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HALIFAX, WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2015

Sixty-second General Assembly

Second Session

1:00 P.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Kevin Murphy

DEPUTY SPEAKER

Ms. Margaret Miller

MR. SPEAKER » : Order, please. Before we begin the daily routine, the topic for the late debate tonight, as submitted by the honourable member for Halifax Chebucto, is:

Therefore be it resolved that the House of Assembly support the provincial government in creating new opportunities for young Nova Scotians to gain career experience through the Graduate to Opportunity program and additional apprenticeship programming in the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency.

The late debate, coming to you at the moment of interruption.

We will begin the daily routine.

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

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

HON. LENA DIAB « » : Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of the Committee on Law Amendments, I am directed to report that the committee has met and considered the following bill:

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Bill No. 75 - Municipal Government Act and Halifax Regional Municipality Charter.

and the committee recommends this bill to the favourable consideration of the House, with certain amendments.

Further:

Bill No. 78 - Public Interest Disclosure of Wrongdoing Act.

and the committee recommends this bill to the favourable consideration of the House, without amendment.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Ordered that these bills be referred to the Committee of the Whole House on Bills.

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

NOTICES OF MOTION

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

ALBERTA ELECTION - NDP GOV'T.

HON. MAUREEN MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, change has finally come to Alberta. A few short months ago, even veteran pundits and political watchers couldn't have predicted what happened last night - after 44 years of Progressive Conservative Governments, Albertans voted for change last night when they elected their first-ever NDP Government.

I want to congratulate Premier-Elect Rachel Notley for making history, along with the other 52 NDP MLAs who will now form a new government in Alberta. Albertans also made history last night when they elected more women than ever before.

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I can only imagine how proud former Alberta NDP Leader Grant Notley, Rachel's late father, would be today. Congratulations Premier Notley. Congratulations Alberta.

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

NOTLEY, ALBERTA PREM.-ELECT RACHEL/FAM. - WELL WISHES

MS. PATRICIA ARAB « » : Mr. Speaker, 44 years of Progressive Conservative governance in Alberta came to an end last night, and Rachel Notley is now the Premier-designate of Alberta. Rachel has been a force to be reckoned with since entering the Alberta Legislature in 2008 and becoming Leader of her Party in October 2014.

Rachel has proven herself to be a hard-working, caring, and dedicated MLA, qualities that her family - husband Lou Arab, and her children Ethan and Sophie - know very well. I'm extremely excited for them as they, along with Rachel, enter this new phase of political life, and wish them the absolute very best.

Mr. Speaker, their Nova Scotia family are all very proud of them.

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

ROSEWAY ER - CLOSURES

HON. STERLING BELLIVEAU « » : Mr. Speaker, we are only six days into May and there has already been a closure at the Roseway emergency department. Another two closures are planned for next week, according to a press release from the health authority. These closures are a result of a doctor not being available. The release also says that additional unexpected closures may occur this month. Last week I was cautiously optimistic when I heard the Department of Health and Wellness had written a letter finally acknowledging that the number of hours the Roseway ER is closed is a problem. I'm still not convinced they know how important this issue is or how quickly they need to act.

When the Roseway ER in Shelburne is closed, people in Clyde River, Clark's Harbour, Barrington, and my hometown of Woods Harbour are forced to drive at least an hour, in some cases longer, to access emergency care. This is a matter of life and death and it isn't fair.

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

SPRYFIELD COMMUN. MARKET - FEASIBILITY STUDY

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MR. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Mr. Speaker the evening of April 23^rd highlighted the results of eight months of work by the students at Dalhousie's College of Sustainability. The students had undertaken the task of exploring the feasibility of having a community market in the Spryfield area. The team of students interviewed many residents of the area, spoke to possible vendors, and worked with the non-profits in the area, resulting in a comprehensive report that they presented at the Captain William Spry centre on April 23^rd to a room full of interested residents.

The students' report lays the groundwork for starting a community market. The goal of the meeting at the Captain Spry centre was to discuss the possibility of a community market with local residents and to pass along their findings, in hopes the community would take their idea and turn it into reality. There was lively discussion around the details of a market such as vendors, location permits, and management.

The meeting resulted in identifying several community members who are interested in continuing to explore the idea of a market in the Spryfield area. I would like to thank Rebecca Eldridge, Jennifer Fischer, Ryan Flinn, Elizabeth Latimer, Angela Moores, and Malcolm Smith for the hard work preparing this project and taking the time to present their findings to the community. Thank you.

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

NAT. RES.: FRIENDS OF REDTAIL SOC. - MIN. MEET

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, Friends of Redtail Society is a non-profit society that seeks to protect and preserve areas of rich, diverse forest land in Nova Scotia. Previous to the 2013 election the society was in negotiations with the Department of Natural Resources and the then Pictou West MLA, Charlie Parker, to acquire a certain piece of land for the establishment of a community forest in accordance with the The Path We Share, and with the assistance of department staff, a great deal of work had been completed on the proposal. With the change in government these talks ceased.

It is my hope that the Minister of Natural Resources will schedule time to meet with society members and tour this unique parcel of land soon. Thank you.

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS: NURSES - IMPORTANCE

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, I heard a quote once that really struck me. "Save one life you're a hero. Save a hundred lives and you're a nurse."

This Monday will begin National Nursing Week, a time for all of us to recognize the important role nurses play in our health care system. Nurses are the ones who place us in our mothers' arms when we're born; they bandage our wounds and administer medication; and they're the ones who monitor us after a life-threatening operation, keeping an eye out for the many complications that could arise.

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Nurses deserve to hold a respected place in our society for the work they do. Their work should be valued, and their dedication and commitment to their patients should not be taken for granted. I only wish the McNeil Government agreed with me, but their actions over the last two years show us that they do not.

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

LYME DISEASE - PROTECTION

MS. JOYCE TREEN « » : Mr. Speaker, the warm weather has finally arrived and many Nova Scotians are now enjoying the great outdoors - hiking, camping, and gardening. With this also comes the reappearance of blacklegged ticks that can carry Lyme disease. Lyme disease is spread through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. The best defence is to stay informed and know how to protect yourself. Ticks prefer moist, shady spots, overgrown grassy places, and leafy wooded areas. People are advised to wear light-colour pants, long-sleeve shirts, and hats, and tuck your pants into your socks and check your clothes often.

When walking, stay in the middle of the trails and paths and avoid tick-favourable environments. Apply insect repellent to the skin and clothing, especially around neck, ankle, and wrist openings.

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month and public awareness is the key. Thank you.

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

MR. JOHN LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MR. LOHR « » : I would like to call the attention of the House to the west gallery, where we have Murray Salsman of Marg's Glad Garden, a resident of Kings North who has donated thousands of dollars through his efforts to help cancer patients. I would like the House to give him a warm welcome.

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

SALSMAN, MURRAY - COMMUN. SERV.

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MR. JOHN LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, when Murray Salsman's first wife, Marg, passed away from cancer, he decided that he would grow gladiolas and sell them to raise money for cancer patients. Murray donates the proceeds to local cancer patients so they can travel from the Annapolis Valley to Halifax for their treatment, people who find themselves in a tough spot and can't afford to get to the city on their own. Murray also has been involved in giving financial assistance to people who are dying at home who cannot afford the food supplements they need.

I would like to commend Murray's service to his community. His care and compassion for people makes their tough battles a bit easier. Thank you.

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

BUS. DEPT. - TRANSITION PLAN

HON. DENISE PETERSON-RAFUSE « » : Mr. Speaker, we know that the McNeil Government makes decisions without consultation. Now it appears they also make decisions without any sort of plan. The Department of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism was eliminated on April 9^th with no warning to the employees or the businesses or organizations they served.

A new Department of Business was created out of the ashes of ERDT, but with no transition plan. Who was going to take over the tasks of Film and Creative Industries Nova Scotia? It took weeks for them to figure that out. Who was going to notify businesses that the grants and the investment incentives that they were counting on had been eliminated?

The minister has the list of companies affected, but here we are a month later and he still hasn't told this House or taxpayers. It's clear they hadn't really thought this through. Why does the McNeil Government continue to cut, gut, and slash programs and services with no consultation or no plan?

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

IN FLANDERS FIELDS - ANNIV. (100^th)

MR. STEPHEN GOUGH « » : Mr. Speaker, May 3^rd was the 100^th anniversary of the World War I poem In Flanders Fields. Written by Colonel John McCrae after a particularly difficult battle during World War I, this poem gave voice to those who had fallen on the battle fields. The poppies are symbolic of war dead; from the bloodshed on the battle fields, seeds germinated, sprouted, and grew into beautiful red flowers that inspire and hearten the living. Through the lines, "We are the Dead," "Take up our quarrel with the foe", and ". . . we throw / The torch," McCrae speaks for those who lie sleeping beneath the poppies, those for whom only failing hands could pass on the torch to be held high for the cause for which they have died.

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In Flanders Fields is a poem, a message, and also a visual - a visual of sacrifice, duty, and honour; a visual of the poppy, the flower symbolic of sacrifice, duty, and honour. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

STEWART, JIM - TOWN CRIER COMP.

HON. PAT DUNN « » : Mr. Speaker, New Glasgow resident Jim Stewart recently came second in an international town crier competition. Jim won the honour during a competition in Bermuda last week. The cries were judged on volume, clarity, the choice of words, and their inflection, while the criers were judged on how they looked in their uniforms, their bearing, and confidence. Jim was one of 25 competitors from around the world. Jim defeated the reigning world champion, Chris Wyman from Kingston, Ontario, but couldn't outcry England's Mark Wylie.

He is presently the chairman of the Nova Scotia Guild of Town Criers and is helping to organize an event to select a new town crier for the city of Halifax in June. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

NATL. NURSING WK. (05/11 - 05/17/15): NURSES - RESPECT SHOW

HON. MAUREEN MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, Monday marks the beginning of the 30^th annual National Nursing Week. This year's theme is "Nurses: With you every step of the way". Anyone who has spent time in hospital, either as a patient or to support their loved one, knows how true that statement is. Nurses are found in the maternity ward, in the palliative care ward, and everywhere in between.

Nurses don't just provide care in hospital. They also work in clinics, CECs, universities, people's homes, and long-term care facilities, providing competent, collaborative, and compassionate front-line care to Nova Scotians.

The way the McNeil Government has been treating nurses is, quite frankly, appalling, Mr. Speaker. National Nursing Week is a perfect time for the Premier to start showing nurses the respect they deserve.

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

MIDDLE RIVER ELEM. SCH./ALDERWOOD: FARM ANIMALS - VISITS

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MS. PAM EYKING « » : Mr. Speaker, students at Middle River Elementary School and seniors and staff at Alderwood in Baddeck, had some special visitors this Spring. Brooke Oland, a local farmer, brought baby animals including a calf, three lambs, and a large dog to visit. I understand that because the farm truck was stuck in the snow, he transported them in his Nissan Sentra.

Every year he takes young farm critters into local schools and the local seniors' home to share lessons about the importance of farm life. No doubt this visit was not only a learning experience but a source of much joy and discussion for all involved.

Initiatives such as Mr. Oland's highlight the important role that farmers play in our communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

NEW HORIZONS (PICTOU) - CHRISTMAS DINNER:

KENNEDY FAM. - THANK

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my heartfelt thanks to the Kennedy family for organizing a Christmas dinner at the New Horizons Seniors Club in Pictou on Christmas Day. This dinner was free of charge and open to anyone who wished to attend. Several businesses generously donated supplies, while many volunteers cooked and served the dinner to the grateful people.

I am truly honoured to live in a constituency with so many generous and selfless people, and am happy that I can recognize them in the Legislature today. Special recognition goes to the Kennedy family for once again organizing this wonderful dinner. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS: HOME CARE PRIVATIZATION - EFFECTS

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Health and Wellness told me yesterday that his plan to privatize home care will be much like the restructuring of the district health authorities and cause little to no interruption in the system. Is that really how he thinks the restructuring went?

The minister let surgery wait times get worse; ER closure rates rose; ER overcrowding at our only tertiary hospital and home care and long-term care wait-lists grew; and they let the Mental Health and Addictions Strategy collect dust while he fiddled with the structure of the health authorities in the province.

It was a year of chaos, Mr. Speaker, and the effects are still being felt today. Is the minister telling us that his privatization of home care will have the same results?

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

DAVISON, KEVIN: ACHIEVEMENTS - CONGRATS.

MR. KEITH IRVING « » : Mr. Speaker, I am proud to claim as one of my constituents Mr. Kevin Davison, a talented singer, songwriter, and long-time paramedic and volunteer firefighter. His song When Those Sirens Are Gone, recently recorded in Nashville, is a powerful song whose lyrics address the painful symptoms of PTSD that many first responders face.

Mr. Davison hopes the recording will help raise awareness of PTSD and remove the stigma around mental health. A portion of the proceeds will go to Heroes Are Human, a national organization that supports first responders suffering from PTSD.

On behalf of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly, I would like to thank and congratulate Mr. Kevin Davison on his achievements and dedication to his community, and on writing and recording a song that provides important encouragement and support to the first responders whose work is so integral to our communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

JOGGINS FIRE: FIREFIGHTERS/RCMP/NSP - THANK

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : Mr. Speaker, I read this on behalf of the member for Cumberland South.

Late Tuesday night and into the morning, a devastating fire damaged many structures in the Town of Joggins. As many as seven fires were reported, including the Masonic Hall building on Main Street, the United Church, and several vacant homes. Thankfully no one was hurt.

Firefighters from 10 Cumberland County fire departments responded to the fires. I want to thank the dedicated firefighters from Joggins, River Hebert, Advocate, Port Greville, Parrsboro, Southampton, Amherst, Springhill, Leicester, and Truemanville for their tireless and professional response to the fires.

Today residents of Cumberland County are also grateful for EHS personnel, the RCMP, and Nova Scotia Power, who provided much-needed service. There is no doubt that today will be a sad and difficult day for many in Joggins, but the people of Cumberland County are strong and resilient. They will overcome this setback and emerge even stronger. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

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MCNEIL GOV'T. - RATING

HON. STERLING BELLIVEAU « » : Mr. Speaker, after just 18 months in office the McNeil Government has managed to cut over 80 good-paying jobs in rural Nova Scotia with their downsizing in Community Services, Natural Resources, and Tourism sectors. They have also failed at supporting existing jobs and we've seen 22,000 jobs lost since they formed government - this is a mind-boggling statistic.

The McNeil Government can also add to their list of accomplishments throwing the film industry into chaos, which has a significant impact on all areas of the province, including rural Nova Scotia where many films are shot.

There has been no - I repeat, no - new Collaborative Emergency Centres created in this province since the McNeil Government took office, and the number of ERs that are closed each month continues to rise. People are being denied access, Mr. Speaker, and people in rural Nova Scotia are the hardest hit.

These are just some of the Liberal Government's accomplishments in the last 18 months. Sadly I know that there will be more like them in the next 18 that will follow.

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

MACLEOD, AINSLEE

- WAVERLEY-FALL RIVER-BEAVER BANK VOL. AWARD

MR. BILL HORNE « » : Mr. Speaker, I was very pleased to attend the 12^th annual Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank Volunteer Awards. Many deserving volunteers were recognized by their organizations and two of these nominees were chosen Volunteer of the Year, one adult and one youth.

The youth award went to Ainslee MacLeod, nominated by Harold T. Barrett Junior High. Ainslee spoke at assemblies, made school announcements, and fundraised for Free the Children. Ainslee has also been involved in the Student Leadership Club for two years, participated in We Days, Food Bank drives, the Diabetes Foundation, and Big Brothers Big Sister fundraisers. Ainslee has also participated in the Angel Tree Program since 2010.

Congratulations Ainslee, and thank you for volunteering for your community.

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

DORRINGTON, FRANCIS - COMMUN. CONTRIBUTIONS

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HON. PAT DUNN « » : Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure today to speak about a gentleman, Francis Dorrington, an 83-year-old African Nova Scotian from New Glasgow. He remembers fondly his two decades in municipal office; this gave him the opportunity to be in contact with numerous individuals across the country and province. He accepted the challenge to increase democratic participation, and helped people in his community to better understand our democracy and how it works.

Francis acquired many firsts: he was the first African Nova Scotian to be elected a New Glasgow town councillor; to be elected to the UNSM; the executive of the Nova Scotia School Boards Association; and the executive of the Recreation Association of Nova Scotia. He represented Ward One, New Glasgow, for 21 years, serving stints as Deputy Mayor and Acting Mayor, as well as representing the town on school and hospitals projects.

Francis is proud of his involvement in his town and the opportunity he had to help people with their concerns.

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

MCNEIL GOV'T.: CAPITAL INVESTMENT INCENTIVES PROG. - CUTS

HON. DENISE PETERSON-RAFUSE « » : Mr. Speaker, the McNeil Government has decided to slash the Capital Investment Incentive program. This program helped our manufacturing sector upgrade equipment and improved productivity, particularly for small businesses and manufacturers in rural Nova Scotia. The McNeil Government also cut the Productivity Investment Program, a nationally renowned program that has been improving the skills of our workforce since its inception.

It's our rural economy that this Premier's budget hurts the most. The Ivany commission told us that improving productivity and competitiveness is the foundational base in rural industries. It's essential if we are to build a strong trade economy for the province as a whole.

It has become clear that the McNeil Government doesn't think they should be doing anything to create jobs in the province. It is also becoming clear that they don't think they should support existing employers either.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Guysborough-Eastern Shore-Tracadie.

MILFORD HAVEN HOME FOR SPECIAL CARE:

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CHEDABUCTO BAY QUILTERS - LAP QUILTS

MR. LLOYD HINES « » : Mr. Speaker, on March 25^th, in Guysborough, residents of the Milford Haven Home for Special Care received a wonderful surprise. The Chedabucto Bay Quilters used remnants of old fabric from their own collections, and the quilters worked very hard to create 55 lap quilts, one for each member of the home - and each new resident will also be given a lap quilt as a welcome gift.

Every Thursday evening the quilters meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Boylston Schoolhouse from September to mid-June. The club welcomes new members and encourages anyone who would like to learn the craft of quilting to join in. All these wonderful residents will now have nice, colourful warm quilts to use throughout the years.

The quilting group includes some wonderful crafters such as Dale O'Connor, Elizabeth Connolly, Dawn Chubbs, Bernadette Murray, Irene MacChesney, Janet Grant and Evelyne Jamieson. They are all dedicated crafters who enjoy putting a tremendous amount of time and effort into creating their beautiful masterpieces. I am extremely honoured to say this amazing group of ladies reside in my constituency and praise them for their great effort of doing such a noble deed for the residents of the Milford Haven Home for Special Care. Thank you.

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

DODDS, DR. J. COLIN - TRIBUTE DINNER

MS. PATRICIA ARAB « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. J. Colin Dodds, president and vice-chancellor of Saint Mary's University. On April 29, 2015 I was fortunate enough to have been invited to a special tribute dinner to celebrate the rich legacy of Dr. Dodds at the Cunard Centre in Halifax. Dr. Dodds has been with Saint Mary's for over 30 years and is very active in a range of local, national and international organizations including the Advisory Panel for Canada's International Education Strategy and the Duke of Edinburgh Awards program. He's also a recipient of the Queen's Golden and Jubilee Medals and the Lieutenant Governor's Award for Excellence in Public Administration in 2014.

It was an honour to be in attendance for a celebration for such an aspiring leader and we wish him the very best in his retirement. Thank you.

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

ST. F.X.: GRADS (2015) - CONGRATS.

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HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, after a number of years with the St. F.X. family on campus and in Antigonish, over 1,000 students became graduates on Sunday, May 3^rd and have officially joined the Xaverian alumni family, which is made up of more than 45,000 members around the world. It was an honour to attend the afternoon convocation at St. F.X. and to watch as students were presented with Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration, Information Systems, Music and diplomas in Jazz Studies.

Convocation is a special time for the graduates, their families and loved ones. It is a time for reflection, celebration and anticipation. As they all look back on the years spent at St. F.X. and celebrate what has been accomplished, they will start to look forward. As they begin to make new plans, set new goals and have new experiences, no matter where their next adventure leads them, I hope they take what they have learned and effect positive change around the world. I ask my fellows members of the House of Assembly to join me in congratulating all of this year's graduates on completing their studies at St. F.X. and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavours.

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

PETTIGREW, ANDREW: NAMAS-DIE FILM - VOTE

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : Mr. Speaker, yesterday I spent several hours listening to impassioned speeches by people of all ages and from all regions of the province in Law Amendments Committee, people whose lives and livelihoods are being detrimentally affected by the severe cuts the McNeil Government is making. One, a filmmaker Josh MacDonald, even returned his certificate from his Liberal MLA for Dartmouth East since the award he received no longer matters if he cannot get the funding to produce his film.

Andrew Pettigrew is hoping for a big win this summer. Originally from Truro, his film, Namas-DIE, is a finalist at the 2015 CineCoup film competition. The award comes with a $1 million prize to be used to finance the production of the winning film. This features an all-female cast and if it garners enough votes to make it to the next round, it is the only Atlantic Canadian project in the top 30. He plans to film this film in Nova Scotia as long as there is funding for it. I encourage all Nova Scotians to show their support for Andrew's project by visiting cinecoup.com and casting a vote for Namas-DIE by May 8^th. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER « » : I just want to remind the honourable member for Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River that members' statements are not to be used as a platform for advertising anything specific. Just make a note of that.

The honourable member for Clare-Digby.

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LA GUILDE ACADIENNE DE CLARE - ANNIV. (4th)

MR. GORDON WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to congratulate the members of La Guilde Acadienne de Clare on recently celebrating their 4^th Anniversary. Since being established four yours ago, La Guilde has been a meeting place where its members meet to sew and to quilt. La Guilde's members may be young or not and come from very different backgrounds but they have one common interest - quilting.

La Guilde, in addition to giving its members a place to work on their projects, has advanced this craft. It has held a number of workshops where its members and others have been able to hone their skills. Over the years members, who may have started as novice quilters, have become quite adept.

The Guilde has also held workshops to introduce sewing and quilting to the youth. The Guilde has ensured that interest in quilting, a craft that could easily have disappeared, maybe simply remembered as an activity undertaken by our ancestors, is actually growing in the area.

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

JOGGINS FIRE: CUMB. CO. FIRE DEPARTMENTS (10) - THANK

HON. JAMIE BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to personally thank the 10 Cumberland County fire departments that responded to multiple fires in Joggins last night, particularly the Joggins, River Hebert, Advocate, Port Greville, Parrsboro, Southampton, Amherst, Springhill, Leicester, and Truemanville fire departments and their volunteer firefighters for their amazing efforts.

Mr. Speaker, as you may know, five structures burned to the ground last night in Joggins. The people of Joggins are scared about what could cause so many simultaneous fires to occur. I want to also thank in advance our RCMP, police, and other law enforcement officials, who I know will work diligently to get to the bottom of what happened and make sure that that community is kept safe. Thank you.

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

KEMP, WALTER: MUSIC CAREER - CONGRATS.

MR. IAIN RANKIN « » : Mr. Speaker, for more than three decades, Walter H. Kemp has hosted CKDU FM's Saturday Morning Music Box. Walter Herbert Kemp is an accomplished and well-recognized musicologist, organist, choir director, and composer. Walter joined the music department at Dalhousie University in 1977, serving as chairman for a number of years. In 1985, he also was appointed to the joint faculty of the University of King's College, Halifax, with Dalhousie.

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Kemp became director of the Dalhousie Chorale in 1977 and the Dalhousie Chamber Choir in 1988, was music director of St. Paul's Anglican Church from 1977 to 1990, and was founder-director of the St. Paul's Singers from 1978 to 1990 and of the Nova Scotia International Tattoo Choir from 1983. In 1991, he became musical director of the Nova Scotia Gilbert and Sullivan Society and founded the Aquinas Choir of King's College Chapel, Halifax.

I would like the members of this Nova Scotia House of Assembly to join me in congratulating Walter Kemp for his illustrious career and his enormous contribution and commitment to music in this province. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

AWAD, AMELIA: HOCKEY SHOOTOUT - CONGRATS.

MR. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak of Amelia Awad, a young hockey player from the Chebucto Atlantics PeeWee A team.

During March break, the team participated in the Joe Lamontagne Memorial Tournament in Cole Harbour. Amelia is the goalie for the team and participated in the Sidney Crosby Shootout. Each team entered three shooters and one goalie in the shootout. After several rounds, the top two goalies remained and took part in the final shootout.

Amelia was a finalist and faced the top two shooters. Each shooter took three shots at the goalie and the goalie that stopped the most shots won. Amelia stopped four out of the six shots to be declared winner of the Sidney Crosby Shootout.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to congratulate Amelia on her performance at the shootout and wish her continued success in her sport. Thank you.

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

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : Mr. Speaker, children across Nova Scotia represent our province's future and are entitled to the very best from government. A recent report published by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, the 2014 Report Card on Child and Family Poverty in Nova Scotia, outlined that one in three food bank users are children - kids, Mr. Speaker - one in three. The same report also details that Cape Breton has the highest child poverty rate in the Maritimes; one in three kids in Cape Breton live in poverty.

These facts are sobering, and yet the McNeil Government has cut funding across the province to programs that address childhood hunger and poverty. I can't help but wonder, shouldn't the needs of the people come first? The McNeil Government claims that they are working hard to build a better province for Nova Scotia's youth, yet one in three children in Nova Scotia experience poverty or food insecurity.

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Nova Scotia needs a government and a leader that actually care about the people and are willing to act on their behalf, and not only to please their rich friends. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

CANIRON X - BLACKSMITHING CELEBRATION

MS. PAM EYKING « » : Mr. Speaker, the CanIRON X blacksmithing celebration is being held in Baddeck from July 2^nd to July 5^th. CanIRON is Canada's national blacksmithing conference. It is held every other year and will be marking its 10^th Anniversary this year. While it attracts blacksmiths and their families from around the world, it is an experience that anyone can enjoy, even those with no prior blacksmithing knowledge, and the event is open to the public.

Participants are able to attend lectures, view blacksmithing demonstrations, and take introductory and advanced lessons. There will also be a vendors' market, ironworks gallery, heritage showcase, and auction fundraiser. A special youth blacksmithing program is also being planned. With local food, drink, and entertainment also on hand, the CanIRON X promises to be an arts, craft, and heritage event that you won't want to miss.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Nova Scotians to add the CanIRON X blacksmithing celebration to their list of things to do this summer. Thank you.

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

FREEMAN HOUSE (BRIDGEWATER) - RECOGNIZE

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to take this opportunity to recognize Freeman House and its staff. Under the direction of Art Fisher, Freeman House has become a place for youth and families to come together, encompassing a community hub model focused on our youth at risk. The team at Freeman House have worked hard to provide Bridgewater and its surrounding area with a safe haven, a place of hope and possibilities for the future.

I'm proud to have Freeman House in my community, and I'm confident that our youth at risk and their families have a welcoming facility that will provide the tools to become successful, independent members of our community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

[Page 4973]

BRIDGEWATER ELEM./BRIDGEWATER HS - HAVE A HEART CAMPAIGN

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Bridgewater Elementary and Bridgewater High School for their participation in the Have a Heart campaign for the South Shore Regional Hospital. Under the guidance of school counsellors, Julie Lohnes and Belinda Josephson, both schools formed a giant heart between the two school facilities. The heart was meant to be a symbol of caring and empathy for one another.

I would like to recognize Ms. Lohnes and Ms. Josephson for their efforts on making a positive impact on our youth.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Just before we move on to the next member statement, the previous statement by the honourable member for Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River, I had a chance to review the text of the statement and it certainly, the topic of child poverty in Nova Scotia, the last paragraph imputes motive on the government and that is ruled out of order, so the statement will not be allowed.

The honourable member for Dartmouth North.

CAN. LANDS CORP. - SHANNON PARK LAND PURCHASE

HON. JOANNE BERNARD « » : Mr. Speaker, on the evening of Wednesday, April 15^th, the Halifax Regional School had approved the purchase of the land in which Shannon Park resides. This amazing event has been worked quietly on by HRSB Chairman, Gin Yee, the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, the Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage, and myself for months. We could not be happier with the outcome.

Shannon Park School is a French immersion program school with over 500 students. It is an integral part of the Dartmouth North community. News of this purchase is what many residents of Dartmouth North and surrounding areas have been waiting for, especially the extraordinary students, staff, and parents, of the Shannon Park Elementary School family. Now the process of community consultation will begin with the Canada Lands Corporation to determine new possibilities for the former D&D property that surrounds the school.

We look forward, with all our Dartmouth North community members, to being part of that process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

STACK, MICHAEL - ARCHWAY INSURANCE: PRES. - APPT.

[Page 4974]

MR. TERRY FARRELL « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to congratulate Michael Stack as he takes over the role of president of Archway Insurance. The change is part of a planned transition to move the day-to-day management of the family-run brokerage from first to second generation. Archway Insurance began working on succession planning several years ago and sought the advice of many experts in doing so. This included the Nova Scotia Chapter of the Canadian Association of Family Enterprise who helped to ensure that there would be a smooth transition from generation to generation.

Mike is assuming the presidency from his father, Gary Stack, who remains involved with the business as chairman of the board, while new shareholder, Gina McFetridge, Mike's sister, assumes the role of vice-president, ensuring the company is in strong and capable hands. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the role of Mike's mother, Jane Stack, in the business as wll who's been integral since the beginning.

I'm proud to have Mike and the Archway Insurance headquartered in our community and I would like thank Mike and his team for continuing to support and promote the growth of our economy.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Guysborough-Eastern Shore- Tracadie.

MACPHERSON, COUN. MYLES: DEATH OF - TRIBUTE

MR. LLOYD HINES « » : Mr. Speaker, it is with heavy hearts that we absorb the shocking news of the passing of our good friend and dear colleague Councillor Myles MacPherson earlier in 2015. Miles dedicated his life work for over 40 years to farming Christmas trees for export and the harvesting of forest products. He dedicated 29 years to public life as councillor for the Municipality of the District of Guysborough. He also served as deputy warden, and he was past-president of the Nova Scotia Christmas Tree Association and inducted into the Nova Scotia Christmas Tree Wall of Fame in September 2012.

Together Myles and I served the people of MODG for 25 years. Myles was a very decent and kind man, dedicated to his family and to his council responsibilities. He was a team player and he spent many years on the boards for the Milford Haven Home for Special Care and the Eastern County Regional Library. Our sincere condolences to Myles' family as we mourn the loss of a great, community-minded citizen. Thank you.

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

GEORGES P. VANIER SCH. LLEWELLYN LIBRARY

[Page 4975]

MR. BILL HORNE « » : Mr. Speaker, recently a very special event was held at Georges P. Vanier Junior High. As a project of beautifying their library was in the works, administration thought it would be a perfect fit to name the library in honour of a Grade 8 student, Noah Llewellyn, who lost his courageous battle with cancer in December. The newly-named Llewellyn Library was officially opened by Noah's sister Sam; his father and mother, Scott and Dawn; and teachers and students and friends.

Noah's mother, Dawn, said, ". . . it's hard to sum up a person in a few words, but for Noah words that described him best included: fun loving; competitive; determined; energetic; sporty; down-to-earth; mischievous; clever; courageous; and brave."

This is only one of the ways that the students and staff supported Noah and his family. His legacy will live on for many years to come at Georges P. Vanier's Llewellyn Library. Thank you.

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

LEBLANC-BOUDREAU, KATIE

- LT.-GOV.'S RESPECTFUL CITIZEN AWARD

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Katie LeBlanc-Boudreau on receiving the Lieutenant Governor's Respectful Citizenship Award as part of national anti-bullying day. She received her award from the Lieutenant Governor himself at a ceremony on February 25^th.

The seven-year-old École Beau-Port student from Isle Madame was one of the youngest recipients of the award. Katie was nominated by school officials for being a good helper and for standing up for those being bullied. Mr. Speaker, I think we can all learn something from Katie.

Please join me in congratulating Katie LeBlanc-Boudreau on receiving the Lieutenant Governor's Respectful Citizenship Award.

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

MACDONALD, FR. HUGHIE D. - BIRTHDAY (90^th)

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to wish Father Hughie D. MacDonald a happy 90^th birthday. Father Hughie reached a milestone in February and celebrated at a party with his current parishioners from the Stella Maris Catholic Church in Creignish, where he still performs regular Sunday Mass.

In his 63 years as a Catholic priest, his career took him to many parishes, including his first stop in St. Peter's, River Bourgeois, and Arichat. Easily recognized by his booming laugh, hearty handshakes, and gentle spirit, Father Hughie is well-known and much adored by people from all across the Strait area, myself included.

[Page 4976]

Mr. Speaker, please join me in wishing Father Hughie D. MacDonald a happy 90^th birthday, and thank him for his devotion to the Catholic Church and to the many communities he has served throughout the Strait area.

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

PARENT-CHILD GUIDE - ANNIV. (20^th)

HON. JOANNE BERNARD « » : Mr. Speaker, April 2015 marks the 20^th Anniversary of The Parent-Child Guide. This publication is familiar to many of us throughout the metro area. In fact, it has been metro's only and largest free family newspaper for the past 20 years. This publication reaches out to an estimated 300,000 readers on a yearly basis, and each edition is a wealth of information for families and parents, with articles on health and wellness, child care, education, seniors, and even this month's eagerly-anticipated summer camp guide.

Mr. Speaker, I want to also acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Robert Rockwell, the owner and publisher of The Parent-Child Guide, and his wife, Cynthia, for whom the production of this paper has been a labour of love.

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

INTL. CHILD & YOUTH CARE WK. (05/03 - 05/09/15) - RECOGNIZE

MR. STEPHEN GOUGH « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to International Child and Youth Care Week, May 3^rd to May 9^th. The Council of Canadian Child and Youth Care Associations is a national body established to serve as a coordinating and networking organization for provincial and territorial child and youth care associations.

Mr. Speaker, the council advocates for children and youth at a national level and it is involved in the development of education and training material for child care professional programs within colleges, universities, and other educational institutions, supported finally by membership fees from each participating association and by private donation. The council and its members work with the children, youth, and families with complex needs and issues that can take a lifetime to resolve.

Mr. Speaker, I hereby recognize the professionals of the Child and Youth Care Associations for their contribution to the families, children, and youth of our society.

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

[Page 4977]

WHITTLE, AL - WOLFVILLE COMMUN.: WORK (50 YRS.) - THANK

MR. KEITH IRVING « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate a near iconic citizen of Wolfville, Mr. Al Whittle, on his second retirement. He first retired as manager of the Acadia Cinema, now named the Al Whittle Theatre in his honour, 15 years ago after 47 years. Last month he retired after 55 years as the front man of the Acadia University dining hall. For many Acadia students Mr. Whittle was like their second family. Mr. Whittle turned 85 at his last birthday and citizens are glad to know that he still plans to greet them, taking tickets at the Fundy film festival and the Acadia Performing Arts Series.

On behalf of the Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia I would like to thank Mr. Al Whittle for a half-century of work for the community of Wolfville, and congratulate him on his well-earned retirement.

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

MR. BILL HORNE « » : Mr. Speaker, we're very excited in Windsor Junction to be hosting the second annual RBC Canada Cup, July 6^th. The RBC Canada Cup will cap off five days of golf in Windsor Junction. The Nova Scotia . . .

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. It has come to my attention that this is the third member's statement for the honourable member for Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Shame, shame!

MR. SPEAKER « » : We'll get to that tomorrow.

AN HON. MEMBER: You're just a Scrooge.

MR. SPEAKER « » : You think I'm Scroogey now just wait a couple of minutes, I've got something for you.

Barring no more members' statements, if all the honourable members would take their seats, I'd like to take the opportunity to deliver a couple of rulings.

SPEAKER'S RULING:

TIR Min. told Queens-Shelburne MLA that he should not ask a question about C.B. rail lines in QP. (Pt. of order by Hon. S. Belliveau [Hansard p.4771, 05/01/15]) Disagreement between members over facts. Not a point of order.

On Friday, May 1^st, the member for Queens-Shelburne rose on a point of order, saying that the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal had told him that he should not ask a question about rail lines in Cape Breton, and he pointed out that he was, in fact, the critic for the minister's department. The minister responded that he had not said the member could not ask a question, what he said was not to play politics with a sensitive issue. Having reviewed the transcript of the earlier exchange, I find there is no point of order and what we have is a disagreement between members over facts.

[Page 4978]

SPEAKER'S RULING:

Order and decorum in the Chamber

Part two. Further, I'm compelled to make a few comments on a few things I've observed recently in this Chamber that fall under the heading of "order and decorum". On a number of occasions recently, before we have had recorded votes, I have directed members to remain silent, and when called on to vote, to rise in their seat and state their vote. I want to remind members that Rule 13(2) states, "When the Speaker is putting a question, no Member shall walk out of or across the House, or make any noise or disturbance." - and I emphasize the point "any noise". That is our Rule in this House.

I also want to address the prohibition of walking across the House during any vote. Last evening, during the taking of a recorded vote, a member crossed the House to the Clerk's Table and interrupted the taking of the vote. This is not acceptable parliamentary behaviour and I made the point at that time. If a matter is deemed important enough to have a recorded vote, then all members should pay strict attention to the decorum required by our Rules of this Assembly.

I have also observed a number of other breaches of decorum and order in the last couple of weeks. Twice yesterday, ministers walked between myself and members who were delivering their members' statements. I also observed that a member was tossing a bottle across the Chamber towards a wastepaper bin - which missed, by the way, and then rattled around the floor, causing even more disturbance. Throwing things in the Chamber is inappropriate behaviour. Whistling and singing during proceedings are also unacceptable, as is speaking directly to members of the gallery.

Some members have recently taken to sitting in or lounging across the window wells of this Chamber. Please stay out of the window wells. I've also observed more and more instances of late of members eating in this Chamber. This is not acceptable. Similarly, members have been bringing all manner of bottles, travel cups, and oversize coffee cups into this Chamber. Please confine yourselves to our standard-issue water glasses and coffee cups used by our building services. I realize that the coffee cups are small, but our Pages are more than willing to refill them as many times as you request.

This is the most talking I've done in a long time.

I've also noted that members are wearing jeans in this House. The wearing of denim is not accepted in any Assembly in Canada, and is certainly not permitted here. Members are not to wear jeans in the House. I've also noted that some other members are donning some extremely casual attire as of late in the warmer temperatures. O'Brien and Bosc addresses the issue of proper attire by noting that members must wear contemporary business attire. This applies to all members, male and female. I realize that the weather is starting to get a bit warm, but we're all in this together.

[Page 4979]

Finally and most importantly, I want to point out that if any members have any issues with what takes place in this Chamber, they are to address their concerns to me. Members are not to air their concerns or grievances to the Clerks about things that have taken place, or stand in this Chamber disparaging the Clerks. The Speaker controls the proceedings, and while I do from time to time rely on the Clerks for advice, all decisions are made by the Speaker. It should have been apparent to anybody here last evening - I ruled on the conduct of a member from the Chair without any advice from anybody else. I will not have any members bringing any grievances directly to the Clerk's Table about anything that takes place in this Chamber.

Moving forward, I expect and appreciate the co-operation of all members on these matters. Thank you for your attention. The House will now recess until 2:00 p.m.

[1:58 p.m. The House recessed.]

[2:00 p.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.

PREM.: FILM IND. PLAN - BAND-AID SOLUTION

HON. JAMIE BAILLIE « » : My question is to the Premier. Mr. Speaker, the Law Amendments Committee heard from more than 100 Nova Scotians about the government's gutting of the film industry. They were clear they have no confidence in the government's new fund. What they do know is that the Premier broke his promise to the industry and that over 2,000 jobs remain at risk as a result.

Scott Simpson was very clear when he called the government's new plan a Band-Aid solution and said it was too little too late. I'd like to ask the Premier, does he really believe that a Band-Aid is acceptable for $150 million industry and the 2,700 jobs that go with it?

[Page 4980]

THE PREMIER » : I don't agree at all that this is a Band-Aid, Mr. Speaker; this is a step forward in the right direction. This is providing a film tax credit that goes well beyond labour; it impacts every service that is provided by a Nova Scotia company that is related to the production of that film. I think that's a good move forward; that is something that Screen Nova Scotia has endorsed, and Scott Simpson, who the honourable member referred to, was also part of that discussion. They endorsed it. We're looking forward to moving forward and getting on with it.

MR. BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, let's be clear, Scott Simpson said there is no deal; there is no deal, this is a Band-Aid. It's no wonder the Premier can't keep his story straight from one day to the other. He spends a year saying that incentives like this should only be tied to jobs and then completely flips around and says no, we should spread it out away from jobs, which are what his new fund actually does. No wonder they've lost faith in the government.

Today there is announcement about a Digital Animation Tax Credit, which is tied to jobs, Mr. Speaker; no wonder the industry is confused and worried. I would like to ask the Premier, will he extend the same courtesy to the film industry, that there is no cap on their ability to grow as he has extended today to the digital animators of Nova Scotia?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, again I want to tell the honourable member that the Film Tax Credit is 25 per cent across all labour not just those involved in the making of the production, those who potentially are renting hotel rooms. That's valuable labour in this province and we believe it should be recognized, the honourable member doesn't. Those who are providing services directly to those in the production, we believe those Nova Scotians should be respected as well. We believe those jobs are valuable in this province; the honourable member obviously doesn't. We've moved forward not only respecting the taxpayers but allowing the industry to move forward and ensuring that all of the investments that Nova Scotians are making are being spread across a number of genres.

MR. BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, let me tell you what I believe. I believe when a government makes a promise to the film industry before the election that they should keep it after the election, and above all that we should work to create jobs and encourage the jobs that we have now and not actually cut a growing industry off at the knees as this government has done.

Bruce Zwicker has said it as well as anyone. He testified at Law Amendments that he has already lost two projects that can't ever be found again because the government did not know what it was doing when it brought in changes to the Film Tax Credit. Mr. Speaker, they're all still wondering are they capped or are they not capped, so will the Premier make one promise right now to the film industry that he can keep and that is that no eligible project will be turned down no matter when they apply in the fiscal year?

[Page 4981]

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, let me inform the honourable member: exports are up, population is growing, GDP forecasts are going in the right direction. Nova Scotians are embracing the direction this government is moving and we're going to continue to work with Nova Scotians who are looking towards the future not the member across the hall who keeps looking over his shoulder.

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

PREM. - HOME CARE WORKERS: RESIGNATIONS - THREATS

HON. MAUREEN MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, the McNeil Government claims it's working to improve access to home care but the statistics suggest otherwise. In the past year, the wait-list has doubled and as a result more people than ever are taking up hospital beds because they just can't get care at home. Instead of trying to recruit more home care workers, this Premier has decided to pick yet another fight. He's taking away the collective rights of home care workers with Bill Nos. 30 and 37, and now he's threatening to reduce their pay through privatization.

Today 1,200 home care workers are prepared to resign because of this government's actions. My question for the Premier is, at a time when his government is promising to increase access to home care, why are hundreds of home care workers threatening to resign?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. I want to remind all Nova Scotians that we protected the collective bargaining rights of health care workers across the province. I also want to remind them that the only time someone's rights were suspended from striking was done by the NDP Government, it was the paramedics.

Mr. Speaker, I am sure if she leans over and talks to the former Minister of Health and Wellness, he can remind her that it was her government and his government that took away the right to strike from health care workers in this province, not this one.

Again I also want to remind the honourable member that it is only she and the president of the NSGEU who are talking about reducing people's wages. This government is investing in Nova Scotians who are delivering health care and we will respect what they have earned, Mr. Speaker.

MS. MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, the Premier makes me laugh. At Public Accounts Committee this morning we heard that the money, the small, miniscule bit of money saved by this government on the amalgamation hasn't been reinvested in the health care system and, in fact, more cuts are coming.

[Page 4982]

Mr. Speaker, on the 12^th of September 2012, the Premier signed a Five Point Quality Public Service Protection Plan for Nova Scotians, which I'll table. This plan promised that public services wouldn't be privatized or contracted out without public consultation.

Mr. Speaker, the Health and Wellness Minister has announced without public consultation . . .

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

MS. MACDONALD . . . his plan for home care. My question to the Premier, Mr. Speaker, why is he moving ahead with the privatization of home care services without first seeking public consultation that can inform a plan to improve patient care?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, the honourable member is simply wrong; she couldn't be more wrong. The Minister of Health and Wellness has a responsibility, as we do, as a government, to ensure that we're delivering service in the most cost-effective way in this province. Unlike the New Democratic Party there is no great big money tree sitting out somewhere in this lot for us to go cut down, to do it and spend the kind of money that that government spent when they were in power.

We will protect workers' rights. We will deliver services on behalf of the people of this province and we will do it in a fiscal envelope that Nova Scotians expect us to do it in.

MS. MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, we will protect workers' rights - coming from the Premier, that is absolutely laughable. Home care workers provide care for the elderly, the disabled and the chronically ill. These compassionate and well-trained workers make on average $18 an hour and they deserve to be treated fairly and with respect.

Will the Premier assure the home care workers who are at the House today and not at the House but working across this province, that privatization will not lead to a reduction in their pay, in their benefits or in their collective rights?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I will tell the home care workers across this province that the only government in recent history that trampled on the rights of workers in this province was the New Democratic Party, when they took away the right to strike from paramedics.

We brought in a piece of legislation that ensured that the health care services will be in place across our province for Nova Scotians who need them, at the same time protecting the rights of health care workers in their collective bargaining process.

Let me be clear, as one of those Nova Scotian families who have be able to be supported by home care workers across this province, this government, this Premier respects home care workers across this province and will respect them as we move forward, unlike that Party that only wants to use them as a political football. When they had an opportunity to respect them, they were silent.

[Page 4983]

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

PREM. - HOME CARE PROVIDERS: CARE - ENSURE

HON. JAMIE BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, there have been five meetings across this province where hundreds of people who are concerned about the government's plan for the future provision of home care services have gathered. They include home care clients and the families that rely on this service. They do deserve to know what the government's plans are to maintain the quality of service to the users, the clients of our home care services. They are the ones who should not be lost in the debate, the people who rely on home care services every day and their families.

I would like to ask the Premier what guarantees are in place to ensure the high level of care provided by our home care providers will be there for their clients under any future plans the government has?

THE PREMIER « » : I thank the honourable member for his question. Any move in any direction we go forward - every decision that we make when it comes to health care is focused and solely based on the patient to ensure that they are getting the high quality of service that they have come to expect. It will be in place for them.

HON. JAMIE BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, the families that rely on home care services, the clients themselves, and the caregivers around them need to know that this government will protect the level of care that they get, that they will ensure that there is a standard, enforceable, high level of care no matter what road the government chooses to go down. I appreciate that the Premier has hinted that there will be some look at the level of care, but I'd like him to guarantee now that no matter what, the government will make sure that there is a high standard of care written into any future contracts that is enforceable and that will be monitored and called on when needed.

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. I again want to remind this House, we as a government and all Nova Scotians respect and value the work being done by home care workers across this province. Any changes that we make will only be to give them more tools to enhance the high quality of care that Nova Scotians have come to expect.

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

PREM. - HEALTH CARE CONTRACTS:

[Page 4984]

COMPETITIVE BIDDING - EFFECTS

HON. MAUREEN MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, Angela Giles, who is with us today here in our gallery - her dad, Paul, has been living with multiple sclerosis and receiving home care for several years.

The Giles are concerned about the McNeil Government's decision to open up provincial health care contracts to competitive bidding, including from private for-profit providers. "There is a fear that the quality of service will change," says Angela. "That his workers will change, that they will not receive benefits and a living wage, and that . . . more cancellations will result." This is causing stress for Mr. Giles and his daughter.

My question to the Premier is this: why is the Premier considering changes to the way home care is delivered in Nova Scotia without first consulting with families like the Giles?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question and I want to welcome Ms. Giles here to this House. I want to reassure her and her father that the high quality of care that she has come to expect will be in place for her.

I also want to say to this House that it is not helpful when leaders of unions and Opposition Parties begin to create false narratives. There's never been a conversation about reducing benefits or taking wages away from health care workers in this province, but governments have a responsibility, no matter what the service is, to have a look at - is there a way to deliver that service? Are we delivering it in the best possible way? After all, the decisions we make in this House affect Angela, her family, and her father, and families just like theirs across this province. The debate should be based on the facts and not the kind of rhetoric that's coming across the aisle.

MS. MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm very clear about what my job is and it's to inform (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The honourable Acting Leader of the New Democratic Party has the floor.

MS. MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, it's my job to inform the people of this province. When the government has plans that they haven't articulated and consulted the people on, it's my plan to come here and ask this Premier why he won't consult and why he won't explain to the people what the impact of his plans are. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I will continue to ask those hard questions.

We agree that there's a need to look at home care services and improve them. However, there is fear among patients, around workers, and around organizations that deliver home care for what this government's plans are. (Interruptions)

[Page 4985]

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The honourable Acting Leader of the New Democratic Party has the floor.

MS. MACDONALD « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This government has a plan to reduce expenditures for home care . . .

MR. SPEAKER « » : The question. The question.

MS. MACDONALD « » : I want to ask the Premier if he is committed to reinvesting in the home care system any efficiencies that he receives from his reorganization so patient care can improve, not decrease?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, the honourable member is wrong on every count. Every time she stands here she's absolutely wrong. The budget that has gone through this House has an additional $30 million in home care. And she's absolutely wrong when she says we did not consult with families. The Continuing Care Advisory Group consulted with families across this province. Have we consulted with every family? Of course we couldn't do that, but we've engaged Nova Scotians. This is about ensuring that we keep the top quality care that we have as we go forward. There has never been a conversation about reducing budgets, reducing benefits. It only comes from the Acting Leader of the New Democratic Party and the union leaders who think there's a benefit in stirring up families.

It's unconscionable that a member of this House would join in that kind of rhetoric.

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

ENERGY: TRANSCANADA - ENERGY EAST PROJ.

MR. TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Energy. TransCanada has scrapped plans to use the Energy East pipeline to export crude oil from a site in Quebec, and the company is currently looking for alternatives. This presents an opportunity for Nova Scotia to be an export hub for the Energy East project.

My question for the minister, is the government making the business case to TransCanada to extend the Energy East project to Nova Scotia for export?

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, we continue to talk to all of our partners, especially with TransCanada to see what opportunities may be there for Nova Scotia. I will be meeting with representatives from that company in the very near future to impress upon them the opportunities that lie here in Nova Scotia to have that pipeline extended to our province.

[Page 4986]

MR. HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm encouraged to hear about that meeting because the CBC article, from February, says that TransCanada hasn't even considered Nova Scotia as a possibility for export. When we asked about extending the energy project to Nova Scotia, the Premier said last October the fact of the matter is there's lots of work happening inside government on it.

At that time he said there was lots of work happening inside the government and we have TransCanada saying they haven't even considered Nova Scotia. The reality is this project represents significant opportunities for our local energy supply chain, so my question for the minister is, when will the "lots of work" that the government has been doing start to flow with some positive momentum for extending the Energy East pipeline to Nova Scotia?

MR. SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, it's hard to take a question from the member for Pictou East seriously. I've been here for 17 years and I've seen quite the cast of characters come and go.

Earlier today the member for Pictou East referred to himself as Joseph Howe. On behalf of all Nova Scotians, and on behalf of the members of this House, let me say to that member, loud and clear - you, sir, are no Joseph Howe.

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

JUSTICE - BARTON CASE: JUDICIAL INQUIRY - ORDER

MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, many years ago Gerald Barton was falsely convicted of statutory rape. The justice system got it wrong; he was innocent. Imagine the best years of your life being taken away from you as you struggle to find employment, falsely branded as a rapist. The Marshall Commission recommended an independent judicial inquiry be held to determine compensation when a person is wrongfully convicted.

Will the minister follow the spirit and recommendations of the Marshall Inquiry and order an independent judicial inquiry to consider compensation for Mr. Barton?

HON. LENA DIAB « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the question. I sympathize with Mr. Barton. This matter is still potentially in the court system and I'm afraid I can't speak to any aspect of it at the moment.

MR. MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, we know that last month the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal denied Mr. Barton's request for compensation. I believe the justice system got it wrong again. This government had to be shamed into extending rights to historic victims of sexual abuse and assault - do we have to shame them again to do the right thing for Mr. Barton?

[Page 4987]

MS. DIAB « » : Mr. Speaker, it is known, it is pubic, that the decision ruled there was no blame from the department, from the government, from the province. Having said that, I can't speak to any other specifics of it because there is still the potential of it going to a higher court. Thank you.

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS: SURGERY CANCELLATIONS - ADDRESS

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, today in the Public Accounts Committee we learned from the new CEO of the Nova Scotia Health Authority, Janet Knox, that the health authority has no plan in place to deal with the over 500 surgeries that were cancelled due to the issue with the sterilization equipment at the QEII. This is a backlog of over 500 surgeries on an already long wait-list for cataracts, hip and knee replacements, and so on.

I'd like to ask the minister why is it taking so long to come up with a plan to address the nearly 500 cancelled surgeries that we've seen here at the QEII?

HON. LEO GLAVINE » : Mr. Speaker, I'm sure the CEO of the Nova Scotia Health Authority, Janet Knox, didn't go into all the details around how the plan is currently evolving, but we know there will be two days of additional surgeries going on at Scotia Surgery, and areas where ophthalmology can be done are also being investigated. The good news is that as of today we are at or approaching 100 per cent of all surgeries being done, and now starting to look after the postponed surgeries.

MR. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, it is Ms. Knox herself who indicated there wasn't a plan to address all the cancelled surgeries because the new health authority has no plan in place to deal with the massive cancellations of surgeries. We learned today it has engaged the service of a private health centre to help deal with the backlog of surgeries. I'm sure for patients who have found their surgeries cancelled, this decision will be most welcome. However, private health care centres are unable to meet the surgical needs of many of the patients whose surgeries were cancelled throughout the last month.

I'd like to ask the Minister of Health and Wellness how much longer will patients have to wait to have their surgeries rescheduled?

MR. GLAVINE « » : What I can assure the member opposite is that I have great confidence in the CEO. She will have a plan, that plan will be executed, and we'll see all postponed surgeries done in as timely a manner as possible.

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

[Page 4988]

ENERGY: ENERGY EAST PIPELINE - RESULTS

MR. TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm certainly no Joe Howe, but I know the answer when I don't get one, so I'll try again.

A CBC article for February said that TransCanada hasn't even considered Nova Scotia as a possibility for export. We asked the Premier, back in October, if he was working on extending the Energy East program and he said the fact of the matter is there's lot of work happening inside the government on it - and I think at the time he made some comments about just not posing for photo ops while he was doing it.

There's a lot of rhetoric in here today; it doesn't take away from the fact that this is an important question, as the Energy East pipeline has tremendous opportunities for this province. The minister could make some jokes about it if he wants, but I'll ask a certain question again, when will the "lots of work" that the government has been doing, by their own admission, for the last eight months, start to show some results and we can see some positive momentum towards the Energy East pipeline to Nova Scotia?

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, the fact is that the terminal for which the pipeline, if it was adopted, would come is actually in my backyard, so forgive me if I don't really take lecturing from the member for Pictou East about this file seriously.

Mr. Speaker, the fact is that we have talked with Trans Canada. They have a number of other partners who are involved with that project and have made it clear that their prime destination at this point is to Saint John, New Brunswick.

We have impressed upon them, as has the previous minister, as has the Premier, about the advantages of bringing that pipeline to the Strait area where we have been handling oil and crude products for many years in a safe, environmentally responsible way. There are opportunities there for us; we'll continue to impress upon them.

They are a private company, and they will have to make their own decisions, but I assure you we will continue to impress upon that for all Nova Scotians.

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

EECD - UNIVERSAL DAYCARE PROG.: AGENDA - CONFIRM

HON. PAT DUNN « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. During the recent Liberal Party's AGM the Liberals passed a motion calling on their government to immediately begin planning to implement a universal, affordable education and child care strategy for Nova Scotia - and I'll table that.

In his convention remarks the Premier told delegates that he wants to start having the conversation about a provincial daycare program. My question to the minister is, is a universal daycare program on the Liberals' agenda? Yes or no?

[Page 4989]

HON. KAREN CASEY » : Thank you to the member for the question. As with all resolutions that come out of any AGM, we certainly take them with respect, we review them, and we look at what we can do, but I have to tell the member and all members of the House that we're not waiting for a resolution from anyone. We're looking at what we can do with respect to daycare in the province.

That's why at this point in time, the daycare is already under review. There's an online questionnaire for people to respond to. We're looking at things like accessibility, affordability, and quality. Anyone in this House or anyone whom they want to talk to who is interested in daycare, I would encourage them to go to the website, complete the survey, and give us the information that Nova Scotians want us to have as we move forward with daycare.

HON. PAT DUNN « » : I want to thank the minister for that reply. A universal provincial daycare program would be a costly endeavour. The Province of Quebec is currently reforming their universal daycare program because it has become too expensive for taxpayers. My question for the minister, has there been any research by the government with regard to the cost of a universal provincial daycare program?

MS. CASEY « » : Mr. Speaker, the daycare review that is already underway looks at more than just the input from parents and from people in the community. It does a cross-jurisdictional scan and it looks at what the research says, and so we will have all of that of that information, including, as I said, the reaction response from Nova Scotians before we move forward with our daycare plan.

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

PREM. - FILM TAX CREDIT: CHANGES - CONTINUATION EXPLAIN

HON. MAUREEN MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, last night in Law Amendments Committee, we heard workers in the film industry raise concerns about the McNeil Government's replacement of the Film Tax Credit with an inferior model. Matthew Lumley, an actor who lives in my constituency of Halifax Needham, raised concerns that the new tax credit model weakens the benefit of hiring local Nova Scotia labour. Matthew stated that by moving from the current labour-based credit to an all-spend Alberta model removes the principal benefit of the tax credit to Nova Scotia, which is creating film jobs in Nova Scotia for Nova Scotians.

My question to the Premier is, why does he continue to move forward with a change that will throw Nova Scotians working in the film and TV industry out of work?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to again remind the honourable member the new program provides 25 per cent of the labour costs of Nova Scotians. That's a substantial benefit to hiring Nova Scotians. It also broadens the benefit of film production across all of the benefits in Nova Scotia, which is an all-in spend, meaning that the hotel rooms rent in this province and any goods and services that you buy in this province of hardworking Nova Scotians could be part of that 25 per cent. This is not a reduction. This is broadening the benefit so that more sectors in the province can benefit from their own taxpayers' money.

[Page 4990]

MS. MACDONALD « » : I think for the Nova Scotia film workers who live here, they would prefer to have a job here, not see people coming in and renting hotels and taking their work. With the Film Tax Credit that the McNeil Government is eliminating, Nova Scotia-based productions have a strong incentive to hire Nova Scotians instead of bringing in actors, camera operators, editors, and costume designers from their headquarters in Toronto or LA. A labour-based credit creates jobs and those people pay taxes, put down roots, start their families, and create a demand for goods and services here in our community.

My question is, why does the Premier not delay his changes to the Film Tax Credit to give his government more time to understand the industry and not risk killing Nova Scotia film jobs?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, the honourable member raises the question - she is suggesting to everyone in this House and all Nova Scotians that the government paying 25 per cent of someone's salary is not enough. No wonder Nova Scotians took the chequebook away from them.

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS - REC. FACILITY DEV.: CUTS - EFFECTS

MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. The Recreation Facility Development budget was cut in half. That tells us that the government doesn't value that. They don't value the opportunity to improve people's health and wellness.

I think about leveraging, and I think about the member for Cape Breton-Richmond's constituency. I know that he would have organizations coming to the government, and typically, traditionally, they could get up to a third of funding. With the program cut in half and with such few funds remaining, they're likely only to get about one-sixth of the funding. They used to use that as a basis to get other funding to leverage from other partners.

Does the minister understand what he has done and how it will affect the ability of volunteer organizations to leverage funding from other partners?

[Page 4991]

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Inverness for the question. I know that right across all of our departments we've had to reduce some of the traditional grants that went out across the province. In this particular instance, we have not sent out a final word on what percentage will be provided to the Recreation Facility Development fund, and that is currently being worked on. We know some projects are not ready for this year.

MR. MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, a lot of these groups used in-kind labour materials donated locally to top off the remaining funds that would be needed to complete projects. Now, that was possible if there was a shortfall of 10 per cent to 15 per cent, but I expect that in the future, with this reduction in funding, there is either going to be no project funding for some groups, or for projects that received the limited funding they do get, there's probably going to be a 50 per cent shortfall for those projects. They're not going to be able to leverage as much from other groups, because oftentimes that's matching funding.

Is the minister aware of the rule under the RFD Program that funding will not be awarded to organizations who cannot assemble the remainder of project funds, which is going to be a lot harder for them with this change?

MR. GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, what I can say to the member opposite is that it's interesting that a number of our regional directors have pointed out that some of these projects can be delayed. Some of the organizations, while they've put in their requests, have not done the fundraising to get the one-third or the portion of a project that they feel their community should be raising. There is a bigger look at this whole process than simply handing dollars to the organizations. As valued as they are, and the projects that will benefit their communities, there needs to be that due diligence on how much fundraising they have actually done.

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS - AUTISM SERV.: ACADIANS - ACCESSIBILITY

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : Mr. Speaker, providing proper support for children with autism is extremely important and provides tremendous help to those living with autism and their families. We've spoken a lot about it in this House of Assembly over the last number of weeks. Autism affects families all across Nova Scotia, including Acadian families.

While some new spaces have been opened up for the EIBI program, many families are still waiting, sometimes delaying when children can attend school. One major obstacle for some children with autism is whether the language spoken at home is English or French and being able to communicate.

[Page 4992]

My question to the minister is, do Acadian families have access to the same services as English-speaking families in Nova Scotia?

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, one of the areas that I know we do an exceptional job on is those therapists who go into homes across Nova Scotia. One of our current problems is having the number of psychologists to do the assessments on our children to make sure that they are on the autism spectrum, or if there is some other developmental issue that is a problem around language and other early developments.

In terms of the actual number of families who don't have a French therapist, I will get that number from the department for the member opposite.

MR. D'ENTREMONT « » : Mr. Speaker, I hate having to answer my own questions in this House, but the answer is "non." They don't have the same opportunity as English-speaking children right now.

Researchers at the IWK, in collaboration with Réseau Santé - Nouvelle-Écosse, are launching a research project to identify the service needs of Acadian and Francophone families in Nova Scotia who are dealing with challenges of autism. In the Yarmouth Vanguard, Paul d'Entremont, president of Réseau Santé - Nouvelle-Écosse, said, "The information gathered from this research will help shape the development of services for Acadian and francophone families and children affected by autism spectrum disorder in Nova Scotia." I will table that.

My question to the minister is, could the minister inform the House of his department's involvement in this research project and will he commit to implementing recommendations of the research to improve services available to Acadian and francophone families who are touched by autism?

MR. GLAVINE « » : I know this is an area that remains very important to our government. Through the budget this year we're investing a million dollars directly as well as additional funds through the department. Certainly having therapists who are trained in the first language of children is very important and that will be an area where we certainly will be very receptive to those recommendations.

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

PREM. - WORKPLACE PARTICIPATION:

[Page 4993]

MINORITIES/DISADVANTAGED - STATS.

HON. DENISE PETERSON-RAFUSE « » : Mr. Speaker, the Ivany report says it's critical that our workplaces have greater participation by minority and disadvantaged people in Nova Scotia. The report says clearly that to achieve that, it requires active commitments by business and community leaders as well as government, but it doesn't seem as though the Premier read that part of the report. Again this year organizations who bring minorities and disadvantaged people into our workplace are being phased out by the McNeil Government.

My question is, can the Premier tell us how many organizations who increase workplace participation for minorities and the disadvantaged have had their funding cut again this year?

THE PREMIER « » : I want to thank all of our partners who help us deliver services to the people of this province. We have a great relationship with organizations that are helping minority groups participate in the workforce; we're seeing positive signs. I was very excited this weekend to be in Membertou - a relationship that we have with our Mi'kmaq, always the conversation comes around to how they are underrepresented. We've seen some fair hiring practices. We're continuing to be encouraged by that.

I want to remind the honourable member she left a financial mess here in this province and we're doing everything we've can. We've asked all Nova Scotians to help participate and that includes organizations that work with us on behalf of the good people of this province.

MS. PETERSON-RAFUSE « » : I'll remind the Premier he created the financial mess as an image that's not factual.

Mr. Speaker, the One Nova Scotia Report calls for an increase in youth and African Nova Scotian employment and for enhanced efforts to support inclusion of our visible minority communities. The Black Business Initiative is one example of an organization that works tirelessly to increase minority participation in our workforce but for the second consecutive year in a row their funding has been slashed by both the federal Conservatives and the provincial Liberals.

Since the Premier did not know the number of cuts, can the Premier explain now how cutting funding to the BBI is helping to meet the goals laid out in the Ivany Commission?

THE PREMIER « » : I want to remind her and all Nova Scotians we are continuing to work as a government to ensure under represented members of a population are reflective in our provincial organizations. We see that in the education department where we are recruiting African Nova Scotians as teachers. We're seeing it in other departments that we have across this province.

[Page 4994]

Let me tell you there was no illusion by any Nova Scotian about the financial mess in this province. There might have been a delusion coming out of the other side but there was no illusion about the mess we're in.

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

PREM.: DONKIN MINE - UPDATE

HON. ALFIE MACLEOD « » : Mr. Speaker, my question through you is to the Premier. On several occasions the Premier and some of his ministers have talked about the exciting news around the Donkin mine, it even appeared in the Budget Document, and there is no question, it is exciting. Could the Premier please tell the people of the Donkin area where that project is in relation to his government.

THE PREMIER « » : I want to thank the Minister of Natural Resources who has been working with the client group to ensure that the Donkin mine comes back into production. We're now in the process of that mine being pumped out and continue to move forward. We're very encouraged; the Cline Group has been receptive to this province in working with the government but more importantly working with the community. The way they've gone out and brought in and had public consultations, they've committed not only to ensuring that that coal is brought out of the mine but it is actually done by Nova Scotians.

We're continuing to look forward to them - it's our hope that they'll continue at the pace they are, which means, to the honourable member, that they will be either on or ahead of schedule.

MR. MACLEOD « » : I want to thank the Premier for that answer and the fact that he got the geography right. Will the Premier guarantee to the people of Donkin that his government will ensure that the right infrastructure will be in place, like roads and sidewalks, before the project goes too far?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to assure the honourable member that we'll continue to work with the community to make sure that we bring that mine into production, making sure that that resource is being used here in our province, that the jobs that are available will be made to Nova Scotians.

I welcome the day when we actually have that mine activity. We're generating the revenue, we're generating the resources that come forward, and then we can have the discussion on what services that we spend it on for that community.

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

JUSTICE: MAINTENANCE ENFORCEMENT REPT. - UPDATE

[Page 4995]

MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Justice. It's about the maintenance enforcement report. There are a lot of people waiting to see this report. Single parents out there, mostly single moms, are taking on debt. They are spoiling their credit ratings. They have the stress of money problems on top of the challenges of raising a family by themselves.

The report was due in April. I'm raising the question here to put a little pressure for the sake of these people that we see this report soon. Can the minister give us an update?

HON. LENA DIAB « » : Thank you for the question. Maintenance enforcement plays a vital, important role in our province. At estimates, the member asked that question. I didn't say April, but I do expect to receive it probably before the end of May - but I never said April.

MR. MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, I was sure I heard April in Budget Estimates. Perhaps we can check the transcript on that one. In any case, these people are waiting for this report. Surely the minister has been following the progress of the report. Can the minister give us some indication if there's any recommendations? I think of one in particular, there are people who are working illegally under the table, as a way of hiding their earnings so they can't be garnished. Are there going to be any recommendations, for example, that would address that matter?

MS. DIAB « » : The report will deal with a number of items. Again, in terms of the specifics of what exactly is in it, I'm going to wait until I actually receive it. One of the most important things that will be in it is, how does government deliver the best client service that it can to Nova Scotians who desperately need this program? Thank you.

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS: REC. DEV. FUND - CUTS

HON. STERLING BELLIVEAU « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Health and Wellness. The McNeil Government has cut $1 million from the recreation development fund. This fund helps communities, organizations, and municipalities in rural Nova Scotia build facilities and improve existing ones.

Yesterday when the minister was asked about these cuts, he replied, ". . . by everybody showing a little bit of strength and fiscal health right now, I look forward to the day when our government will be able to make real announcements . . ." I'll table those documents.

I would have thought that this government would want to make real announcements about investing in the health of Nova Scotia now. Why isn't the minister taking a proactive approach to investing in the health of Nova Scotians?

[Page 4996]

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : I thank the member for that important question. We know that this is a very, very important fund to help build physical fitness and recreation projects for our communities. In effect, if we had a request, six of those projects at $150,000 can actually cover most of that cut of this year. Many of those projects will still go forward and perhaps members like yourself will have the opportunity to actually announce them in your local community.

MR. BELLIVEAU « » : Mr. Speaker, investments made through the recreation development fund are largely used by children and youth to get active and have fun. These investments also support the minister's Thrive! program, but now are being dramatically cut. Rural communities will be the hardest hit by these cuts as small community groups and municipalities will not be able to afford these projects.

Rural communities want to invest in sports and recreation and rural communities want to thrive. Can the minister explain how cutting the recreation development fund will support the department's Thrive! program?

MR. GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, I know the recreation facilities program does support the whole approach of Thrive! The good news is that most of these projects will be able to go forward this year; some are not as ready as the communities thought they would be at this stage. Within a matter of a few weeks those projects will get announced across the province.

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

FISHERIES & AQUACULTURE - LOBSTER COUN. (CAN.):

MIN. SUPPORT CONFIRM

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, my question through you is to the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. One of the recommendations in the report on the Maritime Lobster Panel suggests that industry and government come together to develop and implement a comprehensive generic marketing and promotion campaign for Canadian lobster. The lobster panel, which did an extensive review of the lobster industry, supported the Lobster Council of Canada on this. Does the minister support the Lobster Council of Canada?

HON. KEITH COLWELL « » : Mr. Speaker, we are definitely in support of marketing, generic and other marketing that has to be done for lobsters in the Province of Nova Scotia.

MS. MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, I had the great pleasure to meet a number of fishers this past weekend in Pictou West and they're very supportive of a levy and working with you, as well as with the recommendations around the Lobster Council of Canada and would like to come together.

[Page 4997]

So I'm going to extend an invitation to come to Pictou West and speak to the fishers, the buyers, the processors, so that we can hopefully come to some type of resolve with regard to this levy fee. Would the minister please accept our invitation?

MR. COLWELL « » : I'd be delighted to do that.

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS - OB/GYNS: DEPARTURE - EFFECTS

MR. EDDIE ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Health and Wellness. The government failed to honour their promise to the OB/GYNs, it has forced a lot of doctors to consider leaving Nova Scotia. Wait times are already incredibly high in Cape Breton and the loss of the OB/GYNs would only make matters worse. Women in Nova Scotia should not have to drive great distances for health care because the government did not fulfill their commitment. My question to the minister is, what does the minister plan to do for Nova Scotia women if OB/GYNs leave as a result of their broken promise?

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the very important question around maternal health and the delivery of babies across Nova Scotia. We know that CMPA now and the more than 100 per cent increase in their fees has become a national issue. Deputy ministers across the country are working to deal with it in the short term but also to look at perhaps some alternatives to CMPA. We know that issue has to get resolved but there are a number of other issues that our gynecologists/obstetricians, also need to have addressed.

MR. ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, the physician resource plan says the number of OB/GYNs in Cape Breton would have to double in order to meet the need. In speaking to one of the OB/GYNs on the weekend there are at least two who are planning on giving up practice of obstetrical call and obstetrical service in Cape Breton. The government is making it difficult for obstetricians to practise in Cape Breton and here in Nova Scotia. This does not send a positive message to medical students looking to specialize in this area, or other obstetricians considering coming to Nova Scotia.

My question to the minister is, does the minister realize his broken commitment will have an impact on recruitment and retention in the future of this important industry?

MR. GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, what I want to say is that the current support to the insurance program for obstetricians/gynecologists is currently part of the master agreement. We know that we will work to their satisfaction, and also next week I will be meeting with obstetricians/gynecologists from across the province.

[Page 4998]

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

The honourable Minister of Energy on an introduction.

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Joining us in the east gallery here are some of my municipal colleagues from the Strait area, specifically from the beautiful County of Inverness. We have M. Alfred Poirier from the Cheticamp Saint-Joseph-du-Moine area, who's a great champion of his Acadian community and the people of Inverness, as well as Councillor Dwayne MacDonald, who has been a champion for transit issues for the people of the Strait area. I ask the House to give them a warm welcome. (Applause)

OPPOSITION MEMBERS' BUSINESS

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

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

PRIVATE MEMBERS' PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING

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

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill. No. 81.

Bill No. 81 - Public Utilities Act.

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

MR. JOHN LOHR « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my pleasure to rise and speak to this bill on service standards. This bill will ensure that Nova Scotians are getting their money's worth out of Nova Scotia Power. Many Nova Scotians are frustrated with their power bill going up, but they don't see the service they receive improving. In fact, in some cases they don't feel like they're getting good value for their dollar. This bill would introduce service standards in several areas that Nova Scotia Power must meet or face financial penalties. Bangor Hydro, owned by Emera, operates in a service-standard environment. Bangor Hydro has six major indices, which are set by their regulator. The six indices are the system average interruption frequency index, the customer average interruption duration index, the service order timelines, the main public utility commission complaints, the bill error rate, and calls answered within 30 seconds.

[Page 4999]

Each one of these six indices is set a target that is the worst year of performance out of the last three-year sample, so I guess in some ways for the utility, as they get better and better, they get held to a higher standard. If they do not meet the standard in Maine, there is a financial penalty based on a point system. The points are assigned to the degree by which the targets are missed. Therefore, potential penalty is not absolute, but in a range based on points.

So the concept is known and used by Emera already. Bill No. 81 would require that similar targets be set, and when the targets are not met, Bill No. 81 would require Nova Scotia to pay. The financial penalties must not be paid from funds collected by ratepayers.

I'd like to say a few things about these indices. We've had some issues, especially last year, post-tropical storm Arthur in Kings North. Many of my constituents in Kings North were very frustrated with the power service and the outages that resulted from that. I do want to say some things about that.

I also want to say, before I get into that issue - this idea of service order timelines. I've occasionally had constituents come to me and say, John, we put in an order to get the power hooked up on our new construction four months ago, and we're still waiting for that order to be filled. I don't know if any of you have had that kind of feedback, but this is one of the things that this bill would address. There would be a standard set and an expectation of a certain amount of time that a customer would wait to get that order filled.

I don't know if you've ever gone through that experience, but if you're doing a new construction and the crew on the site are using portable generators to get the electricity to run all their saws and tools, it's a very critical point of progress to get even the temporary hookup made so that the whole project can go forward. If you're waiting for that, it can really slow down your construction. It's a very important thing.

In terms of the interruption of service, it is actually even more critical. Last summer we had a number of cases where people had animals, livestock that needed to be watered, and they were going for a number of days without electricity. It's a very, very serious issue. Most of the farms that are in our area have a significant livestock component. In fact, most of the farms would have some sort of ability to generate emergency power. Many of the people with hobby farms or maybe one or two horses would not, and to go six, seven, eight days without water is a very serious issue for them.

This here standard, I think, would increase the pressure on the company, Nova Scotia Power, to deal with this. But even saying that, the ability of a farm to generate electricity for its own uses on a day-in-day-out basis, it starts to become very difficult to be able to continue to do that after four or five days. It takes a lot of diesel fuel to make that happen; it puts a strain on the whole system. Often you are not able to provide power to every part of the farm. These types of things in Kings North are very serious issues.

[Page 5000]

One of the issues we have in Kings North is the fact that for whatever reason, we seem to have a bigger problem there with trees growing up into the hydro lines. This is one of the issues that was a huge issue with post-tropical storm Arthur with the number of trees that fell into hydro lines, electric lines. It seems like the power company is not dealing with their brush trimming, the need to brush trim.

This is my observation. It seems to me that where the brush is growing up into the power lines, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal has an obligation to trim the brush away but once it's in the power lines, it ceases to be the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal that can address it and it becomes a Nova Scotia Power issue. It almost seems like the Department of TIR is trimming where there are no power lines and waiting for it to get into the electric lines and then letting it become the responsibility of Nova Scotia Power. The point being that at the moment, because of policy changes in the past by our government, by previous governments, the tree-trimming issue in Kings North is just a massive tree-trimming issue.

I will give you my opinion, as a farmer, on why that happened. There are a number of reasons why it has happened but the main reason is that a number of years ago the Province of Nova Scotia decided to stop the roadside spray program, which put agricultural chemicals to kill out the brush. What happened as a result of that was all the roadside brush started to grow and come back. There really weren't enough resources put into manual trimming or whatever the alternative is to the spray program, to keep up with the growth of the roadside brush.

What we see now is about 20 years on, when that program was stopped about 20 years ago is my guess - the last time I think I saw one of those trucks go down a road - what we have now is we have these what I would call teenager trees, and you know how well teenagers grow, but when you have a teenager tree, it's in that 16 to 18 foot range and it's growing four or five feet a year.

We see that throughout the Annapolis Valley, that we are just on the cusp of facing, in my opinion, huge issues with brush trimming in the power lines. I suspect that the rest of the province is maybe lagging a little bit behind the Annapolis Valley for some very practical reasons, which I will explain. Across the province we are going to face a lot of issues with trees in power lines.

The consequences of that are very dire for the delivery of electricity power because any kind of storm that shakes up these trees is going to cause an interruption in power.

The reason why I say that the Annapolis Valley is a little bit ahead of the issue than the rest of the province is because we, in fact - and the reason why we farm there is - we have a little bit more favourable climate to the growth of all these various plants. We get a little bit more sunlight; we have a little bit more heat so these trees and brush are going to grow a little bit faster.

[Page 5001]

Another reason would be because the farmers have been - and that's starting to change now - but traditionally used these broadcast spreaders and there's always a little bit of overlap into the ditches from a broadcast spreader so just adding a little bit of nitrogen into those ditches is going to really accelerate the growth of the brush there too.

We have a huge problem throughout the province, I believe, and we're going to face, in the next 10 to 15 years, significantly more problems in maintaining the service standards and maintaining the quality of electric service because of the brush growing up in the trees.

It was enormously frustrating in Kings North when we had post-tropical storm Arthur that the power was out for so long in the middle of the summer. It was an unusual storm in that it hit at sort of an unusual time of year. Certainly, it didn't have the highest winds we've ever endured, but because the trees had young foliage on them - it hit in, I think it was, June - because the trees were holding onto their leaves very strongly at that point, when the ground became waterlogged, these trees were blowing over and taking down power lines.

One thing that we know about a deciduous tree that loses its leaves is that later in the Fall, if there's a big windstorm, the leaves are just falling off, but at that moment in time when post-tropical storm Arthur hit, it was just a combination of the wet ground and the stage of the growth cycle the trees were in at that moment that caused so much damage.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The time allotted for the member's comments has expired.

The honourable member for Guysborough-Eastern Shore-Tracadie.

MR. LLOYD HINES « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm very pleased to rise and speak on Bill No. 81, which one might truly say is a highly charged piece of legislation. I'm very pleased to speak on this particularly as the author of the bill is from Pictou County - of course, as we know, the member for Pictou East. As I recall, it was a member from Pictou County and a former Premier of the province who authored the privatization of the power corporation in this province some years ago.

In that regard, let's look at what has been achieved so far by this government: the Renewable to Retail initiative; the Electricity Reform (2013) Act; the changes in Efficiency Nova Scotia, which have resulted in a commitment from the power corporation of $35 million to fund the low-income exemption this government has brought in; and the electricity review and that consultation. I had the opportunity to attend several of those consultations, and I must say they were very thorough and provided great advice to government as to how we should shape the future of electrical delivery in Nova Scotia.

[Page 5002]

The electricity plan has more legislation to come. We promised accountability for NSPI and we will deliver that. We promised to complete the competition promised a decade ago in the Marketplace Governance Committee Report under Bob Fournier, and we started that with the Electricity Reform (2013) Act passed in this House in December 2013. Because of this work, Nova Scotians will have choice on where they can buy green energy next year.

That same bill promised a thorough review of our electricity system. Looking out into a world that is becoming more connected and more local, how we will evolve and change is the core of the new electricity plan we are building now with input from Nova Scotians, experts, and key stakeholders. The review found Nova Scotians are looking for a long-term rate stabilization and predictable electricity rates, increased consumer control and ability to manage electricity costs, stronger performance standards for Nova Scotia Power Inc. - a must - more accountability and transparency in setting electricity rates, and a focus on the environment and support for renewable energy resources and innovation when it makes financial sense and with less impact on ratepayers.

The result of that review will inform a comprehensive electricity plan for Nova Scotia that our government will bring forward this Fall. The plan will focus on what we all want: a long-term, sustainable, and cost-effective path forward, one that benefits ratepayers today while protecting our environment for future generations. Government will continue to bring forward thoughtful policies to properly regulate the electricity system with input of Nova Scotians and experts. We are focused on moving ahead with the plan we promised to Nova Scotians. The transformation is well underway in Nova Scotia.

With that, I would now move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 81.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for adjournment of Bill No. 81. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

There has been a call for a recorded vote. (Interruptions)

The motion is to adjourn debate on Bill No. 81. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Sydney River-Mira-Louisbourg.

HON. ALFIE MACLEOD « » : Mr. Speaker, I request a short recess while we get our House Leader.

[Page 5003]

MR. SPEAKER « » : There has been a request for a recess. We'll recess for five minutes.

[3:06 p.m. The House recessed.]

[3:09 p.m. The House reconvened.]

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please.

The honourable House Leader for the Official Opposition.

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 115.

Bill No. 115 - Transparency in Expenses Act.

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

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : It's my pleasure to stand today and speak to Bill No. 115, the Transparency in Expenses Act.

Today, Mr. Speaker, as elected officials we're at a critical juncture; public confidence in elected officials and our electoral institutions is at an historic low. Many reputable surveys have continued to demonstrate this. For example, when Canadians were asked how much confidence they had in their provincial governments in the 2011 Canadian Election Study, 46 per cent said they had little or no confidence. This lack of confidence has translated into historically low voter turnout in many elections across Canada, including Nova Scotia.

Voter turnout was only 58 per cent in the last election here in Nova Scotia. Some of it had to do with boundary changes and people upset with the previous government on how that was dealt with. But most of it really revolved in and around a number of things that happened in the years past. We must do everything in our power as legislators to take measures which can help to restore confidence and to improve the health of our democracy.

I can say many times that the public's loss of trust is not unwarranted. There have been a number of instances in all political Parties, which have given Nova Scotians reason to distrust elected officials. One measure that we can take to improve transparency regarding ministerial expenses is by legislating that they be posted online. This bill requires the leaders of political Parties, in addition to ministers and their EAs to post their expenses online. This is already the case for all MLAs on the MLA side of our expenses. Expenses are already submitted to the Legislative Library in the case of ministers. This bill only requires it be submitted through a different medium as well.

[Page 5004]

I am just saying taking the information that is posted on a regular basis or mostly regular basis - we heard some are a little late but for the most part regular basis in the House of Assembly - to have it posted in the Legislative Library, to take that and put it online. We have the technology available to us and I'm sure it can be done relatively easily. Posting expenses online is not an onerous or time-consuming endeavour, despite what the member for Clare-Digby said during debate on Bill No. 93. The Leader of our Party has begun posting his expenses online and he will tell you whatever time or effort it takes to do it is worth it to increase transparency, accountability and trust in this institution.

While it is true that ministers and Leaders of political Parties can voluntarily post expenses online without legislation, passing this requirement legislation is important so that future governments can meet the same standard of transparency. While we would be encouraged if ministers of the government decided voluntarily to post expenses online, we think it's important the discretion not to post online is removed. Depending on what's going on or how busy someone is or the excuse is I would say, I just didn't get around to it are unacceptable in this day and age and how we are looked at as a group of politicians.

The idea of posting ministerial expenses online is by no means revolutionary. For example, we know in this case, the majority of provinces and the federal government do it already. I think it's worth emphasizing that you really cannot have true transparency without accessibility. It is true that currently ministerial expenses can be found in the Legislative Library as I said before. They are available but not really accessible to anyone who does not live within the confines of HRM or has the time to come to downtown Halifax. Information is not really that accessible for a person who lives in Digby or somebody who lives in Clark's Harbour or somebody who lives in Meat Cove or even Antigonish or maybe even from Fairview or even anywhere close to the city, to get downtown to the Legislative Library when the library is open.

Posting these expenses online will improve transparency by ensuring this information is equally accessible to all Nova Scotians who have access to the Internet. We know that if you don't have access to the Internet, which is a problem in southwestern Nova Scotia that I've talked about a whole bunch of times, that we can always access our libraries and other businesses that do have access so that they are able to see everybody's expenses, as they do with MLA expenses today.

This would be an important step forward for this House of Assembly and I can say that if all members on all sides of this House can come together and agree on this and get it passed, it would reflect very well on all of us. Nova Scotians should be able to easily access this information, they should be able to know how their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent. Nova Scotia taxpayers pay for these expenses and all members of this House, including ministers of the government, should be accountable to all Nova Scotians.

This bill will dramatically improve transparency and accountability for ministers, EAs, and Leaders of political Parties. Political distrust impacts all of us in this House. This does not need to be debated, does not need to be a debate filled with political rhetoric. It should be a multi-partisan issue. I know this because in an April 28^th newspaper article the Premier said he was not opposed to the idea of posting ministerial expenses online. He said, and I agree, that everyone should know how he spends taxpayers' money and how we all spend it. Passing this bill, Mr. Speaker, would ensure that happens.

[Page 5005]

I call all members of this House to support this bill to improve transparency and strengthen our democratic tradition here in Nova Scotia. Again, just in closing, not all Parties are owners of all great ideas, and when we can find an issue I think that all of us can agree on, which I think that we can, then I think we should bring it forward and we should have the full debate on it and pass these bills forward.

As I've said before in this House of Assembly, this is Opposition Day, there is no way for Opposition Parties to bring a bill or a resolution to a vote, so therefore we depend on government to take good ideas, and they can have them and put them in their own bills if they want, or they can actually take bills off the order paper and run them through the House.

Again, if there is a good idea that can be presented, I think it's valuable to the time of this House to do it. Transparency, we all talked about it during our elections; we've talked about it for many years. This is a transparency issue that I think is long overdue, to be able to provide ministerial expenses, executive assistant expenses, and of course political Leader expenses, caucus leaders, so that all of those extra expenses that are not found within our MLA expenses can also be put online as well.

Mr. Speaker, again I hope that there are some positive comments on Bill No. 115, Transparency in Expenses Act, so I look forward to hearing from the other members of this House of Assembly. Thank you very much.

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

HON. JAMIE BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, I appreciate a moment to do a quick introduction. This is a special introduction, and I'd like to share with the House. In the west gallery today are two young ladies, both are very bright. One is brighter than her Dad for sure and that is my own daughter, Alexandra Baillie, who is here from her class in Grade 11.

With her is an exchange student who is visiting our country from Dublin, Ireland - Aoibhìn Landy goes to the Mount Anville school of Dublin and is here to see our country and specifically here this afternoon to see the high level of debate that we have here in the Chamber of the House of Assembly in the Province of Nova Scotia.

I'd like those two young ladies to stand and receive the warm welcome of the House of Assembly. (Applause)

[Page 5006]

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

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd say it's a pleasure to speak on Bill No. 115, but I'm not sure that would be the appropriate term to use. I feel a little like Bill Murray from Groundhog Day because it seems a bit like we were doing this just two weeks ago, the very same bill as what was here, Bill No. 93 (Interruption) But the member for Argyle-Barrington is right, it's not the same bill.

So what is different? We heard the Leader of the Official Opposition talk about his priority to ensure transparency and accountability and wanting to ensure that ministers' and their executive assistants' expenses are posted online, but in his rush for transparency and accountability, he forgot to include himself. One could draw their own conclusions from that, but what's interesting is that . . .

MR. D'ENTREMONT « » : It's just an oversight.

MR. SAMSON « » : It's just an oversight. That's interesting to hear the member for Argyle-Barrington call it just an oversight, because yesterday we had the Leader of the Official Opposition lecturing the government about how bringing bills in the House, and he used the term and I have to say it's funny - I'll use it just because of the fact he used it - he kept referring to it as a mulligan.

Now I strongly urge the Leader of the Official Opposition to grow his circle of friends, because I can tell you there aren't many Nova Scotians who actually know what that means or what he's talking about when he says that. What I can tell you is that we actually have a gentleman down home whose nickname is Mulligan, and I'm sure he's wondering why the Leader of the Official Opposition continues to refer to him in this House.

Mr. Speaker, I'm going to switch to French because it reminds me of a saying which doesn't really work well in English, but en français, les Acadiens ont un terme qui s'applique à cette situation ici. Ils se disent, crache en l'air, tombe sur le nez. Je peux vous dire, quand je regarde le projet de loi 115, qui est ici aujourd'hui après le projet de loi 93 de deux semaines de ça, ça prendra une pile d'essuie-mains d'essuyer le nez du chef de l'Opposition, parce qu'il a craché en l'air, mais il est tombé sur le nez. Alors, je prends toujours l'occasion, quand c'est là, de prononcer en français. Je pense que c'est un terme que j'ai eu l'occasion d'utiliser à la maison, mais pas dans ma carrière de 17 ans, et je pensais que c'est un bon exemple de voir ce terme-là.

The fact is that in this case, this is something that the Premier has already indicated that he is prepared to do. It is interesting to hear the Leader of the Official Opposition and the member for Argyle-Barrington say that he has now posted his expenses as of April online. I thought it would be wise to remind Nova Scotians that the individual in question, the Leader of the Official Opposition, actually became Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party on August 16, 2010, so his desire for transparency and accountability seems to have been a long, winding road to get to this particular date.

[Page 5007]

The fact is, as I've indicated, the Premier has already publicly stated, as was indicated by the member for Argyle-Barrington, that this was something that was going to be done. Why we're here today is a bit of a mystery to us. I believe the people of Nova Scotia expect us to be debating bills that are pressing and matters that are of issue to the people of Nova Scotia. That is why, as a result of that, I would now move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 115.

MR. SPEAKER « » : There has been a motion to adjourn debate on Bill No. 115.

There has been a request for a recorded vote.

Ring the bells. Call in the members.

[3:23 p.m.]

[The Division bells were rung.]

MR. SPEAKER « » : Are the Whips satisfied?

We'll now have a recorded vote. Once again I'll ask that all members remain absolutely silent until the vote is completed and when your name is called, please rise in your place and state your response with a Aye or a Nay.

[The Clerk calls the roll.]

[4:23 p.m.]

YEAS	NAYS
Mr. Colwell	Mr. MacLeod
Mr. Churchill	Mr. MacMaster
Ms. Bernard	Mr. Dunn
Ms. Regan	Mr. Baillie
Mr. Samson	Mr. d'Entremont
Ms. Casey	Mr. David Wilson
Mr. MacLellan	Mr. Belliveau
Ms. Diab	Ms. Zann
Mr. Furey	Ms. Peterson-Rafuse

[Page 5008]

Mr. Younger	Mr. Orrell
Mr. Horne	Ms. MacFarlane
Mr. Hines	Mr. Houston
Mr. Stroink	Mr. Harrison
Ms. Arab	Mr. Lohr
Mr. Ince
Mr. Farrell
Mr. Gordon Wilson
Mr. Rankin
Ms. Miller
Mr. Maguire
Ms. Eyking
Ms. Lohnes-Croft
Ms. Treen
Mr. Gough
Mr. Jessome
Mr. Irving

THE CLERK » : For, 28. Against, 14.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is carried.

The honourable House Leader for the Official Opposition.

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 41.

Bill No. 41 - Lyme Disease Strategy Act.

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

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to be able to speak about this bill. It was approximately a year ago that I actually stood in this place and spoke about something that is very dear and near to me. Within that year I have learned a lot more about Lyme disease because I have actually met a number of constituents with Lyme disease.

Mr. Speaker, the Public Health Agency of Canada testified before the federal Health Committee that this is one of the fastest-growing infectious diseases in Canada. The evidence from the federal Public Health Agency is that it thinks that probably by the year 2020, Canada could be experiencing up to 10,000 new Lyme cases a year, which is very concerning to me, just because of the number of cases that I've learned about myself in my own constituency this year, it definitely has raised a red flag with me.

I think that every positive move that we actually take in 2015 to put in place a provincial Lyme strategy will highlight better education and prevention. This will help people to know what to look for when they are outdoors. Right now it's very hard for people to be diagnosed by doctors. They go into the hospital and lots of times we see nurses and doctors go on and on that maybe it's fibromyalgia, maybe it's MS. For years people have struggled with this disease without even knowing that they actually have it.

[Page 5009]

I'm aware that the support of the Canadian Medical Association for this actual federal bill was passed, Bill C-442, I believe, and it was passed federally by the Green Party. This bill that we are proposing is very similar to that.

I know that my colleague for Pictou East has spent a lot of time talking to other people with Lyme disease and put a lot of thoughtful input into this. Here we are a year later, still fighting for what we believe should move forward here in Nova Scotia. (Applause)

As we all know, Mr. Speaker, this is a very complicated disease. It's very difficult to diagnose. People struggle, like I've mentioned, for years. They go on not feeling like themselves, and it's hard when we don't have the experts available to identify what the symptoms are. I think that we need to be able to put something in place that will help our physicians and nurses be better aware of the protocol to follow in treating this horrific disease.

I know that for a number of my constituents it really has turned their world upside down, literally. These are people who were active and feeling well, and all of a sudden they find themselves, in a lot of cases, in a very precarious financial situation. They've had to go to either the U.S. or Ontario or somewhere to be diagnosed, and once they're diagnosed, lots of times they end up having to go back to those locations to be treated.

I think this a huge strain on families. More importantly, though, it's an unnecessary strain, and everyone in this Chamber could help to lessen it. Last year, when I spoke about this, I went on to say that one of my first experiences with Lyme disease was in 1987, in the State of Maine, with a college roommate who had a friend who went years and years not knowing that they had Lyme disease. I think that meeting this individual and seeing the struggles that they went through - it disheartens me.

Finally, the State of Maine moved forward. They realized they were having a huge tick problem, and they put in place a very proactive and strong piece of legislation to look after this disease. In fact, my brother lives in the State of Maine right now, and about a year and a half ago they were out hiking. Later that evening, his wife went to go change and noticed that she had a tick in the groin area. She's a nurse, actually, so she's quite used to meeting a lot of people who come through emergency at the hospital that she works at in Maine, and she knew what to do. She asked my brother to help, and they got the tweezers out and started to try to remove the tick, but it was so embedded that they ended up having to go to emergency.

[Page 5010]

Just to give you an example of what they do when someone walks into emergency there, obviously the first thing is that the nurse and the doctor remove the tick, if they can. She was lucky enough to do that, and they gave her an antibiotic. The next day, I believe it was, she went back and had some tests done, but knowing that - feeling like everything will be fine - what they do in Maine is they schedule you to come back a year later to be tested again, just to make sure that you don't have any symptoms related to Lyme disease, and just to give you reassurance that those antibiotics that they gave you that day, as well as the removal of the tick - that everything is good.

We would like to see something of such a strategy in Nova Scotia. Mr. Speaker, we can do better, and I think that when we know we can do better, we should do better.

I have a good friend, Brenda Sterling-Goodwin, who I have spoken to many times. Maybe some of the members in this Chamber have actually met Brenda. She was here a number of times. She has been a wonderful supporter in trying to legislate a Lyme disease strategy. I know that she has often met with my colleague for Pictou Centre as well as my colleague for Pictou East and she has really taken the lead in helping us have a better understanding of why we need to support such a piece of legislation.

The number of people she has met over the years and all the stories that she took time to tell me about people, they are really sad cases. I know everyone in this Chamber knows someone who has Lyme disease, I'm sure they do because when I first started and spoke about this about a year ago, I knew about five or six people. Well, I'm sure I must know a dozen or more now in my own constituency.

This is alarming and it certainly goes back to the fact that when we look at the federal government accepting and putting into legislation Bill C-442 - why doesn't Nova Scotia take the lead on this? Why don't we think outside the box and be different - unlike the State of Maine, who at the time, back in the 1980s, didn't have anything to help my friend who was later diagnosed? Why don't we go ahead and show them that we're being proactive and doing the right thing for the taxpayers of Nova Scotia and letting them know that we do take this seriously?

With those few words, I'm happy to be able to stand up again and speak on this and I hope everyone in this Chamber will seriously give it some serious consideration. Thank you.

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

HON. PAT DUNN « » : Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity last Fall to speak on Lyme disease and am looking forward to saying a few words now. One way to sum it up is it's a tiny tick but it's a big problem. As the months go on we continue to realize that it is an alarming problem, as the member for Pictou West just mentioned.

[Page 5011]

Outdoor activities are starting to begin now, with the weather changing, going from winter to summer and so on, and I think one thing that has to happen in our province is public education. I would say most people are aware that we have this problem of Lyme disease, and there are a number of cases, but I believe that it's discouraging when you're talking to people and they're not aware of it; they have young children running about in areas where these ticks are located.

The deer population now has moved into towns. They no longer continue to stay in forested areas, as we all know, I'm sure it's the same across the province. I know where I live I see them every day - morning, noon and in the evening and not just one or two but several of them. If they are carrying a deer tick, those ticks are dropping off and they're in the grass and moist areas where they can end up eventually being on humans and causing some problems.

If the person is feeling fatigued, suffering from chills, fever, headache, muscle and joint aches, that's something a lot of people suffer in the winter but if they are suffering it in the Spring and summer then maybe they should get to the physician and get checked out. The reasons for this happening could be because they were bitten by a blacklegged tick.

Lyme disease was first identified in the 1970s. I believe it received its name from the place where it was first identified, a small community called Lyme, Connecticut. Over the next number of years there wasn't too much information with regard to Lyme disease but over the past 20 years it certainly has surfaced and there are areas across Nova Scotia like HRM and, certainly, Pictou County is a hot spot, and Shelburne, Yarmouth, Lunenburg, Queens County. I know in our area or areas like Kings Head, Little Harbour, Sinclairs Island, the Melmerby Beach area, there are lots of deer and certainly there are lots of blacklegged ticks. I had the experience myself with a number of ticks on my pet Lab and had the opportunity to send one of those ticks to a lab in Winnipeg and it was carrying Lyme disease.

What I really worry about are the parents out there who don't take it seriously. They have young ones out running around in the grass with shorts and T-shirts on in the warmer weather months and they don't check their children when they come in, they don't check their pets when they come in. Just before winter, last fall, my Lab was in laying on the floor in the kitchen and I came home from a meeting and just gave him the old friendly pat on the head, and all of sudden as I was rubbing him I felt a lump and, again, checked it out and there was a blacklegged tick on him which immediately fell off. I think it fell off because an antibiotic that you can get for pets, apparently they don't stick into the skin of the animal and they'll eventually back off, and anyway it was easy getting that tick off that particular time. There are other cases where we had great difficulty and you have be careful of course the way you take them off because their little hooks can stay inside the animal or pet.

[Page 5012]

The government currently has a lot of data on the Lyme disease cases and so on and in 2009 there were approximately 128 cases. If we move up the line, in 2010 there were 132; in 2011, 258; 2012, 315; and 2013, approximately 682 cases. Again, one thing we can tell from that is that the cases continue to rise. They are increasing. Again, as the member for Pictou West mentioned, there are lots of people we know now that have Lyme disease and are trying to get help for it and we all know that if you look after it immediately, if you get the antibiotics quickly, then you can escape the wrath of this disease.

People like our friend in New Glasgow, Brenda Sterling-Goodwin, and a friend of mine from Pictou County whose daughter, in her late 30s, is suffering greatly because of Lyme disease. She has stopped working; she's at home. And she's travelling back and forth to the United States, New York, to see a doctor and so on. Again, when she first felt something was going wrong with her last year, the doctor she went to in Ontario just felt that it was something else. We know that this particular disease mimics so many other diseases, so it's easy for physicians to put it off as something else.

It's discouraging when you hear so many stories of people who have Lyme disease, think they have Lyme disease, who say my doctor thinks there is something wrong with my head. There's nothing wrong with you, just go home, take some pills and get a rest. I think that certainly the medical field has to become more informed and really do a better job of studying this. I know the province is certainly more informed now and are doing things to improve the process of addressing this particular concern in Nova Scotia and it's something that's not going away. It's going to keep increasing, it's just one of those types of things and, again, going back to what I said before, I think more public education is needed to get to the parents who are not looking after their children who are out there playing in the fields and the grass and the woods and so on.

As I mentioned earlier, the deer are all around the lawns at home so, again, if they're carrying those ticks, they are going to be there. Of course that's where you go to cut the grass, rake the grass, pick up the grass with your hands and everything else and that particular danger is there. It's just one of those unfortunate things and because it's there, we have to address it and do something about it.

Mr. Speaker, I know lots of doctors will say well, you do this, this and that and everything will be fine: if you wear dark clothing, if you pull your socks up over your pants. Well can you imagine three or four little ones out there on a hot summer day wearing long pants, putting their socks up over their pants, wearing long sleeve shirts and three or four scarves wrapped around their neck and so on? That's not going to happen; that's not realistic.

Therefore, if that's not going to happen and it's not realistic, then I think it's time for us to really get the word out there to all the families in Nova Scotia that there is a problem; it does exist. Be aware of it and do the proper checking and so on. As I mentioned before, if it is treated immediately with antibiotics then you can prevent further problems with this.

[Page 5013]

The other thing too, Mr. Speaker, is that I'm not sure talking to parents about this - what a lot of people don't know is that those ticks can be attached to birds and birds are flying all over the place so they can be transported from one place to another.

I know we all want our people in Nova Scotia, especially our children, to be safe but Mr. Speaker, I'll stop there with those few words. Thank you.

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

MS. JOYCE TREEN « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about Lyme disease in Nova Scotia. I certainly appreciate the member's concern about Lyme disease. There is reason to be concerned - not panic, but reason to be concerned and cautious. The tick population in Nova Scotia has grown significantly from zero to six endemic areas in the province in the past 12 years, but ticks have been found in all parts of Nova Scotia.

Because of this concern, the government began taking action long ago. The bill calls for a Lyme disease strategy to be developed by stakeholders. This has already been done. The Department of Health and Wellness developed a vector-borne disease working group. There is representation from the provincial Departments of Health and Wellness, Agriculture, and Environment; from the Public Health Agency of Canada and its National Microbiology Laboratory; provincial Public Health staff; the provincial Public Health Network Anchor Laboratory; the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History; and the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch.

This group developed the Tick Borne Disease Response Plan and updates it regularly. The plan includes human surveillance of Lyme disease, tick surveillance, public awareness education campaign, information for health professionals, diagnostic testing for human illness and vector control measures.

In the terms of surveillance, Nova Scotia has added Lyme disease to the legislated list of notifiable diseases and works with health professionals across the province to track incidence of the disease. We also work with the Department of Natural Resources and the Public Health Agency of Canada to monitor the tick population.

The Department of Health and Wellness put out a report on Lyme disease and surveillance in Nova Scotia and distributed it to health professionals. We continue to hold webinars for physicians and provide annual articles in the doctorsNS magazine. The doctors in Nova Scotia are diagnosing and treating Lyme disease through oral and intravenous antibiotics.

[Page 5014]

We have put a strong focus on public education. As the weather warms up every year, we issue news releases and distribute posters and pamphlets. All the MLAs receive these posters and pamphlets. I personally spent several days distributing them to my schools, meeting places and community bulletin boards. By being mindful of tick environments and how to avoid them, we can avoid by the clothes we are wearing and how we wear them, by checking for ticks after spending time outside, by keeping grass and bushes cut short, by keeping our yards sunny and dry, and by putting our children's swings and sandboxes in sunny places and away from tall grass and bushes.

We can avoid infectious ticks and prevent the spread of Lyme disease, and we advise anyone who has been bitten by a tick or experienced symptoms of a bite to seek medical attention.

There is still much to discover about Lyme disease, and the government will continue to move forward and address concerns and issues around Lyme disease. We proclaimed May as Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Nova Scotia. I believe that the best strategy is through education and public awareness. Lyme disease can be prevented, and I would like to table these documents to support what I have said. Thank you.

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

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm glad to stand for a few moments. I'm a little confused on the organization here and who's speaking, but it's definitely a different Opposition Day today, with adjourning debate on Opposition bills. I don't know if I missed that in the rule changes in the last go-round, but maybe we'll have to look at some more changes to ensure that Opposition do have an opportunity to bring bills forward and not have them simply voted against with the majority of the government caucus.

Lyme disease has definitely been an issue in the province for a number of years. I believe that when I first entered the House in 2003, there had been a number of issues around the province. I believe at that time they were starting to escalate the regions in the province that had a higher alert or that had seen an increase in the number of ticks and Lyme disease issues. I know it's mostly in the rural areas, but it's interesting - I know one of the areas is down in Queens County area, which has seen a huge spike in the number of ticks and the tick population and the concern around Lyme disease - but close to Halifax, here in Bedford.

I spoke often with Andrew Payzant, who is one of the sons of Payzant Home Hardware in Sackville. His son or daughter, one of his children . . .

AN HON. MEMBER: His son.

MR. DAVID WILSON « » : His son contracted Lyme disease, and I believe it's from the deer population that was around his residence in Bedford. A number of initiatives took place to try to curb the tick population with the deer, and I don't know if the baiting stations are still in the Ravine Park, I believe …

[Page 5015]

AN HON. MEMBER: Magazine Hill.

MR. DAVID WILSON « » : . . . in the Magazine Hill area, but they had these traps hooked up that would be a feeding station for the deer.

What they wanted to happen was for the deer to go in, and there was a chemical that they would rub up against while they were feeding. I believe there was a delay with the federal government to approve the use of this chemical to try to curb that. I haven't heard much of that over the last number of years. I don't believe it's still ongoing, but I just wanted to indicate that this has been around for a number of years, the issue around ticks and Lyme disease in Nova Scotia.

I know Public Health take it very seriously. I know Dr. Robert Strang has been the voice of Public Health on this file under all three governments, trying to make sure that the appropriate information is available to people, trying to ensure that people understand exactly what's going on and what is available in the province. I think the essence of this piece of legislation is something we could support, just because it shines more light and it requires government to make sure that those policies and those procedures are readily available to practitioners around the province.

Lyme disease is very difficult to diagnose at first. It masks itself with other ailments, and often goes untreated and undiagnosed for years, sometime decades. It's not until a light bulb goes off or someone reads something or they figure out well, maybe it is from a tick and it is Lyme disease.

It's something that, I think, the government needs to continue to monitor. They need to ensure that Public Health and the information that they provide - clinicians around the province get the right information and not only them, but ensuring that the information in the Spring, when we see the weather getting better, that the information is provided and distributed around the province, especially in those areas that have a higher alert of the possibility of ticks and your ability to attract ticks on your young family or on your pets.

I think the essence of the bill is important and I hope the government recognizes that they need to continue to work to ensure that Nova Scotians know the information around it so I'll move adjournment of debate on Bill No. 41.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is to adjourn debate on Bill No. 41.

There has been a request for a recorded vote.

Ring the bells. Call in the members.

[Page 5016]

[4:56 p.m.]

[The Division bells were rung.]

MADAM SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The motion is to adjourn debate on Bill No. 41.

Are the Whips satisfied?

[The Clerk calls the roll.]

[5:31 p.m.]

YEAS	NAYS
Mr. MacLeod	Ms. Bernard
Mr. MacMaster	Ms. Regan
Mr. Dunn	Mr. Samson
Mr. d'Entremont	Ms. Whalen
Mr. David Wilson	Mr. Glavine
Mr. Belliveau	Ms. Casey
Ms. Peterson-Rafuse	Mr. MacLellan
Mr. Orrell	Ms. Diab
Ms. MacFarlane	Mr. Furey
Mr. Houston	Mr. Horne
Mr. Lohr	Mr. Hines
	Mr. Stroink
	Ms. Arab
	Mr. Delorey
	Mr. Ince
	Mr. Farrell
	Mr. Gordon Wilson
	Mr. Rankin
	Mr. Maguire
	Ms. Eyking
	Ms. Lohnes-Croft
	Ms. Treen
	Mr. Gough
	Mr. Jessome
	Mr. Irving

THE CLERK « » : For, 11. Against, 25.

MADAM SPEAKER « » : The motion is defeated.

[Page 5017]

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Madam Speaker, since the time has expired for Opposition Day, I will now call the business for tomorrow, Thursday, May 7^th. Following the daily routine we will do Committee of the Whole House on Bill Nos. 75 and 78. We will also do second reading of Bill No. 110, Marine Renewable-energy Act; Bill No. 112, Children and Family Services Act. We'll also be calling Private Members' Public Bills for Second Reading, Bill No. 114, Safer Universities and Colleges Act.

Madam Speaker, the House will be sitting tomorrow from the hours of 1:00 p.m. until 11:59 p.m.

With that, Madam Speaker, I move that the House do now rise and meet again tomorrow at the hour of 1:00 p.m. until 11:59 p.m.

MADAM SPEAKER « » : The motion is that the House now rise to meet again on May 7^th between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 11:59 p.m.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

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

We've now reached the moment of interruption and the Adjournment motion was submitted by the honourable member for Halifax Chebucto and it reads:

"Therefore be it resolved that the House of Assembly support the provincial government in creating new opportunities for young Nova Scotians to gain career experience through the Graduate to Opportunity program and additional apprenticeship programming in the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency."

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION UNDER RULE 5(5)

MADAM SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Labour and Advanced Education.

LAE: GRADUATE TO OPPORTUNITY PROG. - SUPPORT

[Page 5018]

HON. KELLY REGAN « » : Madam Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to rise and talk about the significant work underway to connect this province's bright and talented young people to training opportunities, mentorships and jobs. I appreciate any opportunity to share this important information with members of this House and with Nova Scotians. Whenever I ask a young person what is the number one thing that will keep them here in Nova Scotia, the answer is pretty much always the same - a job.

Mr. Speaker, today's young people are tomorrow's entrepreneurs, leaders and skilled workers. They are the ones who are going to create and run our businesses. They'll construct our homes, enhance our technology and strengthen our economy. Heck, they'll be the ones who are sitting here in these seats one day. There is no question that we value their importance and recognize the key role they play in addressing the province's challenges in capitalizing on the opportunities.

Madam Speaker, we not only want more young people working and living in this province, we need them. We need their ideas, we need their skills, and we need their determination and desire to live and build a life here in Nova Scotia.

Now we are definitely facing some challenges here but in the midst of those challenges there is great promise and great opportunity for our youth. We are home to many growth sectors that offer quality, high-paying and exciting jobs. These are sectors like ICT, finance, aerospace, oceans technology, health care and the skilled trades. Connecting young people to these opportunities and others is one of this government's top priorities.

Members opposite will remember that during estimates I talked about these sectors and I talked about the fact that you can actually find - you can get a booklet, which I have sent to their office previously, but you can also go online to find out the high demand careers in Nova Scotia online at Labour and Advanced Education's website.

Whether we're helping university graduates get their first jobs, connecting apprentices to employers or helping students secure co-op terms and summer employment, it's important that we provide our young people with the best opportunities and training possible. To do that, Madam Speaker, it takes a mix of strategies and partnerships. It takes working closely with industry to develop relationships and opportunities and it takes thinking outside the box. In fact just today we heard about a company SimplyCast, in Dartmouth, which needs workers and it is willing to help to pay student loans as an incentive.

Now I would just point out that upon graduation, after a specified period of time, if it's done within the specified period, Nova Scotia will, in fact, forgive the provincial portion of a student loan. So having a company that will go on and do that for the rest of a graduate student loan, I think is a wonderful idea. It's the kind of thing that our young people are actually telling us will help keep them here. I applaud SimplyCast for using this awesome recruiting tool.

[Page 5019]

I will also table this document. It comes from Now or Never: An Urgent Call to Action for Nova Scotians, popularly known as the Ivany report, but they do point out that government can't do it alone. So I want to applaud SimplyCast for actually taking the initiative to help recruit their workers and help young people stay here in the province.

We know one method won't work, and this is why my department offers a number of programs with a variety of options specifically designed to help young people access jobs and training. The START program is one of those. It helps make it easier for unemployed Nova Scotians, apprentices, and those who have been out of the workforce to get the training and job experience they need. At the same time, it helps employers attract the skilled workforce that we require. START encourages employers to hire work-ready Nova Scotians who are looking for experience. Employers receive financial support for things like training and wage subsidies to offset the cost of taking on and mentoring a new employee.

We all know the old conundrum: you need experience to get a job, but you need a job to get experience - valuable, relevant, on-the-job experience. One of the biggest challenges for people here, or anywhere, is to find that first opening where they can get some experience, get their foot in the door. START encourages employers to hire Nova Scotians who are looking for experience and help them get that foot in the door, and it's working. Since the program's inception in 2012, close to 1,300 Nova Scotians have gotten a job through START, and 954 businesses have participated. Just last year, 418 Nova Scotians got jobs with 384 businesses, and many of these connections have turned into permanent careers.

Another program that I would like to share with the honourable members is Graduate to Opportunity. It connects young people with employers and jobs, with a focus on new graduates. Like START, it provides salary contributions to employers to offset the cost of hiring a recent graduate. We know students want our help connecting them to jobs, and that's exactly what Graduate to Opportunity and these other programs are all about.

I'm excited that Graduate to Opportunity has joined the suite of programs at LAE. From the beginning I kept saying that that program should be in our department, so I'm so pleased that it's with us now. The program is relatively new. It was announced in February, but we're anticipating it will lead to 100 full-time job opportunities this year.

Apprenticeship is a key program that helps train people for jobs in the thriving skilled trades sector. With an industry-led apprenticeship agency, Nova Scotia has seen more apprentices registering and completing their programs, more employers hiring, and more young people getting involved. This year alone, we've registered 1,115 new apprentices, for a total of 5,941 in the province. We have 1,737 active employers who are hiring apprentices, and 86 per cent of apprentices are passing their courses. In 2014, 97 new youth apprentices were registered, and 88 employers provided 95 new job opportunities this year to new apprentices. That was through the START program.

[Page 5020]

Hundreds of students have also received presentations on apprenticeship in school this year, and additionally, through programs funded by the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, over 100 high school students will be employed by industry in the construction and motive power trades. They will get valuable experience and exposure while earning co-op credits toward graduation.

I would just mention that the department also helps to support the Trades Exhibition Hall out in Ragged Lake. For those members who haven't had an opportunity to actually get there and see that, I think it's a very valuable experience, and it helps expose young people to the various trades.

I would also like to talk a bit about co-op education. I've always said and I've always been a huge supporter of the co-op education program. I credit any success that I have had in my career to having that opportunity at university to access learning opportunities in the workplace. I was recently given the responsibility for this file, and I'm really excited about the possibilities.

One piece of this program is the Strategic Co-operative Education Incentive. That's aimed at providing students with hands-on learning opportunities, and we do assist organizations with 50 per cent of the required minimum hourly wage for co-operative education opportunities. There's also a student career skills development program that offers wage assistance to non-profit organizations and that helps to support students' summer jobs.

I'm running out of time and I would just like to say we also have the graduate scholarship program, which 200 scholarships have been funded to date and these opportunities lie in areas that the province has identified as high opportunity for the province.

So with that, unfortunately, I believe I'm out of time, but I do appreciate the opportunity to share some of that information with you. Thank you.

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

MR. EDDIE ORRELL « » : Thank you, Madam Speaker. It gives me great pleasure to rise this evening to speak in this late debate to the resolution that the House of Assembly support the provincial government in creating new opportunities for young Nova Scotians to gain career experience in the Graduate to Opportunity program and additional experience of apprenticeship programming in the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency.

I do have to agree with the minister if she's saying that the number-one thing young people are telling her today is to keep people here in our province is a job. We all know without work young people don't set their roots here. We also know that from March 2011 to 2015, according to Statistics Canada, there were over 12,000 jobs lost here in the Province of Nova Scotia - not too encouraging for young people who want to come and set up here. No matter what the program is, if there are no jobs there is no setting up here.

[Page 5021]

If I could just for a minute - in Cape Breton alone, the labour force shrinkage in that time frame was over 5,500 jobs - that's 5,500 people out of work in Cape Breton alone; in the North Shore region in the province, over 5,700 jobs; in the Annapolis Valley, 3,700; and in the southern region 3,500 - for a net total loss of 12,000. The only area that gained is here in Halifax. We're not against a vibrant Halifax, a vibrant capital city to make our province work, but we all can't live here in Halifax. And we all don't want to live here in Halifax. I live on the beautiful Island of Cape Breton in a little town called North Sydney and the people who are from there want to stay there. Unfortunately, we all don't have that opportunity.

The minister talked about these individuals constructing our homes. I'm not hearing a lot of new construction or home construction in our area because we don't have the people there. You don't have the jobs; you don't have the people. That's tradespeople who could be working there if we had people working in the area. We have them leaving. We haven't built any new seniors' homes; our seniors are waiting in hospitals. We could put people to work just in building seniors' homes, enough for our people.

The motion for this late debate brought forward by the member for Halifax Chebucto mentions specifically the Graduate to Opportunity program and the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency. In order to have a clear picture of the future for our young people in the province, we cannot look at these two programs in isolation. The theory behind the two programs is great, but we must look at all the actions of the government. We must look collectively to gain a clearer picture of the future that is facing our young people.

While the Graduate to Opportunity program provides an incentive for employers to hire new graduates, we know that after lifting the tuition cap it will be harder for Nova Scotians to afford to graduate. Nova Scotians are also faced with a massive tax hike with the elimination of the Graduate Retention Rebate. Since we have yet to see any signs of comparable support from the government, our concern is people aren't going to stay here.

Additionally, we have to be concerned about our ability to attract and retain international and out-of-province students in the spirit of the Ivany report. Removing the cap on out-of-province students in our universities and on graduate students in our universities, my fear is that these people will go to university elsewhere in the country and when they get there, if they like the area they're in, a lot of them stay there and lay down their roots.

I know in the medical profession that I was in, when a student couldn't get into medical school here in our province, they went abroad. Some went to Scotland, some went to Ireland, some went to the Virgin Islands, and some went to the States. Madam Speaker, when they get there and they have a difficult time coming back and getting their residencies here, they go to a small area in the States. I've heard of a lot of individuals being offered something like $500,000 in incentives, plus the clinic set-up, to go to work in those areas.

[Page 5022]

Madam Speaker, if they go to work in those areas and do their residencies there, what's going to happen to them if they get there and they like it? They have huge debt loads and when they can get that debt load paid off at the swipe of a pen, I fear for that. We won't get those young professionals back here. The small bit of money that's in the Graduate to Opportunity program wouldn't be enough to entice these individuals to come back here.

We must also consider the future of our young people in rural Nova Scotia. Youth unemployment province-wide has been consistently well above the national average. In 2014 youth unemployment in rural areas of the province was amongst the highest in the country - 21 per cent, according to Statistics Canada. Taxes and power rates remain high, which makes it challenging for our small businesses, challenging for them to makes ends meet, and when they can't make ends meet, they can't hire new people. The theory is great: bring our people back, get the Graduate to Opportunity program, and let them hire new people. But if they don't have the business, Madam Speaker, we don't have that opportunity.

A substantial increase in our ferry fees in rural areas in the province also makes business less affordable here. The member for Sydney River-Mira-Louisbourg and I attended two ferry meetings on the weekend before last. One company was a construction company that had 30 employees who lived on the other side of the ferry. Their employees are now going to face a hike in being able to get to work - $14 a day if they go to and from and don't travel back. Madam Speaker, for the company to compete with people on the other side of the ferry, they had to factor those fees into their bids. How are they going to be competitive? Without that, those jobs aren't there.

We do hope the program will lead to full-time employment for our young people, but without meaningful relief on things like taxes, these businesses may not be able to afford to keep these people after the two-year period is up.

Madam Speaker, the government has done significant damage in this legislative session, when it comes to our changes to retain and attract our young people here. The actions of the government have jeopardized the health of an entire vibrant film industry. There are thousands of jobs associated with that film industry, we've heard in the area of 2,700 jobs, plus spinoffs, plus everything else that goes with it. (Interruption) It's still 2,700 jobs.

A lot of those jobs in rural Nova Scotia, Madam Speaker, when they come to town to film in an area, they take up hotel rooms, they buy gas, they buy groceries, they entertain themselves, and they eat in our restaurants. So if we eliminate that industry, what are we going to have? These apprentices are carpenters, they're electricians, they work on the sets of these programs, and they allow this industry to thrive.

[Page 5023]

We've been hearing in the streets, on the news, on the Internet, and yesterday in the Law Amendments Committee that their actions will force many talented young Nova Scotians to leave our province to hone their skills.

Speaking of apprentices, we cannot forget about the other people that the film industry employs. The construction and the tradespeople who have to work on these sets are valuable to our rural areas, and a lot of these people rely on that for this business to survive. Driving away investment and jobs in the film industry won't help that. It's a positive step to make it easier for Nova Scotia apprentices to return home and have their credentials and hours accepted here, that's a great idea, but if we don't have the industry and the business here for those people to come home to, they're going to leave.

As we've seen with the downturn in the oil industry in Alberta, people are coming home now for extended periods of time. That's not great for our province; when we are relying on other provinces to train our people and they have nothing to come back to, then I worry.

The Graduate to Opportunity program and the apprenticeship program are great programs, but if we have nothing to bring our people back to put our people to work, that concerns me. If there's anything we can do to help that, we've proposed that they bring back fracking to allow a study of it to see how we do it safely, which will put a lot of our people who are away to work. So with those few words, I'll take my seat.

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

HON. DENISE PETERSON-RAFUSE « » : I'd like to begin by saying that I do believe the minister is genuine in her belief in respect to youth and the need for our youth to stay in the province. I know she is a mom and she has young adults in her home, so it's very important to her.

Unfortunately, we may say that we believe in something, but our actions have to really prove it and we're not seeing that from the government. There are many mixed messages. Although on one hand the government is saying that our youth are our future; however, it seems like we are cutting off that future to our youth by a number of things in particular.

I'm going to talk about, of course, the film industry. There's no question that I wish that the political system was different and that in Law Amendments Committee, actually those who are making the decisions around a budget decision like that would have to sit there and listen to what the people are saying and how they are expressing themselves and how this really will affect their lives.

[Page 5024]

There is an absolute ripple effect from one end of this province to another by gutting that industry. They couldn't have provided more research data than any other major project or any kind of business. I know the government is saying they've created a Department of Business, but what I'm seeing is they are not even following business philosophies. You know, the whole concept of business is to do business planning and business strategy and communications and consultation. You can't come in and take an industry of 30 years that has built to such a huge plateau in our province and do what has taken place in the last several weeks and not affect the future of our youth.

We know that many who work in that industry are vibrant, young youth. I've seen it in my own community because of the productions that have been done in the Chester-St. Margaret's constituency. I've seen the jobs that it has given to our youth - not only jobs for youth who are professionals in the industry, even youth in the local building supplies store. They have to hire extra people because the production requires so many materials that they need extra staff - the same as our local grocery stores. It really does have a major effect.

I'm very, very saddened that the government does not want to change their minds on this. I know they think that just because we're in Opposition, we're going to oppose everything that they bring forth. I would have to say that since I've had the privilege to be in the House, this is one of the most damaging things that is happening to our province. We heard many stories from young couples and from young people as to how this is going to affect them and their families. I really, really ask for a reconsideration of that because the people will tell us when the next election comes, but I'm afraid it's going to be too late for many families and especially young people in our province who have already moved away. It's not going to be a very good legacy of the Liberal Government to leave for our future generations. It will be a legacy, I can guarantee you, that will be kept in this province for the history and we'll know it all our lives.

One of the programs too that was cut because of the gutting of the Film Tax Credit was the FILM 5 program. Can you imagine - some of these people had planned out their project for eight months or more and then suddenly find out just in one day it was all taken away from them? I don't think any one of us here who represent the people of the province, would want that to happen to us. I think that sometimes what we really need to do is put ourselves in other people's shoes and just think about how devastating this last couple of weeks has been for people. Their careers and their livelihood up in the air, and we're trying to tell them that everything will be okay, that we're bringing back a program that's going to work. Yet, they're lining up telling us that it's not going to work.

Can you imagine being a youth? That's the story that I heard over and over, how the young people saw Nova Scotia as such a fabulous place to not only grow up, but to be able to work here and the opportunities that this industry presented them. When I say this industry, I mean all of Nova Scotia because when you talk to people there's always the story that relates back to so many interconnections with the creative industry.

[Page 5025]

The other, I believe, is a very poor message to our university students who really felt that this government was on their side. Then, suddenly they're taking the Graduate Retention Rebate away from them. There were arguments on whether that was successful or not but we believe it was successful and especially if you ask those people who did not receive their rebate this year - some $5, $10, $15 thousand rebate. It really encouraged those families to stay in Nova Scotia and those youths to be here because that was the concept of the program.

Also, turning around and taking the cap off university tuitions. I'm a parent who is fearful of that. My son goes to university and we don't know where that's going to go. I'm privileged to be an MLA, There are other people out there and they're struggling, also, to try to put their children through university and then there are others that don't even have that opportunity. They can't even think about going to university.

I'm proud because I was the only one in my family who went to university and I worked to pay for university because my family could not afford it. I'm afraid that those jobs are not even available for our students to work to be able to pay for themselves. Their doors are slammed on their face a number of times over.

When we talk about oh, we have this for you, we have that for you, it's fine to say the words but they have to be analyzed. Once again we have a new Business Department. I think one of the responsibilities should be to be analyzing whether these things are working or not. Are the programs that the government brought in with the opportunities program, is that working? Are we doing a statistical analysis on it to see if it's actually a program that is keeping youth here? The apprenticeship program that there seems to be a lot of bragging about, well, all governments over the years have had some sort of an apprenticeship program, so that's not even a new concept.

In closing, I really would ask the government to look at what they're doing, make sure that what they are doing, that they have research behind it, that it is actually factual, that it's not just words. I know that many of the youth are very discouraged in this province. It is really a shame after the Ivany report and said Now or Never. Everybody was excited about the opportunities of following the Ivany report and the very things that were recommended in that report, we're not doing. We're going the opposite route.

I'm afraid - you know, we have an aging population and the ones that are going to keep us revitalized and keep us going are our youth. Unfortunately, at this point, it's going to be a sad commentary on this particular government because our youth are not really truly getting the support they need. Just go talk to a youth or a student; they will tell you the facts.

MADAM SPEAKER « » : I wish to thank all members who participated in the Adjournment debate this evening.

[Page 5026]

The House stands adjourned until 1:00 p.m. tomorrow.

[The House rose at 6:05 p.m.]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

[Page 5027]

Tabled May 5, 2015

RESOLUTION NO. 1779

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking St. Peter's and District Volunteer Fire Department volunteer Logan Martell for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1780

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Louisdale Girl Guides volunteer Stephanie Marchand for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1781

[Page 5028]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking St. Louis CWL volunteer Sarah Marchand for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1782

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Louisdale Ladies Auxiliary volunteers Cynthia and John Marchand for their hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1783

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

[Page 5029]

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Richmond County Seniors Council volunteer Claire Marchand for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1784

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking St. Louis Parish Council volunteer Betty Ann Marchand for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1785

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

[Page 5030]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Black River United Church volunteer D.J. MacRae for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1786

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Village on the Canal volunteer Brenda MacPhee for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1787

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Felix Marchand Education Centre volunteer Tonia MacLean for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1788

[Page 5031]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking EWMN N.S. Cape Breton Division volunteer Joseph R. Samson for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1789

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking L'Association des Femmes Acadiennes en marche de las Nouvelle-Écosse volunteer Gabrielle Samson for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1790

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

[Page 5032]

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Isle Madame Lighthouse Preservation Society volunteer Renette Sampson for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1791

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Holy Guardian Angels Parish volunteer Elaine Sampson for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1792

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

[Page 5033]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Fleur de Lis Seniors Club volunteer Bernadette Sampson for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1793

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking East Richmond ATV Riders volunteer Augustus Sampson for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1794

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 47 volunteer Roseann L. Proctor for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1795

[Page 5034]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Louisdale Lions Club volunteer Ray Poirier for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1796

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking L'Ardoise and District Volunteer Fire Department's Marc Daniel Peters for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1797

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

[Page 5035]

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Ladies Auxiliary Branch No. 47 St. Peter's volunteer Lillian Peeples for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1798

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking La Pirouette volunteer Jennie Pardy for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1799

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Riverdale Seniors Club 55 volunteer Helen O'toole for her hard work and commitment.

[Page 5036]

RESOLUTION NO. 1800

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Point Tupper Heritage Association volunteer Joyce Oliver-Snair for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1801

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Framboise Fourchu Volunteer Fire Department's volunteer Sarah Morrison for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1802

[Page 5037]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Richmond County Truckers Association volunteer Robert Morrison for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO.1803

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Framboise Community Centre volunteer David Morrison for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1804

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

[Page 5038]

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Strait Richmond Palliative Care volunteer Colleen Morgan for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1805

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking L'Ardoise Community Centre Hall volunteer Tommy Mombourquette for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1806

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

[Page 5039]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking L'Ardoise Ladies Social Club volunteer Mary Anne Mombourquette for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1807

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking River Bourgeois Community Services Society volunteer Rose Merrick for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1808

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking 824 Silver Dart RCACS volunteer Charles Peter McManus for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1809

[Page 5040]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking St. Joseph's CWL volunteer Shirley Martell for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1810

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Fourchu Development Association volunteer Darryl Gwynn for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1811

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

[Page 5041]

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Lakeside Community Association volunteer Doris Carter for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1812

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking St. Anne Community and Nursing Care Centre volunteer Dianne Landry for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1813

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

[Page 5042]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Zachery Hall Memorial Society volunteer Linda King for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1814

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking St. Hyacinth Cemetery Committee volunteer Ronald Kehoe for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1815

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Lawrence Kavanaugh Knights of Columbus 4607 volunteer George Kehoe for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1816

[Page 5043]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Lennox Passage Yacht Club volunteer Annette Kehoe for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1817

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Rocky Bay Irish Club volunteer Dee Keating for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1818

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

[Page 5044]

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Friends of Isle Madame Provincial Parks volunteer Margaret Herdman for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1819

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Richmond County 4-H Council volunteer Lorraine Gates for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1820

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

[Page 5045]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking St. John the Baptist Parish Council volunteer Mimi Fougère for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1821

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Strait Richmond Health Care Foundation volunteer Marie Fougère for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1822

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking South Mountain Arm of Gold Association volunteer Gary Dupuis for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1823

[Page 5046]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Richmond County Early Childhood Education Centre volunteer Monica Duffney for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1824

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking 2842 L'Ardoise Legion Army cadets volunteer Yvonne Doucette for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1825

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

[Page 5047]

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Chapel Island Lady's Club volunteer Noelle Doucette for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1826

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Strait Area Ground Search and Rescue volunteer Edward Doucette for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1827

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

[Page 5048]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Strait Richmond Hospital Auxiliary volunteer Marilyn Demers for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1828

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking École Beau-Port volunteer Melanie DeCoste for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1829

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Richmond Education Centre and Academy volunteer Lori Curtis for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1830

[Page 5049]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Village of St. Peter's volunteer Barry Culligan for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1831

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Riverdale Community Services Society volunteer Richard Cook for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1832

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

[Page 5050]

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking River Bourgeois Economic Development volunteer Tina Coleman for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1833

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking West Arichat and District Village Circle Society volunteer Gina Cloud for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1834

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

[Page 5051]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking L'Ardoise Legion Branch 110 volunteer Theresa Clements for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1835

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Royal Canadian Legion Isle Madame Branch 150 volunteer Joan Clannon for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1836

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking River Bourgeois Festival volunteer Sharon Chilvers for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1837

[Page 5052]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Senior Advisory Committee Strait Richmond Hospital volunteer Sara Chaulk for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1838

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Comité du RANE de l'Isle Madame volunteer Viola Boudreau for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1839

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

[Page 5053]

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking La Picasse centre communautaire culturel volunteer Sylvia Boudreau for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1840

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Radio Richmond volunteer Dora Samson-Boudreau for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1841

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

[Page 5054]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Paroisse Saint-Joseph volunteer John Wilfred Samson for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1842

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking L'Association des Femmes Acadiennes en march de la Nouvelle-Écosse volunteer Gabrielle Samson for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1843

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking West Bay Seniors Club volunteer James Carson for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1844

[Page 5055]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Adult Drop-In Centre and L.E.A.D. volunteer Marie Burkey for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1845

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking L'Ardoise Mens Club volunteer Vernon Burke for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1846

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

[Page 5056]

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Lakeside 4-H Club volunteer Hope Burke for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1847

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Branch No.150 Ladies Auxiliary volunteer Winnie Bungay for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1848

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Isle Madame Fire Department volunteer Alfred Britten for his hard work and commitment.

[Page 5057]

RESOLUTION NO. 1849

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Bonnie Brae Seniors Club volunteer Barbara Bourgeois for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO.1850

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Isle Madame Historical Society volunteer Richard Boudreau for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1851

[Page 5058]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking St. Anne Centre Ladies Auxiliary volunteer Rhéa Boudreau for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1852

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Development Isle Madame Association volunteer Norma Boudreau for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1853

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

[Page 5059]

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking D'Escousse Civic Improvement Society volunteer Marcel Boudreau for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1854

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking District No. 10 Volunteer Fire Department's volunteer Gerard Boudreau for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO.1855

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

[Page 5060]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Bras D'Or Lakers Seniors Club volunteers Gerard & Donna Boudreau for their hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1856

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Louisdale & District Volunteer Fire Department's volunteer Dwayne Boudreau for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1857

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Petit de Grat Beautification Society volunteer Beryl Boudreau for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1858

[Page 5061]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Isle Madame Food Bank volunteer Anne Boudreau for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1859

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking St. John's Anglican Church volunteer Jean Bonin for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1860

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

[Page 5062]

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking East Novability Society for Persons with Disabilities volunteer Wayne Bona for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1861

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Friends of Palliative Care volunteer Anna Marie Bona for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1862

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

[Page 5063]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking St. Joseph's Services volunteer Pauline Benoit for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1863

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Isle Madame Tourism and Trade Association volunteer Clem Benoit for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1864

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Our Lady of Assumption volunteer Annette Benoit for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1865

[Page 5064]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking L'Ardoise Seniors Jolly Club volunteer Mary Lou Bedford for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1866

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Richmond Villa Recreation volunteer Sylvia Allan for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1867

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

[Page 5065]

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking River Bourgeois Mariners Society volunteer Cathy Aitkin for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1868

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking West Bay Community Organization volunteer Caleb Talbot for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1869

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

[Page 5066]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Isle Madame Minor Baseball volunteer Shawn Samson for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1870

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking L'Ardoise Acadian Festival volunteer Rene Samson for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1871

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Acadiaville Community Centre Society volunteer Pierre Samson for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1872

[Page 5067]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Roddie's Square Dance Society volunteer Monique Samson for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1873

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Grand River Presbyterian Church volunteer George H. MacKillop for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1874

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

[Page 5068]

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Dr. Kingston Memorial Community Health Centre volunteer Gordon MacKenzie for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1875

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Grand River Fire Department volunteer Kelvin MacKay for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1876

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

[Page 5069]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Loch Lomond Volunteer Fire Department volunteer Sherisse MacKeigan for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1877

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Fourchu U.C.W. volunteer Mildred MacIntyre for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1878

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Fr/Père Vincent de Paul Council (KOC) #14280 volunteer Arnold J. MacIntyre for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1879

[Page 5070]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking St. Peter's Community Club volunteer Gloria MacDonnell for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1880

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking St. John the Baptist Catholic Women's League volunteer Marguerite MacDonald for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1881

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

[Page 5071]

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking St. Peter's Altar Society volunteer Julie MacDonald for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1882

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Coastal Riders ATV Association volunteer Ewan MacDonald for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1883

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

[Page 5072]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking West Bay United Church volunteer Mitchell Leonard for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1884

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Isle Madame New Horizons Club volunteer Claude LeBlanc for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1885

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking St. Peter's Scottish Country Dance Group volunteer Shirley Landry for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1886

[Page 5073]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking St. Peter's-Samsonville & Area Water Utility volunteer Richard Landry for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1887

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Richmond County Early Childhood Education Centre volunteer Marie Landry for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1888

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

[Page 5074]

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Janvrins Island Hall volunteer Lorena Landry for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1889

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking East Richmond Education Centre volunteer Jamie Landry for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1890

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking MacAskill House Museum Society volunteer Douglas Landry for his hard work and commitment.

[Page 5075]

RESOLUTION NO. 1891

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Dorothy's Cat Sanctuary volunteer Sheila Clarke for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1892

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Dorothy's Cat Sanctuary volunteer Donna Landry for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1893

[Page 5076]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking St. Peter's Parish Choir volunteer Dianne Landry for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1894

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Richmond Cheer Athletics volunteer Allison Mombourquette for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1895

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

[Page 5077]

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Richmond Cheer Athletics volunteer Jackie Molloy for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1896

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Little Anse Sampson's Cove Social Action Centre volunteer Yvonne Pierce for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1897

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

[Page 5078]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Richmond Skating Club volunteer Kim MacDonald for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO.1898

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Richmond County Literacy Network volunteer Kelly Yorke for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1899

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Grand River Senior's Club volunteer Maria Wunderlich for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1900

[Page 5079]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking West Bay Pastoral Charge volunteer Robert Urquhart for his hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1901

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Energy)

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

Whereas volunteers truly are the heart of our community; and

Whereas volunteers give freely of their time to help organizations throughout our county; and

Whereas on Friday, April 17, 2015, I joined councillors and staff at a supper to recognize the 137 volunteers from throughout Richmond County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking River Bourgeois Seniors Club volunteer Anne Louise Touesnard for her hard work and commitment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1902

By: Hon. Kelly Regan « » (Labour and Advanced Education)

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

Whereas Brandon DeYoung is a kind and compassionate, enthusiastic, caring, cheerful, and dependable volunteer who is a critically important member of the Bedford Library Volunteer team; and

[Page 5080]

Whereas Brandon ensures that all children who participate in library programs feel comfortable and included, his organizational skills enable him to take on important responsibilities which include the challenging task of registering participants in the Summer Reading Club, while his knowledge of Pokemon allows him to develop good relationships with children as they bond over shared interests; and

Whereas since Grade 4, Brandon has also been a teacher-requested in-class tutor for math and science due to his high level of skill and ability to work with his peers, and he was nominated this Spring by the library for a 2015 Bedford Youth Volunteer Award;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly acknowledge Brandon's integral role as part of the library team, acclaim his dedication to helping his peers and children in Bedford, and congratulate him on his volunteer award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1903

By: Hon. Kelly Regan « » (Labour and Advanced Education)

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

Whereas Charlie and Erna Rand have been actively involved in the work and ministry of the Bedford Baptist Church for approximately 50 years, serving both in leadership roles and quietly behind the scenes; and

Whereas Charlie, while serving on the board of trustees, rewired the parsonage, coordinated construction projects, and kept the furnace running for a couple of decades, and Erna planned and hosted countless events, travelled as a speaker all over the Maritimes, and coordinated projects, and both were valued members of the refugee ministry which supports a refugee family of seven which came to live in Bedford; and

Whereas the aforementioned accomplishments are only a small part of their service to their faith and home communities over so many years, and resulted in the Rands' nomination to this year's Bedford Volunteer Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly thank Charlie and Erna Rand for their years of faithful service, and congratulate them on their well-deserved award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1904

[Page 5081]

By: Hon. Kelly Regan « » (Labour and Advanced Education)

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

Whereas Marilyn Sangster has been a committed member of All Saints Anglican Church in Bedford for nearly 30 years, spent countless hours organizing events and holding leadership positions, used her warm personality, ability to communicate well, and sense of humour to be a great team player; and

Whereas Marilyn has been an anchor in All Saints' famous Lobster Suppers and Olde Fashioned Christmas Dinners and many other tasks, yet pays attention to those in the parish who may need help or a friendly visit; and

Whereas her character, personality, and outstanding volunteer efforts resulted in her nomination by All Saints for this year's Bedford Volunteer Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly thank Marilyn Sangster for her years of worthy service, and congratulate her on her well-deserved award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1905

By: Hon. Kelly Regan « » (Labour and Advanced Education)

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

Whereas Grade 11 CPA student Sophia Waddell has been a Girl Guide for 12 years, who, as a Junior Leader with the 6^th Bedford Brownies, has responsibility for a group of 26 active young girls who affectionately call her "Ranger Owl"; and

Whereas Sophia's guiding awards include the Lady Baden-Powell Award and the Canada Cord and she also achieved the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver Awards, was a youth delegate to the National Girl Guides of Canada Conference held in Toronto in April, as well as one of 16 girls from across Canada selected to participate on a service project in Peru; and

Whereas she is an inspiration to other Guides and Brownies, yet finds time to play the saxophone with the Halifax Schools Symphony Orchestra, participates on the Beavers Swim Team, volunteers as an assistant dance instructor and peer tutor, and was nominated by Girl Guides of Canada for a 2015 Bedford Youth Volunteer Award this Spring;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly acknowledge her dedication to her volunteer commitments, acclaim her accomplishments, and congratulate her on her volunteer award.

[Page 5082]

RESOLUTION NO. 1906

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 Cliff Matthews, a local Halifax running coach, sadly passed away while training a marathoner in Iten, Kenya; and

Whereas Mr. Matthews was highly regarded by his fellow athletes and peers, a fixture in the running scene who could be found coaching his running students almost every weeknight at trails and parks around Halifax; and

Whereas Mr. Matthews was passionately devoted to running, training beginner runners, as well as athletes for elite races such as the Boston Marathon, among many notable others;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly honour Mr. Matthews' legacy of long-standing, noteworthy contributions to the Halifax running community.

RESOLUTION NO. 1907

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 Ms. Roselle Green has been bestowed with an honorary Doctor of Civil Law degree by the University of King's College; and

Whereas Ms. Green, a graduate of King's College, is a founding member of Halifax's Shaar Shalom Congregation, a faithful, long-time supporter of King's College activities, and an acclaimed public relations consultant whose awards in her nearly 40-year career include an Honorary Fellow of the Canadian Public Relations Society's College of Fellows as well as the society's President's Medal; and

Whereas this honorary degree is being awarded to Ms. Green by King's College for her lifetime contribution to communications and community, noting that she has exemplified remarkable leadership and imagination to better Halifax, Canada, and the world around us;

[Page 5083]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Ms. Green on her much-deserved honorary degree as well as her noteworthy contributions to the Halifax community.

RESOLUTION NO. 1908

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 Ms. Victoria Martin has started a commendable initiative to support people suffering from spinal muscular atrophy; and

Whereas Ms. Martin's event, called Dancing in the Dark, invites people to dance and sing in total darkness, all while raising funds and awareness for this degenerative disease which, at this point, has no cure or treatment; and

Whereas Ms. Martin has donated funds raised from her Dancing in the Dark initiative to the Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Canada Society and continues to broaden awareness of this hereditary disease that affects motor neurons in the spinal cord;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly commend Ms. Martin on her admirable efforts to raise awareness on spinal muscular atrophy and support people suffering from the disease.

RESOLUTION NO. 1909

By: Ms. Pam Eyking « » (Victoria-The Lakes)

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

Whereas the Wagmatcook Arts and Cultural Festival received the Protégée prize at the ninth annual Creative Nova Scotia Awards on Thursday, November 20, 2014; and

Whereas this year's festival marked the fourth anniversary of the festival that showcases a wide array of art forms, from visual art to performing art and traditional and non-traditional pieces; and

Whereas the festival provides an opportunity to share in, learn about, and enjoy Mi'kmaq experiences and art;

[Page 5084]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize and congratulate the Wagmatcook Arts and Cultural Festival on their award and wish them the best of luck as they continue to showcase Mi'kmaq culture and art.

RESOLUTION NO. 1910

By: Ms. Pam Eyking « » (Victoria-The Lakes)

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

Whereas Rankin School of the Narrows held their first-ever Equality Day on January 9, 2015; and

Whereas the day was organized and carried out by the Rankin Equality Group, the school's GSA (Gay Straight Alliance); and

Whereas the day was filled with learning, with discussion centring on understanding and acceptance;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly recognize Rankin School of the Narrows and the Rankin Equality Group for their dedication to the promotion of equity and acceptance and encourage them to continue to be a supportive and accepting community.

RESOLUTION NO. 1911

By: Ms. Pam Eyking « » (Victoria-The Lakes)

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

Whereas Munro Academy in Balls Creek has claimed the Zayed Future Energy Prize of $70,000 for solar heaters students designed and built; and

Whereas the Zayed Future Energy Prize celebrates achievements that reflect impact, innovation, long-term vision, and leadership in renewable energy and sustainability; and

Whereas the winnings will be used to install solar panels on the roof of the school and to build solar air heaters;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize and congratulate the students on their prestigious award and encourage them to continue to be innovative in their learning.

[Page 5085]

RESOLUTION NO. 1912

By: Ms. Pam Eyking « » (Victoria-The Lakes)

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

Whereas the MammoWarriors are a dragon boat team made up of friends and neighbours from beautiful Boularderie Island and beyond; and

Whereas the MammoWarriors hold numerous fundraisers throughout the year and participate in the annual Dragon Boat races and are tirelessly committed to raising awareness and funds for Cape Breton cancer care; and

Whereas Trish Aker is a dedicated member of the team;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize the efforts and commitment of the MammoWarriors and congratulate them on all of their success.

RESOLUTION NO. 1913

By: Mr. Chuck Porter « » (Hants West)

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

Whereas volunteering is the practice of people working on behalf of others or a particular cause without payment for their time and services; and

Whereas Gloria Shanks has been nominated by the Hants County Christmas Angels, where she has been a member since 1994; and

Whereas Gloria participated in the organizing of the 20^th Annual Christmas Angels Telethon, with her recent role being the anchor and pledge desk coordinator, and has also been involved in the West Hants Historical Society, Bowl for Kids, Run for Life, Helpline, and Planned Parenthood;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Gloria Shanks on receiving the 2015 Community Volunteer Award and thank her for her ongoing dedication and commitment.

[Page 5086]

RESOLUTION NO. 1914

By: Mr. Chuck Porter « » (Hants West)

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

Whereas Nova Scotia's first Turnaround Achievement Awards program for students was introduced by Terra Firma Development Corporation in collaboration with the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board to provide the opportunity for students who have overcome personal and educational challenges to be rewarded for their triumph; and

Whereas upon joining the West Hants Education Centre in Fall 2014, Devon Upshaw-Oakley's intelligence, curiosity, and good humour were apparent from day one; and

Whereas during his time at the centre, Devon's commitment to attendance and participation in the programs has revealed a young man with passion for learning and adventure;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Devon on his achievements and wish him all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1915

By: Ms. Margaret Miller « » (Hants East)

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

Whereas Nova Scotia's volunteer fire departments are made up of individuals who show their dedication by contributing hard work and skills, frequently risking their lives, and dealing with incidents of great emotional stress; and

Whereas long-serving volunteers are the lifeblood of our community; and

Whereas Ralph Wardrope is a recipient of the 2015 CVFSA Municipal Long Service Award;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly thank Mr. Wardrope for his 40 years of service to Milford & District Volunteer Fire Department.

[Page 5087]

RESOLUTION NO. 1916

By: Ms. Margaret Miller « » (Hants East)

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

Whereas Nova Scotia's volunteer fire departments are made up of individuals who show their dedication by contributing hard work and skills, frequently risking their lives, and dealing with incidents of great emotional stress; and

Whereas long-serving volunteers are the lifeblood of our community; and

Whereas Ron Densmore is a recipient of the 2015 CVFSA Municipal Long Service Award;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly thank Mr. Densmore for his 31 years of service to Noel District Volunteer Fire Department.

RESOLUTION NO. 1917

By: Ms. Margaret Miller « » (Hants East)

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

Whereas Nova Scotia's volunteer fire departments are made up of individuals who show their dedication by contributing hard work and skills, frequently risking their lives, and dealing with incidents of great emotional stress; and

Whereas long-serving volunteers are the lifeblood of our community; and

Whereas Keith Rhyno is a recipient of the 2015 CVFSA Municipal Long Service Award;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly thank Mr. Rhyno for his 37 years of service to Maitland & District Volunteer Fire Department.

RESOLUTION NO. 1918

[Page 5088]

By: Ms. Margaret Miller « » (Hants East)

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

Whereas Nova Scotia's volunteer fire departments are made up of individuals who show their dedication by contributing hard work and skills, frequently risking their lives, and dealing with incidents of great emotional stress; and

Whereas long-serving volunteers are the lifeblood of our community; and

Whereas Malcolm Noble is a recipient of the 2015 CVFSA Municipal Long Service Award;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly thank Mr. Noble for his 41 years of service to Elmsdale Fire & Emergency Services.

RESOLUTION NO. 1919

By: Ms. Margaret Miller « » (Hants East)

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

Whereas the East Hants Sports Heritage Society held their first annual Sports Award on Saturday, April 25, 2015; and

Whereas Cody Anthony of Shubenacadie played defence with the East Hants Jr. B Penguins with a total of 31 games played and 11 assists accumulated; and

Whereas Cody played with the Alberta Irma Tigers in the Canadian Junior Softball Championship, batting .500 during the tournament, including a walk-off home run, and with the Tigers advanced to the finals, winning his first national championship;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Cody Anthony on being awarded the 19 & Over Male Athlete of the Year.

RESOLUTION NO. 1920

[Page 5089]

By: Ms. Margaret Miller « » (Hants East)

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

Whereas the East Hants Sports Heritage Society held their first annual Sports Award on Saturday, April 25, 2015; and

Whereas coach of the Tri-County Under-14 Bantam girls basketball team, Chris Trainor, led them to a gold medal in the Metro Basketball League and silver at the Basketball Nova Scotia Provincial Championship; and

Whereas Chris guided the Tri-County Under-16 boys team to a bronze medal in the Metro Basketball League, 4^th place at the Basketball Nova Scotia Provincials, and two tournament wins during the 2014 season;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Chris Trainor on being awarded Coach of the Year.

RESOLUTION NO. 1921

By: Ms. Margaret Miller « » (Hants East)

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

Whereas the East Hants Sports Heritage Society held their first annual Sports Award on Saturday, April 25, 2015; and

Whereas Dave Totten started the non-profit Girls Rule Hockey School and coached both the East Hants Atom and Bantam A female teams, and thanks to Dave's help, for the first time in history there are now three East Hants female hockey teams; and

Whereas Dave gave his Kraft Unsung Hockey Heroes $2,000 winning to East Hants Minor Hockey;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Dave Totten on being awarded Volunteer of the Year.

RESOLUTION NO. 1922

[Page 5090]

By: Ms. Margaret Miller « » (Hants East)

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

Whereas the East Hants Sports Heritage Society held their first annual Sports Award on Saturday, April 25, 2015; and

Whereas the East Hants Pro Cresting Penguins Midget AAA female hockey team finished second in the four-team loop in the regular season and became the first team in the league's six-year history outside of Halifax to win the league championship; and

Whereas the Penguins won a spot in the gold medal game against Moncton at the Atlantic Championship in Newfoundland;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate the East Hants Pro Cresting Penguins Midget AAA female hockey team on being awarded the 18 and Under Team of the Year.

RESOLUTION NO. 1923

By: Ms. Margaret Miller « » (Hants East)

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

Whereas the East Hants Sports Heritage Society held their first annual Sports Award on Saturday, April 25, 2015; and

Whereas Emily Meehan of Rawdon Gold Mines competed in the Legends Tour and finished fifth overall in the Scotia Speedworld Weekly Series including a feature win, second in points at the US Legend Car Canadian East Championship and third in points in the Maritime League of Legends Tour; and

Whereas in September 2014 racing in the Dartmouth Dodge 200, Emily became the first Nova Scotia female to compete in the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock tour;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Emily Meehan on being awarded the 19 and Over Female Athlete of the Year.

RESOLUTION NO. 1924

[Page 5091]

By: Ms. Margaret Miller « » (Hants East)

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

Whereas the East Hants Sports Heritage Society held their first annual Sports Award on Saturday, April 25, 2015; and

Whereas Evan Dickie as the head coach of HERH men's rugby helped them qualify for the Provincial Championships, as well as helping the Enfield Rugby Football Club Division I men's team to the Provincial Championship Final; and

Whereas Evan, as assistant coach with the Nova Scotia Under-18 Keltics men's rugby team, helped them to win the gold medal at the Eastern Canadian Rugby Championship;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Evan Dickie on being awarded Coach of the Year.

RESOLUTION NO. 1925

By: Ms. Margaret Miller « » (Hants East)

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

Whereas the East Hants Sports Heritage Society held their first annual Sports Award on Saturday, April 25, 2015; and

Whereas Frank Davies played a major role in re-establishing the HERH Tigers men's hockey team in the Northern Nova Scotia Hockey League and coached the team to finish second in the league and second at the Provincial Championships; and

Whereas Frank helped establish a permanent dressing room for the Tigers and ensure the team had a successful first season;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Frank Davies on being awarded Volunteer of the Year.

RESOLUTION NO. 1926

[Page 5092]

By: Ms. Margaret Miller « » (Hants East)

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

Whereas the East Hants Sports Heritage Society held their first annual Sports Award on Saturday, April 25, 2015; and

Whereas Hannah Landry of Elmsdale was named to the Nova Scotia All-Premiership team for her effort as a cornerstone of the defensive line with the Halifax City Senior Women's soccer club; and

Whereas Hannah was a member of the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees and helped them win an Ontario University Athletics Championship and Canadian Inter-University Sport bronze medal;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Hannah Landry on being awarded the 19 and Over Female Athlete of the Year.

RESOLUTION NO. 1927

By: Ms. Margaret Miller « » (Hants East)

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

Whereas the East Hants Sports Heritage Society held their first annual Sports Award on Saturday, April 25, 2015; and

Whereas in volleyball Tasha McKenzie of Indian Brook represented Nova Scotia at the first North American Indigenous Games in Regina and Tasha, as a front row player with St. FX, won an Atlantic University Sport Championship title and a Canadian Interuniversity Sport Championship title; and

Whereas Tasha is also a member of the Enfield Rugby Football Club Women's Division II team and Team Nova Scotia U-20 Rugby program, and for her efforts in both sports she was named Nova Scotia Female Athlete of the Year;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Tasha McKenzie on being awarded the 19 & Over Female Athlete of the Year.

RESOLUTION NO. 1928

[Page 5093]

By: Ms. Margaret Miller « » (Hants East)

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

Whereas the East Hants Sports Heritage Society held their first annual Sports Award on Saturday, April 25, 2015; and

Whereas Riley Kidney of Enfield scored 93 goals and had 73 assists and twelve times he scored three or more goals a game during the regular season, and he was named MVP of the Provincial Championships and MVP eight times during the season; and

Whereas Riley also played on the East Hants Squirt A Softball 2014 provincial winning team;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Riley Kidney on being awarded the 14 & Under Male Athlete of the Year.

RESOLUTION NO. 1929

By: Ms. Margaret Miller « » (Hants East)

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

Whereas the East Hants Sports Heritage Society held their first annual Sports Award on Saturday, April 25, 2015; and

Whereas Les Parker and the Pro Cresting Penguins Midget Female Hockey team were the first team outside of metro to win the provincial title, and he also helped them to place 2^nd at the Atlantic Championship; and

Whereas Les was named NSFMHL Coach of the Year and the Hockey Nova Scotia Female Hockey Award of Merit for his efforts in coaching women's hockey;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Les Parker on being awarded Coach of the Year.

RESOLUTION NO. 1930

[Page 5094]

By: Ms. Margaret Miller « » (Hants East)

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

Whereas the East Hants Sports Heritage Society held their first annual Sports Award on Saturday, April 25, 2015; and

Whereas Kerri and Charlie Robson spent countless hours coaching local youth in basketball and are extremely involved with the Tri-County Minor Basketball Association; and

Whereas Kerri and Charlie helped improve the HERH women's team and helped the HERH men's team make the "Coal Bowl";

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Kerri, and Charlie Robson, on being awarded Volunteer of the Year.

RESOLUTION NO. 1931

By: Ms. Margaret Miller « » (Hants East)

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

Whereas the East Hants Sports Heritage Society held their first annual Sports Award on Saturday, April 25, 2015; and

Whereas the Tigers HERH Men's Hockey team competed in the Northern Nova Scotia Hockey League, and finished 2^nd overall in the eight-team loop; and

Whereas the Tigers won the prestigious Blue and White Challenge, playing against teams from across the Maritimes, the Moncton Classic Division II title playing against teams from across Canada, and won the Northumberland Division II Regional title;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate the Tigers HERH Men's Hockey team on being awarded the 18 & Under Team of the Year.

RESOLUTION NO. 1932

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By: Ms. Margaret Miller « » (Hants East)

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

Whereas the East Hants Sports Heritage Society held their first annual Sports Award on Saturday, April 25, 2015; and

Whereas the Tigers HERH men's soccer team had a record of 10-2-1 over 13 games earning them the right to play in provincial championships in Cape Breton; and

Whereas in the 2013-2014 season the Tigers repeated their 2012-2013 win of the NSSAF Division II Provincials Gold title;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate the Tigers HERH men's soccer team on being awarded the 18 & Under Team of the Year.

RESOLUTION NO. 1933

By: Hon. Keith Colwell « » (Agriculture)

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

Whereas on April 9, 2015, Loblaw, which operates Atlantic Superstore and other chains, named the recipient of the 2015 Atlantic Grower of the Year award at its regional growers conference in Charlottetown; and

Whereas this event attracted 30 growers from across Atlantic Canada to recognize a farm that is committed to sustainability and developing and expanding its produce mix to include a wide variety of fruits and vegetables; and

Whereas Vermeulen Farms, a 180-hectare fruit and vegetable farm in Canning and one of the biggest lettuce farmers in our province, was selected by Loblaw to be this year's Atlantic Grower of the Year;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Vermeulen Farms for winning this year's distinguished award and thank Loblaw for their recognizing and honouring Atlantic growers.

RESOLUTION NO. 1934

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By: Hon. Keith Colwell « » (Agriculture)

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

Whereas on April 9, 2015, the Nova Scotia Institute of Agrologists held its annual Honours and Awards Banquet to honour members and friends of the NSIA for life achievements, dedication and outstanding service and leadership to the agricultural industry; and

Whereas this year's CA Douglas Award was named to recognize an outstanding agriculture extension worker providing public service in the Province of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Jolene MacEachern was named as this year's winner, which comes with a monetary award of $1,000 for demonstrating a commitment to Nova Scotia's agricultural industry;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Jolene MacEachern on this achievement and thank the Douglas family for continuing to support professional agrologists in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 1935

By: Hon. Keith Colwell « » (Agriculture)

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

Whereas on April 9, 2015, the Nova Scotia Institute of Agrologists held its annual Honours and Awards Banquet to honour members and friends of the NSIA for life achievements, dedication and outstanding service and leadership to the agricultural industry; and

Whereas the Distinguished Agrologist Award recognizes the contribution of an agrologist to the Nova Scotia agriculture industry and profession of agrology; and

Whereas Gordon "Sonny" Murray was selected to be this year's winner of the Distinguished Agrologist Award for becoming the go to person for information on every crop grown in Nova Scotia from hops to haskaps, and for his 15 years' experience supporting farmers in our province;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Gordon Murray, professional Agrologist, certified nutrient and management planner, for winning this year's award and thank NSIA for encouraging the proficiency and competencies of professional agrologists in Nova Scotia.

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RESOLUTION NO. 1936

By: Hon. Keith Colwell « » (Agriculture)

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

Whereas on April 9, 2015, the Nova Scotia Institute of Agrologists held its annual Honours and Awards Banquet to honour members and friends of the NSIA for life achievements, dedication and outstanding service and leadership to the agricultural industry; and

Whereas the Honourary Agrologist was named to recognize the contribution to the Nova Scotia agriculture industry and profession of agrology; and

Whereas Beth Densmore was nominated to be this year's Honourary Agrologist for demonstrating dedication in her work with the Hants County Federation of Agriculture, Provincial Agricultural Awareness Committee, N.S. Federation of Agriculture, Farm Safety and Transportation Committee and the N.S. Sheep Breeders Association;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Beth Densmore, past president of the Atlantic Federation of Agriculture for being nominated as this year's Honourary Agrologist and thank NSIA for encouraging the proficiency and competencies of professional agrologists in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 1937

By: Hon. Keith Colwell « » (Agriculture)

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

Whereas on April 9, 2015, the Nova Scotia Institute of Agrologists held its annual Honours and Awards Banquet to honour members and friends of the NSIA for life achievements, dedication and outstanding service and leadership to the agricultural industry; and

Whereas this year's Outstanding Farmer was named to recognize a member's commitment to the Nova Scotia agriculture industry, profession of agrology and the institute's goals; and

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Whereas Spurr Brother Farm Ltd. was named as this year's Outstanding Farmer for demonstrating that professional agrologists have an important role to play in today's agricultural industry with their work on sustainable farming, responsible irrigation and soil fertility management;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Spurr Brothers Farm Ltd. in the beautiful Annapolis Valley on this achievement, and thank NSIA for encouraging the proficiency and competencies of professional agrologists in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 1938

By: Hon. Keith Colwell « » (Agriculture)

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

Whereas on April 9, 2015, the Nova Scotia Institute of Agrologists held its annual Honours and Awards Banquet to honour members and friends of the NSIA for life achievements, dedication and outstanding service and leadership to the agricultural industry; and

Whereas the Outstanding Young agrologist Award recognizes the contribution of a young agrologist to the Nova Scotia agriculture industry and profession of agrology; and

Whereas Janette McDonald was selected to be this year's winner of the Young Agrologist Award for demonstrating professionalism and dedication in her work as a marketing research assistant, agricultural awareness assistant and 4-H leadership coordinator;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Janette McDonald, past president of the NS Institute of Agrologists, for winning this year's award and thank NSIA for encouraging the proficiency and competencies of professional agrologists in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 1939

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By: Hon. Keith Colwell « » (Agriculture)

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

Whereas on April 9, 2015, the Nova Scotia Institute of Agrologists held its annual Honours and Awards Banquet to honour members and friends of the NSIA for life achievements, dedication and outstanding service and leadership to the agricultural industry; and

Whereas this year's Distinguished Life Member was named to recognize a member's commitment to the Nova Scotia agriculture industry, profession of agrology and the institute's goals; and

Whereas Derrick Jamieson was nominated to be this year's Distinguished Life Member for diligently supporting the institute's goals, building strong collaborating relationships with industry stakeholders, businesses and other agencies, and demonstrating that professional agrologists have an important role to play in today's agricultural industry;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Derrick Jamieson, past president of the NSIA and recipient of the CA Douglas Award, and thank NSIA for encouraging the proficiency and competencies of professional agrologists in Nova Scotia.

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

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Tabled May 6, 2015

RESOLUTION NO. 1940

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 a community radio station to serve the Sackville and surrounding areas was a dream of the late Owen Davis, a generous friend to the Sackville community, who housed the first temporary licensed station in one of his local businesses; and

Whereas the non-profit Cobequid Radio Society volunteers have continued to work tirelessly to obtain a permanent broadcasting license as an English language community radio station; and

Whereas Cobequid Community Radio now broadcasts as CIOE 97.5 FM from its new home at 11 Glendale Avenue in Lower Sackville, serving the Cobequid region, which encompasses many communities throughout the Halifax Regional Municipality;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature thank all members of the Cobequid Radio Society for their dedication to community radio and extend sincere congratulations on the launch of 97.5 FM.

RESOLUTION NO. 1941

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Justice)

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

Whereas the correctional services provided in our communities and in our correctional facilities by Correctional Services' employees contribute to a safer Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the exemplary work of Correctional Services was recognized at an awards ceremony on May 5, 2015 that I was pleased to attend; and

Whereas the employees who received awards for exceptional contribution to corrections including Alexander Baker, Robert (Bob) Westhaver, Wayne Chaisson, Judith Crosby, Sean Kelly, David Leddicote, Paulette MacKinnon, David MacNeil, Frederick Talbot, Tammy Vella, Kenneth Wilkie, Raymond Duprey, Scott Keefe, Gena MacDermid-Gosse and Jacqueline Brennan, and for exceptional bravery, Tony Thompson, deserve recognition and appreciation for their hard work;

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Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House and all Nova Scotians recognize the correctional services award recipients and honour the good work of correctional staff in our communities.

RESOLUTION NO. 1942

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Justice)

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

Whereas the Marshall Symposium, held in January to consider the Marshall Inquiry recommendations, brought together the Mi'kmaq, our province, the Government of Canada and others to celebrate the accomplishments to date; and

Whereas the symposium considered where we still need to go to achieve the vision of the report and also reviewed the Tripartite Forum's examination of the implementation and effectiveness of the recommendations in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the panelists have very constructive discussions on how we can continue to improve our justice system and deserve the respect, appreciation and recognition of this House and all Nova Scotians;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the Marshall Symposium and honour the organizers and participants who have demonstrated a keen interest in enhancing the delivery of justice in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 1943

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Justice)

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

Whereas the Summit on the Economics of Policing: Strengthening Canada's Policing Advantage, held in March on behalf of the ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety, increased awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing policing; and

Whereas the summit held productive discussions, including a focus on innovation and partnership and embracing technology to share data among police agencies; and

Whereas a key conclusion of the summit was policing efforts must be tested, applied, and evaluated, which provides an important opportunity to translate valuable discussions into action;

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Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the Economics of Policing Summit as a valuable tool for our policing agencies and that the Department of Justice learn to build lasting change and enhance preventative efforts in our communities.

RESOLUTION NO. 1944

By: Hon. Keith Colwell « » (Agriculture)

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

Whereas Thomas Steinhart of Steinhart Distillery in Antigonish County, produced his first vodka last year with organic and maple versions, now available in 20 Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation stores; and

Whereas Thomas Steinhart, who comes from a German family with a rich tradition of craft distilling, is using local ingredients such as lavender, cranberries, and maple to create Nova Scotia's first gin; and

Whereas Steinhart Distillery recently won a gold medal at the 2015 Packaging Consortium Global Leadership Awards for their vodka labels, which have paintings or photographs by northern Nova Scotia artists that are revealed when the top label is peeled off the bottle;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Thomas Steinhart of Steinhart Distillery for winning this year's award and wish him continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1945

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 Sally Trower is an outdoor enthusiast and mother of two; and

Whereas Sally Trower is the coordinator of Halifax's Wild Child Forest School, an outdoor education program for preschool-aged children; and

Whereas Sally Trower launched the Wild Child Forest School just last month with resounding success;

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Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Sally Trower on the launch of the Wild Child Forest School and thank her for her hard work and dedication to outdoor education in our province.

RESOLUTION NO. 1946

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 Ellen MacFarlane is a retired professor at St. Francis Xavier University and a registered nurse; and

Whereas on May 13, 2015, the College of Registered Nurses will hold its Excellence in Nursing Awards Banquet, recognizing the outstanding contributions of eleven nurses; and

Whereas Ellen MacFarlane will receive the 2015 Excellence in Nursing Honorary Life Membership Award;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Ellen MacFarlane on receiving the 2015 Excellence in Nursing Honorary Life Membership Award, and thank her for her hard work and dedication to health care in our province.

RESOLUTION NO. 1947

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 Catherine Strongman is a registered nurse with Capital Health; and

Whereas on May 13, 2015, the College of Registered Nurses will hold its Excellence in Nursing Awards Banquet, recognizing the outstanding contributions of eleven nurses; and

Whereas Catherine Strongman will receive a 2015 Excellence in Nursing Rising Star Award;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Catherine Strongman on receiving the 2015 Excellence in Nursing Rising Star Award, and thank her for her hard work and dedication to health care in our province.

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RESOLUTION NO. 1948

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 Gail Tomblin Murphy is a registered nurse and a professor at Dalhousie University's School of Nursing; and

Whereas on May 13, 2015, the College of Registered Nurses will hold its Excellence in Nursing Awards Banquet, recognizing the outstanding contributions of eleven nurses; and

Whereas Gail Tomblin Murphy will receive the 2015 Excellence in Nursing Research Award;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Gail Tomblin Murphy on receiving the 2015 Excellence in Nursing Research Award, and thank her for her hard work and dedication to health care in our province.

RESOLUTION NO. 1949

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

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

Whereas Jessica Wournell is a registered nurse who works in the Eating Disorders Clinic at the IWK Health Centre; and

Whereas on May 13, 2015, the College of Registered Nurses will hold its Excellence in Nursing Awards Banquet, recognizing the outstanding contributions of eleven nurses; and

Whereas Jessica Wournell will receive a 2015 Excellence in Nursing Clinical Practice Award;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Jessica Wournell on receiving the 2015 Excellence in Nursing Clinical Practice Award, and thank her for her hard work and dedication to health care in our province.

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RESOLUTION NO. 1950

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 Meghan Timmons is a registered nurse with Capital Health; and

Whereas on May 13, 2015, the College of Registered Nurses will hold its Excellence in Nursing Awards Banquet, recognizing the outstanding contributions of eleven nurses; and

Whereas Megan Timmons will receive a 2015 Excellence in Nursing Rising Star Award;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Meghan Timmons on receiving the 2015 Excellence in Nursing Rising Star Award, and thank her for her hard work and dedication to health care in our province.

RESOLUTION NO. 1951

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 Christine Cassidy is a registered nurse at the IWK Health Centre; and

Whereas on May 13, 2015, the College of Registered Nurses will hold its Excellence in Nursing Awards Banquet, recognizing the outstanding contributions of eleven nurses; and

Whereas Christine Cassidy will receive the 2015 Excellence in Nursing Rising Star Award;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Christine Cassidy on receiving the 2015 Excellence in Nursing Rising Star Award, and thank her for her hard work and dedication to health care in our province.

RESOLUTION NO. 1952

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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 Valerie Banfield is a registered nurse and a nurse educator with Capital Health; and

Whereas on May 13, 2015, the College of Registered Nurses will hold its Excellence in Nursing Awards Banquet, recognizing the outstanding contributions of 11 nurses; and

Whereas Valerie Banfield will receive the 2015 Excellence in Nursing Education Award;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Valerie Banfield on receiving the 2015 Excellence in Nursing Education Award and thank her for her hard work and dedication to health care in our province.

RESOLUTION NO. 1953

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 Maureen MacEachern is a registered nurse with Capital Health; and

Whereas on May 13, 2015, the College of Registered Nurses will hold its Excellence in Nursing Awards Banquet, recognizing the outstanding contributions of 11 nurses; and

Whereas Maureen MacEachern will receive a 2015 Excellence in Nursing Clinical Practice Award;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Maureen MacEachern on receiving the 2015 Excellence in Nursing Clinical Practice Award and thank her for her hard work and dedication to health care in our province.

RESOLUTION NO. 1954

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

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

Whereas Tanya Bishop is a registered nurse and the operations manager at the IWK Health Centre; and

Whereas on May 13, 2015, the College of Registered Nurses will hold its Excellence in Nursing Awards Banquet, recognizing the outstanding contributions of 11 nurses; and

Whereas Tanya Bishop will receive a 2015 Excellence in Nursing Administration Award;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Tanya Bishop on receiving the 2015 Excellence in Nursing Administration Award and thank her for her hard work and dedication to health care in our province.

RESOLUTION NO. 1955

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 Pamela Currie is a registered nurse and a practice leader with Capital Health; and

Whereas on May 13, 2015, the College of Registered Nurses will hold its Excellence in Nursing Awards Banquet, recognizing the outstanding contributions of 11 nurses; and

Whereas Pamela Currie will receive a 2015 Excellence in Nursing Administration Award;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Pamela Currie on receiving the 2015 Excellence in Nursing Administration Award and thank her for her hard work and dedication to health care in our province.

RESOLUTION NO. 1956

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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 Tracy Bourdages is a registered nurse who works in the Eating Disorders Clinic at the IWK Health Centre; and

Whereas on May 13, 2015, the College of Registered Nurses will hold its Excellence in Nursing Awards Banquet, recognizing the outstanding contributions of 11 nurses; and

Whereas Tracy Bourdages will receive a 2015 Excellence in Nursing Clinical Practice Award;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Tracy Bourdages on receiving the 2015 Excellence in Nursing Clinical Practice Award and thank her for her hard work and dedication to health care in our province.