My question for the minister is, since the minister has not raised the concerns of the people of his region, will the minister take the opportunity now to explain why his region of the province has been hit so hard and has seen such little support.

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for the question. I want to assure my colleague that I do share and express the best interests of the residents of the South Shore every opportunity that I get. Let's be realistic and let's not play politics in this game.

The Canadian economy is struggling and inherently every provincial economy is struggling. We are changing the discussion around economic development in the Province of Nova Scotia. The private sector is stepping up to the plate; they're leading that discussion. We are supporting them by creating an environment where small business and business in general is able to be successful.

MR. LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank the minister for that answer. The unemployment rate is 10.5 per cent, the seventh-highest rate in all regions of the country. People outside the labour force have increased by 14 per cent in the last five years, a 4 per cent over last year. The unemployment rate is 49.7 per cent, which means less than half the population is working. We've seen hundreds of jobs lost in the film industry and we know how important the film industry was to the South Shore. My question for the minister is, does the minister still believe that changes to the film tax credit are positive to his region?

[Page 7089]

MR. FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I don't know how many times I have to repeat this in the Legislature: the film industry representatives have told us that the new Film and Television Production Incentive Fund is a funding formula that is workable for them. In discussions with the industry they identified priorities for us and a month ago we announced just under $500,000 that supports them in advancing a strategic plan where the industry will lead to my colleague's point. There's funding to support location services and a web portal. There's funding for an FTE to assist the industry itself in moving the industry forward.

Industry has told government to get out of the way and allow them to lead. We're doing that with the film industry, we're doing that with every other sector within the province, and industry is stepping up.

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

Health & Wellness - Aberdeen Hosp. (Short-Stay Unit): Staffing - Details

MR. TIM HOUSTON « » : My question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. For four months now the people of Pictou County have been told that the short-stay unit at the Aberdeen Hospital will be reopened when the appropriate staff can be hired. Dr. Theresa Vienneau, the Clinical Director of Psychiatry at the Aberdeen Hospital, yesterday told The Evening News that ". . . jobs were posted and people applied, but because the number of staff needed hasn't yet been determined, hirings haven't taken place."

She went on to say that part of the reason nobody has been hired is because we are in ". . . a position of uncertainty with respect to how we're going to staff the unit . . ." - why does the director of psychiatry have uncertainty as to how that unit should be staffed?

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : When the announcement first came about closing the unit at the Aberdeen, it led to considerable investigation of the practice that had been occurring there. It was time to make considerable change, put a new direction into how mental health services would be provided in Pictou County.

With the clinical review going on across the province, it was a good time to take a long, hard look at what would, in fact, be the best delivery model for Pictou County and indeed across Nova Scotia.

MR. HOUSTON « » : So we've been hearing it's staffing, staffing - today we're hearing that maybe it's something else because there's a long, hard look taking place here. It has been four months of long, hard looking. We learned yesterday from the article that when the mental health unit was closed a study was initiated regarding the services provided, so I assume that's the study that the minister is referring to.

[Page 7090]

I would ask the minister today, four months have passed, when will the study be available, and if it's available now, will he table it for the benefit of this House?

MR. GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, I've had those meetings, with Dr. Courey and Dr. Vienneau, to take a look at the direction the unit will be going. What we certainly know so far, since August 1^st, eight patients have needed short-term psychiatric care, and they have all been looked after.

We know the capacity of the unit, we know that the approach of a unit, all that needs to change for the future. I have great confidence in the psychiatric team in Pictou and the direction that the provincial health authority under Dr. Courey is providing us.

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

Film & Television PRODUCTION Incentive Fund:

Film Ind. Concerns - Min. Address

MS. MARIAN MANCINI « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister in charge of the Film and Television Production Incentive Fund. In November, we heard the testimony at the Economic Development Committee from Screen Nova Scotia and other experts in the film industry. They said - and I will table that, and I would also ask that the minister read it because they said at the time there were three significant issues with the new film incentive fund in light of the dramatic drop in the work - and that is the cap on it; the loss of the equity program; and the percentage or level of the incentive fund itself.

When will the minister address these three concerns of the film industry?

HON. MARK FUREY « » : I thank my colleague for the question. I believe earlier this week there was a similar question relative to the amount of money in the fund. There have been nine production projects approved, totalling $1.6 million; there's $8.4 million left in that fund; and we look forward to future applications from the film industry to utilize the monies that presently exist, the balance that exists in that fund, Mr. Speaker. I don't think there's any more opportunity for the industry to use the money that's available.

MS. MANCINI « » : Mr. Speaker, at the Economic Development Committee, Screen Nova Scotia and film industry experts talked about a production which we now know to be the Global show The Code, starring Jason Priestley. This $20 million series was lost due to the uncertainty in the Nova Scotia industry. It was lost to Hamilton because of a 2 per cent difference in the level of the incentive. The fund in its current form is not working.

When will the minister at least consider improving the percentage points of the new fund so that we don't lose out on any other TV series like The Code?

[Page 7091]

MR. FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I've had extensive discussions, both collectively with groups and representation from the industry and individually with those from the industry. The discussions that we've had with the industry, they have clearly said to us we have to change the discussion. There's too much negativism around the industry in Nova Scotia. Government agreed and representatives from the industry agreed.

That's what we tried to do recently with $500,000 in funding. To that point, I want to table an article entitled: Journeyman Bets on Film Industry's Future. This was an All Nova Scotia report indicating "Mathew Welsh is bucking the trend in the province's . . . film industry and investing $1 million in a new studio for his company . . ." This is a great example of individuals in the industry who are rising to the occasion. They're taking advantage of opportunities that exist, and they're prepared to utilize their own money to drive the industry. They're not calling on government, Mr. Speaker. They're stepping up to the plate. (Applause)

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

Com. Serv. - Fam. & Children's Serv. (Kings Co.):

Caseloads - Min. Address

MR. JOHN LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Community Services. The Minister of Community Services surely by now recognizes that she has a problem that she has not fixed within her department. That problem is within Family and Youth Services in Kings County, where social workers have more cases than they can handle. That has been reported, and I will table that, in The Chronicle Herald. They have caseloads of up to 30 or 40, the Auditor General reported, when according to CPS standards, the recommended average caseload for CPS workers is 20 files, with a mix of low-, medium-, and high-risk cases.

My question for the minister is, can the minister tell the people of Kings County what she is doing to address this excessive caseload of her staff in Kings County?

HON. JOANNE BERNARD « » : I'd like to start out by thanking the many, many social workers and child protection workers across the province, who quite frankly do a job where many of us can't even imagine the circumstances that they face every day.

I have made it clear and work very diligently with the executive director of Family and Youth Services. We have a standard in this province, and the standard is 20. In the caseload we generally run an average of between 13 and 16. When it inches close to the standard in any town, any part of the province, we make sure that we move resources into that area so that there is substantial coverage everywhere, from one end of the province to the other.

[Page 7092]

MR. LOHR « » : I'd like to thank the minister for that response, and I also recognize that this is not an easy job caseworkers have.

Mr. Speaker, the Ombudsman expressed concern in a July 2014 report about the heavy caseload for social workers in Kings County. I understand that the minister is making efforts to correct that, but to have 30 to 40 cases per social worker is a very serious situation, which we believe also impacts the quality of work that they can do.

Is the minister confident that the corrective measures that she is taking will address this heavy caseload?

MS. BERNARD « » : I absolutely would address that, if I felt that was the case in Kings County. The information actually came from a social worker who does not work within the Department of Community Services. We have staff both in management and on the ground in Kings County who monitor caseloads every single week so that we know exactly where we're sitting with caseload coverage, because at the end of the day it's about keeping children safe and making sure that families are supported.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley.

Justice: Maintenance Enforcement - Dept. Access

MR. LARRY HARRISON « » : My question is for the Minister of Justice. In the last two weeks now, I've had four calls from people who are dealing with maintenance enforcement. The one thing that is common to all those calls is the frustration of not getting through to the department - could the minister make an inquiry as to why this delay in communication is taking place?

HON. DIANA WHALEN « » : I think all members of the House know that the Maintenance Enforcement Program is a priority for our government and for the Premier. In my time as minister, I have actually been twice to their offices in New Waterford to meet the people and see what's going on there.

It's an office that was extremely stressed three years ago when all of the other regional offices were closed and everybody moved to New Waterford. There was a 70 per cent turnover of staff at that time. That's part of the history of where some of their disarray came from, and it was not a program that was working well to begin with.

I would never say it was working well to begin with. So, Mr. Speaker, it's certainly in our sights to do better, and that's why I've been visiting. We're making every effort to do better, and perhaps in your next question I can add to that.

MR. HARRISON « » : No, that's very helpful. Mr. Speaker, I thank the minister for that answer.

[Page 7093]

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

EECD - J.L. Ilsley HS: Safety - Assure

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : Renovations at J.L. Ilsley High School have been going on for months now. Last week, Global reported that these renovations have created even more problems for students. One student said: "In my math class, I was sliding around the classroom." Asbestos is a problem and there's also a section of the school off limits because of gasoline fumes, and one parent removed her son from the school due to health and safety concerns, as well. I'll table that, Mr. Speaker.

My question for the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development is, what assurances can she give parents and students at J.L. Ilsley that it's safe to go to school?

HON. KAREN CASEY « » : Thank you to the member for the question. I think it would be fair to repeat in this House that the safety of students in all of our schools is a priority for this government. We also recognize that there are deferred maintenance issues across this province and, for that reason, for two consecutive budgets we have put aside $15 million each year for two years to address some of the outstanding maintenance - Ilsley has been the recipient of some of that money.

MS. ZANN « » : Well I'm told that the parents would like to see a new school built there, so perhaps the minister could think about that.

Rural Nova Scotia is really hurting, and several regions like River John have now lost their schools. Yesterday a concerned parent wrote The Chronicle Herald to express her frustration with the state of schools on the Eastern Shore, and the parent argues that dollars spent on cosmetic repairs could, and should, have been spent on a replacement of Eastern Shore District High and Gaetz Brook Junior High. To support the arguments for a new school, the parent said she had the support of her Liberal MLA.

My question for the minister is, does she believe that there should be a replacement for Eastern Shore District High and Gaetz Brook Junior High?

MS. CASEY « » : To the member's question, I would suggest to the member, and to all members of this House, that repairing a leaky roof, replacing windows, and putting new doors in would not be considered cosmetic - those are real necessary repairs.

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

Com. Serv. - Fam. & Children's Serv. (Kings Co.):

[Page 7094]

Caseloads - Numbers Confirm

MR. JOHN LOHR « » : My question is for the Minister of Community Services. In the previous question, we asked about the caseloads for social workers in Kings County, and I tabled a quote in The Chronicle Herald that said there were between 30 to 40 cases per caseworker. I believe I heard the minister say that was not correct. I would like the minister to explain this discrepancy in the numbers to me?

HON. JOANNE BERNARD « » : Mr. Speaker, I believe the quote came from a social worker who does not work for the Department of Community Services. Their interpretation - what they actually think - may not be what is actually happening.

MR. LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to request that the minister table that information and I would further like to suggest that one of the reasons that I've heard for the discrepancy is, in fact, the actual number is 30 to 40, but when the department calculates it, they calculate it with the people in the department who are not carrying a caseload, but are staff within the branch. I would like the minister to clarify this: is it true for the actual cases per caseworker or does her average include staff within the department who do not carry a caseload?

MS. BERNARD « » : Mr. Speaker, I will clarify that for you. I can't table somebody else's opinion, that's impossible, but what I will table is the information for what the standard is. Of course, we would not put a front-line person who was answering the phones in the statistics of what the caseload would be for clinical social workers who work with families every day. Clinical social workers who work with families every day is between 13 and 16 with the standard being 20. We do not include the people who answer the phone, the people who carry children from one place to another, the people who do assessments. It is the actual, clinical social workers that are part of the standard.

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

Bus. - Rural VICs: Closures - Consultations

HON. DENISE PETERSON-RAFUSE « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Business. Last year tourists and tourism employees were taken by complete surprise when the government abruptly closed its visitor information centres in Digby and Pictou with no notice and no consultation. Understandably the communities who were spared from last year's VIC cuts are growing very nervous that they are the next on the Liberal Government's chopping block. My question to the minister is, what assurances can the minister give these rural communities that they will have VICs this coming summer?

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for the question. We continue to have discussions with communities across the province on the tourism industry itself, and the need to change the industry. I want to assure my colleague across that there will be 51 municipal VICs functional for the next tourist season.

[Page 7095]

MS. PETERSON-RAFUSE « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the minister for his answer. However, last year mayors in Pictou and Digby told reporters that they were shocked and blindsided when this government shuttered the VICs in those communities, and I will table that. This year we are hearing reports that renovations to VICs are being halted as there are multiple sites that won't open again in the new year.

My question again to the minister is, will he commit to full and open consultation with communities before they have the rug ripped out from underneath them, which happened last year in Pictou and Digby?

MR. FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for the question. One of the things I have committed to and we continue to do is engage communities across the province. That consultation that is ongoing as we speak has been exhaustive; it has been very thorough. It has engaged all of the stakeholders from those communities around the discussions of tourism and how the province, collectively, can double tourism revenues over the next 10 years.

I would share with my colleague that those discussions have been very productive and we continue with those discussions. There have been no decisions made and at the first opportunity, I'd be more than pleased to share both with my colleague and this House the outcomes of the discussions that we have embarked on.

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

MR. JOHN LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, my question if for the Minister of Community Services. This issue is of extraordinary importance to the people of Kings North and . . .

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The time allotted for Oral Questions put by Members to Ministers has expired.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

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

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

PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING

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

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 139.

[Page 7096]

Bill No. 139 - Municipal Elections Act.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Municipal Affairs.

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : I move third reading of Bill No. 139.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 139. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

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

The honourable Government House leader.

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 138.

Bill No. 138 - Chartered Professional Accountants Act.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Acting Minister of Finance and Treasury Board.

HON. KAREN CASEY « » : I move Bill No. 138 be now read for a third time and do pass.

Mr. Speaker, with the passage of this bill, certified general accountants, certified management accountants and chartered accountants will formally merge into the Chartered Professional Accountants, also known as the CPA.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation is the second step of a two-stage approach. The first stage was introduced and passed in the Spring of 2015, with the establishment of the new CPA designation. The second stage completes the merger and creates the regulatory framework for CPA Nova Scotia to govern its membership.

Mr. Speaker, CPA Nova Scotia will now work to complete the bylaws. The drafting of the bylaws will be a consultative process between the legacy organizations. The bylaws must be developed and submitted to the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board prior to proclamation of the legislation and the department will review the bylaws to ensure that they serve the best interest of all parties. Once that is completed, the legislation will then be proclaimed and that is expected to be in the Spring of 2016.

Mr. Speaker, the merger is an initiative lead by the national professional accountants' bodies; however, the accounting profession is provincially regulated and it requires government legislation to complete. We support the efforts of the legacy accounting bodies and are pleased to work with the profession. Merging those three accounting bodies together will reduce the complexity and the cost of regulation. It will also create one strong voice and strengthen the recognition of Canada's accounting professionalism and its brand globally.

[Page 7097]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday I heard comments from both the Progressive Conservative and from the NDP caucuses. Both spoke in favour of the legislation. They did raise concerns about the consultation about bringing the three bodies together and about the bylaws, and as the Acting Minister of Finance and Treasury Board, I will be sharing those with the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board.

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

MR. TIM HOUSTON « » : I thank the minister for the comments on that and I agree with much of what she said. I do say that we are supportive of the bill, we are supportive of the concept. We do remain concerned that there are some in the CGA profession that are worried about how the bylaws will kind of shake out, shall we say Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the acting minister acknowledging that concern and I thank her for making sure that the minister will be aware and that the minister will hopefully listen to the concerns of the CGAs and do what is possible to alleviate those concerns.

With the knowledge that the government has heard the concerns and will try and respond as appropriate, in their eyes at least, I say that our Party does support the bill and we hope that there is a good resolution for those issues, thank you.

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

HON. MAUREEN MACDONALD « » : I'm pleased to just make a few remarks. I want to thank the acting minister for her comments. I noticed yesterday that she was listening when the debate was occurring and taking some notes and I very much appreciate her reassurance that she will pass on the concerns that were raised by members of the Opposition to the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board when he returns and I believe that particularly since this Act will not be proclaimed until the bylaws have been worked through, that is a very good way to proceed. With that, Mr. Speaker, we will be supporting this piece of legislation.

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

MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, just very briefly, I know I spoke on this in the Committee of the Whole and I also just want it on the record in third reading to indicate that I had heard from Certified General Accountants in my constituency of Inverness who were concerned about the bylaws.

[Page 7098]

I also want to echo my colleagues' comments that we are supportive of the bill provided the minister does take into account their concerns to ensure their interests are represented in those bylaws and that they are not compromised by the fact that they have fewer members, I believe, on the board that this legislation is enacting.

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

MS. MARIAN MANCINI « » : Mr. Speaker, I, too, have been hearing from groups that will be affected by this bill. They had felt their concerns were not being heard by government. I'm pleased to hear the comments of the acting minister today. They specifically asked and I think that she addressed it, that all three legacy bodies have reviewed the bylaws and that they are in agreement that they promote professionalism without affecting a specific group within the CBA body. I appreciate the direction the government is taking in this.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 138. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

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

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 140.

Bill No. 140 - Public Accountants Act.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Acting Minister of Finance and Treasury Board.

HON. KAREN CASEY « » : Mr. Speaker, I move third reading of Bill No. 140.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 140. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

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

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

[Page 7099]

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 143.

Bill No. 143 - Regulatory Accountability and Reporting Act.

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

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I move third reading of Bill No. 143.

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

MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Going through here so quickly and favourably, Mr. Speaker. I wanted to get up on third reading and indicate our support for any efforts to help reduce red tape. We've put similar legislation forth in the past so we're happy to see this move forward.

It is good to see there's an effort being made to work with the other Atlantic Provinces. I know that similar efforts have been made in our western Canadian provinces years ago and I think that's very important. People are operating in a business world, certainly within this country, where they don't think about provincial boundaries. The only reason we probably do think about provincial boundaries in many cases is for historical reasons; from a day and age when our world was Nova Scotia and times moved slower. But we're living in a modern world and we need to ensure that our country and our province operate in a fashion so that people are not getting slowed down by red tape.

I know the Canadian Federation of Independent Business is fully supportive of this legislation. I think we do and we will hold the government to account, Mr. Speaker. We want to see action taken, and I would hope that the government would also be open to ideas - that if ideas come from this side of the House they will be accepted, the government will see the importance of the message if they can't accept who it's coming from.

There is a need for this, Mr. Speaker. The CFIB currently rates the province as D-minus for red tape, so we're hopeful that this legislation will help to turn that around. I know we've been rated second-worst only after the Northwest Territories.

This is important legislation. We also believe that when it comes to enacting this legislation, it will hold the government accountable. Of course, we had proposed an Act to enshrine the Ivany goals into legislation for the same purpose. I know, Mr. Speaker, that the government didn't see the value in that, at least not to this point. That's disappointing, but it is good to see them taking this action on red tape. Thank you.

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

MR. TIM HOUSTON « » : It's a pleasure to rise and speak to this bill a little bit and see the government acknowledging the existence of red tape and trying to take some action to reduce it.

[Page 7100]

In many ways, what has happened with this particular issue is it has been a bit of a reveal as to what governing is all about. I know many times in this House on Wednesdays - Wednesdays are Opposition Day - the Opposition Parties will often bring ideas forward through the form of bills. We bring those ideas forward to have them discussed on this floor, the floor of this Chamber, and see if they go somewhere. They're ideas that have come forth through Nova Scotians and things that we think are worthy of talking about. Many times what we see from the government side on Opposition Day is nothing more than just a dismissal of the ideas.

For me this is a good example of how the government has operated with respect to Opposition Party ideas. I think what it is doing is over time we're seeing the true character of the government. We saw the true character of some members quicker than we see it from others, but over time we're seeing the character.

In the case of red tape, I remember quite clearly introducing a bill in this House and discussing it on Opposition Day and the member for Cumberland North's dismissal of the whole concept of the government trying to take initiative to reduce red tape. I would like to just walk through a little bit of what the member for Cumberland North had to say about red tape at that time. I think what people will see is that the character of that member and his willingness to listen to different points of view and different ideas came through very early.

This was a year ago, Mr. Speaker, when we were talking about red tape on the floor of this House. At that time I remember the member was very theatrical in his discussions about red tape. He was very insistent that there were no opposing viewpoints and that his could possibly be the only one. I think he was speaking for the government at that time; he was clearly speaking from prepared notes, probably that somebody passed him and asked him to read. So maybe that was the mindset of the caucus at that time. At that time, their mindset was very much - and I'll be happy to table this when I'm done reading from the extensive quotes I have, Mr. Speaker - about how ridiculous the idea of a government trying to tackle red tape was. Today, maybe we have a different perspective from the government - maybe.

But way, way back, in October 2014, Mr. Speaker, the member for Cumberland North wanted to make something pretty clear, and he says, "One thing I'd certainly say . . . is that red tape is definitely in the eye of the beholder. We have many successful businesses in this province of all sizes that exist, and in fact prosper, within our existing regulatory framework. Those businesses are not held back by what my colleague from Pictou East. . ." that's me, Mr. Speaker, because it was my bill I had introduced about red tape reduction. At that time he was pretty insistent that his colleague for Pictou East was wrong and that there wasn't really any red tape.

[Page 7101]

That was then, I guess, and now the Cabinet has informed him that in fact there is some red tape in the province, and maybe we should take some action to address it. Maybe we'll hear from the member today and he can tell us how he feels today. We know how he felt then. I'd love to hear how he feels today.

At the time he says that the examples I had given and the words that I delivered about red tape were "in fact quite vague and anecdotal," and that supported his position that red tape is a myth. That's the position he was advancing on that day, Mr. Speaker.

I think it's important that we, as a House, reflect on our willingness to accept ideas and our willingness to respond to ideas and work with ideas for the betterment of the province. When you have a member who stands up and introduces a bill about red tape reduction and another member stands up and tells him he's full of it - he wasn't. Red tape existed then, it exists now, and this bill is going to try and tackle it.

Why do we have the government being so dismissive of Opposition? At that time, he wanted to talk about another cliché. The cliché was that "one person's red tape is another person's protection against dangers that exist in our society . . ." He went on to say, Mr. Speaker - I believe Madam Speaker was in the Chair on that particular day, but he went on to say, It's just a simple fact . . . that regulation is a necessary part of our society and that we are all better off because of regulation and can prosper in a fair and well managed regulatory environment." That was then, Mr. Speaker; this is now, I guess.

I'm thinking about when I was looking back at the Hansard to talk about this. I was mindful of a very real-life example that we have before this Chamber today. That's the food bill for the food banks. At the time, a bill was introduced by a now-minister and didn't go anywhere. Now that person is in government, has had an opportunity to revisit some of their ideas they had before. We brought this one forward, and it's not going anywhere.

In thinking about that, I had the opportunity, I just happened to be outside the Chamber yesterday when the Premier was being scrummed on the food bill that my colleague for Inverness, Allan MacMaster, introduced. The Premier was asked . . .

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. I'd like to remind the honourable member for Pictou East not to refer to members opposite, or in fact members on his own side, by their proper names.

The honourable member for Pictou East has the floor.

MR. HOUSTON « » : I wanted to give him his due credit, so we'll leave it stand as the member for Inverness.

I had the opportunity yesterday, I happened to be outside and the Premier was being scrummed on this bill. He was asked quite pointedly, that's a bill that was introduced by you guys in Opposition, what are you going to do? The Premier said, well, we've asked the Department of Finance and Treasury Board to look at it. We're going to cost it.

[Page 7102]

I'm not good at imitating facial expressions, Mr. Speaker, but if you could have seen the facial expressions on the media, it would have told a story for you. The story was, "what?" To which the Premier, I believe, recognized the surprise of the media and he said, well, when you're in Opposition you put ideas forward and you don't really cost them.

I think that is a trait that might have followed across the floor now to the government side when we're seeing some of the bills that come forward that are quite clearly thought out. The thing that is scary for me, and I think most Nova Scotians are becoming frightened by this, as the demeanor and character of the government is revealing itself over the fullness of time, is that whilst they were in Opposition maybe they've put things through that weren't that thought out, they've also done it in government.

I started to do a list of the bills, their own bills that they brought forward to this House that had to be taken back, retracted. The tobacco bill is certainly one that comes to mind. I ran out of ink as I listed off the bills. But the members of this House know full well that we are seeing a pattern of a government bringing forward things in the form of legislation that aren't clearly thought out.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention, obviously, the Film Industry Tax Credit situation, where we saw the government doing something, realized it was a mistake, still unwilling to admit the mistake, but a scramble to come up with an alternative. Now we have the fund. The fund is not working. The fund won't work and I could go at length into why it won't work, if there is any interest from the members here today, but we'll see, if time allots I might go through that, but it's quite clear that it won't.

I think the evidence that only $1.6 million that has been disbursed from a $10 million fund, that's probably as high as you're going to go because it just doesn't work; it's a broken fund. It is kind of like - I have five coins in my pocket today and tomorrow I have four coins in my pocket and somebody says well, that's no big deal, but today I have four pennies, four cents and yesterday I had five toonies, that's $10 bucks, it's a big difference if you start to look at the details of these things and that's a good example of that.

The concern I have, and I'm hopeful that the members will consider this, is that if we are going to advance this province, it will absolutely take ideas from a lot of different places and those ideas that come from the strangest places might be good ideas, they might be bad ideas, they might be ideas that won't work, or they might be wonderful ideas. But my message today is, if you're not willing to assess the ideas then you are never going to advance the province.

What we see, when you have a member who will stand up and say - I'm not quite through my quotes, I want to drive home how laughable that member's comments were at the time to be dismissive of the concept of red tape because if that is the response to ideas then we are going nowhere. I hope that we'll come back at some point; this session will rise and we'll come back another day. I don't know when the session will rise, we have a lot of things to talk about before it does, but when it does it will rise and we will come back. When we come back I'm hopeful that we come back with an attitude of openness, acceptance, ideas, and a willingness to assess ideas; that's all we'll ask.

[Page 7103]

At the time - and it's not just with this bill, obviously, it's with a number of bills, but this bill, and it really points the exclamation point on what we've seen here. One of the things that the member from Cumberland North had to say, he looked at my bill and at the time he didn't have to go too far down the page to find the first major flaw of my bill, Mr. Speaker. Now, you can imagine the theatrics that might have accompanied a statement like that at that time, but he didn't have to go too far down the page to find a flaw. In fact, he found it in the second clause. Unfortunately for him, I guess, he said he couldn't find anything wrong with the first clause, but in the second clause he was able to find a major flaw at that time.

I think it will come as a surprise to the members of this House, having read their own bill, what the flaw was that he found in my bill - and I can see he is waiting with bated breath to see what it was he may have been asked to say on that day. The major flaw that he had in my bill was the concept of a minister being the person responsible for the conduct of a review to search out and destroy red tape - my words at the end there, Mr. Speaker.

Now, I remind the members of this House that as offended as the member was that I was suggesting a minister be responsible, you might be curious to know what the Cabinet has done with their own bill - they have actually put the Premier in charge. The reason the member for Cumberland North . . .

AN HON. MEMBER: They don't trust the ministers.

MR. HOUSTON « » : No, no in fairness now, the reasons the member for Cumberland North was so offended that I had suggested that a minister take responsibility for the Act was that, he said that at the time that he knew the Ministers of the Crown are charged with work with a particular department and that he knows that they have plenty to do and he thought that a task of the magnitude that I was suggesting, to try and ask one minister to pull that off, we were setting it up for failure.

So, where I indicated that a minister should and could do this, the government believes the Premier should do it. The member didn't think a minister would have time but I guess he believes the Premier would have time. I would just caution the member, I think that the Premier has a lot on his plate as well, Mr. Speaker. He has probably a little bit more these days than he did before. I know he used to have some additional staff around him and that's gone, so he's probably a little busier than he used to be. I'm hopeful that the member from Cumberland North will stand up and address this, because it certainly seems to me that he thinks the Premier's doomed for failure.

[Page 7104]

Now, I have my own opinions on whether or not the Premier is doomed for failure, but I know that at the time the member was so concerned that a minister wouldn't have the time to do this and that the minister would certainly fail under my suggestions, but I worry for the Premier. I worry for the Premier that his own Cabinet would come up with a bill that would put him in charge of that, because I'd hate to think that his own Party is setting him up for failure, as the member thought that I was trying to do to somebody. So, those are the concerns that we have with that.

Red tape is a serious issue in this province and I am happy that the members of the government side didn't leave it solely to one member to determine if red tape was an issue or not, because we know how that member feels. That member feels that red tape is not an issue; it's a cliché, and it's anecdotal. I don't feel that way, I don't share that and I'm glad to see that the Cabinet doesn't have that point of view either. If that's the type of attitude that would have made its way through the entirety of the caucus, we wouldn't have the opportunity to stand here today and speak to this bill, Mr. Speaker. I'm glad that the member was speaking for himself, quite clearly, and it's unfortunate that he was set up to read what he read, but there you go. This bill will pass, and we will see what the results of the piece of legislation will be. I am optimistic that it will be positive. (Interruption)

HON. MARK FUREY « » : You're optimistic?

MR. HOUSTON « » : I hear the Minister of Business - I am always optimistic about these types of things. I am also a realist, and I accept that many times, history and past performance is an indication of the future. I have to be realistic. When I look at some of the things I see and I look to the future and see how it plays out, I have to have my optimism tempered by reality.

The reality is that when the members on this side stood up and said that red tape is an issue in this province, it's holding this province back, we should make an effort to reduce it - the government did not stand up and say, you are right, we have issues with your legislation, but we are going to work with you to address the issue. That was one option they had, Mr. Speaker.

When a bill comes forward in this House, especially on Opposition Day, the government faces options. One of those options is they can stand up and say that we understand what you're saying, but we don't agree with you. That's one option that they always have at their disposal. They have another option at their disposal, and that is that they could say that we understand what you're saying, and we agree with you. We think there's a different way to address it, and we will work with you. That's another option that they have, Mr. Speaker.

They always have a third option. They could stand up and say that the idea is ridiculous. All too often, we see this government stand up and say that the idea is ridiculous. In terms of supporting that, I wish that statement wasn't true. I hope that I will ultimately have to eat my words on that, because things can change and I am optimistic that things will change.

[Page 7105]

But I think on this issue, this should be a big embarrassment - at least to one member, probably to many - that this is the way that they acted. They took option 3 and said that the idea was ridiculous, that the idea was without merit. Bill 143 suggests to me that the idea was not ridiculous - was not. That government had a chance at that time to go with option 2, which was that we hear you. We understand, and we will work to address it. They did not select that option, Mr. Speaker. Instead they said that my examples of red tape were vague, anecdotal, and silly. That's the shame of it.

What I would say is, I do hope that there are brighter days ahead. I think that the Opposition will bring forward ideas in the form of bills on Wednesdays, as we do, as we have. I would say to you that of the bills that we have brought forward and the NDP caucus have brought forward, there are good bills in there. There are plenty of bills in there to take option 2, that they agree and that they will work to address it. We haven't seen option 2 nearly enough.

I remember I think it was last week or the week before when the NDP introduced a good idea on the Financial Accountability Officer and I wish I had the transcript for how the government responded to that bill on that day because it is equally as telling as this is. As much as this is Exhibit A and entirely relevant, we're talking about the same subject, I believe that in time we will have Exhibit B and it will be the transcript from that day when this province, as it should, comes up with a Financial Accountability Officer and there will be members on that side who say that's a good idea and it was a good idea at the time and I wish we didn't embarrass ourselves by railing and berating on somebody for so long. (Interruptions)

The NDP House Leader offered to print off the transcripts for me but the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal caught my ear when he talked about ships sailing and we had a little giggle about that, Mr. Speaker.

Red tape is an issue and I will table this. I see the minister is very interested. In fact maybe I'll take the NDP member up and maybe he can print the Hansard from that day. Maybe it would be a good opportunity to go through Exhibit B and just kind of drive the point home about how there are ideas that come from Nova Scotians, how there are ideas that come from Opposition Parties, how there are ideas that come from many, many places that deserve to be assessed by the government instead of being dismissed. I think this is a good example of that and we don't deserve, Nova Scotians don't deserve the problems that this province is facing, we don't deserve a government that is dismissive of different types of ideas.

In the case of red tape, maybe we'll see some progress with the minister, maybe we'll see some efforts to reduce red tape in this province and indeed, the Maritimes. It exists, it's a real problem and I do applaud the government, I do applaud the minister, who in this case is the Premier, for bringing this forward and saying we will deal with this. I hope they do and I wish them well on that. The NDP is running out of time to give me Exhibit B, if he is so inclined.

[Page 7106]

Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I would like to make two, maybe three points. Red tape is an issue, it's a concern that is holding back businesses, it's a matter that should be taken seriously by this government and I thank them for bringing this bill forward.

There are many issues facing this province and I ask the government to open their ears and their minds to the problems and the issues we face, yes, but also possible solutions to solve them and to try and assess them and see if they have merit.

With those few words, Mr. Speaker, I would wish the Premier well in reducing red tape in this province and I thank him for bringing this bill forward.

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

MR. TERRY FARRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to once again address this very important bill that was brought forward by our Premier. I'd like to say that I'm flattered by the attention the member for Pictou East paid to my previous remarks while addressing this bill but I can't quite get there. I'm just slightly bemused that he would focus on something that happened all that time ago when talking about this important move forward that is being made with respect to the regulatory structure, not only of our province but of the whole region.

I want to maybe reiterate some of the things, though, that I did say in my speech a year ago when I was addressing a bill that was on the floor at that time that I think we referred to as the red tape reduction Act. In dealing with regulatory burdens that are facing our society we have to keep in mind that all regulation is not a bad thing. Regulation is a necessary part of our society and if we didn't need regulation we might not need this House, we might not need to come here together to make laws to govern our actions as they respect one another.

But, in looking at regulation and in looking at the effect that it has on our society, our safety and the way that we do business, the way that we interact with each other and the effect that has on our prosperity, we cannot make decisions based on Chicken Little scenarios that are presented as a result of media outbursts. We have to come together as reasoned, intelligent human beings, we have to look at the regulatory structures that are before us, and we have to make good decisions. That is what has been done, that is what the Premier and the people who he works with have done in the creation of this bill.

Don't get me wrong on this - and it's unfortunate that the member for Pictou East has misunderstood me on this - there's plenty of red tape in our society; we have no shortage of red tape. There are all kinds of it left over from previous Progressive Conservative and New Democratic Governments - it's everywhere. But the Premier of this province has embarked on a mission to rout it out and to improve our society with a dramatic regulatory review.

[Page 7107]

When the Premier of our province sits down with the other leaders in our region to do a comprehensive and in-depth review of regulatory structures with the goal of removing red-tape barriers between our provinces and instituting regulatory sanity where that may not have previously existed, that is red tape reduction. Reaction to Chicken Little scenarios and coming to this House in an alarmist way, trying to convince the people of Nova Scotia that this is an environment where we can't do business, is not an effective regulatory reduction strategy.

I'm going to conclude my remarks with that. Bill No. 143 is a rational reaction to the regulatory system that we have across our region. I support our Premier 100 per cent in bringing this forward, this is a good bill and it's going to put the Chicken Littles of the world, like the member for Pictou East, where they belong.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. I'd like to remind the honourable member for Cumberland North it is unparliamentary to refer to any other member of the House as Chicken Little.

If I recognize the honourable minister it will be to close the debate.

The honourable Minister of Business.

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, may I take an opportunity to bring some cheer to the House.

I just want to speak very briefly on the work that has been done, the vision of the work that has yet to be done, and the efforts of those who will continue with that vision. I think it is important that we not lose sight of the progress that has been made within Service Nova Scotia. The staff within Service Nova Scotia, they have done an exceptional job engaging industry and reaching out to sectors of our business community who have never been engaged before in the discussion around red tape reduction and program modernization. It is absolutely essential if this province is to move forward with a strong economic vision.

I'll give two examples, Mr. Speaker. This is a small testament to the work that has been done and the focus of our employees within Service Nova Scotia. Recently we've had two announcements around business bundles: the restaurants and accommodations bundle, where the industry was engaged in bringing that public policy forward, and just recently, the corner store bundle, to provide efficiencies to small business in the corner store business community. Two very good examples of the work that staff has done and that staff continues to do.

[Page 7108]

In fairness to my colleagues, they may not be totally familiar with those circumstances. I know there has been some interest by some of my colleagues in both the Progressive Conservative and the NDP Party, and we've had discussions around business opportunities. They have been very supportive of those initiatives, and I appreciate that.

I do want to compliment Mr. Fred Crooks and the Office of Regulatory Affairs in their work to take that to another level, and the opportunity to bring a new thought process to our region, that we not isolate ourselves as a province, that we engage our partners across all provincial borders in Atlantic Canada to ensure that there is an opportunity going forward. It's this type of regulation, these types of legislations, Mr. Speaker, that will actually necessitate measurement.

This is something that the CFIB - the Canadian Federation of Independent Business - have been asking for. Just this week the President of the Atlantic Division of CFIB published writing in one of our provincial papers, and spoke very favourably of the work that Mr. Crooks is doing. Those are important components, and changing the discussion of those who have been adversarial with government in the past, how important it is for government to respect their opinions and positions and to engage them in the dialogue to ensure that the legislation is accurate, to ensure that the content is intended to meet the objectives.

I would suggest that that's exactly what this bill does. We look forward, as my colleague mentioned earlier, to the outcomes, recognizing that there will be measurements, recognizing that we will see progress. It is for one purpose, and each and every one of us in this House have the same objective: to drive the economy of Nova Scotia so that we become a prosperous province, and to focus on one of optimism and not on one of negativism. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 143. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

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

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, I move that you do now leave the Chair and that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole on Bills.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Is it agreed?

[Page 7109]

It is agreed.

The House will now recess for a moment while we resolve ourselves into a Committee of the Whole on Bills.

[11:39 a.m. The House resolved itself into a CW on Bills with Deputy Speaker Ms. Margaret Miller in the Chair.]

[11:41 a.m. CWH on Bills rose and the House reconvened. Mr. Speaker, Hon. Kevin Murphy, resumed the Chair.]

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

THE CLERK » : That the committee has met and considered the following bill:

Bill No. 144 - Antiochian Maronite Catholic Church - Our Lady of Lebanon - Corporation Act.

without amendments, and the chairman has been instructed to recommend this bill to the favourable consideration of the House.

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

The honourable Government House Leader.

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

PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING

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

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 110.

Bill No. 110 - Marine Renewable-energy Act.

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

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 110, Marine Renewable-energy Act, be now read a third time and do pass.

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

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : It is my pleasure to stand today and speak for a few moments about the Marine Renewable-energy bill, one that is especially important to the public, especially in the Digby area and the people in the Bay of Fundy area who are experiencing industry because of the highest tides in the world in the Bay of Fundy.

[Page 7110]

I had the opportunity to be at a number of conferences, and when we talk about energy production in Canada, especially in Nova Scotia, it's exciting to be able to talk about tidal power. If you look at what we have when it comes to power production in the province, I think 60 per cent of our power production, if not more, is due to coal-fired burning, which we will be doing a lot more of for the next 20 years. But when we look at the opportunity, the possibility, to be able to do things like tidal, I think is exciting, and to be world leaders in this as well.

Again, I was sitting at a meeting not so long ago when we were talking about tidal, and people asked, what kind of technology is being used in this? To explain it you have to say, well you have to picture some kind of structure at the bottom of the ocean like a windmill except in the ocean, spinning away, and then shipping that energy to a grid for consumption.

Talking about some of our previous experiences, that kind of technology is being found to be almost insufficient because of the power of the tides in the Bay of Fundy. Many of us remember the pictures in The Chronicle Herald, I think it was a couple of years ago when the first trial happened, when the barge brought up the power generating equipment and to see what you would think is a very robustly-built piece of machinery was almost completely broken. The fan that spun within that housing was all broken. I don't know; I'm not an engineer, so I can only guess that from an engineering standpoint, they would have built things well. They would have built it to a number of standards, and it wasn't enough for the power of the Bay of Fundy.

What this bill tends to do is allow the transfer of that electricity and to allow the interconnect points. Of course I thank the previous government for the interconnection point that they put in in Cumberland County or Colchester County, just on that edge, so that that electricity that will be produced in the future has a place to go - but also to have a centre of excellence that allows the collaboration amongst different power producers to come up with the best course of action for this.

It is an expensive endeavour to go and build these structures, to go and engineer them, to go and test them, and then to have a test model to put out on the floor of the Bay of Fundy. Of course, it creates an industry around it, whether it's welding, machining, whether it's the vessels and the barges that are going to be required to go and tend these sites, and also the environmental side of it as well. There will be a lot of research that's going to be required, a lot of investigation is going to be required to make sure that when it happens, it's going to be done in the most environmentally-sensitive way.

As much as windmills on land, if I remember the discussions on the Pubnico Point Wind Farm, a lot of people were concerned about birds and whether those birds would end up in the fans of the windmills or the propellers of the windmills and stop the migration of birds through those areas. The same thing that happens at the bottom of the ocean, what happens to the fish and the tasty crustaceans that will be at the bottom of the ocean, where do they go? Do they find their way through a fan like that? Does it turn slow enough that the fish can go through it? What happens to the mollusks and shells that are on the bottom of the ocean, where do they go? Should there be an exclusion zone for the fishing industry? We know the Bay of Fundy is fished on a regular basis and even up into those places that are intertidal, the intertidal areas tend to be dry during one part of the sequence and have 50 feet of water on them the second part of the sequence. These are all important considerations when we look at marine renewables to make sure that we are doing the right things.

[Page 7111]

This is a great step forward, I believe that marine renewables, especially in harnessing electricity from tides of the Bay of Fundy is extremely important. It is going to be extremely important to the energy production in Nova Scotia, it's going to be extremely important to the energy production for the world. If you look at the landmass of the world and we look at the oceans that are around it, there are other places that have tides similar to what happens in the Bay of Fundy, maybe not quite as high, but there are tides that can be harnessed. There are many rivers that have flow that can be harnessed, and if we can be a leader in that then we will.

As the Ivany report mentions, this untapped potential for renewable energy development with tidal energy is something the province could do more to encourage, and not just for our sake but for the planet's sake. If we can take that technology and sell it across the world, not only do we become energy sufficient, so do other parts of the world.

So with those short comments, I thank the minister for bringing this bill forward. Of course, you have the support of the Progressive Conservative caucus for this bill.

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

MR. TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, it's a pleasure to rise and chat about this bill. I was just thinking it's a good thing the Opposition didn't introduce this bill because it is a good piece of legislation that should move forward.

The Marine Renewable-energy Act is an important bill and we do have many skill sets in this province that will benefit from the growth of this industry. I know there are a lot of tradesmen and a lot of specialist companies that already supply the offshore industry and will be able to supply the marine industry.

Many fabrication shops around the province will maybe get some work from this because these are big undertakings, these structures that go on the ocean floor here are very big. I do know that in speaking to people around the province and in Pictou County, they're excited about what might happen here. I know many of my constituents also work in Pictou at the shipyards there and they're excited about what's happening there, there are more people employed there and that's obviously a good thing, not only for our area but for the province to build up there. I think the shipyards went from 90 people up to in the neighbourhood of 140 at the moment. Those are good jobs in an industry that is a good industry, that has much potential, and this piece of legislation will help that potential be tapped by this province.

[Page 7112]

This is a good piece of legislation and I will be watching with interest and with optimism as we see this industry grow here in the province. So with those few words, Mr. Speaker, I would take my place. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 110. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

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

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 112.

Bill No. 112 - Children and Family Services Act.

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

MR. TIM HOUSTON « » : It's a pleasure to rise to speak to this important bill this morning. This is an important bill, because anytime we can bring legislation before this House that supports families and supports Nova Scotians, that is a good thing and we should be trying to make those types of legislation as powerful and as effective as possible, based on all the information we have at that point in time.

In thinking about this piece of legislation and the government's efforts to support families and support communities, I was mindful of some of the very sad situations we see and hear about, with respect to mental health care in this province. As I was thinking about this bill today, I was thinking about a situation that was a very new situation, but it's a situation that is, I believe, representative of the experiences of many people in Pictou County, and beyond, over the last few months and even longer.

I want to share that story with the House today, because as the story was related to me, it was quite an emotional experience, Mr. Speaker, to hear this story and to understand what happened to this family. I said to them at the end, I will make sure that the government hears your story, I will make sure that they understand the pain that is being caused, and I hope that we see some action to try to alleviate these types of situations. I said I can't tell you how the government will react to the knowledge, but I promise you I will give them the knowledge and that's the spirit in which I relay this story today.

[Page 7113]

The story is about a young lady who has a mental disability and over the last few years has developed a mental illness alongside that and at various times has relied on the short-stay unit at the Aberdeen and has been treated with some success and is able to lead a life.

In November the young lady had a setback and had to turn back to mental health services available in Pictou County and presented at the Aberdeen Hospital, in the emergency room, and was diagnosed by the psychiatrist there as needing to be admitted for treatment. The psychiatrist realized there's no admission in Pictou County, so was seeking a bed somewhere else in the province where they could admit the person for treatment. They did identify a bed, I believe it was in Kentville, but were unable to transport the patient there in time and lost that bed. So the person was still at the Aberdeen in the emergency room and the parents had a call the next day saying they had located a bed in Sydney for this person.

Everything was prepared to transport the patient to Sydney. The parents arrived at the hospital for the transport and were informed by the staff at the Aberdeen that there would normally be an ambulance or police officers would normally accompany the ambulance on the journey, but were informed that there were no police available to be the escort this time. They asked the parents if they would drive in their car behind the ambulance.

Now the parents, Mr. Speaker, in this situation are 70 and 71 years old, they are retired senior citizens. To ask them to escort the ambulance is obviously a shortcoming of the system, but the parents said yes, we want our daughter to get this treatment, we will do that.

As they prepared to leave the patient was very anxious and worked up and in a bit of a crisis situation over what was happening. The ambulance driver asked the father, would you accompany us inside the ambulance, to which of course he said well yes, we want to get her there, I'll do that.

The result of that, Mr. Speaker, was that the mother was now left in the car alone, to be the escort of the ambulance to Sydney. It was a dark night and the road conditions were not the best, and you can imagine the panic and the emotions and fear of that drive for that mother. Just think of that mother for a second, who has now been asked to follow the ambulance there in these types of driving conditions - a 70-year-old lady and all that time wondering what was taking place inside that ambulance. You can imagine how she may have felt by that whole experience.

[Page 7114]

When they arrived in Sydney they presented at the emergency room there, presented themselves there and said we're here for the bed. They were told at the time that they couldn't - no, the bed is not - you can't just come and check into a bed here, you need to be assessed by our psychiatrist. So the family said well we were just assessed by a psychiatrist in New Glasgow, they are the ones who called and secured this bed. They said no, we can't admit you until our psychiatrist assesses you.

Of course at that time, Mr. Speaker, you can imagine what happened, the psychiatrist had a different assessment. They said that this bed would not be suitable for this patient. The hospital then said, we can't accept the patient, we're going to discharge the patient. The question then was, what do we do now? (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The honourable member for Pictou East has the floor, and hopefully he's going to connect the dots of this story to the bill.

MR. HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, there are very few dots to connect, actually. We're talking about a bill here. I have been through this bill. This bill is important to families. I think the story I'm talking about is also important to families; it's what I think about when I think about bills that change legislation. (Interruptions)

I hear the Minister of Community Services, and she is deeply uncomfortable with this story that I'm telling. If I was sitting on that side, I would also be deeply uncomfortable with the manner in which they are dealing with people. (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The members will come to order. The honourable member for Pictou East has the floor.

MR. HOUSTON « » : It is with great interest that I hear the minister explain to me what I should or should not be talking about when I talk about this bill. We should be mindful that this is also the same person who said it doesn't matter what happens in Law Amendments Committee because it's not a concern of a minister.

The minister may not be that interested in the story that I'm telling, but I can assure you that the people who lived it and the many Nova Scotians who live similar stories are very interested in this situation, so I want to carry on.

When they were discharged, the thing that happened next, because it was late in the evening at that stage . . .

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. It's a big building. We can take a conversation outside. The honourable member for Pictou East has the floor.

[Page 7115]

MR. HOUSTON « » : When the psychiatrist there reassessed the person and discharged them, essentially, what was the family left to do? They had to get back to Pictou County, so they said, what do we do now? The result was that the hospital said, well, we'll allow the patient to stay in the emergency room overnight. The 71-year-old father stayed with her, at her bedside.

Now we're into the second night of this ordeal, Mr. Speaker - and in the morning we'll get you back to New Glasgow. What happened when morning came was that the ambulance that would transport the patient back wasn't there. The morning went on, the afternoon went on, and it was well into the evening by the time an ambulance was available to take the patient back to Pictou County.

Again, what happened was the senior citizen parents had to act as the escort for that ride back. There are so many issues in what happened there. When you think about people who turn to the government for assistance - whether it be with mental health care, whether it be with other family issues - they deserve to have a system that is available to them and is sympathetic and compassionate and willing to work to make things better.

When I think about - and I talked to a number of families that are impacted at various different points with the government. I think about the support that is often there for them, but it's the situations where it's not there for them that we need to focus on.

We can always do a better job on that, I know as an MLA all the members in this House will know that people don't often come to their MLA's office on their best day. They come because they have an issue of some sort and they are looking for some guidance on how they can interact with the programs that may be available, or may not be available, and they're looking for guidance on how to make things better.

So in the case of this situation that I was talking about here this morning, Mr. Speaker, there is a lot of trauma caused to everyone involved there. There is trauma being caused to the family, just those different interactions. Imagine in this place you need to be admitted: we found a bed, we lost a bed, we found a bed but you have to go 300 miles to get there; a harrowing drive; you get there, the bed's not available. Just think about the trauma on that family and that's unfair. Then when you think about the trauma on the patient, I'm sure the patient, at various points in there, had their own highs and lows.

People deserve to be treated with dignity and treated in areas that are familiar to them, that have an air of familiarity to them. Moving here and moving there is a lot for a person to process, especially for a person and their family that's in crisis.

The trauma doesn't stop there. In this case the trauma extends to the staff, the ambulance driver. Think about the ambulance driver in this case, who is probably not that well trained to deal with these types of situations, so much so that they had to go back to the family and say, we need you to help us. What if that family wasn't able to? Because the situation here was unique and it needs to be - you know as the House winds down, it's certainly a big disappointment to me that here we are four months later and there are no answers for the people who are needing help with mental health situations, and there's no answers on what they can expect, and I think that extends through to a lot of different facets of our communities and impacts a lot of places in our province.

[Page 7116]

So these are solvable issues, Mr. Speaker. I believe they are definitely solvable issues and I hope that we start to see some movement towards solving them. The minister was very concerned about how this relates to this bill and I think anytime you're talking about mental health situations and families, they go hand in hand. Specifically, as I was talking, I was mindful of Clause 13 of the bill, which the minister may be familiar with, which talks about the agencies need to provide the services necessary to people, and in specific it says that services to promote the integrity of family include, but are not limited to - and I was looking at the whole situation around mental health, in things that this government can be providing to families, to help promote families, and this is really what we're talking about.

So it is relevant, it is completely relevant to this bill and the minister can play a role in trying to help families that are struggling with many issues, specifically with mental health issues inside the family unit as well. There will be many ministers, absolutely I agree that there will be many portfolios that have a role in addressing that. I certainly don't think Community Services should be excluded from that role. I certainly don't think that this bill shouldn't be considered when we think about how those stories interact.

Oftentimes, when we ask questions in this House about an issue before this House, the Premier will first and foremost acknowledge certain people; that's kind of his game plan. He'll usually acknowledge the minister or a colleague or something, and he'll get a nice round of applause over that. Then he'll acknowledge people who work for the government in some capacity in some department, and he'll get a nice round of applause over that. Then usually it kind of stops there. We don't really get answers on the issues that we bring forward.

I would say that the people who work for the government deserve the support of the government. This is no different, and the people in the health care system are no different. We heard this morning from my colleague, who feels that social workers in his area are overburdened in their caseloads. It goes beyond just thanking people; it goes to actually supporting people, making sure that they have the tools to do their job.

I have a certain degree of angst over this bill. There are obviously some good things in this bill. There are some things in this bill that are a concern, and I think the minister has acknowledged that maybe the bill will improve over time, that maybe it's not perfect and we need more information to improve it. We should always work to improve these things.

I hope that the government members are thinking about families like the one that I discussed today in their own areas and in their own friendship circles. People are suffering and people need to be able to turn to the government for answers. Sometimes it's policy that will help them. The mental health crisis can be addressed, but it takes some willpower to do that. That's certainly my assessment of that.

[Page 7117]

Mr. Speaker, with those few words, I would say, please continue to be mindful of the pain that Nova Scotians in various areas are suffering. Please continue to do what you can to ease the burden that's on them. We all do have a role to play, and the people with their hands on the levers of government - the people in a majority government, in that Cabinet - need to bear a larger responsibility than the rest of us, because they can effect change, and I just ask them to continue to do that. Thank you.

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

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : I'm pleased to rise to my feet today as well in the House to address Bill No. 112. I have to say that I, too, have mixed feelings about this bill. Our caucus received proposed revisions to Bill No. 112; they came to our caucus office on November 10, 2015.

Many of the proposed revisions focused on the unique and important culture of Nova Scotia's Mi'kmaq and indigenous families, which I was very pleased to see, as the Critic for Aboriginal Affairs - these kinds of things definitely attract my attention - but also as somebody who has been very much involved in First Nations communities basically all my life. I'm very, very caring about what happens to our First Nations and indigenous people.

Currently, Mi'kmaq children represent 23 per cent of the total number of children in care in Nova Scotia, while persons of indigenous descent represent only 2.7 per cent of the population of Nova Scotia.

The work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission resulted in a final report which included several calls to action. The first set of recommendations, related to child welfare and reform, were referring to ensuring that all services were culturally competent and focused on preserving and respecting indigenous cultures.

The new provisions include a cultural connection plan which we hope will allow for more holistic and empowering interventions. We hope these cultural connection plans extend beyond indigenous children and families to other cultural and religious population groups as well.

The Children and Family Services Act is an incredibly outdated piece of legislation to begin with and it really does deserve to be updated in order to meet the needs of Nova Scotia's vulnerable families, children and youth. The Act was introduced in 1990 and Nova Scotia's children and youth deserve legislation that is up to date and reflects modern realities.

[Page 7118]

Now in one particular section, the section involving "conferencing" as it is called, this is a new idea and it is promising as long as it's done correctly and with enough resources to ensure that restorative conferences are productive and meaningful. This is an opportunity for all parties to meet outside the courtroom setting, which is far less punitive and adversarial. However, Bill No. 112 is said to be fundamentally flawed in that it does not necessarily recognize that Aboriginal children and, actually, African Nova Scotian children as well, are overrepresented in the system in permanent care and that for Aboriginal children this is directly linked in part to government programs like the residential school system.

Also, the proposed changes to the Children and Family Services Act would have an extremely negative impact on the African Nova Scotian community apparently - Professor Michelle Williams, the Director of the Indigenous Blacks and Mi'kmaq Initiative, is who said this. She came to Law Amendments Committee and sent us these proposals of her own. She said that the legislation should not be passed without explicit reference to the unique needs of African Nova Scotian children within the legislation itself, and without meaningful consultation with the African Nova Scotian community.

In launching the restorative inquiry process into the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children, the Premier and all parties made a commitment to African Nova Scotian communities that there would be no further harm. Well the home was established because child welfare agencies at the time refused to help African Nova Scotian children because of their race, and African Nova Scotians' pleas were ignored and children were left to suffer.

Now the province is at risk of the same mistake. African Nova Scotian children are already grossly over-represented in care and these proposed changes could worsen that situation. For example, it significantly shortens the time before which a child would be placed into permanent care. Moreover, there is no explicit recognition of the unique needs of African Nova Scotian children, although that could really easily be done throughout the Act. For example, Mr. Speaker, by explicitly requiring a cultural connection plan for African Nova Scotian children and adding a phrase to the preamble which states, "And whereas the cultural identity of African Nova Scotian children is uniquely important to their health and well-being", this would address that issue.

African Nova Scotian families and children require special attention in the legislation. Their unique history in this province, including enslavement, segregation, and exclusion from child welfare services has created many challenges. Their resilience and distinct culture and communities and their strengths need to be drawn upon in serving to offer their children. So the special status is already recognized in the provincial policy as a founding culture and is every reason to include that the appropriate references to African Nova Scotians in the legislation is needed and meets the needs of the children.

[Page 7119]

So, my question today, Mr. Speaker, is also that the fact that these needs of the Mi'kmaq and the Blacks of Nova Scotia are not necessarily being addressed directly by this legislation, is of concern and should be of concern to many of us. I had a meeting with Chief Prosper in Antigonish. I drove up there at one point a few months ago to talk about his concerns and they still have not been addressed in the changes and amendments to the bill, Mr. Speaker. Several of the lawyers for the Mi'kmaq community also feel the same way and there are many things that they say that are disturbing to them.

One in particular is the definition of neglect, because they say that because they have cultural differences, many of the Caucasian workers who come into the homes may look at their homes in a different way and the fact that poverty is so prevalent in First Nations communities is also a big problem. So for instance, the fact that their housing shortages are a huge problem, there are many people possibly living in a home and the rules as such are saying that only a certain number of people should be living in the home and there should be certain primary caregivers, and our First Nations friends say that well actually, they have extended families and that that should also be taken into consideration.

The definition of emotional harm, they have a problem with that. They say that that will increase the number of Mi'kmaq children taken away from their families. They would also like to see the words "Aboriginal" or "Indigenous" used instead of the word "Mi'kmaq" in the bill, because there are also Aboriginal and Indigenous people living in Nova Scotia who are not Mi'kmaq, but who they would like to see reflected as well.

I have to say, Mr. Speaker, that one of the things I've noticed since I've come into government in my last six and a half years is that many times, there are many here who are Caucasian both in the government and also in the government's services - I find that people who have not walked in the shoes or walked in the moccasins for a mile of another, just do not see what others see and the way they are treated.

We also don't understand the culture so this is why these issues are so important, I believe, for our different cultures in Nova Scotia. For instance, I can remember at one point in time in Millbrook, we were debating about whether or not our Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre should get some more funding from the Communities, Culture and Heritage Department, but they were told that they couldn't get any funding because they were saying they didn't own their artifacts in their museum. This is before the minister's time here, long before his time, but I was in government and one of the things that they were saying was that they couldn't give any more funding because the community was saying well, we don't own these artifacts.

In fact, Mr. Speaker, the difference is that in a Mi'kmaq culture they don't believe that you can own artifacts that the ancestors owned. Those artifacts are owned by the ancestors, so you can't own those artifacts. So in fact, when the department, which is basically made up of a lot of white people, were trying to say well, you need to own these artifacts - they were saying, but we don't own these artifacts and we can't own these artifacts. There was just a disconnect of communications there. Some people just could not see this concept and could not understand this concept.

[Page 7120]

Similarly, I had an experience recently where I went to the Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre and in fact the minister was there at this particular gathering as well and it was to open a new exhibit, The Witness Blanket. It was very sad because they showed a movie about this older woman who had been in the residential school system and she was there, she was present, and it was a little film documenting her experiences.

She talked about the day she was taken away from her family and how she had this beautiful doll that her family had given her and she loved this doll. Now any little girl would understand this and any woman whose had her dolls or any male who has had dolls, would understand the feeling of attachment that you get with your doll. She said the day she was taken to that school her doll was taken away from her, her clothes were taken away from her, her hair was cut, her identity basically started to be taken away from her - and her brothers and sisters. They had been well looked after by their family and well-loved, but she said she never saw her doll again. She said they weren't allowed to have anything to play with.

She said that the days that people would come to visit the residential schools, the kids would have their pictures taken to show what a good job the government was doing looking after these children. They were given dolls for the picture to be taken and they would sit there with these dolls, and as soon as the picture was taken and the visitors had gone home the dolls were taken away as well.

This woman was crying as she was telling this story and she has been on a search ever since for her doll, something that would remind her of this doll. I'll tell you, when I met her I said can I give you a hug, because I can relate to that so much. We had this moment where we talked about our dolls, and how when I was a kid myself I remember I had a doll and my mother had made a particular dress for it, and I took it to school and there was a little competition about who had the most unique doll and the most unique theme for their doll. I remember my mother had worked really hard that night sewing a dress for this doll. She made the doll look like a little Ava Gardner - that was my mother's favourite actress - an Ava Gardner doll. I didn't even know who Ava Gardner was at the time; I was probably seven years old.

I took this doll to school and I was so proud of it because my mother had made the dress with details and with loving care put into it. I remember that the person who won the competition was somebody who had taken this bought doll to school with this fancy dress on it. The mother didn't make it; it was just fresh out of a box. I remember this kid won the competition and I remember going home feeling so sad, not for me but for my mother, for all the hard work my mother had put into creating this little outfit for the doll. I remember thinking how unfair it was that somebody who had a lot of money, who could buy a fancy doll and a fancy dress got to win the prize, whereas my mother who had worked so hard, got nothing, not even consideration or recognition.

[Page 7121]

When the lady was telling her story, that was what came to my mind because she also was talking about how her mother used to make the little dresses for her doll and things like this, so we bonded over that, Mr. Speaker.

When I had to tell the department about why people in our First Nations were up in arms and concerned about the fact that they are not getting funding for their Aboriginal museum and that they are being told by a bunch of Caucasian people that hey, you need to own your own artifacts because otherwise you're not going to get this funding, no wonder they were upset, I remember the deputy minister at the time saying, Lenore, I just don't get it, I don't understand why these people are so passionate and so outraged about this. I said, when you were growing up in your neck of the woods in Nova Scotia, I suppose you probably learned some Gaelic songs and did some step-dancing, did you? She said, yes, of course I did, I'm from Cape Breton.

I said well, imagine if you were taken away from your home at the age of five or six or seven, and let's say that your clothes that your mother had carefully cleaned and washed and ironed and put on you to make you look beautiful were taken away from you, stripped off you, your hair was cut, you were told you couldn't speak Gaelic anymore and, in fact, if you were caught speaking Gaelic you would be put in a broom closet or worse, beaten. Let's say that if you tried to do any of your little dances with your friends, or whatever, you were told you were going to go to jail, that it was illegal and that it was sinful, and that you were brought up to feel ashamed of who you were and who your family was, I said, how would you feel? She said, you know Lenore, I always love talking with you, and I always learn something, and I like to have a good blowout with you. And you know what? You are right, I get it now.

I have to say, Mr. Speaker, in some ways that's why we are here as MLAs, to fight for the things we believe in and to try and open eyes and ears and minds and hearts to the things that are important to our constituents and to many Nova Scotians, in particular I think, the Nova Scotians whose voices are often not heard, who are not paid attention to, and for years we can say, that has been our Acadian people, our First Nations people, and our African Nova Scotian community. That's why I'm here speaking for them on their behalf.

The other part of this bill that I would like to address, Mr. Speaker, is while wearing my hat as the Critic for the Status of Women. We all know that women are oftentimes the face of poverty, sadly. With food banks going up and up and up, with more women and children going to the food banks, this is a huge problem in Nova Scotia. One in five Nova Scotian children living in poverty, three in five children in Cape Breton alone - this is a very sad, sad state of affairs. The extreme amendments here all directly and indirectly increase the agencies' powers within the child welfare intervention process, so it directly increases agencies' powers, and it strips the Family Court judges of any discretion or of any judgment about a child's best interests.

[Page 7122]

I think the proposed amendments unfairly target the poor and families on income assistance. Sadly, the Minister of Community Services has frozen income assistance rates for two years in a row, which has negatively impacted vulnerable families right across Nova Scotia. The definition of "neglect" in this Act - "food, clothing, shelter or any necessary medical, surgical or other remedial intervention" - before November 10^th, the word "adequate" was not included, Mr. Speaker, and even with the word "adequate" it still begs the question of who determines what is adequate.

When you see little movies like My Week On Welfare, for instance, where you're faced with having $85 extra to live on for the month and you're faced with buying toothpaste, bread, whatever else your needs are for that month - how many people sometimes are going to have to go without buying toothpaste, or go without buying something else? And yet cleaning teeth is also included in the Act as something very important - which we all know it is, but what do you do when you don't have the money to buy the things in order to be able to look after the children? I would have to argue that if income assistance is being frozen for two years in a row, this is definitely going to make it much, much harder for families already living on the edge to be able to supply the things that their children need.

The other thing is "emotional harm" means harm "that seriously interferes with a child's healthy development, emotional functioning and attachment to others." Before November 10^th, the definition included "harm to a child's self-concept or self-worth," so while I'm happy to see that this overly-broad definition has been removed, the powers of the individual worker to determine emotional harm is very high. The new Section 22(2)(f) will no longer require that there be evidence of "severe anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or self-destructive or aggressive behaviour," which serves to constrain the current reference to emotional harm.

Collectively, these changes really mean that any child of poor or disadvantaged parents anywhere in Nova Scotia could be found in need of protection. These definitions run the risk of setting standards so low that children will actually be harmed by their use. In direct exposure to domestic violence in the proposed Section 22(2)(i), the word "repeated" has been removed from this ground, so that a single incident of violence is actually now enough. This new provision, as of November 10^th, states: the child has been exposed to or been made aware of violence by or towards a parent or guardian or other person residing with the child, and the parent or guardian fails or refuses to obtain services or treatment or take other measures to remedy or alleviate the violence.

This domestic violence ground, Mr. Speaker, has always been very problematic, causing real difficulties for transition houses, for instance, but the situation could be made much worse. Research has shown that the chance of physical abuse or mortality is incredibly higher after a formal complaint has been received and this clause unfairly puts the onus on the mother, in the majority of cases, to figure out very quickly that she's being abused and that she needs a safe place for her and the children to live.

[Page 7123]

People who have been through abusive relationships will oftentimes talk about the frog and the boiling pot of water. Abuse is like this, it's like putting a pot of water on a stove and the water is at room temperature and you put a frog in the pot. Well, the frog is quite comfortable in that room temperature water, in fact, it's splashing around; it's quite happy and it thinks everything is okay. But what if somebody starts to very slowly turn up the heat on the pot of boiling water? The frog stays in the boiling water. It keeps getting acclimatized to that water getting a little warmer, a little warmer each day, and maybe even thinks, oh, it's my imagination it's not really getting hot in here. Oh, I was quite happy a minute ago, oh, it must be my imagination. But bit by bit the water gets put up more and more until that frog is being boiled alive.

Now I have talked to many people and, in fact, gone through situations myself where I recognized that this, in fact, is the case. Abuse is a very insidious thing. You don't necessarily notice it at first and abusers are very, very clever manipulators to try and suddenly turn the situation around on you and blame you for whatever is going on. If you are a nice person and you want to please and you're a people-pleaser, which many of us are and, in fact, many women are, the women tend to go oh, it's something I did; I better be a good little girl. My parents taught me to be a good girl, I better be good; I need to fix this situation so you stay in it a little longer.

If you've got children you want what's best for your children. You don't want to break up the family and, again, it's not that the abuse is constant, that is the problem. It comes and goes and, in fact, it might even disappear for a little while so you think, oh, yeah, that didn't really happen, until it happens again. In fact, they say it's a bit like Charlie Brown and Lucy with the football, where Charlie Brown goes to kick the football and she says, here, Charlie Brown, kick the football. He kicks the football and she pulls it away and he falls down. Well, he does it every time. She fools him every time. Why is that? Well, because it's insidious and you keep hoping for the best, that it's going to get better and it usually doesn't.

It takes many of us a long time before we actually realize what is going on and that's why I say this is a little dangerous because, again, it's putting the onus on the victim. It's basically victim blaming and I have a problem with that and so does the Transition House Association of Nova Scotia, and many other women's groups. We do want to acknowledge that the new language continues to make the responsibility for the safety and well-being of children the sole responsibility of the non-offending parent and in cases of intimate partner violence, it holds the victim wholly accountable for her own victimization and that of her children.

In many jurisdictions in both Canada and the United States, child protection services and domestic violence services have recognized not only the unfairness of this position, but also the need to hold the offending parent accountable. From the Montana Protocols for use when partner or family member assault/domestic violence is present or suspected in cases of child maltreatment it says, "The preferred way to protect children in most cases involving partner or family member violence/domestic violence is two-pronged: joining with non-offending parents in safety planning, empowering them to protect both themselves and their children; and working with perpetrators in a manner that holds them accountable for their abusive behavior and the aim of improving their ability to parent."

[Page 7124]

The Ottawa child protection and domestic violence organizations are jointly guided by the following principles: Protecting abused women helps protect their children. Supporting women in the identification of the various options available to them may help them in protecting and caring for their children. Respecting a woman's right to direct her own life is fundamental. The alleged perpetrator, not the victim, should be held accountable for the abusive behaviour.

Also, it states a duty to report exists when the child has been exposed to or made aware of violence by or towards a parent or guardian or other person residing with the child, and the parent or guardian fails or refuses to obtain services or treatment or take other measures to remedy or alleviate the violence. So as you can see, Mr. Speaker, there's a difference there and this is what I am addressing right now.

The language does not reflect the responsibility of child protection and domestic violence agencies in determining which parent is the predominant initiator of the abuse in order to appropriately assess the dangerousness of the offending parent, the safety of the children, and to preserve the family unit as much as possible. The reality for the non-offending parent or guardian is that they have been, and with this new language will continue to be, held accountable for the actions of the abusive parent. In other jurisdictional protocols and agreements this duty to report may not be construed to hold a victim responsible for failing to prevent the crime against the victim.

However, in the Framework for Action Against Family Violence, 2001 Review, which was conducted in Nova Scotia, the participants noted at that time that abuse victims who seek help expose themselves to charges of failing to protect their children and risk having their children removed from their care. Well, Mr. Speaker, that perception has not changed, and to quote somebody who said it recently, this is 2015, what are we doing?

Experience has shown that women in this province in cases of intimate partner violence received the message from a significant number of child protection workers that they should have known better, should have known the negative impact the abuse would have had on their children, and should have known or found out the solutions to these issues and immediately left their partner. Well, as I said, Mr. Speaker, this is not taking into consideration what I've already described about the problem with abuse: that it's insidious and it creeps up slowly, it doesn't just happen overnight.

[Page 7125]

So I agree with the transition houses in challenging these assumptions and I request language that does not hold the victim solely accountable, but rather supports the victim in safety planning, in the identification of services or options available to them, and that it requires safety planning with the offending parent so that the victim and their children are afforded the safety that they are due. In the courts, child custody and access now requires the consideration of domestic violence as a factor in the best interests of the child, which is a good thing, Mr. Speaker.

So, again, just to wrap this one up as the Critic for the Status of Women, the Critic for Aboriginal Affairs, and also just as a woman myself, I say that this bill, although it has some very, very good things in it, I think it also has some parts that need to be re-addressed and have more amendments made. I would hope that the minister will take that under advisement and perhaps we will see some more amendments in the future. Thank you very much.

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

The honourable Minister of Community Services.

HON. JOANNE BERNARD « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues for speaking to this bill - for the most part. I would now move third reading of Bill No. 112.

Mr. Speaker, it has been quite the journey for this bill: many, many years; many, many conversations; and many, many families that have been impacted negatively by the inability of the legislation to actually protect children in the way that they should be protected. I appreciate the comments of the last speaker around domestic abuse. As she would know, and many in this House would know, I've worked with hundreds of women over the last nine years, and before that, women with addictions.

I can also say that the statistic I've always known is that women - the first time they actually reach out for help, they've been assaulted 35 times, so 35 instances of children who have witnessed that abuse before intervention is happening, before services are sought. I've seen literally hundreds of children over my time at Alice Housing come to us unable to speak, come to us with severe psychological problems, come to us with both physical and emotional harm, come to us in ways that have been devastating to watch, along with their mothers, to watch the devastation that domestic violence has on children. It was one of the main reasons, if not the only reason, I wrote Healing the Bruises, which became the only program in the Atlantic Provinces for intervention and treatment of child witnesses of domestic violence.

I'm proud of that project; I'm proud of that program that exists today; I'm proud of the work that is done at Alice Housing and transition houses, they do amazing work every day; and I'm proud of the work that is done at family resource centres of which many programs didn't exist two years ago, but with the investment when we came to power of $2 million, I know there are programs happening in family resource centres that weren't happening two years ago that specifically address parenting needs of both mums and dads.

[Page 7126]

Mr. Speaker, what I am particularly proud of today is the new signal of child welfare in Nova Scotia. I'd like to outset how fortunate we are in this province that so many caring voices speaking up for the well-being of children and families have come forth. I know that everyone who has spoken on this bill - and we're not ever going to get to that happy space where everybody is happy - I know they come to this bill in a place of caring, in a place of concern, and a place of compassion for women and children and families of Nova Scotia, and I'm so proud to live in a province where that is a priority.

Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to be part of a government that is supporting families to be stronger. We all want children to be safe and supported, and for parents to have the tools they need to raise healthy families; that's imperative. That was the goal behind creating Stronger Families N.S. and strengthening the Children and Family Services Act.

This is about working with families earlier, and I have seen so many instances where that has not been available, and drawing on strengths that families have to find solutions before more serious situations become more serious and to a point of crisis. We know that the best results come from working together with families; we know that. We know that children thrive when their families are healthy and intact, and communities can offer the best future for families and children when we all take a role in child welfare.

At the same time that we're modernizing this Children and Family Services Act, we're also strengthening the support for families at risk. Nova Scotians will soon have access to new programs that support stronger families in the province. We're expanding the successful Parenting Journey program - and I know it works. I know it works with families that are in crisis - to 15 new communities across Nova Scotia. We are going from 12 sites to 27.

Family Connections, a new program will provide increased training for Parenting Journey staff so they can better support relationships between parents and children. That's an investment in keeping families together.

We're supporting new, culturally relevant programs for Aboriginal, African Nova Scotian, and Acadian communities - never happened before, specific programs to the unique needs of these communities. Families Plus, an intensive family preservation pilot which actually is working right now, as we speak, in New Zealand, is being piloted in Cape Breton and will soon be piloted in Halifax. It will offer more practical and clinical support to strengthen families at increased risk. That is a substantial program that we are truly monitoring to make sure that it gets the outcomes that we're expecting from this program that previously did not exist in Atlantic Canada.

[Page 7127]

I believe it's important to recognize that the community has been calling for changes to this 25-year-old legislation for many years. Many reports and calls for action have gone unanswered until now. The bill will introduce changes to the definition of "child" so that youth can receive important support and benefits up to the age of 19 on a voluntary basis; this fills an important gap in services that currently exist for young people at a very key moment in their lives. Bill No. 112 also recognizes other forms of abuse such as serious and chronic neglect that is harming a child's development.

Streamlining time spent before the courts is intended to enable children to either return home or find a permanent home. We're proud of the cultural connection component of this bill which adapts to the cultural uniqueness of each family including Aboriginal, including African Nova Scotian, including Middle Eastern, including any unique cultural identity that the family holds.

The conversation about how we improve the lives of children does not end today. We will continue with the regulatory process of absolutely including stakeholders in that development. We've included an important review mechanism so that the legislation will not wait another 25 years because we absolutely cannot afford that for families. This valuable community feedback will strengthen the relevance of Bill No. 112.

Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased that we are at this point right now. (Interruption) Sorry, I'm looking for something. I'll just wrap.

I want to go back to a phone call that I received last night from a foster parent. I'll end by saying that she watched Bill No.112 in third reading yesterday, and she was so frustrated because as a foster parent she was shaking her head and realizing that the people who were speaking out against the changes to this legislation clearly didn't understand.

I'm just going to quote what she told me: I'm watching third reading, and I'm shaking my head and talking to people who cannot hear me. If they only knew what it truly looks like from where we sit. There are heinous and harsh realities out there, and with every sincere and due respect afforded, most people speaking against this bill have no concept; in fact, most people in general get spared these realities. They are blessed; my children were not. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 112. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye.

There has been a request for a recorded vote.

We will ring the bells until the Whips are satisfied.

[Page 7128]

[12:54 p.m.]

[The Division bells were rung.]

MR. SPEAKER « » : Are the Whips satisfied?

[The Clerk calls the roll.]

[1:54 p.m.]

YEAS	NAYS
Mr. Churchill	Mr. David Wilson
Ms. Bernard	Ms. MacDonald
Ms. Regan	Mr. Belliveau
Mr. Samson	Ms. Mancini
Mr. McNeil	Ms. Zann
Ms. Whalen	Ms. Peterson-Rafuse
Mr. Glavine
Ms. Casey
Mr. MacLellan
Mr. Horne
Mr. Gordon Wilson
Mr. Stroink
Ms. Diab
Mr. Ince
Mr. Kousoulis
Mr. Furey
Mr. Farrell
Ms. Arab
Mr. Maguire
Ms. Miller
Mr. Jessome
Ms. Lohnes-Croft
Ms. Eyking
Mr. Irving
Mr. Gough
Ms. Treen
Mr. Wilton
Mr. Rankin
Mr. MacLeod
Mr. Dunn
Mr. Baillie

[Page 7129]

Mr. d'Entremont
Mr. Orrell
Ms. MacFarlane
Mr. Houston
Mr. MacMaster
Mr. Mombourquette
Mr. Harrison

The Clerk « » : For, 38. Against, 6.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is carried.

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

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, that concludes the government's business for today. The House will meet again on Monday, December 14^th, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. At that time, following the daily routine, we will go into third reading of Bill Nos. 141 and 144.

I move that the House do now rise to meet again on Monday from the hours of 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for the House to rise to meet again on Monday, December 14^th, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The House now stands adjourned until Monday, December 14^th at 4:00 p.m.

[The House rose at 1:59 p.m.]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

[Page 7130]

Tabled December 10, 2015

RESOLUTION NO. 2855

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 I was honoured to be part of an event last week, along with His Honour Lieutenant Governor J.J. Grant and Acting Natural Resources Minister Churchill, who also represented Agriculture Minister Keith Colwell, wherein we each donated a Christmas tree to our chosen charities, including Camp Hill Veterans Memorial Building, Home of the Guardian Angel, Margaret's House in Dartmouth, and Marguerite Centre in Timberlea; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia balsam fir trees we donated were gifts from tree growers associated with the Lunenburg County Christmas Tree Producers' Association, including Mr. Murray Crouse of Northwest Road, Mr. Anzil Blackadar of New Canada; Laird Lenihan of New Ross, and Osbourne MacDow of Seffernville, and;

Whereas Mr. Neil Meister, a long-time Nova Scotia tree grower, has graciously donated the big beautiful Christmas tree that now greets everyone entering the Red Chamber here at Province House;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House show their support and gratitude toward these Nova Scotia tree growers for their contributions to our thriving Christmas tree industry and for their generosity toward our charities and toward this House.

RESOLUTION NO. 2856

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 each year the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia presents the Pfizer Bowl of Hygeia to recognize a pharmacist's contribution to their community, and it would be hard to find a pharmacist who does more for his community than Kirk Lycett, pharmacist/owner of Bridgetown Pharmasave and the 2015 recipient of the Pfizer Bowl of Hygeia; and

Whereas Kirk is generous financially and with his time with local sports teams, community centres, rinks, long-term care facilities, the chamber of commerce, school volunteer groups, community festivals, the fire department, the Cancer Society, the Diabetes Association, and many more; and

[Page 7131]

Whereas at a time of transition for Bridgetown, Kirk has stepped up to help build a brighter future for generations to come in this wonderful part of Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Kirk for the recognition he has received from pharmacists across the province.

RESOLUTION NO. 2857

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 Audrey Williams is a long-time resident of Musquodoboit Harbour and has been actively involved in her community; and

Whereas Audrey is a long-time member of the St. Thomas Anglican Church Musquodoboit Harbour, always willing to help with parish activities; and

Whereas Audrey was an active member of the Musquodoboit Harbour Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, and she is also a community volunteer helping people in need;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Audrey Williams for giving of her time and talents for the betterment of her community on the Eastern Shore.

RESOLUTION NO. 2858

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 Marie Young is a long-time resident of Musquodoboit Harbour and has been actively involved in her community; and

Whereas Marie is a long-time member of the St. Thomas Anglican Church Musquodoboit Harbour, always willing to help with parish activities; and

[Page 7132]

Whereas Marie is a well-respected pillar of her community and belongs to the Harbour Lites Seniors Club in Musquodoboit Harbour, always lending a hand for the good of the club;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Marie Young for giving of her time and talents for the betterment of her community on the Eastern Shore.

RESOLUTION NO. 2859

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 Bonnie Faulkner is a long-time resident of Musquodoboit Harbour and has been actively involved in her community; and

Whereas Bonnie was a past member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Musquodoboit Harbour Fire Department and currently volunteers at Anderson House in West Petpeswick; and

Whereas Bonnie is a well-respected pillar of her community, providing exemplary service to her church, First United Church, Musquodoboit Harbour;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Bonnie Faulkner for giving of her time and talents for the betterment of her community on the Eastern Shore.

RESOLUTION NO. 2860

By: Hon. David Wilson « » (Sackville-Cobequid)

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

Whereas Lower Sackville's Anny Christian is a 13-year-old Grade 8 student at AJ Smeltzer Junior High School; and

Whereas Anny has been swimming since a very young age and joined the Sackville Waves Aquatic Team at age seven, and has competed at the East Coast Long Course Meet and also at the Ken Dun Invitational, where she swam in every event over the two-day competition; and

[Page 7133]

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate Lower Sackville's Anny Christian on her swimming accomplishments and wish her success in her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2861

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 Norma Lee MacLeod is the host and producer of CBC Radio One's Maritime Noon; and

Whereas Norma Lee MacLeod has been with the CBC for over 30 years and has been recognized for her work through various nominations and awards, including Geminis and Atlantic Journalism Awards; and

Whereas Norma Lee MacLeod was awarded the 2014 Gold Award in the category of Best Information News Radio Program at the 34^th Annual Atlantic Journalism Awards gala in May 2015 for Maritimes Noon's coverage of the Moncton manhunt in June 2014;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Norma Lee MacLeod on receiving her Gold 2014 Atlantic Journalism Award and thank her for her contributions and commitment to quality journalism in Atlantic Canada.

RESOLUTION NO. 2862

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 Bruce MacKinnon has been an editorial cartoonist for The Chronicle Herald since 1985, depicting the news of the day in poignant and often humorous drawings; and

Whereas Bruce MacKinnon has five published books of cartoons and caricatures and has been recognized for his talent by journalism associates around the world; and

Whereas Bruce MacKinnon was awarded the 2014 Gold Award in Editorial Cartooning at the 34^th Annual Atlantic Journalism Awards gala in May 2015;

[Page 7134]

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Bruce MacKinnon on receiving his Gold 2014 Atlantic Journalism Award and thank him for his contributions and commitment to quality journalism in Atlantic Canada.

RESOLUTION NO. 2863

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 producer, writer, and director at Peep Media as well as a guest host, journalist, and documentarian for CBC; and

Whereas Jackie Torrens wrote and produced the radio documentary The Poet Laureate of Youth Now, about a young poet in prison for second-degree murder; and

Whereas Jackie Torrens was awarded the 2014 Gold Award in Feature Writing: Radio at the 34^th Annual Atlantic Journalism Awards gala in May 2015 for The Poet Laureate of Youth Now;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Jackie Torrens on receiving her Gold 2014 Atlantic Journalism Award and thank her for her contributions and commitment to quality journalism in Atlantic Canada.

RESOLUTION NO. 2864

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 Lois Legge is a writer for The Chronicle Herald newspaper and a tutor/lecturer at Kings College; and

Whereas Lois Legge wrote a feature article on photographer Robert Frank, which was published in The Chronicle Herald on September 12, 2014; and

Whereas Lois Legge was awarded the 2014 Gold Award in the category of Atlantic Magazine: Best Profile Article at the 34^th Annual Atlantic Journalism Awards gala in May 2015 for her profile on Robert Frank;

[Page 7135]

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Lois Legge on receiving her Gold 2014 Atlantic Journalism Award and thank her for her commitment to quality journalism in Atlantic Canada.

RESOLUTION NO. 2865

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 Nadine Fownes is a presentation editor for The Chronical Herald; and

Whereas Nadine Fownes has been awarded multiple Atlantic Journalism Awards and has been a finalist in the National Newspaper Awards; and

Whereas Nadine Fownes was awarded the 2014 Gold Award in Best Page Presentation: Newspaper at the 34^th Annual Atlantic Journalism Award gala in May 2015 for her Remembrance Day page;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Nadine Fownes on receiving a Gold 2014 Atlantic Journalism Award and thank her for her commitment to quality journalism in Atlantic Canada.

RESOLUTION NO. 2866

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 News 95.7 is a news, talk, weather, and sports radio station in Halifax: and

Whereas 95.7 features news and sports coverage from the local level to international level; and

Whereas News 95.7 was awarded the 2014 Gold Award in Breaking News Radio at the 34^th Annual Atlantic Journalism Awards gala for their segment on post-tropical storm Arthur;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate the News 95.7 team on receiving a 2014 Gold Atlantic Journalism Award and thank them for their commitment to quality journalism in Atlantic Canada.

[Page 7136]

RESOLUTION NO. 2867

By: Hon. Lena M. Diab (Immigration)

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

Whereas Robert Beck is a talented singer in the Nova Scotia Mass Choir, a multicultural award-winning gospel choir that graced this year's special sendoff for the Nova Scotia tree for Boston on November 18^th in Halifax's Grand Parade; and

Whereas Mr. Beck is an actively engaged volunteer and advocate for the Canadian Diabetes Association, helping people living with diabetes to access the care and support they need to live the healthiest lives possible; and

Whereas he has served as both volunteer regional and national advocacy chair for the Canadian Diabetes Association and currently on the provincial advocacy committee;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Mr. Beck for his outstanding community involvement and wish him future success.

RESOLUTION NO. 2868

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 Warren "Gus" Reed is a resident of Halifax and retired Registrar of Harvard University; and

Whereas Gus is a well-known advocate for accessibility, inclusion, and the rights of people with disabilities; and

Whereas Gus is the co-founder and spokesperson for the James MacGregor Society, through which he writes and advocates on issues ranging from physical accessibility of public and private-sector buildings to the underrepresentation of Nova Scotians with disabilities in the province's workforce.

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Warren "Gus" Reed for receiving the 2015 Nova Scotia Human Rights Award, presented by Lieutenant Governor J.J. Grant.

[Page 7137]

RESOLUTION NO. 2869

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 Captain Ken Greenham, Sergeant-at-Arms of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly, is retiring from his role after two consecutive terms in office, having assumed this role following his service as Detail Commander Commissionaire at Province House; and

Whereas Captain Greenham has served Lieutenant Governors Freeman, Francis, and Grant, and Speakers Clarke, MacLeod, Parker, Gosse, and myself, with great dignity and dedication; and

Whereas Captain Greenham concludes his service as Sergeant-at-Arms of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly following exemplary service in the Canadian Armed Forces, the Reserves, and the Corps of Commissionaires;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly join me in expressing our gratitude for Captain Ken Greenham's service and congratulate him wholeheartedly on his retirement, effective December 31, 2015.

RESOLUTION NO. 2870

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas P'lovers was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas P'lovers was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Eco-conscious Store;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate P'lovers on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2871

[Page 7138]

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas the Garrison Brewing Company was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas the Garrison Brewing Company was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Craft Brewery;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate the Garrison Brewing Company on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2872

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas the 2 Doors Down Food + Wine was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas the 2 Doors Down Food + Wine was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Use of Local Ingredients, Best Chowder and Best Salad;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate 2 Doors Down Food + Wine on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2873

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Ace Burger was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Ace Burger was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Burger and Best Fries;

[Page 7139]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Ace Burger on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2874

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Alan Dalton, a fitness instructor at Evolve Fitness, was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Alan Dalton was honoured for his contribution and success in the category of Best Fitness Instructor;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Alan Dalton on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2875

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Halifax Alehouse was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Halifax Alehouse was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Chicken Wings;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Halifax Alehouse on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2876

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

[Page 7140]

Whereas Alexandra's Pizza was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Alexandra's Pizza was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Food Delivery;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Alexandra's Pizza on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2877

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Argyle Fine Art was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Argyle Fine Art was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Gallery;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Argyle Fine Art on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2878

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Gallery;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

[Page 7141]

RESOLUTION NO. 2879

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Attica Furnishings was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Attica Furnishings was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Furniture Store and Best Home Décor;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Attica Furnishings on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2880

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Baton Rouge, a Southern-style restaurant was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Baton Rouge was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Ribs;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Baton Rouge on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2881

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas The Battered Fish eatery on the Halifax waterfront was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

[Page 7142]

Whereas The Battered Fish was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Fish 'n' Chips;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate The Battered Fish on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2882

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Bishop's Cellar was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Bishop's Cellar was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Liquor Store;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Bishop's Cellar on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2883

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas The Board Room Game Café was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas The Board Room Game Café was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Place For A First Date and Best Student Hang;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate The Board Room Game Café on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2884

[Page 7143]

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Boneheads BBQ, a local Southern smokehouse, was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Boneheads BBQ was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Ribs;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Boneheads BBQ on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2885

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Bookmark was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Bookmark was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Independent Bookstore;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Bookmark on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2886

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Bowtique Hair & Makeup was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Bowtique Hair & Makeup was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Hair Salon;

[Page 7144]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Bowtique Hair & Makeup on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2887

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Bubba Ray's was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Bubba Ray's was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Chicken Wings and Best Place to Watch The Game;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Bubba Ray's on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2888

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Burrito Jax was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Burrito Jax was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Burrito and Best Late-Night Eats;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Burrito Jax on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2889

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

[Page 7145]

Whereas Cha Baa Thai was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Cha Baa Thai was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Thai and Best Lunch Specials;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Cha Baa Thai on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2890

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Chives Restaurant was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Chives Restaurant was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Chef, Best Fine Dining, Best Wine List, and Best Use of Local Ingredients;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Chives Restaurant on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2891

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Cleve's Source for Sports was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Cleve's was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Sporting Goods Store;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Cleve's Source for Sports on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

[Page 7146]

RESOLUTION NO. 2892

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Craig Flinn was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Craig Flinn and his menu at Chives Restaurant was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Chef;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Craig Flinn on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2893

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Crimson Clover Boutique was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Crimson Clover Boutique was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Second-Hand Clothing Store;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Crimson Clover Boutique on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2894

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Curry Village was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

[Page 7147]

Whereas Curry Village was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Indian;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Curry Village on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2895

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Cyclesmith was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Curry Village was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Bike Store;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Cyclesmith on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2896

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Da Maurizio was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Da Maurizio was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Italian and Best Fine Dining;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Da Maurizio on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2897

[Page 7148]

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Darrell's Restaurant was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Darrell's Restaurant was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Burger and Best Milkshake;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Darrell's Restaurant on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2898

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Dr. Laura Penny, a professor of Contemporary and Early Modern Studies at the University of King's College, was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Dr. Laura Penny was honoured for her contribution and teaching success in the category of Best Professor;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Dr. Laura Penny on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community and the province's education system.

RESOLUTION NO. 2899

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Dugger's, a men's clothing store, was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Duggers was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Men's Clothing Store;

[Page 7149]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Duggers on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2900

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Durty Nelly's was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Durty Nelly's was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Bar, Best Pub Food, Best Chowder, Best Caesar and Best Open Mic Night;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Durty Nelly's on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2901

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Elsie's Used Clothing was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Elsie's Used Clothing was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Second-Hand Clothing Store;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Elsie's Used Clothing Store on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2902

[Page 7150]

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Evolve Fitness was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax Awards; and

Whereas Evolve Fitness was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Gym, along with Best Trainer and Best Fitness Instructor;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Mitch and Matt Benvie, and Evolve Fitness, on being honoured in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2903

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas FireWorks Gallery was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax Awards; and

Whereas FireWorks Gallery was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Jewellery Store;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate FireWorks Gallery on being honoured in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2904

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas The Five Fishermen restaurant, a staple of downtown Halifax, was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax Awards; and

Whereas The Five Fishermen was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Seafood;

[Page 7151]

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate The Five Fishermen restaurant on being honoured in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2905

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Fruition was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax Awards; and

Whereas Fruition was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Farmers' Market Stall;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Fruition on being honoured in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2906

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Gahan House was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax Awards; and

Whereas Gahan House was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Brew Pub, Best New Bar, Best New Restaurant, and Best Patio;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Gahan House on being honoured in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2907

[Page 7152]

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Getaway Farm Butcher Shop at the Seaport Farmers' Market was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax Awards; and

Whereas Getaway Farm Butcher Shop was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Butcher Shop and Best Farmers' Market Stall;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Getaway Farm Butcher Shop on being honoured in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2908

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas the Halifax Central Library, the new and innovative flagship library for Halifax Public Libraries, was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax Awards; and

Whereas Halifax Central Library was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Library, Best Public Space, and Best Effort to Improve Halifax;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Halifax Central Library on being honoured in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2909

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas The Henry House Restaurant & Pub was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax Awards; and

Whereas The Henry House Restaurant & Pub was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Pub Food;

[Page 7153]

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate The Henry House Restaurant & Pub on being honoured in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2910

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas HFX Sports Bar & Grill, a local eatery, was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas HFX Sports Bar & Grill was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Place to Watch a Game;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate HFX Sports Bar & Grill on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2911

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas House of Moda was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas House of Moda was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Jewelry Store;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate House of Moda on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2912

[Page 7154]

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Indochine Banh Mi was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Indochine Banh Mi was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Sandwich;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Indochine Banh Mi on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2913

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Java Blend Coffee Roasters was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Java Blend Coffee Roasters was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Café, Best Coffee, and Best Specialty Coffee;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Java Blend Coffee Roasters on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2914

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Jean's Chinese Restaurant was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Jean's Chinese Restaurant was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Chinese;

[Page 7155]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Jean's Chinese Restaurant on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2915

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas the Jim's Pizza House was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Jim's Pizza House was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Family Restaurant;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Jim's Pizza House on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2916

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas John's Lunch was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas John's Lunch was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Fish & Chips and Best Seafood;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate John's Lunch on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2917

[Page 7156]

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Jubilee Junction, a popular local convenience store, was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Jubilee Junction was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Corner Store;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Jubilee Junction on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2918

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Locas Billiards was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax Awards; and

Whereas Locas Billiards was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Place to Play Pool;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Locas Billiards on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2919

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, a museum celebrating maritime heritage, was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax Awards; and

Whereas the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Museum;

[Page 7157]

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2920

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Mary's Place Café II, was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax Awards; and

Whereas Mary's Place Café II was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Breakfast;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Mary's Place Café II, on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2921

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Maxwell's Plum was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax Awards; and

Whereas Maxwell's Plum was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Beer Selection;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Maxwell's Plum on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2922

[Page 7158]

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Mezza Lebanese Kitchen was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax Awards; and

Whereas Mezza Lebanese Kitchen was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Donair and Best Late-Night Eats;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Mezza Lebanese Kitchen on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2923

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Mezza on Quinpool Road was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax Awards; and

Whereas Mezza was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Middle Eastern/Persian;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Mezza on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2924

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Mitch Benvie, a personal trainer and co-owner of Evolve Fitness, was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax Awards; and

Whereas Mitch Benvie was honoured for his contribution and success in the category of Best Trainer;

[Page 7159]

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Mitch Benvie on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2925

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Moksha Yoga Halifax was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax Awards; and

Whereas Moksha Yoga Halifax was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Yoga Studio;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Moksha Yoga Halifax on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2926

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Mountain Equipment Co-op was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax Awards; and

Whereas Mountain Equipment Co-op was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Sporting Goods Store;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Mountain Equipment Co-op on being honoured in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2927

[Page 7160]

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas My Mother's Bloomers was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax Awards; and

Whereas My Mother's Bloomers was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Flower Shop;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate My Mother's Bloomers on being honoured in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2928

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Niche Lounge was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax Awards; and

Whereas Niche Lounge was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Martini;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Niche Lounge on being honoured in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2929

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Noggins Farm was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax Awards; and

Whereas Noggins Farm was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Farmers' Market Stall;

[Page 7161]

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Noggins Farm on being honoured in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2930

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Oasis Pub and Eatery was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax Awards; and

Whereas Oasis Pub and Eatery was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Chicken Wings, Best Place to Play Pool, and Best Place to Watch the Game;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Oasis Pub and Eatery on being honoured in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2931

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Obladee wine bar was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax Awards; and

Whereas Obladee was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Wine List;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Obladee on being honoured in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2932

[Page 7162]

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax Awards; and

Whereas The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Pub Food;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse on being honoured in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2933

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Pacifico was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax Awards; and

Whereas Pacifico was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Party Venue and Best Place to Dance;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Pacifico on being honoured in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2934

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Platto Pizzeria & Enoteca was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Platto Pizzeria & Enoteca was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Lunch Specials;

[Page 7163]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Platto Pizzeria & Enoteca on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2935

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Reflections Cabaret was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Reflections Cabaret was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Gay Bar, Best Place to Dance, and Best Party Venue;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Reflections Cabaret on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2936

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Remedy Facial Bar and Spa was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Remedy Facial Bar and Spa was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Spa and Best Manicure/Pedicure;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Remedy Facial Bar and Spa on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2937

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By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Ristorante aMano, was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Ristorante aMano was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Italian;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Ristorante aMano being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2838

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Rob Oxner at Saint Lou's Gentlemen's Barbershop was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Rob Oxner was honoured for his contribution and success in the category of Best Barber;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Rob Oxner on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2939

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Rockbottom Brewpub was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Rockbottom Brewpub was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Brew Pub and Best Open Mic Night;

[Page 7165]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Rockbottom Brewpub on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2940

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Saint Lou's Gentlemen's Barbershop was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Saint Lou's Gentlemen's Barbershop was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Barbershop;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Saint Lou's Gentlemen's Barbershop being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2941

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Smoke's Poutinerie was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Smoke's Poutinerie was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Poutine;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Smoke's Poutinerie on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2942

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By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Spirit Spa was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Spirit Spa was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Hair Salon, Best Spa and Best Manicure/Pedicure;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Spirit Spa on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2943

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Stanhope & Company was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Stanhope & Company was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Hair Salon;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Stanhope & Company on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2944

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Stillwell was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Stillwell was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best New Bar, Best Bar, Best Fries, Best Beer Selection and Best Patio;

[Page 7167]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Stillwell on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2945

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Strange Adventures was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Strange Adventures was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Comics Store;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Strange Adventures on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2946

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Susie's Shortbreads was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Susie's Shortbreads was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Cookie/Cupcake/Doughnut;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Susie's Shortbreads on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2947

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By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Sweet Pea, a women's clothing boutique, was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Sweet Pea was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Women's Clothing Store;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Sweet Pea on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2948

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas The Carleton Music Bar & Grill was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas The Carleton Music Bar & Grill was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Live Venue;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate The Carleton Music Bar & Grill on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2949

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas The Flower Shop was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas The Flower Shop was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Flower Shop;

[Page 7169]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate The Flower Shop on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2950

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas The Lord Nelson Hotel was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas The Lord Nelson Hotel was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Hotel;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate The Lord Nelson Hotel on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2951

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas The Prince George Hotel was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas The Prince George Hotel was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Hotel;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate The Prince George Hotel on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2952

[Page 7170]

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas The Westin Nova Scotia Hotel was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas The Westin Nova Scotia Hotel was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Hotel;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate The Westin Nova Scotia Hotel on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2953

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas The Wooden Monkey, a local organic eatery, was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas The Wooden Monkey was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Use of Local Ingredients, Best Vegetarian-Friendly and Best Gluten-Free Friendly;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate The Wooden Monkey on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2954

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas The Armview was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax Awards; and

Whereas was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Diner;

[Page 7171]

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate The Armview on being honoured in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2955

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas The Bicycle Thief was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax Awards; and

Whereas The Bicycle Thief was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Fine Dining, Best Pasta, Best Wine List, and Best Restaurant;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate The Bicycle Thief on being honoured in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2956

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas The Great Wall was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax Awards; and

Whereas The Great Wall was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Chinese;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate The Great Wall on being honoured in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2957

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By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas The Stubborn Goat Gastropub was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax Awards; and

Whereas The Stubborn Goat Gastropub was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Fries, Best Beer Selection, and Best Caesar;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate The Stubborn Goat Gastropub on being honoured in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2958

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Tom's Little Havana was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax Awards; and

Whereas Tom's Little Havana was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Atmosphere and Best Place for a First Date;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Tom's Little Havana on being honoured in The Coast's 2015 Best of Halifax series, and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2959

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Tony's Donair was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Tony's Donair was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Donair and Best Pizza Slice;

[Page 7173]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Tony's Donair on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2960

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Triple A Convenience was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Triple A Convenience was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Corner Store;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Triple A Convenience on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2961

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Urban Cottage was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Urban Cottage was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Antiques Store;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Urban Cottage on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2962

[Page 7174]

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Peak Audio was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Peak Audio was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Home Entertainment;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Peak Audio on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2963

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Pearl & Daisy Natural Soap Company was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Pearl & Daisy Natural Soap Company was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best New Business;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Pearl & Daisy Natural Soap Company on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2964

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, an acclaimed museum and National Historic Site, was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Museum;

[Page 7175]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2965

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Willy's Fresh Cut, a late-night eatery, was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Willy's Fresh Cut was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Poutine and Best Late-Night Eats;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Willy's Fresh Cut on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2966

By: Hon. Labi Kousoulis « » (Public Service Commission)

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

Whereas Woozles Children's Bookstore was recently recognized by The Coast newspaper in their 2015 Best of Halifax awards; and

Whereas Woozles was honoured for their contribution and success in the category of Best Independent Bookstore;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Woozles Children's Bookstore on being honoured in The Coast's Best of Halifax series and for playing an important part in the Halifax community.