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HALIFAX, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

Sixty-second General Assembly

Second Session

9:00 A.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Kevin Murphy

DEPUTY SPEAKERS

Mr. Gordon Wilson, Mr. Keith Irving

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

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

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

HON. LLOYD HINES » : Mr. Speaker, I rise to present a petition on behalf of the MLA for Eastern Shore. The operative clause is:

We the undersigned are petitioning the Provincial Government to immediately replace Eastern Shore District High School (ESDH) and Gaetz Brook Junior High School (GBJH) with a single, modern facility.

Mr. Speaker, the petition contains 1,276 names, and the member has affixed his signature.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The petition is tabled.

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

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STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

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

HON. LABI KOUSOULIS « » : Mr. Speaker, earlier this year Nova Scotia joined the open data revolution. Governments across the world are releasing their data in easy-to-use formats so they can be used by anyone, for any reason. They do it because it drives innovation and discovery; they do it to support transparency, accountability, and public engagement; and they do it because it helps to grow the economy.

The Internal Services Department established the Open Data Portal website three months ago. It launched with data collections contributed by all government departments. Since then the pages have been visited more than 100,000 times. I am encouraged that people know about the portal and see its value.

Today I am pleased to announce the Open Data Portal is expanding with the addition of new and refreshed data sets. Nova Scotians are getting access to more government data, including three-dimensional, high resolution maps, for the first time.

The portal now contains additional data collections for public libraries, public schools, municipal finances, vital statistics, municipal solid waste, forestry, and community health. These data collections work together to help us discover new opportunities - for instance, anglers will find where they can buy a fishing licence, fish-stocking and distribution records, a list of upcoming derbies and tournaments and sport fish record-holders, all in one place.

Refresh data and new data sets will continue to be added regularly. We hope to challenge Nova Scotians in the coming months to put the data to use and develop practical or innovative applications through contests and hackathons across the province. I encourage all members to visit the portal, located at data.novascotia.ca, and view the entire data catalogue which covers business, the economy, communities, social services, nature, the environment, and government.

There is huge potential for all this data. I look forward to seeing how businesses, students, researchers, and individuals use, reuse, and share the data now and in the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

MR. TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, June 2013 the G8 Open Data Charter was adopted in Northern Ireland. The G8 Open Data Charter sets out the following five principles as essential to establishing a foundation for open data in member countries:

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1. Open Data by Default: Foster expectations that government data be published openly while continuing to safeguard privacy;
2. Quality and Quantity: Release quality, timely, and well-described open data;
3. Useable by All: Release as much data in as many open formats as possible;
4. Releasing Data for Improved Governance: Share expertise and be transparent about data collection, standards, and publishing processes; and
5. Releasing Data for Innovation: Consult with users and empower future generations of innovators.

These are the five principles of the G8 Open Data Charter that was adopted in Northern Ireland and, to date, Canada has released almost 200,000 data sets including core data sets that support good governance and transparency. The action plan to implement the Charter can be found at open.canada.ca.

Transparency is the basis of accountability in a democracy. The Nova Scotia Open Data efforts are welcome and a step in the right direction. The Nova Scotia portal has a data catalogue that is searchable, and the searches are savable, and that is a positive thing. Open Data may alleviate some of the backlogs that we see in government as well. It will be ongoing work to update the Nova Scotia model and they may include some of the core functions that the Government of Canada Open Data portal uses as well.

For example, the Government of Canada portal allows you to suggest a data set and will provide contract information on all contracts over $10,000. That would be a welcome release of data here in this province. We recommend that as a Nova Scotia portal continues to develop that the Government of Canada principles be adopted. If so, it can really lead to a more empowered citizen base, and increasing transparency is always a good thing.

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

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, Open Data is indeed a hallmark of transparency and civic engagement. I am glad to see the Nova Scotia Government moving in the direction that will make more information more readily available to all the citizens, be they students, business workers, hobbyists, or activists. I have no doubt that the people of Nova Scotia will take full advantage of this Open Data portal and put the information to good use.

It is great to see the government moving towards implementing the G8 resolution and commitment. It was Thomas Jefferson who said "Information is the currency of democracy," and I believe that is to be true. I look forward to future announcements in ensuring that all government departments follow suit and ensure that the data is available for all Nova Scotians to see.

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

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HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MR. GLAVINE « » : If I could draw the attention of the members to the east gallery, with us today is the founder of the Heartland Tour, Dr. Nick Giacomantonio. Dr. Nick is both the founder and the president of the Heartland Tour and also, of course, a cardiologist with our Nova Scotia Health Authority. I do also need to perhaps mention his brother, Carmen, who was a big part of this endeavour.

Also with us is the executive director of the Heartland Tour, Jake Blacklaws; he has been with the tour for six years and he will be entering the Dal Med School this September. Joining the team also is Jennifer English from Heart and Stroke. Heart and Stroke has been the sponsor for four years, and she has been with the tour as well. Heart and Stroke has announced that they will be adding seven walking events to the Heartland Tour community cycling events this year. If you could join me with a warm welcome to this ambitious group. (Applause)

Mr. Speaker, it is a great pleasure to say a few words to recognize the Heartland Tour and the dedicated team behind it. Members of this House could be forgiven for thinking that the Heartland Tour is simply a bicycle tour that crosses the province. It is that of course, but it is also an educational event designed to remind Nova Scotians that all of us can improve our health by living an active, healthy lifestyle. It is important, doesn't have to cost much, and it is fun. The events are designed to be family friendly. Participation is free. Events are organized across the province and all with the same goal - to inspire in others a passion for active living that will keep them fit and healthy for decades to come. This great event has been inspiring Nova Scotians since 2007, so now is the 10^th Anniversary.

Some current and former members of this House have taken part, and I'm sure they will share my enthusiasm for both the event and the cause. I'd like to take a moment to congratulate the core team of Heartland Tour and the board of directors, in particular Dr. Nick Giacomantonio, who leads strategic development for the tour and is here with us today.

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

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : Mr. Speaker, of course I want to thank our guests for being in the gallery today. I've had the opportunity to participate in the Heartland Tour, but also to thank my cardiologist up there. I don't know if you guys know that being in this House for an extended period of time, you're going to need a cardiologist. (Laughter)

All right, so, the Heartland Tour - I've had the opportunity to participate with Nick and the team on the full tour on a couple of occasions. In 2009-2010, I had the opportunity of doing the full tour with the group; it was a phenomenal time and you make friends on this one, so not only the core team that you make friends with, but everybody else who participates in all the locations across the province. Those people who come to you and say, I don't know if I can do the 80 or 60, or 100 kilometers, depending on what happens in that particular tour, but you're there to say, look at us, we're doing it, you can come along with us, no problem, and we'll help you along the way. It has that camaraderie and capability to be able to pull people along, and show them that they can actually do something as hard as cycling, that it's not very hard - it's like riding a bike, you get back on it and you go.

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I want to, of course, thank Nick and Vicki because they're definitely a team on it; Carmen, who we've seen in this House before; some great friends, Mike and Ruth Saulnier - Mike is the powerhouse from Hectanooga; Jack and Roger; Ron Allen; Kathy Saulnier; Jim Vance; of course Jake, and a whole bunch of other people who have had the opportunity to participate in this great tour. They'll be coming to a community near you this July and I ask that each and every one of you take the opportunity to participate in the events. If you need to borrow a bike, I think I can set you up and you can come along and have a good time with the Heartland Tour, doing something that maybe you didn't expect to be able to do before.

So, with that - by the way, the only think I'm going to say is that you better give them a little bit of money, Mr. Minister, because of course they're going to be asking for a little bit of help to be able to pay the expenses for this great, great endeavour on heart health. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

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

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Dr. Nick Giacomantonio and his guests here today who are involved in the Heartland Tour. I think it reminds all Nova Scotians that being active and living a healthy life doesn't have to be hard, it can be fun. I know we've had colleagues within our caucus who have participated in the past, and I've heard nothing but positive things about this tour. I encourage all MLAs, and Nova Scotians, to support this tour as it kicks off this summer.

I also want to thank Dr. Giacomantonio and his family for not only the Heartland Tour, but for their contribution to our amazing health care system here in Nova Scotia, and I wish them success in this tour this year.

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

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

HON. KELLY REGAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction.

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MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MS. REGAN « » : I would like to direct the members' attention to the east gallery, where we are joined today by a student from Citadel Junior High, her name is Haley Brown. She's a Junior Achievement member and she's here today with her grandmother. If Haley would please stand up?

She created, along with her team, a company called Think; it was very successful. They created something called the "thinking cap" - a winter toque to support social awareness, and they went on to donate money to Jumpstart, ChariTree, Youth Atlantic, and PAWS. I would ask the members to give her the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)

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

RESOLUTION NO. 3532

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

Whereas a post-secondary education is one of the most important investments a young person can make in their future; and

Whereas government partnered with Junior Achievement of Nova Scotia to deliver information about our student assistance program and basic financial literacy to Grade 9 students across the province and also to sponsor a scholarship for a young person who is a graduating Achiever and planning to attend a post-secondary school in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Haley Brown, who took part in JA's company program and was president of a company called Think, was the well-deserving recipient of this award;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Haley Brown on her hard work and commitment to pursuing her education and wish her all the best as she attends Acadia University in the Fall.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

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The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development.

HON. KAREN CASEY « » : With your permission, Mr. Speaker, I would like to make an introduction.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MS. CASEY « » : I would ask members to focus on the east gallery, and I would ask the folks in the gallery who I will be introducing to stand as you are introduced, please. We have some guests here from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. They're representatives from across the province who have been involved with Skills Canada Nova Scotia. They are meeting here in Halifax today to prepare for the Skills Canada National Competition in New Brunswick later this month.

Lucas Hum is from Central Kings Rural High School, a gold medalist in secondary cooking in the 2016 Nova Scotia competition and competing for the second year at the Skills Canada National Competition. Katie Lemoine is from Cole Harbour District High School, a competitor in both electrical installations and job skills demonstration in the 2016 competition. She will be attending the Skills Canada National Competition to learn more about skilled trades and technologies.

Teacher representative Doug Rutt is from Central Kings Rural High School; he gives Lucas guidance and direction in his class, and attended last year's national competition as one of the chaperones. And Courtney Gouthro is executive director of Skills Canada Nova Scotia.

I would ask all members of the House to give these folks a warm welcome, and I'd ask them to remain standing while I read a resolution. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development.

RESOLUTION NO. 3533

HON. KAREN CASEY « » : I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Skills Canada Nova Scotia is a not-for-profit organization that provides opportunities for Nova Scotian youth to explored skilled trades and technologies, discover their passions, and strive for excellence through a range of programs made possible in partnership with industry, government, and education; and

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Whereas winners of this year's Nova Scotia competition will be competing with more than 550 youth from across Canada in over 40 competitions in New Brunswick on June 6^th and 7^th; and

Whereas the introduction of hands-on learning activities to help students develop skills technology and support for career-readiness are priorities for Nova Scotia's Action Plan for Education, and the department is providing support for over 1,000 Nova Scotians to attend the competition as observers or participants;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Legislature recognize the importance of supporting students in making informed career decisions and providing opportunities to explore careers in skilled trades and technology.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : May I make an introduction, sir?

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MR. MACLELLAN « » : I'm very proud to welcome three road safety advocates who are here to proclaim May as Motorcycle Awareness Month here in Nova Scotia. Our guests dedicate their lives to keeping us safe. We are very fortunate to have them with us this morning, and I ask that they stand as I call their name.

First we have Ed Snow from Safety Services Nova Scotia, RCMP Constable Kelvin Swinimer and Halifax Regional Police Sergeant Stephen Calder. I ask my friends in the Legislature to welcome them to the House. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

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RESOLUTION NO. 3534

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

Whereas there are more than 27,500 licensed motorcycle riders overall here in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas increased awareness of motorcycles on our streets and highways will help reduce injuries and fatalities; and

Whereas we are asking all drivers, motorcyclists and those in vehicles to be alert and especially careful as the use of motorcycles increases this time of year;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Legislature recognize the month of May 2016 as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month here in the province and urge all road users to join in our efforts to keep motorcycle riders and all of us safe on our province's highways.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Labour and Advanced Education.

RESOLUTION NO. 3535

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

Whereas government takes workplace safety very seriously and is committed to continuous improvement, making workplaces safer for its employees; and

Whereas employees of the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal have demonstrated noteworthy and significant progress in their effort to create a stronger workplace safety culture, including creating an Internal Health, Safety and Environment Division; and

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Whereas the Workers' Compensation Board of Nova Scotia has recognized those efforts by awarding the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal with a Mainstay Award for Safety Excellence for an Organization, its highest honour for an organization;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House applaud the important strides made by the employees at the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal and congratulate them on their Mainstay Award for their commitment to a strong safety culture.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 180 - Entitled an Act to Facilitate the Study of the Feasibility of Creating a Basic Income Program. (Ms. Marian Mancini)

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

NOTICES OF MOTION

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

GUSHUE, BAILEY/D'ENTREMONT, SUZANNE

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- PRIX DU LIEUTENANT GOUVERNEUR

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : Le Conseil scolaire acadien provincial a récemment organise une cérémonie à l'École Secondaire de Clare pour présenter les médailles du lieutenant-gouverneur de la province à dix-huit élevés méritants.

Le prix reconnait les élevés de la 11^e année pour leur académiciens, le leadership, le service a leur école et la communauté. L'honorable J.J. Grant, lieutenant-gouverneur de la Nouvelle-Ecosse a présente le prix à Bailey Gushue et Suzanne d'Entremont des étudiantes de École secondaire de Par-en-Bas à Tusket.

S'il vous plait joignez mois pour offrir mes félicitations a Bailey et Suzanne, les remercier pour leur service exemplaire et leur souhaiter beaucoup de succès dans leur étude dans le futures.

Mr. Speaker, the Acadian School Board recently organized a ceremony held at École secondaire de Par-en-Bas to present the Lieutenant Governor's Medal to 18 deserving students. The award recognizes Grade 11 students for their academics, leadership and service to their school and community. The Honourable J.J. Grant, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, has awarded the medal to Bailey Gushue and Suzanne d'Entremont, students at École secondaire de Par-en-Bas in Tusket.

Please join me in offering congratulations to Bailey and Suzanne and thank them for their exemplary service and wish them much success in their future studies.

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

MS. MARIAN MANCINI « » : Mr. Speaker, I ask leave to make an introduction at the end of my member's statement.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MS. MANCINI « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

SCATTOLON, FAM.: MENTALLY/PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED - SUPPORT

MS. MANCINI « » : Faith and Londo Scattolon have been members of the Dartmouth community for many years. Over these years they have tirelessly and selflessly committed their time and energy to providing voice, advocacy, and support to the mentally and physically challenged.

Their beautiful daughter Victoria has reaped the benefits. Victoria is an accomplished Special Olympian, medalling in track, swimming and figure skating. She is a full-time employee at Dartmouth Adult Services, where she is proud to tell you she plans to work for the next 30 years, and retire, because as her dad says, "you have to pay your board."

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The Scattolon family believes in the ability of all people to be contributing members of society and that everyone is capable of achieving their full potential. They are an inspiration to all of us. I ask the members to welcome the Scattolon family; they're in the Speaker's Gallery, and I'd ask them to stand so we can give them a warm welcome. (Applause)

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

SCOTIABANK (TATAMAGOUCHE) - FUNDRAISING

HON. KAREN CASEY « » : Mr. Speaker, fundraising is a vital part of keeping our community groups operational and the Tatamagouche branch of Scotiabank in Colchester North has been helping fundraise in the community for more than a decade.

During the last year they have helped over 30 not-for-profit groups in the local area, helping to put $155,000 back into the community. Each event has a minimum of two Scotiabank employees in attendance and for each dollar raised they will match the same amount. In 2015 the staff attended more than 50 events on their own time, which amounted to over 300 volunteer hours. Every Friday during the summer the staff have a barbecue outside the bank to help raise money for various groups. They also help at picnics, dinners, school fairs, hockey events, auctions, and suppers.

With many groups relying on fundraising efforts, programs like the one at the Scotiabank help to ensure those groups achieve their mandate throughout the year.

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

MOTHER'S DAY - CELEBRATE

MR. EDDIE ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, on Sunday families across Nova Scotia will celebrate Mother's Day. It's a day when we all honour our mothers and all they do for us, the sacrifices of the everyday kindness that are too often taken for granted.

The love between a mother and her child is special. It takes the form of nurturer, protector, teacher, disciplinarian, and friend. For many of us it's a constant and a key part of who we are. On Sunday I know we'll all take a moment to thank our mothers, with love and gratitude, for all they have done for all of us. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

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ACADIA REC. CLUB: ACADIA HALL - PARK PLANS

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, the Acadia Recreation Club of Lower Sackville has been serving the community since 1924, when a need for a gathering place prompted the construction of Acadia Hall.

This building provided a start for many area churches, served as a music hall and even as a voting station. The Acadia Recreation Club has always been run by a dedicated group of volunteers who work to fundraise tirelessly to benefit our community. A plan is underway to convert the land surrounding Acadia Hall into a year-round inclusive park, with trails, gardens and more. During the winter season volunteers maintain an outdoor skating arena and host many events during the Sackville Snow Days.

The park is a focal point of our community and continues to grow with the addition of a fountain and accessible playground, but it won't stop there. I'd like to express my gratitude to all the volunteers of the Acadia Recreation Club, whose love for our community shows through their efforts over the past 90 years, and will continue to make Sackville proud for years to come. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Preston-Dartmouth.

HON. KEITH COLWELL » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd just like to simply make an introduction if I could.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MR. COLWELL « » : In the east gallery we have Allison and Ronalda Woodworth, and I'd ask them to stand please, from Berwick, Nova Scotia. They've made history in the Province of Nova Scotia. In 1980, they were named the first-ever Outstanding Young Farmers for Canada.

Long-time apple and strawberry plant farmers and business people in the Berwick area, and now retired and enjoying retirement. It's also very special for me too because they're parents of my executive director Kyla Pierik, and I'd ask her to stand as well, and give them a warm welcome to the House. (Applause)

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

BATTLE OF THE ATL. CEREMONY (PICTOU LANDING):

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INVITATION - THANK

MR. TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, May 1^st, I had the honour of being a guest at the annual Battle of the Atlantic ceremony at Pictou Landing. It was an awe-inspiring moment watching Russell Mackinlay who served in the Battle of the Atlantic lay the anchor during the ceremony. To have served in and survived what is considered the longest and most important battle of the Second World War is something I certainly cannot imagine. I thank Bill Echlin of the Admiral Murray Naval Association and Chaplain Mike Simmons for including me and for all you do to preserve the memories and honour of those who fought in this important war to keep a free country. Thank you.

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

MCCARTHY HALL GALLERY: ARTISTS - CONGRATS.

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : Mr. Speaker, on May 9^th, the McCarthy Hall Gallery in Truro will open at the Nova Scotia Community College Campus. The show will feature the work of 13 artists from across Nova Scotia. Truro launched the Art Acquisition Program in 2006 in an effort to create and maintain a collection of art to reflect the unique and historic artistic development in my community of Truro.

During the opening, judges will announce one work of art that will be selected to be added to the Town of Truro's permanent art collection. I would like to congratulate all the talented artists who will showcase their work in Truro this month. They are truly a testament to the creative spirit that runs right across Nova Scotia. Thank you.

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

MCGEE, BETH - MCGEE'S CROSSING: RECOGNITION - CONGRATS.

MR. IAIN RANKIN « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize an honour bestowed upon Beth McGee for her outstanding commitment to community. Beth has made a huge contribution to the work of the Five Bridges Wilderness Heritage Trust over the years, forming countless partnerships and leading collaborations that led to the protection of the Five Bridges Lakes Wilderness Area. Beth's tireless efforts were publicly recognized at the Five Bridges Wilderness Heritage Trust 2016 AGM, when it was announced that the inner section where the Fire Road meets the Old Coach Road at the heart of the Five Bridges Lakes Wilderness Area would be named McGee's Crossing in her honour. I would like the members of this Nova Scotia House of Assembly to join me in congratulating Beth on this very special and well-deserved recognition. Thank you.

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

OXFORD FROZEN FOODS MAINSTAY AWARD

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HON. JAMIE BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, the Mainstay Awards recognize Nova Scotians and their companies who are leaders in promoting a safe workplace culture. This year Oxford Frozen Foods won the Safety Transformation Award. Oxford Frozen Foods strongly believes that nothing is more important than making sure that their employees return home safely after their shifts, and are in good health. To that end, this organization has invested heavily in improving its safety-related activities and the results have been amazing. Oxford Frozen Foods' management and employees have always stepped up and have committed to improving workplace safety. So, congratulations to Oxford Frozen Foods on their commitment to safety and their employees in receiving this important Mainstay Award. Thank you.

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

GOV'T. (N.S.) - PAY THE PIPER

HON. STERLING BELLIVEAU « » : Mr. Speaker, this Liberal Government has never paid the piper yet this same government has no problem spending $100 million on the Yarmouth ferry, a ferry that will carry no commercial traffic, a ferry that has nine blackout dates in the peak tourist season. This Liberal Government has no problem giving millions to Portland, Maine, to upgrade their terminals and putting many hard-working Americans to work. This government has no problem receiving not one nickel from the federal government for this international link. The proverb, whoever pays the piper is in charge, may be a poor example because Nova Scotians know that this government has never paid the piper, Pat Melanson, director of the Pipers Guild, based in Shelburne.

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

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: DIGBY AREA THEATRE SOC. - PRODUCTION

MR. GORDON WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of small-town community theatre companies, like our area's Digby Area Theatre Society, in bringing theatrical productions to our communities. Always trying to be innovative, the Digby troupe decided to stage a production, It's a Wonderful Life, last Christmas, with a twist. The twist - they presented this perennial Christmas favourite in a 1940's live radio program. Back in the day, these radio dramas were purely acoustic performances, often taped in front of an audience then broadcast on the radio. The most famous was the airing of Orson Welles' The War of the Worlds, which had people believing that Martians were invading New Jersey. Actors often played several parts, and sound effects were an integral part of the production.

For the members of the audience who remember gathering around the radio to listen to these dramas, the play invoked nice memories, and the younger players learned how people were entertained before Netflix and HBO. No matter if you're older or younger, it was a great start to the Christmas season. Well done to everyone involved.

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

SUTHERLAND, EVA:

AHEAD OF HAIR HEALTH & BEAUTY RETREAT - ANNIV. (30^th)

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : I am pleased to rise to congratulate Eva Sutherland on the 30^th Anniversary of her business, Ahead of Hair Health and Beauty Retreat, on May 6, 2016.

At the young age of 19, Eva seized the opportunity to purchase a small hair salon in Pictou. As a result of Eva's entrepreneurial spirit, keen business sense and hard work, the small hair salon evolved into a full-service spa and boutique. The warm and friendly atmosphere created by Eva and her team of professionals at Ahead of Hair attracts clients from all over Pictou County and beyond. During this time, Eva has also raised two amazing children, Craig and Kayla.

I congratulate Eva on the 30^th Anniversary of her thriving business. She is a true success story.

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

QUICK AS A WINK THEATRE SOC.

- COMMUN. PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

MR. CHUCK PORTER « » : I'd like to acknowledge the Quick as a Wink Theatre Society for their newest initiatives, the Community Partnership Opportunity and Pay It Forward programs.

The society selected New Boundaries as the first recipient for their new programs and presented 65 tickets to Executive Director Marilyn Thomas. Clients and employees of New Boundaries, many of whom have not seen a live performance before, were treated to a preview presentation of Annie on January 14, 2016, before opening night on January 15^th. The Community Partnership Opportunity program allows businesses to buy blocks of tickets, while the Pay It Forward program allows citizens to purchase an extra ticket or two. These gifted tickets are pooled together and awarded to a community group who wouldn't normally attend live theatre.

I would like to invite all members of this House of Assembly to thank the Quick as a Wink Theatre Society for offering this opportunity to those who may not otherwise get to see a live performance.

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

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CLARKE, MAYOR CECIL: CBRM - PATH OF CHANGE

HON. PAT DUNN « » : I stand in my place today to speak about a former colleague of this House, Cecil Clarke. Mr. Clarke is a former Speaker of this House of Assembly, and a Government House Leader. He served as Minister of Economic Development, Minister of Energy, Attorney General, and Minister of Justice.

Mayor Clarke and his council members, representing the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, have been focused towards a path of change. Their main goal is to make the area the most business- and development-friendly unit in Atlantic Canada.

I wish Mayor Clarke great success as he continues to strive and work towards his number one priority - job creation and creating a stronger economy for the area he proudly represents.

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

MCLATCHY, ALEXA - CARNEGIE AWARD

MR. BEN JESSOME « » : I'd like to offer my congratulations to Alexa McLatchy of Sir John A. Macdonald High School, who was awarded the Herbert H. Carnegie Future Aces Citizenship Award and Scholarship for her extensive community service work and volunteerism in the Hammonds Plains-Lucasville community.

Future Aces strives to "inspire and assist youth to become the best they can be as responsible, respectful, peaceful, confident and caring citizens," traits that are easily found in this driven young woman. Alexa is one of 60 national recipients of the award and the lone Nova Scotian to be awarded this prestigious honour.

I'd like to extend my sincere congratulations to Alexa on her accomplishment and have the House recognize her outstanding humanitarian efforts in the Hammonds Plains-Lucasville community and beyond. It is with great pride that I offer well wishes to Alexa on her next step as she begins her university career in the Fall.

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

ANDREWS, LISA - TREASURE HOUSE SOUP KITCHEN

MR. JOHN LOHR « » : I rise today to acknowledge a most deserving woman. Lisa Andrews organizes and runs the Treasure House Soup Kitchen in Kentville. It operates two days a week from St. Joseph's Catholic Church and at the Kentville Recreation Centre.

Individuals, including the homeless and the lonely, working poor, seniors, and people suffering from mental illness use the service weekly.

[Page 8878]

Lisa also organizes the Community Christmas Dinner, where she oversees hundreds of volunteers who work behind the scenes to make the dinner a success for over 150 people. The event includes the meal, music and festivities, a visit from a special fellow and, of course, gifts.

Lisa's work to help those less fortunate is commendable. Please join me in expressing our appreciation for her kindness, and wishing her continued success in her endeavours.

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

Truth & Reconciliation Commn. - Calls to Action

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : We have yet to hear from this Liberal Government on the provincial Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action. Provinces across Canada are living up to the landmark report released last year, but Nova Scotia is lagging behind.

These calls to action are not difficult. They just require the political will to act. When the TRC released its report, Justice Murray Sinclair stated, "Reconciliation is about forging and maintaining respectful relationships. There are no shortcuts."

Mr. Speaker, there are no shortcuts to acting on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action. Our province's First Nations communities deserve more from this government.

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

DAUPHINEE, MOYLE - BIRTHDAY (71^st)

MS. SUZANNE LOHNES-CROFT « » : Mr. Speaker, today I rise to wish one of my constituents a very happy birthday. He is no ordinary man, no, not by a longshot. You could even say Moyle Ronald Dauphinee of Lower Northfield is kind of a big shot. He has a way of making those around him feel like big shots too. He has an outlook on life that few of us do and most of us should have.

If you know Moyle, and most people do on the South Shore, you know that he is always wearing a smile, and his smile is infectious. If you don't hear him on the local radio station wishing someone a happy birthday, he may be at the Turkey Burger or he may be working outside on his farm. Regardless of where he is, you can rest assured he is happy and he is making someone else happy.

Today, wherever he is, I'm sure he is wearing his special hardhat, affixed with antlers and feathers, and getting many, many well-wishes on his 71^st birthday. He truly is a big shot.

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Mr. Speaker, I ask all members of the House to join me in wishing Moyle Dauphinee a very happy birthday.

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

The Phantoms: Music - Celebration

MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, for 50 years The Phantoms have been the soundtrack for some great memories. The rock band from Cheticamp has entertained generations of people throughout Inverness County and beyond.

The original members started as four teenagers: Clarence LeLièvre, Sylvia LeLièvre, Marcel LeFort, and the late Simon Joe Larade. The band's first performance was at the Halloween school dance in October 1966. Who knew they were starting something that would last 50 years?

Over the years the band has counted more than 25 different band members. On the weekend of July 29^th to July 31^st this summer, there will be a celebration of the music of The Phantoms. Almost all of those one-time band members will take to the stage at the Cheticamp Arena.

Let us thank the Phantoms for their contribution to the good times in the lives we live here in Nova Scotia.

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

Emergency Preparedness Wk.:

First Responders (Alberta/N.S.) - Work Recognize

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, given what is currently happening in Fort McMurray, it is important to remind ourselves that it is Emergency Preparedness Week in Nova Scotia. Emergencies can hit without notice, and the shocking images coming from our fellow Canadians and community members in Alberta remind Nova Scotians to know the risks, make a plan, and build a kit.

Mr. Speaker, in light of Emergency Preparedness Week, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the tremendous, brave work of first responders in Alberta and here at home who work around the clock, putting their safety and health at risk to keep us all safe.

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

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Munro Academy: Renewable Energy - Commitment

MS. PAM EYKING « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Munro Academy students Alex Whyte and Christy Davis and teacher Leslie Donovan, who had the opportunity to represent their school in the United Arab Emirates in January.

As winners of the Zayed Future Energy Prize Global High Schools $70,000 prize for 2014, Munro Academy was invited to attend the announcement of the 2015 prize winners in Abu Dhabi in a mentoring role.

The Zayed Future Energy Prize celebrates achievements that reflect impact, innovation, long-term vision, and leadership in renewable energy and sustainability. Along with numerous solar panels, Munro Academy recently had a 48-foot hopper installed to store wood pellets for the school's outdoor biomass furnace.

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate all the students and staff of Munro Academy on their commitment to renewable energy.

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

Miller, Cecile et al: Little Dresses for Africa - Acknowledge

MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, Little Dresses for Africa protects young girls by sending a message that they are being cared for and protected by large organizations. Many are orphans, living in countries where AIDS continues to take the lives of their parents.

St. Patrick's CWL in North East Margaree gets together every Monday afternoon to create dresses to support this cause. Although the little girls need this clothing, they also need a message to be sent to anyone who might try to exploit their vulnerable position. They may have lost their parents, but they are loved and watched closely by people around the planet. The work of the St. Patrick's CWL is making a difference, it is a powerful example of the love created by people who share their faith with others.

Let us acknowledge Cecile Miller, Lorraine Fraser, Sheila Fortune, Helen Godreau, Kaye Hannigan, Mary Burton, Cathy Miller, and Margaret Miller, for generously donating their time and talent to help these children.

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

Health & Wellness: Queens-Shelburne - ER Closure

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HON. STERLING BELLIVEAU « » : Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Health and Wellness has had the pleasure of me listing off the more than 500 hours that the Roseway ER has been closed since he came to Queens-Shelburne to announce the plan to end the closures. He has heard that for more than 500 hours the people of my community have been left without emergency health care. The Minister of Health and Wellness may not like what he has to hear, but he cannot ignore the fact that he made the commitment to the community, and we are not seeing any less ER closures.

Mr. Speaker, I hope the Minister of Health and Wellness has been listening and will finally take action.

Mr. Speaker, to be continued.

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

Ewert, Bruce/L'Acadie Vineyards: Wine Production - Thank

MR. KEITH IRVING « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the exceptional quality of wines, and particularly sparkling wines, produced by Mr. Bruce Ewert, winemaker and owner of L'Acadie Vineyards in the Gaspereau Valley.

In 2008 L'Acadie Vineyards released the first traditional method sparkling wine in Nova Scotia, and has garnered national and international accolades ever since. The 2011 Cuvée Rosé received the Lieutenant Governor's Award of Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines, and the 2010 Prestige Brut Estate won silver at the prestigious international competition Effervescents du Monde 2015.

L'Acadie Vineyards is the first certified organic vineyard and winery in the province, and Mr. Ewert is a regional leader in encouraging others to grow organically; environmental initiatives are a hallmark of his business.

On behalf of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly, I would like to congratulate Mr. Ewert and L'Acadie Vineyards for their dedication to producing exceptional, unique, and high-quality Nova Scotia wines from 100 per cent Nova Scotian grapes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Brown, Philip: Commun./N.S./Can. - Contributions

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MR. JOHN LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, Philip Brown of Kentville is a decorated athlete. Philip has been involved with the Special Olympics for 23 years, both as an athlete and as a representative of our province and our nation.

He has won 116 medals in seven different sports. Philip's favourite sports are powerlifting and speed skating. Philip's positive attitude is infectious. He is willing to help whenever he is needed; is well respected by all; and has been called "one in a million." As an ambassador, Philip represented the Nova Scotia Law Enforcement Torch Run team at the 2013 World Special Olympic Games in South Korea - 1 of only 10 athletes from around the world selected.

Please join me in thanking Phil for his contributions to his community, his province, and his country.

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

Income Disparity - Gov't. Action

MS. MARIAN MANCINI « » : Mr. Speaker, in a recent report published by Statistics Canada, it shows that the new Canadian income trend is that the rich in our country are better able to hold on to their wealth, and the poor are more likely to remain poor.

According to Statistics Canada, less Canadians are able to move up the income ladder, and that jumps made between income levels are much smaller than in previous decades. Mr. Speaker, growing income inequality will be an ongoing challenge unless governments take bold and positive steps to lift people out of poverty.

Mr. Speaker, all Nova Scotians are looking forward to this government taking meaningful steps to address our widening income disparity.

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

Asthma Awareness Mo. (05/16): Severity - Awareness

MR. STEPHEN GOUGH « » : Mr. Speaker, Malique Gregory Smith, age 8, of Middle Sackville, passed away suddenly on Monday, March 28^th, as a result of an acute asthma attack. At the funeral it was stated that Malique said "Mommy, I don't feel good." After those five devastating words, the lives of the Smith family changed forever.

Malique was an energetic, loving, 8-year-old boy who was loved by his parents, twin sisters, Kasey and Kyla, and as I am sure everyone can appreciate, his passing has been devastating for his entire family and friends.

Mr. Speaker, May is Asthma Awareness Month, and as we consider those affected by this debilitating disease, let us be aware that asthma for some can be fatal. Thank you.

[Page 8883]

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

Williams, Hannah: Univ. of Maine - Softball Achievements

MR. TIM HOUSTON « » : Park Falls native Hannah Williams is a big deal in the small town of Presque Isle, Maine. Personal preference for a small school led Hannah to the University of Maine, where she's working toward a B.Sc. in physical education. Hannah is second on the school's softball team in hitting, with a .383 average in 107 at-bats for the Owls, who are gunning for their first-ever berth in a national championship. A former North Nova grad who helped the Gryphons win a provincial softball championship in 2015, she is enjoying the intensity of the program, and the people of Pictou County know how lucky the Owls are to have her.

Keep up the good work, Hannah. We are cheering for you.

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

Grant, Mark: Paws for Reading - Commend

MS. JOYCE TREEN « » : Therapeutic Paws of Canada is a non-profit organization that uses therapy dogs to give back to communities. Mark Grant is the team lead of the Halifax TPOC, and is happy to be part of an important part of the Paws Fur Reading program that the Halifax libraries host. Paws Fur Reading is a program available at the Woodlawn Public Library. Children can read with a therapy dog, and exposure to these dogs has been proven to help those struggling with reading. During the Big Book Bonanza I hosted in January, Mark, along with a reading therapy dog named Bentley and his handler, Jamie, made time to come out and show off Bentley's love of reading with children.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to join me in commending Mr. Grant for finding ways to show our children the joy of reading, and Bentley for lending a paw.

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

Pictou Co. Gymnastics Club - Atl. Cdn. Championships

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : The Pictou County gymnastics club had seven athletes compete at the Atlantic Canadian Championships that took place in St. John's, Newfoundland. Brady Kennedy, Andrew Fraser, Nathan Gerrior, Patrick Minehan, Maddie MacIntyre, Josie Conrad, and Lindsey Wilson should all be extremely proud of their accomplishments as they all experienced a personal best in at least one category. Combined, they brought home seven gold, six silver, four bronze medals, and several ribbons.

[Page 8884]

The Pictou club is a newer club, having only been in operation for six years. Head coach is Wendy Cruikshank. Mr. Speaker, I applaud these gymnasts for their hard work physically and mentally training for the championships. They represent Pictou County and Nova Scotia proudly.

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

Wellington Inner Strength Taekwondo Acad.:

Medals - Congrats.

MR. BILL HORNE « » : I rise today to congratulate members of the Wellington Inner Strength Taekwondo Academy. Rachel Spicer, Noah Gillis, and Emma Bennett took home bronze medals at the Canada Open G-1 event. The event took place in Montreal with 900 athletes from 29 countries. Fellow students from the Inner Strength Taekwondo Academy continued the success at the Nova Scotia Provincials, taking home 20 medals in sparring: 14 gold, five silver, and one bronze. Members now have their sights on the 10^th Atlantic Canada Taekwondo Games taking place at Gordon R. Snow Community Centre in Fall River on June 4^th.

Please join me in congratulating this group of talented individuals and wishing them the best at the Atlantic Canada Games in June.

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

MOTHER'S DAY - FAM. CELEBRATIONS

HON. LENA DIAB « » : I rise today in honour of Sunday, Mother's Day. I wish to publicly acknowledge how grateful I am to have my most amazing mother, Houda, who has nurtured me and guided me every step I have taken from birth to today. My mom has helped me raise my four wonderful children. Every Sunday, all my siblings, their spouses, and children, and now two great-grandchildren, gather for dinner of a home-cooked meal, lots of laughter, and much interesting conversations.

I wish all members of the House of Assembly a wonderful weekend as they break bread and celebrate Mother's Day with their families.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The time allotted for members' statements has almost expired as we get ready to move on to Oral Questions Put by Members to Ministers.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

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ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS TO MINISTERS

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

TIR: FERRY TERMINAL (ME) - UPGRADE COST

HON. JAMIE BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. Sydney has a terminal, they take cruise ships there. They are looking for financial help so they can expand the terminal and have a second cruise ship dock at the same time. That would mean more jobs for Sydney; it would mean more tourists for Cape Breton Island.

Mr. Speaker, there are many ports and wharves across this province, including along the South Shore and the North Shore, that could sure use some financial help in upgrading their own facilities but, instead, the Premier has decided to pay the City of Portland so they can upgrade their terminal.

Mr. Speaker, Nova Scotians are wondering how much of their tax money is going to go to the City of Portland, so I would like to ask the Premier, how much are Nova Scotia taxpayers expected to pay to upgrade the terminal in Portland, Maine?

THE PREMIER » : I want to thank the honourable member for his question. I want to thank all those communities across Nova Scotia the honourable member referred to - the Port of Sydney, Halifax, but there are many fishing ports across this province that are doing a remarkable job of growing the economy of rural economy.

The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture has done a tremendous job working with the colleagues across there to insure that we're getting the proper value for that lobster that is coming across; it's an important piece, Mr. Speaker.

We're looking forward to the continued growth in rural communities from those ports. We're going to continue to work with our national partner to make sure that we get the appropriate amount of funding that can come into our province to enhance those ports, and we're also looking forward to that international link to Portland, bringing American tourists into this province to continue to grow our tourism operators.

MR. BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, one can only imagine how frustrated the people are who run those ports, who work at those terminals, who want to grow the economy of the Province of Nova Scotia and who need help to do that, when they see the Premier signing a deal where our tax money goes to upgrade a terminal in Portland, Maine.

Even beyond that, Mr. Speaker, I know they are going to be shocked to find that among the costs that we're being asked to cover is tax advice for Bay Ferries, the private operator the government has contracted with. The irony, that we're paying at least $100 million over 10 years to a company and then giving them money for tax advice so they can lower their own taxes, is not lost on them.

[Page 8886]

Why did the Premier sign a deal where we pay for the tax advice of Bay Ferries?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal and the work he has been doing to ensure that that international link is there to bring American tourists. Last year we had a tremendous increase in tourism across the province, and we're looking forward to continuing to grow that sector.

I do also want to comment, the honourable member referred to community wharves across this province. I've stood on many of those community wharves, Mr. Speaker, and let me tell you, the fishermen in those communities are not pessimists, they are optimistic about the future.

MR. BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, I remain eternally optimistic that the Premier will someday answer one of these questions, because he is spending taxpayers' money doing all these things but he won't tell them how much.

I am sure they are optimistic that someday he'll answer a question, too, because I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, that where I am travelling on those same wharves, they're very frustrated that they can't get financial help but that their tax money is going to pay for a terminal in Portland, Maine, along with the bank charges and the terminal wages in Portland, and the onboard Wi-Fi, and the printers at the office, and everything else to infinity apparently, because the government won't tell us what's the cap on any expense that is not too great to pay to Bay Ferries.

Mr. Speaker, we know what taxpayers are on the hook for. Will the Premier please tell us, is there any expense that Bay Ferries is on the hook for?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. Again, I want to go back to remind him I'm looking forward to welcoming American tourists to the Province of Nova Scotia. Not only will it improve the economy of southwestern Nova Scotia, but indeed all across the province.

I am encouraged by the high level of confidence small business owners in this province have; I am encouraged by youth employment being up; I am encouraged by the population growth; and I am encouraged by the fact that we're getting real value, the proper value, for our lobster across this province.

We continue to move forward; we know there's lots of work to do, and I'm very encouraged by the fact that Nova Scotians want to work with us to make that happen.

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

[Page 8887]

Prem.: Fall River Quarry - Liberal Gov't. Involvement

MS. MARIAN MANCINI « » : The local councillor for Fall River has made an allegation against the Premier's Office regarding the Fall River quarry. In a recent interview the councillor said: "Do we know that the Liberal Government at the top level is involved in this quarry making decision? Yes, we've been aware of that for a long time." I'll table that.

My question to the Premier is, can he respond to this allegation made by the local councillor?

THE PREMIER « » : I want to thank the honourable member for the question. I believe what she is referring to, the member referred to a letter that came from the Leader of the Official Opposition's Office when I happened to be the Leader of the Official Opposition, Mr. Speaker, which was before I was the Premier.

That letter said that there's a process and that process will be followed like every quarry across this province gets cited, Mr. Speaker, it goes through an appropriate process. I have not been involved in that process.

I thank the honourable member for the opportunity to clarify that misinformation that has been floating around, an improper allegation that somehow, that letter which was dated long before I became Premier, is effected when I was the Premier of this province. Thank you.

MS. MANCINI « » : Mr. Speaker, an article published in the Laker contains some email dialogue between a government staffer and the former Environment Minister, the member for Dartmouth East.

In these emails the staffer uses expletives and is critical of the Fall River Councillor. He also accuses the MLA for Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank of, ". . . putting [the councillor] up to things because he is mad." My question to the Premier is, was he was aware of the ongoing dialogue?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, again I want to thank the honourable member for the question. That dialogue came to my office. I saw that just recently in the very article that she's referring to. That member she is referring was not staff in the Premier's Office, he worked in the Opposition office at the time. He has since called the councillor, to my understanding, to have a conversation with him. That is one piece of that entire dialogue, which seems to happen. Little bits of conversations get slid out, instead of the entire conversation, to put context around it. We look forward to putting it into context and I'll ensure that you get the entire conversation.

[Page 8888]

Mr. Speaker, I also want to reference - she referenced the MLA from Fall River, I want to congratulate him. He stood in my office and talked to me about that, and I want to tell you what I told him: stand with the people in your community, is what I said to the honourable member and that's exactly what he's doing; he's standing with the people of his community.

MS. MANCINI « » : Mr. Speaker, the Fall River quarry issue has been a sensitive one for local residents. We do now have accusations of interference from the highest level of government and knowledge of rather heated exchanges behind the scenes. This can only add to the intensity of the situation. I appreciate the Premier's comments in terms of providing more detail and perspective on that, in answering the question, but I would like to know further to that, what is he going to do to address this issue?

THE PREMIER « » : Again, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. I want to tell her again at no time, since being the Premier or before, was I involved in that quarry. The reality of it is, the honourable member who represents that riding has continued to stand with his community, and continues to make sure that he's representing the community's interest across this province. I've encouraged him to do so, I continue to encourage him at every step of the way, to make sure that the views of his constituents are represented. He will make the decision as he has done, to make sure and to continually represent his constituency in the most honourable way.

I want to congratulate him and I want to thank him for working with our government, and I want to really congratulate him to do what every member should do - always stand with the people who elect you and bring you to this House. That's why he's been standing with those that are opposed to that quarry, Mr. Speaker. There is a process to go through; they will go through that process; the end result will be determined by someone else, not by me.

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

Prem.: Hidden Tax Increase - Budget Creep

HON. JAMIE BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, recently the Conference Board confirmed what all Nova Scotians know all too well, and that is that we pay among the highest taxes in all of Canada. What Nova Scotians are going to be surprised to see is that the current government's budget contains a hidden tax increase due to bracket creep. This is something the Premier opposed when he was in Opposition, but he seems all too happy to reap the benefits of this hidden tax increase now.

I'd like to ask the Premier, how much is the hidden tax increase worth in this year's budget due to bracket creep?

[Page 8889]

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. I don't know whether he was Chief of Staff when his Premier decoupled that, I'm not sure whether he was there at the time or not, but, I do want to tell all Nova Scotians how proud I am of the hard work they've been doing with this government to bring us back to fiscal stability.

Mr. Speaker, we're seeing really positive signs with youth employment being up. We're seeing business confidence up, we're seeing our population grow. As I said yesterday, we have a surplus of $17 million. It's not time to pop the champagne cork, there's lots of hard work to continue to do. We're going to continue to work with the optimistic Nova Scotians who are supporting this government, who are investing their own money to create jobs so that we can provide the services Nova Scotia wants, and so we can deal with the unfair taxes that are before our province. But we have to do it in a systematic, sustainable way.

MR. BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, if the Premier were so confident in his own budget, he would honestly and directly answer the question: how much is the hidden tax increase in this year's budget? But he didn't - something he used to oppose.

The fact of the matter is, we know the amount. It is $22.5 million in income tax increases on the backs of Nova Scotians, and the Premier did not tell them in an upfront way - something he used to oppose. His entire pretend surplus and more is accounted for by a personal income tax increase on the backs of those very Nova Scotians who are asked to pay for the Yarmouth ferry and asked to pay for all these other things. Now they have to pay more in taxes too.

Why is the Premier banking on $22.5 million in personal income tax increases instead of keeping his promise to do away with bracket creep, as he told the people before?

THE PREMIER « » : I want to thank the honourable member for the question. Again, I want to thank all those Nova Scotians who are believing in this province, who are investing their hard-earned money to create job opportunity and to create economic opportunities, allowing us to continue to stabilize the public services they require.

That's why we have invested in public education. That is why in this budget we are investing in child care to ensure that child care workers get paid the appropriate amount of money while we deal with the subsidy, working with vulnerable Nova Scotians to ensure that we are providing them with the things they deserve.

Just imagine where this province would be if Nova Scotians had swallowed his idea of cutting a billion dollars in taxes. We would be like Newfoundland and Labrador.

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

[Page 8890]

Prem.: Labour Negotiations - Update

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. We have heard very little over the last little while about the government's ongoing labour negotiations. Teachers, health care workers, and Public Service workers have been without a contract for months now, so I was wondering if the Premier could give us an update on the government's ongoing negotiations with the public sector workers here in Nova Scotia.

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, as the honourable member would know, they're at the bargaining table negotiating with teachers and the Public Service. We are hoping the Public Service Union will take the deal to the members that they agreed to back to their members, and give them an opportunity to have a say in that. We're continuing to look forward to bringing some of those negotiations to a conclusion. We are optimistic about what we are hearing that is coming from the table, and we look forward to getting positive results for the people of Nova Scotia.

MR. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, in the last two years, this government has introduced a string of bills that have curbed workers' rights in Nova Scotia. These bills have raised serious concerns about the government's willingness to participate in good-faith bargaining with our union members. We have now seen and been presented with a budget that assumes an unnegotiated wage pattern. The relationship between the government and the public sector worker has been damaged over the last couple of years.

I would like to ask the Premier, what is he doing to rebuild the trust between the government and the public sector workers so that these workers can believe the government is willing to negotiate in good faith?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. I believe public sector workers across this province recognize that we all have a role to play in ensuring that we get this province back to fiscal health. He would know the issues around the agreements was never about the money. He would know his union leaders across this province, representing every union, have said it was not about the money; it was about the process. We are improving the process for them.

We are encouraged by the fact that they realize there are some difficult challenges, but let me tell you, not a single public servant under our government has lost anything. We have told them the growth they have been enjoying under the NDP Government was unsustainable for this province. We have to have the ability to negotiate and provide salary increases that reflect Nova Scotia's ability to pay.

I want to remind the honourable member that when he was the Minister of Health and Wellness he took away paramedics' right to strike. We have not taken anything away. We have just said everyone is going to play a role in getting this province back to fiscal health, and they have a role to play as well.

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Health & Wellness: Physician Shortage

- Health Authority RESPONSE

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

MR. TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. Often, in this Chamber, when we ask the minister about health care delivery, he says it is the responsibility of the health authority. He passes it off. We are told that the health authority is responsible, that they are in charge of administering care.

Well, there is a 90-year-old woman in Pictou County who is looking for a family doctor and after speaking with the Health Authority, they told her that she should reach out to her MLA to see if her MLA can find her a doctor.

I asked the Health and Wellness Minister this morning, what does he say to the Health Authority when they're sending patients looking for family doctors back to MLAs?

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, just this week I met with Dr. Lynne Harrigan who is assembling a team for the entire province to do recruitment, but in particular to target areas like Pictou, like Digby, areas that have current challenges. I am convinced that with the amount of recruiting that has taken place just since January of this year, we'll be at a better place when the new doctors start in July and August of this year.

MR. HOUSTON « » : Hopefully one of those doctors who will start in July or August will be in Pictou County because the Health Authority used to maintain a list of people that were looking for a doctor and they would help them find one. I think they might have run out of ink because the list is probably too long. They are not even maintaining it anymore and now the Health Authority is saying, we don't know what to do, go talk to your MLA.

We have a situation where the system is so overburdened that health care professionals are forced to use political pressure to try to get this government to accept the problem. I just ask the minister, can he tell us when there may be some hope for the people of Pictou County that this doctor shortage in our area might be resolved?

MR. GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, I know what is taking place in the zones across the province is that when a doctor gets sick and leaves his practice suddenly or retires on very short notice, there is a list that people can call, there's a number on the website they can call, get the name on the list so that the next available doctor can take on some of those patients who are without a doctor.

I know this is happening very, very smoothly in the western zone. We had a doctor leave without 24-hour notice. Those lists, people put their names on the list and it worked very smoothly.

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

Energy: Mar. Link Proj. (C.B.) - Layoffs

MR. EDDIE ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Energy. Emera Newfoundland has confirmed that at least some workers on the Maritime Link project in Cape Breton are being laid off after one of its major contractors filed for bankruptcy protection. Two weeks ago the company was unable to meet its payroll but has since paid its employees. This is no way to manage a project of this magnitude.

My question to the minister is, has the minister reached out to see how many people are going to be laid off and when?

HON. MICHEL SAMSON » : Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the question. Obviously this is being run by Emera who is responsible for this project. It's always unfortunate when you hear talk of layoffs. My understanding is that the amount of employees under this particular contractor is around 31. As to how many will be faced with layoffs, it is unclear at the moment.

It is my understanding there are some other contractors who are coming into the project, as well, and they have indicated to us that the project will be completed on time and on budget.

MR. ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, our fear is that the project is in serious jeopardy. The entire Muskrat Falls project is now delayed and it is way over budget. Now people are worried about the Maritime Link portion, there are many red flags going up.

Again my question to the minister is, what are they doing to see that this project does not fall behind schedule and/or over budget?

MR. SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, as I've said before, the interest that Emera has is in the Maritime Link. That is on time and it is on budget, which we are very proud of, especially knowing some of the challenges that are being encountered with the Muskrat Falls portion of the project in Newfoundland and Labrador.

We keep in touch with Emera. They have assured us again that contractors are being brought in to take care of this work. We are watching to see as to how many may be faced with layoffs but there may be opportunities for those employees to pick up work with other contractors. But again, they have assured us that the Maritime Link portion of this project is on time and on budget.

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

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Justice - Hair-Strand Testing: Cases - Review

MS. MARIAN MANCINI « » : Mr. Speaker, yesterday I asked the Minister of Justice to address the issue of not reviewing closed child welfare cases that used hair-strand drug testing as evidence in the family courts, a method of testing deemed scientifically unreliable. Instead of addressing this issue, the minister asked me to move on to my second question because she was not able to answer it. The minister is solely responsible for matters of justice in Nova Scotia.

I will ask the minister once again and hope she can provide Nova Scotians with the answer, why does she believe it is acceptable to not review cases where the faulty testing was at issue?

HON. DIANA WHALEN » : I appreciate the opportunity to answer the question on another occasion. I was able to get more information after the question was asked yesterday. I think what's most important is that I was told that the Justice Department has no legal authority or expertise to review child welfare cases.

MS. MANCINI « » : In Ontario, where the same testing was used and the exact same lab used by Nova Scotia, the Ministry of the Attorney General has created a commission, led by family law experts, to review thousands of cases where faulty and unreliable testing was used. I believe the minister is abdicating responsibility on this issue, which is an issue of potential injustice to Nova Scotians. I will ask the minister to commit today to reviewing all court cases where hair-strand testing was used in child welfare cases.

MS. WHALEN « » : Mr. Speaker, further to my first answer, it's important to know that on a case-by-case basis, we will review those cases if somebody comes forward and asks for that or if it's ordered by a judge.

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

IMMIGRATION: "N.S. DEMAND: EXPRESS ENTRY" - PROG. CLOSURE

MR. ANDREW YOUNGER « » : My question is for the Minister of Immigration. In December 2014, she announced a new immigration stream called Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry, and I'll table that. It targeted needed skills in the province but avoided some of the hurdles that existed in other streams. Despite a number of press releases since about other new streams in immigration, the website now says that this is not accepting applications anymore. When was the decision made to close this program, and when will it be re-opened?

HON. LENA DIAB « » : I really, really want to thank the member opposite for asking the very first immigration question in this period, because I really do believe that immigration is a great priority for our province and indeed this country. So I appreciate that very much. It also gives me an opportunity to thank very much all these volunteers and wonderful people in Nova Scotia who have supported the refugee effort that we've been doing and the staff at the Office of Immigration and all our settlement partners who have been working very, very hard on this. In terms of immigration, I would be happy to answer that. I'll let you ask me the second question. Go ahead. (Interruptions)

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MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The member for Dartmouth East has the floor.

MR. YOUNGER « » : Mr. Speaker, I have a friend who calls the first hour of Legislature congratulatory hour, and Question Period is quickly becoming congratulatory hour.

The most recent release about the streams appears on January 6^th, and doesn't mention closing this particular stream. I guess what I want to know is, this stream had a unique quality in that highly skilled immigrants could apply to this stream, especially those who might be in research and scientists and who had experience in Canada but were in a Catch-22 of not being able to sign on to a full-time job without permanent residency. Now this stream appears to be closed.

With no other stream with this combination, why has this stream been shut down, and why was a warning not given that it was being shut down?

MS. DIAB « » : Indeed, in 2015, we launched two express entry systems to reflect the processing system that the federal government started, Nova Scotia Demand, which you've alluded to, and Nova Scotia Experience, both of which we're very proud of. Nova Scotia Experience is the first one that was launched in this country specifically to deal with international students and temporary foreign workers. The uptake has been remarkable.

When you talk about the Nova Scotia Demand stream, we've got thousands of applications. We have not closed it. We've put it on hold for a little bit of time in order to review the many, many applications that we have, but it's certainly not closed and we will definitely be coming back to it.

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

Health & Wellness - Valley Reg.: Dialysis Unit - Time Frame

MR. JOHN LOHR « » : My question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. Those on dialysis in the Valley face the daunting challenge of travelling three or four times each week to Halifax for a four- to six-hour dialysis treatment. They cannot drive themselves; they need a driver. When my friend, who unfortunately needs dialysis, was trying to figure out how he was going to do this, he was told, "Move to Halifax."

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My question for the minister is, can the Minister of Health and Wellness tell this House and the citizens of the Valley when they can expect a dialysis unit at Valley Regional, or does the minister also advise "Move to Halifax"?

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, first of all, I need to remind the member and all Nova Scotians that we have an outstanding provincial renal dialysis program that has made great progress.

Recently the Premier and I met with the provincial renal dialysis program to look at what our next move should be, both in terms of major sites involving Kentville and Bridgewater, but more, in particular, some possible satellite locations.

MR. LOHR « » : I thank the minister for that answer. This government committed to dialysis in the Valley in a December 2013 press release, which I will read. It says, "Patients in Halifax, Kentville, Bridgewater and Dartmouth will have better access to dialysis treatment with a $5 million investment in 2014-15." I'll table that.

The current capital plan - and I hesitate to table your own capital plan, but I will - calls for a dialysis unit at Valley Regional Hospital, under Buildings (Other) on Page 6.

My question for the minister is, given those two written commitments, can the minister confirm that this year's capital plan will be honoured with a dialysis unit built at Valley Regional Hospital this year?

MR. GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, what I can convey to the member for Kings North is that money is now set aside for design of the dialysis unit. We're also, however, looking at the whole program to see what our main priorities should be. We know that people of the Valley are currently well-served through the dialysis unit in Berwick, but again, I can tell the member we continue to work with the provincial program.

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

TIR: Englishtown Ferry - Shutdown

MR. EDDIE ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. The Englishtown ferry service was shut down for major repairs on Wednesday. The department's spokesperson said it requires extensive repairs to its hydraulic system. Only a year and a half ago, the ferry went through a more than $1 million refit, which was also to fix the hydraulic system.

My question to the minister is, what is causing the obstructions in the hydraulic tubes and how much are these repairs expected to cost?

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HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the question. I don't know if I can define extensive work on the hydraulic system, but this is actually a flush, so it's taking down and stripping down all the components of the hydraulic system to change up some of the gearing and do a lot of the flush work. That's what this is.

At this point, the estimated cost is going to be $40,000. Thank you.

MR. ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank the minister for that answer. The minister's department is saying the repairs will take no longer than two weeks to complete. Last time, the service repairs were way behind schedule and way over budget.

Does the minister commit that the ferry will be back in service on May 18^th, before the long weekend?

MR. MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, again with this flush work we anticipate - in all honesty, we hope - that it will be less than the two weeks, but we're obviously giving ourselves a window to make sure that we don't go over that time.

Every indication from the department and the folks on the ground doing the work is that it will be within that two-week time frame. Obviously our duty is to communicate to the public, so if there are any changes in that, if it is sooner, then we'll get that out.

We certainly endeavour to get that done before the long weekend. We're going to do our very best, and hope that we can stay within that two-week window. Thank you.

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

LAE - Minimum Wage Raise: Poverty - Effect

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, poverty is a serious problem in Nova Scotia, with ramifications both on a personal and public level. Lives are damaged by the impact of poverty. It affects health, education, and the capacity for productive and fulfilled lives. Tax dollars are spent, and indeed should be spent, to provide basic assistance for people living in poverty. Of children living in poverty, 40 per cent live in a family with at least one full-time, full-year worker, who in many cases earns minimum wage, which is currently at $10.70 an hour, up 10 cents from last year.

I'd like to ask the Minister of Labour and Advanced Education, would she agree that raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour is an effective way to reduce poverty?

HON. KELLY REGAN « » : I'd like to thank the honourable member for the question and point out to him that the current format for changing the minimum wage is with the Minimum Wage Review Committee, which sits annually. This is a process that was set up under the NDP Government. There were a number of fairly rapid increases in the minimum wage during that time.

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One of the things I did hear at that time was that some small business owners found it very difficult to meet that big change quickly and, in fact, ended up not hiring people at that time because of the rapid increase, so any change in the minimum wage of course has to balance both of those concerns.

MR. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm glad to be part of a government that brought in that committee. Prior to that, Liberal and Progressive Conservative Governments raised the minimum wage right before an election so it's great to see that committee working, but it doesn't address the issues.

The minister claimed in a previous question that employment could drop under an increase in the minimum wage. In fact, Mr. Speaker, in 2014 a report states that stimulating purchasing power is the most important way to support job creation, and increasing the minimum wage has no effect on the employment.

I'd like to ask the minister, does the minister agree that raising the minimum wage will bring a badly needed boost to the economy of Nova Scotia?

MS. REGAN « » : I'd like to thank the honourable member for that question, and perhaps he could let us know what report that came from.

I would point out that while there is increased buying power when minimum wage goes up, it also has an effect on the wages above minimum wage, so any time you increase the minimum wage you often see a multiplier effect on positions that are above minimum wage, so anything like that would have to be taken into account.

I would point that the Minimum Wage Review Committee meets annually and is made up of equal numbers of members from employers and employees, so all those are taken into consideration when those rates are set.

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

Energy: POINT Tupper - Capacity (2017)

HON. PAT DUNN « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Energy. Last month the government announced changes to the Point Tupper site, that the facility is no longer required to be "must run."

My question the minister is, can the minister update the House on what capacity he expects the biomass facility to be operating at in 2017?

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HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the question. Yes, we did put an end to "must run".

As you will recall, it was a previous government that had put the requirement of it being must run. We heard from Nova Scotians about their concerns with the amount of primary forest biomass that was being used at the facility. We also heard from Nova Scotia Power that this was actually becoming a more expensive source of fuel for them and, therefore, in order to address the concerns that had been raised about the primary forest biomass going into the facility, the pressures it was placing on rates, we put an end to the must run. The agreement that has been reached between Nova Scotia Power and Port Hawkesbury Paper is that this facility will be used as needed.

We expect, especially during the winter months when it is really cold, that they may have to use the facility. There is a steam purchase agreement that exists between Nova Scotia Power and Port Hawkesbury Paper, but at this point in time Nova Scotia Power will only use the facility when it is economically viable to do so.

MR. DUNN « » : Mr. Speaker, with delays to the Muskrat Falls project and the potential that power will not come online in April 2018 as planned, the biomass plant could be called upon to provide an extra source of energy. Nova Scotia is required to hit and maintain this renewable electricity target; biomass is considered by the government to be a renewable resource.

My question to the minister is, does the minister expect the utilization of the biomass plant will increase if energy from the Muskrat Falls project is delayed?

MR. SAMSON « » : The amount, the percentage that the biomass was actually putting towards renewable targets was actually quite low, which is why putting an end to the must run did not cause concern regarding us being able to meet our renewable energy target, so in order to give a direct answer to the member's question, will any delays in Muskrat Falls require more usage of the biomass at Point Tupper, the answer is no.

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

Justice - Maintenance Enforcement: Staff - Communication

MR. LARRY HARRISON « » : My question is for the Minister of Justice. A number of people come through my office doors with maintenance enforcement issues. I realize that all these people have different personalities and different circumstances but the one thing that seems to be common lately is communication. They have difficulty getting hold of the person they need to contact in the department, and some of the information that is there is wrong and that's what decisions are based on. I'm wondering if the reform will look at this process.

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HON. DIANA WHALEN « » : I appreciate the opportunity to talk about maintenance enforcement. I think all members of the House know that we've begun some consultations now that have three particular questions we're asking people to answer, related to changes to legislation, which we hope people will participate in. It also has a general section where you can give us other inputs, so I look forward to that.

I would say, first of all, that any of the cases that we deal with as MLAs with maintenance enforcement are really seeing people at a very difficult time. As you know, it's a dreadful time for them to be in conflict, to have families that are no longer together, to have the concerns that we have about the maintenance of children and support for families. It is a tough time, absolutely, and we are doing our utmost. Maybe I can speak about the review that was done last Fall and our efforts on that in a moment.

MR. HARRISON « » : Communication is just so vital to any process, especially when people's emotions are running high on various situations. When will the review be done and when will the process take on a new face?

MS. WHALEN « » : The review was done particularly about customer service and how we treat the clients and how they can communicate. It did point out a lot of areas where we could improve.

One of the things I'm very proud of that I understand has already been done is that we now have the phone number of the enforcement officer given directly to the recipients of the money. It used to be that only the payers could get a direct line to the enforcement officer and give their case about why they were having difficulty perhaps in paying but the recipients never got to call and say the trouble they were having and how urgent it was.

We've made that change. They no longer have to go through a call centre, they can come straight in to the enforcement officer. I think that's quite tremendous because there are a lot of people who need someone to talk to; they need to get a direct line. That is one thing and I'd be happy to talk to the member further about some of the other changes.

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

Health & Wellness:

Trauma-Specific Therapy Serv. - Gov't. Intention

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to ask the Minister of Health and Wellness, trauma-specific therapy services have been available to survivors of sexual violence in both Antigonish and through the Avalon Sexual Assault Centre.

In rural areas especially, Mr. Speaker, where mental health services are limited, these highly specialized trauma-informed services are essential to women and men who access them. However, there is now uncertainty as to whether or not these critical positions will continue to be funded.

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I'd like to ask the minister, can the minister explain what the government's intention is for these specific trauma-specific therapy services?

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : What I can inform the member concerning this very important service in Nova Scotia is that just this week we took a look at reviewing where the Avalon Sexual Assault Centre and Women's Connect in Antigonish, who provide the same service, and other support counselling, and those two centres will certainly be supported financially, as we have for the past number of years.

MR. DAVID WILSON « » : The key is to make long-term plans for these organizations, to ensure they could continue to help and support vulnerable women and children, especially in our rural communities. I hope the minister - I do not know if he is making a public announcement on this, but I hope that the minister can reassure those people who provide these important services that these will be ongoing, committed, funded positions within these organizations.

MR. GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, these two organizations of course have been carrying on this work now for a number of years. We will be selecting a provincial coordinator and expanding the programs into Cape Breton and western Nova Scotia. I expect this service to become even stronger during this fiscal year, with the additional $750,000 towards this program.

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

TIR - Pedestrian Fines: Changes - Details

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, my question through you is to the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. All of the advocates for improved pedestrian safety were really clear and loud for their support and opposition to the enforcement of Bill No. 133. The minister stressed over and over that this was about safety of pedestrians, and the level of the fine reflected that need of safety. Yesterday, under pressure to simply say what his new plan is, the minister said maybe it would change and maybe it would be proclaimed.

Is the minister considering an increase or a decrease in the fine and, if so, what will the new safety message be?

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, safety is a shared responsibility; that was the purpose of that component to Bill No. 133. One of the things, I think it is reasonable and fair to listen to the advocates, the people who were expressing their opinion on Bill No. 133, and one of the things that became clear, and I think the member opposite may have alluded to it at that point, was the fact that there were some discrepancies or some issue with how you compare fines, so comparatively, impaired driving, distracted driving vis-à-vis these pedestrian fines.

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What we discussed at that point and where we were yesterday when we launched our road safety strategy, the very comprehensive road safety strategy for the province, in June, we will look at a complete review of all those fines. So, clearly, pedestrian fines will be part of that. That was the commitment yesterday; that is what I said, but at the end of the day this is all about road safety, pedestrian safety, and keeping Nova Scotians safe. Thank you.

MS. MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the minister for his answer. We are aware that he has engaged a third party to do some work to understand the reviews of fines and come to some conclusion of what will be. I am wondering if the minister can tell us if he has hired a non-public servant to review the Motor Vehicle Act and, if so, who is it and what will the cost be?

MR. MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, we do not have any of that decided at this point. We have not embarked on that particular piece yet. When we are looking at the road safety strategy and what is going to really be the template for the province for the next decade, what we are looking at is a full-scale review, virtually of everything. The Motor Vehicle Act is very cumbersome, it is very antiquated, and there are a lot of things that we have to look at and deal with.

As part of that process when we talked about third party and outside contracts it would be to look at clearly a jurisdictional scan, see what other provinces are doing well that we could adapt here to the Province of Nova Scotia, and just looking at ways to make it better. I know there are differing opinions on how we should do it and what we should do, but at the end of the day we want to keep people safe. That is the number-one priority for our department and, of course, it is a key for our government.

So we are going to bring in all voices, get as much feedback as we can through professional services and, of course, through public advocates. At the end of the day, I think we will land in the spot that we can all support. Thank you.

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

TIR: BILL NO. 133 - CONSULTATION

MR. TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker my question is also for the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, and I would just like to follow up on that.

So we know Bill No. 133 has yet to be proclaimed and, like other high-profile government bills, it just continues to languish. And, now, after it is passed, there will be consultation.

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I would like to ask the minister, can he can shed some light on how this much-heralded bill made it through every stage of this House without the necessary consultation to begin with?

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, Bill No. 133 was very comprehensive. It dealt with a number of different aspects of road safety, and there is a lot of work to do. I know the member knows this; he has got a good feel for basically everything. But, look, as we go through the proclamation process we identify each component and how we get it to the finish line, so what was released this week was the first component of Bill No. 133, which was information on collision data. What we did was supervisory drivers vis-à-vis impaired driving will be part of the other processes that we go through for proclamation and, of course, we will get to that point for pedestrians fines. All of those align with that Road Safety Strategy in June, and would be the perfect timing to launch a review of all the fines for the province here in Nova Scotia.

MR. HOUSTON « » : Yes, I do try to keep my finger on the pulse of a number of issues. But with great power comes great responsibility, and Bill No. 133 follows a pattern where we see this government introduce multiple amendments of the same Act - piecemeal legislation coming through. We've seen multiple iterations of the Motor Vehicle Act come through bills; the HRM Charter, multiple bills; Municipal Government Act, multiple bills; the Health Authorities Act, multiple bills. It's a pattern that we see, and now we also see that with this bill here.

I'd just like to ask the minister again, why doesn't this government do these comprehensive reviews before they bring piecemeal legislation before the House?

MR. MACLELLAN « » : With respect to this bill and respect to the question, look, the member can make this about our government and make this a political partisan attack about how we do things, but at the end of the day, this is about road safety for us. The suggestion and the advice we had with respect to pedestrian fines was that we would make it a consistent level. That's where the level that was in Bill No. 133 was established.

Again, talking to stakeholders, going through this process, and looking at the advice and the feedback from the public, it said, why don't you take a look at the bigger picture of all fines collectively? While we're completely revamping the Motor Vehicle Act, while we're looking at a complete road map for road safety, this would be the ideal time to look at those things as a whole as they relate to each other. That's exactly what we're doing.

Again, this isn't politics. This isn't partisanship. This is keeping the people of this great province safe.

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

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ENVIRON. - DEPT.: TRANSPARENCY - ENSURE

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : I'd like to repeat a question to the Minister of Environment today and hope that I can get a response this time. When it comes to environmental policy, many Nova Scotians feel that meaningful citizen engagement is compromised by lack of access to information.

So I ask the minister, what is her department doing to ensure that the government keeps its promise to be the most open and transparent province in Canada?

HON. MARGARET MILLER » : I'd like to thank the member opposite for repeating that question so that I have the opportunity to respond, because in fact, we are the most open and transparent. (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The honourable Minister of Environment has the floor.

MS. MILLER « » : Specific to the Department of Environment, all environmental approvals are online. All industrial approvals will soon be online. All of my decision letters are also posted.

We also have a program coming up soon that's going to be called SNAP. It's an online information system as well. It allows people to process applications online and do other - and it's also transparent. I would encourage the member to access the government website. You should be able to verify all that info.

MS. ZANN « » : It's always nice to see the government patting themselves on the back and clapping for themselves. But there are a lot of local citizens in Nova Scotia who feel that they're not so transparent, especially around Northern Pulp in Pictou County and also in the Alton Gas area, where they're very upset with this government about what has been going on.

For local citizens, in fact, meaningful engagement is very important. In Ontario, there's an Environmental Commissioner, who's an independent officer of the Legislature who works to ensure that citizens have access to fair, balanced, and accurate information.

My question for the minister is, does she think that perhaps having an Environmental Commissioner here in Nova Scotia could help improve citizens' access to fair and accurate info?

MS. MILLER « » : The honourable member has mentioned a few things that I can't discuss. The Alton Gas situation, certainly, I can't talk about. There is now an appeal before the Supreme Court of Canada, so as she would well know, I can't talk about that at all.

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Also, I would encourage any members . . .

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

The honourable member for Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank on an introduction.

MR. BILL HORNE « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg to make an introduction. In the east gallery is a class of Grade 11 and Grade 12 students of Lockview High School. Their leaders, Colin MacEachern and Nancy Bianco. (Applause)

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

MR. KEITH IRVING « » : Mr. Speaker, I am delighted today to introduce a group of students, in the Speaker's Gallery, from Horton High School. They are joining us today as the Political Science Class of teacher Brad Richard.

As future voters and potential leaders, they've come to see democracy in action and I would like them to stand and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER « » : We're not done yet. The honourable Minister of Justice on an introduction.

HON. DIANA WHALEN « » : Mr. Speaker, it's always a pleasure when we have visitors to the House, as you know, so I'm happy to have the opportunity to introduce to the House my summer student whose name is Elizabeth Haikings. She is a university student here in Halifax, and a resident of Clayton Park West. She has been a Rotary Youth Exchange Student and very active in the Interact Club, I believe it is called, at Halifax West. She is with my constituency assistant, Krista Alford.

If you could stand to receive a warm welcome. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development on an introduction.

HON. KAREN CASEY « » : Thank you. I don't want any of those young folks in the gallery to be left out, so I do want to acknowledge the team from Acadia. Acadia Robotics is here and they will be participating in the announcement on the coding strategy, which will be taking place downstairs at 12:00 noon, so welcome and thank you. We are looking forward to seeing your work. (Applause)

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

[Page 8905]

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

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Government Motions.

GOVERNMENT MOTIONS

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

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Just for our visitors in the gallery, they are probably wondering what happens next, now that Question Period has ended. We are still into the Budget Estimates and we will resume debate on those estimates.

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

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

MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, this provincial budget contains funding for the province's first sexual violence strategy; there is also $271 million in mental health funding. We know the cost of these things in terms of dollars, but we also know the cost they have on people's lives.

Today I will propose a solution to one of the root causes of mental health issues, and it will not cost the government a cent. I would like to speak about something we should no longer ignore, something that sometimes promotes violence against women, something that has affected the mental health of many, both directly and indirectly. I would like to speak about the impact of pornography on young Nova Scotians.

This discussion is about the need to keep porn away from children. I am not talking about banning pornography for moral reasons, people have a right to their personal freedoms, though there are laws which restrict children from viewing porn.

Mr. Speaker, this is about keeping porn away from children for the sake of their mental health. Time magazine recently reported that 90 per cent of behaviour in popular porn contained physical aggression towards women. This becomes a more serious issue when we see how mainstream pornography has become and how easy it is for children to access it on the Internet.

We, in this Legislature, Mr. Speaker, not so long ago were looking for laws to punish the young men who defiled Rehtaeh Parsons, yet what have we done to protect those young men from thinking that what they did was normal - and acceptable? They were making and distributing pornography and they thought nothing of it. But it's not just teenagers - the desensitization to the degradation of women also reaches the Dalhousie School of Dentistry. Why are we surprised to see these things happening, in a world where porn has become normal and acceptable? These are two local and real examples of how pornography has contributed to incredibly dehumanizing behaviour.

[Page 8906]

Now, I have no proof in the latter case, but looking at the age of the men involved and the statistics on porn consumption, some of these men may have been influenced by things they've been watching for years - only they know. Porn is powerful, watching it has consequences, especially for our youth. It teaches boys and young men to put women who look a certain way on a pedestal. The only problem is that pedestal is a door mat, one that needs to be changed frequently.

Porn wires a young boy's brain so that it becomes harder for him to see those things about a woman that bring lasting happiness, the things that we should put women on a pedestal for. I know, Mr. Speaker, with Mother's Day approaching, we can all think of the many good qualities in our own moms. We think of kindness, we think of someone who challenges us to be a better person, someone who would feed her family before she would feed herself.

Instead, when young boys are seeing pornography, they're seeing things I can't describe here. They're seeing women being used and abused, all while playing on his natural sexual interests. Boys are taught to disrespect women and then they are left to their own devices to act these things out in their own lives - or not act them out hopefully, Mr. Speaker. There are consequences of that: sexual assault, violence against women, depression, a lack of empathy, broken relations - how many women out there have been confused by the behaviour of their partners? They may look to porn as a source.

I'm going to ask a strong question here, Mr. Speaker. Would you let a crack dealer hang out in your 11-year-old boy's bedroom, to wait until he got home from school? Then why do we allow porn to be so accessible on the Internet? This is an issue of children's mental health. We have controls in place for tobacco, for alcohol, for gambling, but not for pornography. For those adults who watch porn, forget about yourselves for a minute, this is not about you. Adults may have the ability to separate that world of fantasy and reality. Why the example of the crack dealer hanging out in your 11-year-old boy's room? Because porn can be like a drug, and age 11 is the average age that young boys begin to see porn.

In fact, Mr. Speaker, I was speaking with a friend of mine this week, and she told me her own son at the age of 8 was visiting a friend's parent's house to see his friend, and he saw it. He was very disturbed by it, so was his mom, but it happened, and that is proof that it is happening.

So, Mr. Speaker, neuroscience studies show that the brain reacts to porn much in the same way it would react to a drug. Both teach the brain to crave them with dopamine levels spiking on stimulus. That is very normal and to be expected. If we didn't have that instinct, none of us would be here. Unfortunately, there is evidence to show that our brains can change. In both cases people can become addicted, lose perspective on reality.

[Page 8907]

We know how people with addictions affect family members, how those addictions destroy relationships and cause pain for the person suffering with the addiction, and their family. Mr. Speaker, I must stress that porn does not have to become an addiction to cause mental health issues. We also know that our brains can become bored and want a stronger drug. Again, neuroscience studies have shown that the reward area of the brain can actually shrink from porn use, or drug use, or anything that causes that kind of stimulus. That leaves users craving a stronger drug, or more extreme porn, which probably explains why there is such extreme pornography out there, because people are consuming it.

So, Mr. Speaker, if we do not allow pornography to be displayed on bus ads, television screens in bars, or shopping malls, because we consider it inappropriate for some viewers, why do we allow it to be so accessible on smartphones, as one example?

If we agree that it needs to be controlled, at least for our children, so they can avoid it, whose job is it to make that happen? Parents, your children's friend's parents, schools, your neighbour? Mr. Speaker, you would expect all of those people to keep your children from consuming alcohol. You would expect the agents who sell alcohol at the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation to also keep alcohol from getting at least directly from their store shelves into the hands of children. Shouldn't we expect the same from Internet service providers? From web publishers and Wi-Fi providers? They bring the Internet and pornography right into your 11-year-old son's bedroom. What are Internet service providers doing to responsibly deliver their product?

Mr. Speaker, how can we do all of this without impacting people's freedoms? I believe we can do it by targeting those who don't want it. Those who want it, leave them alone, but households should be allowed to have pornography blocked by their Internet service provider, and I believe that service providers should be required to provide this service and to offer it. They're doing this in the United Kingdom. I'm not even suggesting that we take measures as strong as they've taken there. There, with six of the largest companies, people are automatically opted out from it coming into their homes. What I would suggest is that at least we give parents the option to keep it out of their home.

Now, I know there are challenges, Mr. Speaker. Ofcom in the United Kingdom reports that 18 per cent of children aged 12 to 15 know how to disable online filters, but I would point out that only 6 per cent of them have done so. We have to acknowledge that access to pornography cannot be completely eliminated, but our goal should be to limit access as best we can in much the same way that we do with alcohol, drugs, or tobacco. Parents need our support here in this Legislature. It's a difficult topic for them, it's a difficult topic for me to speak about, but they need our help. Parents need to avoid having a false sense of security around this issue.

I was in Winnipeg last Fall to attend a Beyond Borders conference where Dale Sutherland and Bob Martin, who we know are survivors of child sexual abuse, were given a media award for their work in bringing awareness to the issue and having a law changed right here in Nova Scotia. There was a symposium that morning, and they talked about child sex trafficking. One of the topics that was discussed was pornography and how much of an impact it's having on our society, and how important it is for parents to have an Internet plan at home for their kids. That means talking to their children about these things, it means monitoring the activity and the usage limits children have of the Internet, to protect them.

[Page 8908]

So I will close by saying that what I am talking about here is not about banning pornography, we cannot do that; there's the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The public will never agree whether or not pornography is right or wrong, but surely we can agree that it is wrong in the hands of our children.

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

HON. STERLING BELLIVEAU « » : Mr. Speaker, it certainly is an opportunity to address the House during the Supply motion concerning the budget, and it's certainly a great opportunity.

I want to talk about what's not in the budget today and, Mr. Speaker, we've heard this line before: if you give a man a fish you feed him for a day; if you teach him how to fish you can feed him for a lifetime. I want to suggest that the fisheries in rural Nova Scotia is literally the economic engine that drives many rural communities across Nova Scotia since the golden age of sail.

Also, Mr. Speaker, and this was also noted two years ago in the Ivany report, it understood the opportunities of the - and he actually recommended the possibilities or the potential of doubling fish exports by 2024. This budget does very little to address these opportunities.

Mr. Speaker, also what has been left out of the budget is the opportunity to address the boom, the business boom in the boatbuilding industry. My concern there is the potential that you could double the workers in that particular trade by having more electricians, welders, workers who can apply fibreglass, and in this particular budget it is very limited to address these issues. Yet this government boasts of reducing red tape. Again I point out that we heard it in here through Question Periods that the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture announced that it is mandatory that buyers must have a lobster handling course by the end of this year, without any consultation. Now the budget did not even talk about it, it had no reason to address this issue.

I posed the question during Budget Estimates and I don't really believe I got an answer. My question was like this, Mr. Speaker « » : if there are 300 buyers who disagree with the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and do not take the lobster handling course by the end of this year, what will happen to those lobster buyers this year? What will happen to the fishing industry by the end of this calendar year? I would think you would have some chaos within the fishing industry.

[Page 8909]

Just before I move on I want to talk about - just go back for a moment and talk about a government that does create red tape. We've got lobster buyers, and I can name you a number of them that have at least four or five generations of knowledge dating back to their grandparents about handling lobsters. It's not about the handling, it's about an issue called climate change in our warming waters and softshell lobsters.

I'm going to move on, Mr. Speaker. I want to talk about the historical landings in Nova Scotia, and a big part of that comes from southwestern Nova Scotia. I've said this a number of times and this is not being boastful, this is presenting the facts. The facts are that Canada's fisheries' landings, the 60 per cent of it, of Canada's landings from commercial fisheries, come from southwest Nova Scotia, west of Halifax.

Now the point that I'm trying to say here is that we need a way of getting that product to the consumer and to that hungry market - lobsters, shellfish, groundfish; 80 per cent of it is consumed by our good partners to the south, the U.S.A.

Now there are limited opportunities to getting that product to that market and I suggest that most of them - some fly from our international airport and, by the way, we made a contribution when we were in government to expand that runway. Now I think that's one of the things that gets very little media attention but it has a large impact on the commercial trade that's being done as we speak in the last few days.

One other method that the majority of the product gets out of southwest Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia itself is by ferry. Now we have a ferry, Fundy Rose, in Digby, a new vessel that has just been there in the last year or two. It's interesting to note that the capacity of that new vessel has 30 per cent carrying capacity of commercial trucks.

Now the ferry was down for a week or so last month and you can see how that's going to have a major impact on getting our products out. And we have a new ferry system in Yarmouth that has no capacity - I repeat, no capacity - of getting commercial trucks on that particular ferry.

I've got a habit, I think it's a really good habit, I take some notes while I listen to all these very well-educated people in this Chamber and our political systems across our land. I take notes, and there was one interesting note that I took in the last two weeks. It was from our Prime Minister of Canada, talking about resources: "One of the fundamental responsibilities of any Canadian prime minister - and this goes back centuries, from grain on railroads to fish and fur - is to get Canadian resources to international markets." To me that captures it - there it is right there.

I ask the question: where is the help to get our resources in Nova Scotia to the markets? I just want to add that the United States consumes 80 per cent of our product. Where is that federal funding? Mr. Trudeau talked about it in the announcements leading up to the federal election in 2015; he talked about sunny days, sunny days; and he talked about a promise of $20 billion for infrastructure funding. What I heard in the most recent federal budget was a meagre $54 million for the Atlantic Canadian ferry services across Atlantic Canada, and I'll repeat - I shouldn't say a penny, because that's gone out of date; I'll round it off to the nearest coin - not a nickel, not one nickel, from the federal infrastructure money to the ferry system in Yarmouth.

[Page 8910]

There were promises - there were promises from the West Nova MP during the election process; there was a promise by the South Shore-St. Margaret's MP during the election process to bang on the Cabinet Table and to get money for that ferry service. I suggest that it's not sunny days, it's a cloudy day - more correctly, it's a blackout day.

A number of these questions I tried to answer during my opportunities just to reflect when I have some private time. I asked, who negotiated this deal? Who was it who negotiated this deal and is representing Nova Scotia? I point out that the Nova Scotia Government has never paid the piper. I guess that's why the Yarmouth ferry - maybe the United States or Bay Ferries is setting the conditions. I question that. I really question why we're paying all the money and we don't get a chance to set the conditions.

I heard this a number of times, and this is the one that I have difficulty sleeping, on this particular issue - Portland is a city similar to the surroundings here and to me it's a fishing community; it has a fish exchange; it's right downtown. Guess what? That fish exchange handles 20 million pounds of resources a year, 9,000 tons each year.

Each time I get an opportunity to speak, I give my colleagues some homework. The homework is, I have an issue - if they're not endorsing they want fish trucks in their city, I have a concern. Again, I know that we have very well-educated people in this Chamber. If they're not endorsing commercial heavy traffic, how does that product get to that fish exchange? When you go home, maybe the Liberal backbenchers, maybe the Premier's Office can get involved this weekend and come up with a scenario that can get that product to that fish exchange.

I have a suggestion, Mr. Speaker. In my time to reflect on this issue of getting 20 million pounds of fish products to that city, I suggest that it may be by commercial trucks. But I am looking forward to the reply, probably from the Premier, and it leads me again to who was negotiating for this deal for the Yarmouth ferry. We have no commercial venture there, we have no federal contribution, and we have the taxpayers of Nova Scotia on the hook.

That leaves me with a couple of issues. What I want to talk about quickly is that we have the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal talking about dealing with the issue of the MV Miner on Scatarie. I endorse it; through you, I endorse that. There was a clause in there. The minister said at the time: I will be going to Ottawa to retrieve the money, because it is a federal responsibility. I have not seen that yet.

[Page 8911]

Now, if I was to have the money from the MV Miner, and the federal government made their contribution to the Yarmouth ferry, I could quickly come up with $60 million or $75 million. What would you say I could do with that? I would suggest that I could find some doctors for southwestern Nova Scotia, and I could find some doctors for Pictou, Cape Breton, and all of Nova Scotia - as simple as that.

I do not want to leave the MV Miner, because I know that it was important to the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. It is important to me, because there are other MV Miners across Nova Scotia. I have one right in Shelburne that is our MV Miner. There are several ships of this size in Bridgewater; it is Bridgewater's MV Miner. I have one in my hometown - not as large as the ones I am trying to describe, but it is their MV Miner. This Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal is simply picking winners and losers when it comes to his MV Miner - great idea, but there are others out there, and you are leaving them behind.

In my closing minute here, we have a number of wharves across Nova Scotia that need upgrades. One of them is in east Port L'Hebert. Now, it is interesting that we are going to put millions of dollars into a United States terminal - a wharf! It is just another fancy name for a wharf.

Not one penny - excuse me, not one nickel - in this budget for wharves in Nova Scotia. I want to point out that east Port L'Hebert in District 33, which runs from Baccaro to Sambro - I will repeat, it is the fastest-growing expanding fishery in Atlantic Canada. They need to upgrade their fleet, which they are doing, but they also need infrastructure to maintain that fleet. It is interesting that we are putting all this money into Portland, United States, and not one cent on the shores of Nova Scotia.

This is a government that has got it wrong. This is a government that has blackout days. Thank you very much.

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

MR. IAIN RANKIN « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to say a few words going into Supply today and take the opportunity to publicly commend the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board for the budget. Not only the member for Antigonish, who is very happy about that, but also the member for Clayton Park West, who put her time in to make sure that the province got back to good fiscal health.

What I do like about this budget, Mr. Speaker, is that what little room that we were able to find fiscally over the last couple of years through the various ministers, good discipline from program review and analyses of different ways governments spend money - what room that we did find, a lot of the focus of the investments went towards helping Nova Scotians who really need it the most. That goes to help women at risk, to provide more assistance to people with disabilities, which is very important, and to provide more support to the vulnerable and low-income Nova Scotians. You know what they say is that a society is often judged on how it treats its most vulnerable and marginalized. I think that that's important, not only for government but the non-profit sector and community-based organizations in the private sector as well.

[Page 8912]

I see that the budget contains more than $11 million to help women at risk and I think that shows a strong commitment along with the Sexual Violence Strategy that the Minister of Community Services has been working on. I think that's a great initiative that our government has been undertaking. I do also want to commend the Minister of Community Services as well for going through the transformation process for the last couple of years, and showing the courage to take the time to look at the structural challenges within that department. We're showing again the result of that courage to wait out the time and invest now in this budget, where we have the biggest increase for income assistance. I think when people look back at the budget, they'll see where our priorities are.

The priorities are about helping those most vulnerable, as I mentioned, but also investing directly into classrooms, directly into front-line health care, home care, the things and the services that people really care about. There obviously are challenges and you can't be all things to all people, but those important investments are going to be there for the long term. I'm also reminded of a quote from J.F.K. where he said, "Things do not happen. Things are made to happen."

So, through the discipline and the various ministers looking at savings in all the departments, that's how we were able to get to a point where we are able to invest in these services. We were talking about health care, that is just finishing up in estimates and there was attention to that budget where you look at it and it didn't increase by very much in the actual Department of Health and Wellness budget, but when you look deeper you can see that it actually increased by $40-some million and it was invested in the Health Authority where services are actually delivered. So, we're actually spending more on where the services are being delivered and less in the bureaucracy within the Department of Health and Wellness, which I think is a big achievement. There's also money being transferred to Internal Services for the IT infrastructure, and Communities, Culture and Heritage for programming in terms of wellness programs and communities.

Those are all important investments and I think that it's a great achievement to be able to constrain the growth of spending. I think that if it increased by 6 or 10 per cent, we'd be getting more backlash from not being able to find the efficiencies that we sought out when we were amalgamating the district health authorities.

I did just want to touch on how our government is looking at growing the economy. As you know, Mr. Speaker, we closed the Jobs Fund and we're no longer giving forgivable loans to companies, but one of the ways that we do find that is an attractive way of bringing companies here that will hire young people at pretty good income levels, is the payroll rebate fund, which is under the Strategic Investment Fund. That really is a great program. I haven't heard from any economist that says that that program is not a good one, and I know the Opposition has a problem with it. They try to obfuscate the reality that it's actually a net return on investment fiscally but long term, those jobs will be here for a while.

[Page 8913]

When they say that we've given $22 million to RBC, that was actually their policy of forgivable loans. There has been no money given to RBC; it's a rebate based on the tax revenue that comes into the province. So, I find it's not in the public interest to obfuscate those facts - either they don't understand it, or they intentionally mislead the public.

Another big obfuscation coming from the Opposition, on the other side of the House and in the corner of the House, is that somehow this government is an austerity government. How does austerity line up with the spending still growing? It's growing; it's just not growing as fast as it was when they were in government. We're limiting growth of spending to 1-something per cent. There have been no cuts to any of the departments in this.

I find that kind of scary if you're looking from the outside. If this is what they think austerity is, if simply balancing the budget is what austerity is, you have to really question what their alternative would be. How much would they overspend? The last government added roughly $3.2 billion to the debt, a 25 per cent increase on the debt. Our government is being criticized for adding $50 million to the debt from the convention centre, which was a deal they signed. That's a P3 deal, by the way, which I can talk about as well, but I won't go too far into that - a public-private partnership, which the NDP has come out strongly against - even though the biggest P3 contract in history was signed under their government.

I do want to touch on my favourite investment which is coming up, which is the replacement of the VG Hospital, which is the QEII redevelopment. Finally, there is a government that has the courage to invest in infrastructure. Governments of all stripes have chronically under-invested in the infrastructure, in the buildings, in the roads, in the schools, and in the hospital downtown. That's the Nova Scotia Hospital. It has been under-invested in for so long. I'm very proud, actually, to be part of a government that's looking at addressing those issues and not just talking. Whether there'll be an investment from the private sector or not, I think that all options should be on the table.

I think that our government showed that we are going to do things based on evidence, not based on dogmatic ideology from the extreme left or the extreme right. Whatever is in the best interests of Nova Scotians, that's what we'll do. After years of stagflation, unjustifiable tax increase, and disproportionate power rate increases, bold action was required.

[Page 8914]

Our population is now growing. You can see the immigration numbers. And I want to congratulate the Minister of Immigration - the numbers are unprecedented. Nova Scotia has never seen numbers like this.

As one of the younger members in the House, except the member for Hammonds Plains-Lucasville - I think he is a bit younger than me - I'm proud to see youth unemployment finally going down. It's good to see Nova Scotia stepping up and leading the country in that category as well.

As you know, over the last two quarters, business confidence has been the highest in the country as well.

We have class sizes getting smaller all the way up to Grade 6 with the investments in this budget. You can see, if we have more mandates, if we're fortunate enough to continue to serve Nova Scotians, then we'll continue to see class sizes going down.

Child care is becoming more affordable. I look forward to the announcement on the mechanics of how the subsidy benefits low-income families and the various workers and how they're going to be able to actually earn a wage that is within the national average, and no longer be the lowest wage in the country.

Wait times are decreasing. I heard the Minister of Health and Wellness say the wait times for MRIs have decreased significantly, and more surgeries for hips and knees.

There are a lot of positive things happening. That's just after two and a half years. I think that these outcomes speak for themselves. It speaks to the prudent fiscal management that all ministers have engaged themselves in, and I want to commend those ministers.

I want to commend the senior bureaucrats and all the civil servants who have endeavoured to take on these daunting tasks, including George McLellan, who is the Deputy Minister of Finance and Treasury Board. I understand he's retiring so the service he has provided for the province has been a good one.

That's all I have to say today, Mr. Speaker. I think we're on the right track. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Hammonds Plains-Lucasville, on an introduction.

MR. BEN JESSOME « » : Mr. Speaker, I would ask that all members pay very close attention for a very important hello to my mother Pam Jessome and my grandmother Rita Pulsifer. I think it would also be important to acknowledge that Sunday is Mother's Day and I want to wish both my mother and her mother a very Happy Mother's Day and all the mothers in Hammonds Plains-Lucasville as well. (Applause)

[Page 8915]

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is carried.

[11:33 a.m. The House resolved itself into a CW on Supply with Deputy Speaker Mr. Gordon Wilson in the Chair.]

[3:40 p.m. CW on Supply rose and the House reconvened. Mr. Speaker, Hon. Kevin Murphy, resumed the Chair.]

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

THE CLERK » : That the Committee of the Whole on Supply has met and has come to agreement on 51 estimate resolutions, including votes on business plans and on capital, and the Chairman has been instructed to recommend these estimates to the favourable consideration of the House, each without amendment.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is that the House concur with the report of the Committee of the Whole on Supply.

There has been a call for a recorded vote.

We will ring the bells for 10 minutes. The House will resume at 3:51 p.m.

[3:41 p.m.]

[The Division bells were rung.]

MR. SPEAKER « » : Are the Whips satisfied? We will now proceed with the recorded vote on the motion of the Committee of the Whole on Supply. I'll remind all members that when your name is called, please rise in your place and state with a clear Yea or Nay, and remain silent for the duration of the remainder of the vote, please.

[The Clerk calls the roll.]

[3:54 p.m.]

[Page 8916]

YEAS	NAYS
Mr. Churchill	Mr. Dunn
Ms. Bernard	Mr. Baillie
Ms. Regan	Mr. d'Entremont
Mr. Samson	Mr. David Wilson
Mr. McNeil	Ms. Mancini
Ms. Whalen	Ms. Zann
Mr. Glavine	Mr. Belliveau
Mr. Delorey	Mr. Houston
Ms. Casey	Mr. MacMaster
Mr. MacLellan	Mr. Younger
Mr. Colwell	Mr. Harrison
Mr. Horne	Mr. Lohr
Mr. Stroink
Ms. Miller
Mr. Hines
Ms. Diab
Mr. Ince
Mr. Kousoulis
Mr. Furey
Mr. Farrell
Mr. Maguire
Mr. Porter
Mr. Jessome
Ms. Lohnes-Croft
Ms. Eyking
Mr. Irving
Mr. Gough
Ms. Treen
Mr. Wilton
Mr. Rankin
Mr. Gordon Wilson
Mr. Mombourquette

THE CLERK « » : For, 32. Against, 12.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is carried.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Introduction of Bills.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

[Page 8917]

Bill No. 181 - Entitled an Act to Provide for Defraying Certain Charges and Expenses of the Public Service of the Province. (Hon. Randy Delorey)

[PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING]

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

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 181 be now read a second time.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 181.

There has been a call for a recorded vote.

We will ring the bells for 10 minutes.

[3:57 p.m.]

[The Division bells were rung.]

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. We will now proceed with the recorded vote on second reading of Bill No. 181 - The Appropriations Act 2016.

Once again I would ask everybody when your name is called please rise in your place and state with a simple Yea or Nay.

[The Clerk calls the roll.]

[4:10 p.m.]

YEAS	NAYS
Mr. Churchill Mr. Dunn
Ms. Bernard	Mr. Baillie
Ms. Regan	Mr. d'Entremont
Mr. Samson	Mr. David Wilson
Mr. McNeil	Ms. Mancini
Ms. Whalen	Ms. Zann
Mr. Glavine	Mr. Belliveau
Mr. Delorey	Mr. Houston
Ms. Casey	Mr. MacMaster
Mr. MacLellan	Mr. Younger

[Page 8918]

Mr. Colwell	Mr. Harrison
Mr. Horne	Mr. Lohr
Mr. Stroink
Ms. Miller
Mr. Hines
Ms. Diab
Mr. Ince
Mr. Kousoulis
Mr. Furey
Mr. Farrell
Mr. Maguire
Mr. Porter
Mr. Jessome
Ms. Lohnes-Croft
Ms. Eyking
Mr. Irving
Mr. Gough
Ms. Treen
Mr. Wilton
Mr. Rankin
Mr. Gordon Wilson
Mr. Mombourquette

THE CLERK « » : For, 32. Against 12.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is carried.

[PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING]

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

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 181, the Appropriations Act, 2016, be now read a third time.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 181.

There has been a call for a recorded vote. We'll ring the bells for 10 minutes.

[4:10 p.m.]

[The Division bells were rung.]

MR. SPEAKER « » : Are the Whips satisfied?

The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 181. One last reminder, when your name is called for the recorded vote, please stand in your place and state a simple Yea or Nay. Please remain silent for the duration of the vote.

[Page 8919]

[The Clerk calls the roll.]

[4:20 p.m.]

YEAS	NAYS
Mr. Churchill	Mr. Dunn
Ms. Bernard	Mr. Baillie
Ms. Regan	Mr. d'Entremont
Mr. Samson	Mr. David Wilson
Mr. McNeil	Ms. Mancini
Ms. Whalen	Ms. Zann
Mr. Glavine	Mr. Belliveau
Mr. Delorey	Mr. Houston
Ms. Casey	Mr. MacMaster
Mr. MacLellan	Mr. Younger
Mr. Colwell	Mr. Harrison
Mr. Horne	Mr. Lohr
Mr. Stroink
Ms. Miller
Mr. Hines
Ms. Diab
Mr. Ince
Mr. Kousoulis
Mr. Furey
Mr. Farrell
Mr. Maguire
Mr. Porter
Mr. Jessome
Ms. Lohnes-Croft
Ms. Eyking
Mr. Irving
Mr. Gough
Ms. Treen
Mr. Wilton
Mr. Rankin
Mr. Gordon Wilson
Mr. Mombourquette

THE CLERK « » : For, 32. Against, 12.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is carried.

[Page 8920]

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

The honourable Premier.

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, just before the Government House Leader concludes business and sets the agenda for next week, on behalf of the government and, indeed, all Nova Scotians and members of this House, I want to wish all mothers across our province a happy Mother's Day this coming Sunday. This is a day we celebrate them.

For many of our families - it was for mine, and I know it is for many - they are the rocks we stand on every day of the year. This is a special day for them, and I want to wish them all a happy Mother's Day. (Applause)

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

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, that concludes the government's business for today. The House will meet again on Tuesday, May 10^th, from the hours of 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

At this point in time, for members' schedules, the schedule will be Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., subject to possible changes.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now rise to meet again on Tuesday, May 10^th, at 1:00 p.m.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for the House to rise, to sit again on Tuesday, May 10^th, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 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.

The House now stands adjourned until Tuesday, May 10^th, at 1:00 p.m.

[The House rose at 4:24 p.m.]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

[Page 8921]

RESOLUTION NO. 3536

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas I organized a writing contest asking elementary school students in Halifax Armdale to write an essay or poem that offered their best advice on welcoming Syrian newcomers to their communities; and

Whereas Josh Willms-LeBlanc, a Grade 6 student at Springvale School, participated in my 2016 MLA Writing Contest; and

Whereas I received many inspiring entries, and I am proud to be the provincial representative of such sincere and insightful students, whose warm words showcase the contributions of Nova Scotia's welcoming efforts;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly thank and congratulate Josh Willms-LeBlanc and wish him the best as he completes his school year and enters junior high in September.

RESOLUTION NO. 3537

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas I organized a writing contest asking elementary school students in Halifax Armdale to write an essay or poem that offered their best advice on welcoming Syrian newcomers to their communities; and

Whereas Rachel Tamsett-Peters, a Grade 6 student at Springvale School, participated in my 2016 MLA Writing Contest; and

Whereas I received many inspiring entries, and I am proud to be the provincial representative of such sincere and insightful students, whose warm words showcase the contributions of Nova Scotia's welcoming efforts;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly thank and congratulate Rachel Tamsett-Peters and wish her the best as she completes her school year and enters junior high in September.

[Page 8922]

RESOLUTION NO. 3538

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas I organized a writing contest asking elementary school students in Halifax Armdale to write an essay or poem that offered their best advice on welcoming Syrian newcomers to their communities; and

Whereas Caroline Kelly, a Grade 6 student at Springvale School, participated in my 2016 MLA Writing Contest; and

Whereas I received many inspiring entries, and I am proud to be the provincial representative of such sincere and insightful students, whose warm words showcase the contributions of Nova Scotia's welcoming efforts;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly thank and congratulate Caroline Kelly and wish her the best as she completes her school year and enters junior high in September.

RESOLUTION NO. 3539

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas I organized a writing contest asking elementary school students in Halifax Armdale to write an essay or poem that offered their best advice on welcoming Syrian newcomers to their communities; and

Whereas Claire Cullinan, a Grade 6 student at Springvale School, participated in my 2016 MLA Writing Contest; and

Whereas I received many inspiring entries, and I am proud to be the provincial representative of such sincere and insightful students, whose warm words showcase the contributions of Nova Scotia's welcoming efforts;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly thank and congratulate Claire Cullinan and wish her the best as she completes her school year and enters junior high in September.

[Page 8923]

RESOLUTION NO. 3540

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas I organized a writing contest asking elementary school students in Halifax Armdale to write an essay or poem that offered their best advice on welcoming Syrian newcomers to their communities; and

Whereas Connor Burns, a Grade 6 student at Springvale School, participated in my 2016 MLA Writing Contest; and

Whereas I received many inspiring entries, and I am proud to be the provincial representative of such sincere and insightful students, whose warm words showcase the contributions of Nova Scotia's welcoming efforts;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly thank and congratulate Connor Burns and wish him the best as he completes his school year and enters junior high in September.

RESOLUTION NO. 3541

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas I organized a writing contest asking elementary school students in Halifax Armdale to write an essay or poem that offered their best advice on welcoming Syrian newcomers to their communities; and

Whereas Daniel Carter, a Grade 6 student at Springvale School, participated in my 2016 MLA Writing Contest; and

Whereas I received many inspiring entries, and I am proud to be the provincial representative of such sincere and insightful students, whose warm words showcase the contributions of Nova Scotia's welcoming efforts;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly thank and congratulate Daniel Carter and wish him the best as he completes his school year and enters junior high in September.

[Page 8924]

RESOLUTION NO. 3542

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas I organized a writing contest asking elementary school students in Halifax Armdale to write an essay or poem that offered their best advice on welcoming Syrian newcomers to their communities; and

Whereas Emily Lake, a Grade 6 student at Springvale School, participated in my 2016 MLA Writing Contest; and

Whereas I received many inspiring entries, and I am proud to be the provincial representative of such sincere and insightful students, whose warm words showcase the contributions of Nova Scotia's welcoming efforts;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly thank and congratulate Emily Lake and wish her the best as she completes her school year and enters junior high in September.

RESOLUTION NO. 3543

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas I organized a writing contest asking elementary school students in Halifax Armdale to write an essay or poem that offered their best advice on welcoming Syrian newcomers to their communities; and

Whereas Téa Metlej, a Grade 6 student at Springvale School, participated in my 2016 MLA Writing Contest; and

Whereas I received many inspiring entries, and I am proud to be the provincial representative of such sincere and insightful students, whose warm words showcase the contributions of Nova Scotia's welcoming efforts;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly thank and congratulate Téa Metlej and wish her the best as she completes her school year and enters junior high in September.

[Page 8925]

RESOLUTION NO. 3544

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas I organized a writing contest asking elementary school students in Halifax Armdale to write an essay or poem that offered their best advice on welcoming Syrian newcomers to their communities; and

Whereas Myra Metlej, a Grade 6 student at Springvale School, participated in my 2016 MLA Writing Contest; and

Whereas I received many inspiring entries, and I am proud to be the provincial representative of such sincere and insightful students, whose warm words showcase the contributions of Nova Scotia's welcoming efforts;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly thank and congratulate Myra Metlej and wish her the best as she completes her school year and enters junior high in September.

RESOLUTION NO. 3545

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas I organized a writing contest asking elementary school students in Halifax Armdale to write an essay or poem that offered their best advice on welcoming Syrian newcomers to their communities; and

Whereas Georgia Sawler, a Grade 6 student at Springvale School, participated in my 2016 MLA Writing Contest; and

Whereas I received many inspiring entries, and I am proud to be the provincial representative of such sincere and insightful students, whose warm words showcase the contributions of Nova Scotia's welcoming efforts;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly thank and congratulate Georgia Sawler and wish her the best as she completes her school year and enters junior high in September.

[Page 8926]

RESOLUTION NO. 3546

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas I organized a writing contest asking elementary school students in Halifax Armdale to write an essay or poem that offered their best advice on welcoming Syrian newcomers to their communities; and

Whereas Genevieve Curry, a Grade 6 student at Springvale School, participated in my 2016 MLA Writing Contest; and

Whereas I received many inspiring entries, and I am proud to be the provincial representative of such sincere and insightful students, whose warm words showcase the contributions of Nova Scotia's welcoming efforts;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly thank and congratulate Genevieve Curry and wish her the best as she completes her school year and enters junior high in September.

RESOLUTION NO. 3547

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas I organized a writing contest asking elementary school students in Halifax Armdale to write an essay or poem that offered their best advice on welcoming Syrian newcomers to their communities; and

Whereas Kate Hutt, a Grade 6 student at Springvale School, participated in my 2016 MLA Writing Contest; and

Whereas I received many inspiring entries, and I am proud to be the provincial representative of such sincere and insightful students, whose warm words showcase the contributions of Nova Scotia's welcoming efforts;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly thank and congratulate Kate Hutt and wish her the best as she completes her school year and enters junior high in September.

[Page 8927]

RESOLUTION NO. 3548

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas I organized a writing contest asking elementary school students in Halifax Armdale to write an essay or poem that offered their best advice on welcoming Syrian newcomers to their communities; and

Whereas Lauren Purchase, a Grade 6 student at Springvale School, participated in my 2016 MLA Writing Contest; and

Whereas I received many inspiring entries, and I am proud to be the provincial representative of such sincere and insightful students, whose warm words showcase the contributions of Nova Scotia's welcoming efforts;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly thank and congratulate Lauren Purchase and wish her the best as she completes her school year and enters junior high in September.

RESOLUTION NO. 3549

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas I organized a writing contest asking elementary school students in Halifax Armdale to write an essay or poem that offered their best advice on welcoming Syrian newcomers to their communities; and

Whereas Owen Kinsman, a Grade 6 student at Springvale School , participated in my 2016 MLA Writing Contest; and

Whereas I received many inspiring entries, and I am proud to be the provincial representative of such sincere and insightful students, whose warm words showcase the contributions of Nova Scotia's welcoming efforts;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly thank and congratulate Owen Kinsman and wish him the best as he completes his school year and enters junior high in September.

[Page 8928]

RESOLUTION NO. 3550

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas I organized a writing contest asking elementary school students in Halifax Armdale to write an essay or poem that offered their best advice on welcoming Syrian newcomers to their communities; and

Whereas Maria Ramia, a Grade 6 student at Springvale School, participated in my 2016 MLA Writing Contest; and

Whereas I received many inspiring entries, and I am proud to be the provincial representative of such sincere and insightful students, whose warm words showcase the contributions of Nova Scotia's welcoming efforts;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly thank and congratulate Maria Ramia and wish her the best as she completes her school year and enters junior high in September.

RESOLUTION NO. 3551

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas I organized a writing contest asking elementary school students in Halifax Armdale to write an essay or poem that offered their best advice on welcoming Syrian newcomers to their communities; and

Whereas Sarah Masad, a Grade 6 student at Springvale School, participated in my 2016 MLA Writing Contest; and

Whereas I received many inspiring entries, and I am proud to be the provincial representative of such sincere and insightful students, whose warm words showcase the contributions of Nova Scotia's welcoming efforts;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly thank and congratulate Sarah Masad and wish her the best as she completes her school year and enters junior high in September.

[Page 8929]

RESOLUTION NO. 3552

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas I organized a writing contest asking elementary school students in Halifax Armdale to write an essay or poem that offered their best advice on welcoming Syrian newcomers to their communities; and

Whereas Thomas Bezanson, a Grade 6 student at Springvale School, participated in my 2016 MLA Writing Contest; and

Whereas I received many inspiring entries, and I am proud to be the provincial representative of such sincere and insightful students, whose warm words showcase the contributions of Nova Scotia's welcoming efforts;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly thank and congratulate Thomas Bezanson and wish him the best as he completes his school year and enters junior high in September.

RESOLUTION NO. 3553

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas I organized a writing contest asking elementary school students in Halifax Armdale to write an essay or poem that offered their best advice on welcoming Syrian newcomers to their communities; and

Whereas Vincent McDonald, a Grade 6 student at Springvale School, participated in my 2016 MLA Writing Contest; and

Whereas I received many inspiring entries, and I am proud to be the provincial representative of such sincere and insightful students, whose warm words showcase the contributions of Nova Scotia's welcoming efforts;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly thank and congratulate Vincent McDonald and wish him the best as he completes his school year and enters junior high in September.

[Page 8930]

RESOLUTION NO. 3554

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas I organized a writing contest asking elementary school students in Halifax Armdale to write an essay or poem that offered their best advice on welcoming Syrian newcomers to their communities; and

Whereas Will McCormick, a Grade 6 student at Springvale School, participated in my 2016 MLA Writing Contest; and

Whereas I received many inspiring entries, and I am proud to be the provincial representative of such sincere and insightful students, whose warm words showcase the contributions of Nova Scotia's welcoming efforts;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly thank and congratulate Will McCormick and wish him the best as he completes his school year and enters junior high in September.

RESOLUTION NO. 3555

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas I organized a writing contest asking elementary school students in Halifax Armdale to write an essay or poem that offered their best advice on welcoming Syrian newcomers to their communities; and

Whereas Anthony Metlej, a student at Springvale School, participated in my 2016 MLA Writing Contest; and

Whereas I received many inspiring entries, and I am proud to be the provincial representative of such sincere and insightful students, whose warm words showcase the contributions of Nova Scotia's welcoming efforts;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly thank and congratulate Anthony Metlej and wish him the best as he completes his school year.

[Page 8931]

RESOLUTION NO. 3556

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas I organized a writing contest asking elementary school students in Halifax Armdale to write an essay or poem that offered their best advice on welcoming Syrian newcomers to their communities; and

Whereas Diell Muji, a Grade 6 student at Springvale School, participated in my 2016 MLA Writing Contest; and

Whereas I received many inspiring entries, and I am proud to be the provincial representative of such sincere and insightful students, whose warm words showcase the contributions of Nova Scotia's welcoming efforts;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly thank and congratulate Diell Muji and wish him the best as he completes his school year and enters junior high in September.

RESOLUTION NO. 3557

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas I organized a writing contest asking elementary school students in Halifax Armdale to write an essay or poem that offered their best advice on welcoming Syrian newcomers to their communities; and

Whereas Victoria (Tori) Pace, a Grade 6 student at Springvale School, participated in my 2016 MLA Writing Contest; and

Whereas I received many inspiring entries, and I am proud to be the provincial representative of such sincere and insightful students, whose warm words showcase the contributions of Nova Scotia's welcoming efforts;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly thank and congratulate Victoria (Tori) Pace and wish her the best as she completes her school year and enters junior high in September.

[Page 8932]

RESOLUTION NO. 3558

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

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

Whereas the 42^nd National Volunteer Week ran from April 10 to April 16, 2016; and

Whereas on Friday, April 15, 2016, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 155 in Wedgeport hosted the Annual Volunteer Banquet for the Municipality of Argyle; and

Whereas among the twenty-one volunteers honoured was Al Boudreau for his devotion of time and tireless effort to so many organizations in and around the community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Al Boudreau on being honoured by the Municipality of Argyle, and thank him and all volunteers for their dedication to their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3559

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

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

Whereas the 42^nd National Volunteer Week ran from April 10 to April 16, 2016; and

Whereas on Friday, April 15, 2016, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 155 in Wedgeport hosted the Annual Volunteer Banquet for the Municipality of Argyle; and

Whereas among the twenty-one volunteers honoured was Basile d'Entremont for his devotion of time and tireless effort to so many organizations in and around the community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Basile d'Entremont on being honoured by the Municipality of Argyle, and thank him and all volunteers for their dedication to their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3560

[Page 8933]

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

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

Whereas the 42^nd National Volunteer Week ran from April 10 to April 16, 2016; and

Whereas on Friday, April 15, 2016, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 155 in Wedgeport hosted the Annual Volunteer Banquet for the Municipality of Argyle; and

Whereas among the twenty-one volunteers honoured was Candice Spinney for her devotion of time and tireless effort to so many organizations in and around the community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Candice Spinney on being honoured by the Municipality of Argyle, and thank her and all volunteers for their dedication to their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3561

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

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

Whereas the 42^nd National Volunteer Week ran from April 10 to April 16, 2016; and

Whereas on Friday, April 15, 2016, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 155 in Wedgeport hosted the Annual Volunteer Banquet for the Municipality of Argyle; and

Whereas among the twenty-one volunteers honoured was Douglas Landry for his devotion of time and tireless effort to so many organizations in and around the community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Douglas Landry on being honoured by the Municipality of Argyle, and thank him and all volunteers for their dedication to their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3562

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

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

[Page 8934]

Whereas the 42^nd National Volunteer Week ran from April 10 to April 16, 2016; and

Whereas on Friday, April 15, 2016, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 155 in Wedgeport hosted the Annual Volunteer Banquet for the Municipality of Argyle; and

Whereas among the twenty-one volunteers honoured was Gladys Amirault for her devotion of time and tireless effort to so many organizations in and around the community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Gladys Amirault on being honoured by the Municipality of Argyle, and thank her and all volunteers for their dedication to their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3563

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

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

Whereas the 42^nd National Volunteer Week ran from April 10 to April 16, 2016; and

Whereas on Friday, April 15, 2016, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 155 in Wedgeport hosted the Annual Volunteer Banquet for the Municipality of Argyle; and

Whereas among the twenty-one volunteers honoured was Jeanne Cottreau for her devotion of time and tireless effort to so many organizations in and around the community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Jeanne Cottreau on being honoured by the Municipality of Argyle, and thank her and all volunteers for their dedication to their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3564

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

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

Whereas the 42^nd National Volunteer Week ran from April 10 to April 16, 2016; and

[Page 8935]

Whereas on Friday, April 15, 2016, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 155 in Wedgeport hosted the Annual Volunteer Banquet for the Municipality of Argyle; and

Whereas among the 21 volunteers honoured was Joe d'Eon for his devotion of time and tireless effort to so many organizations in and around the community:

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Joe d'Eon on being honoured by the Municipality of Argyle and thank him and all volunteers for their dedication to their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3565

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

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

Whereas the 42^nd National Volunteer Week ran from April 10 to April 16, 2016; and

Whereas on Friday, April 15, 2016, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 155 in Wedgeport hosted the Annual Volunteer Banquet for the Municipality of Argyle; and

Whereas among the 21 volunteers honoured was Marcella Surette for her devotion of time and tireless effort to so many organizations in and around the community:

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Marcella Surette on being honoured by the Municipality of Argyle and thank her and all volunteers for their dedication to their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3566

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

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

Whereas the 42^nd National Volunteer Week ran from April 10 to April 16, 2016; and

Whereas on Friday, April 15, 2016, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 155 in Wedgeport hosted the Annual Volunteer Banquet for the Municipality of Argyle; and

[Page 8936]

Whereas among the 21 volunteers honoured was Marie Doucette for her devotion of time and tireless effort to so many organizations in and around the community:

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Marie Doucette on being honoured by the Municipality of Argyle and thank her and all volunteers for their dedication to their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3567

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

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

Whereas the 42^nd National Volunteer Week ran from April 10 to April 16, 2016; and

Whereas on Friday, April 15, 2016, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 155 in Wedgeport hosted the Annual Volunteer Banquet for the Municipality of Argyle; and

Whereas among the 21 volunteers honoured was Matthew Seeley for his devotion of time and tireless effort to so many organizations in and around the community:

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Matthew Seeley on being honoured by the Municipality of Argyle and thank him and all volunteers for their dedication to their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3568

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

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

Whereas the 42^nd National Volunteer Week ran from April 10 to April 16, 2016; and

Whereas on Friday, April 15, 2016, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 155 in Wedgeport hosted the Annual Volunteer Banquet for the Municipality of Argyle; and

Whereas among the 21 volunteers honoured was Nelson Blanchard for his devotion of time and tireless effort to so many organizations in and around the community:

[Page 8937]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Nelson Blanchard on being honoured by the Municipality of Argyle and thank him and all volunteers for their dedication to their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3569

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

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

Whereas the 42^nd National Volunteer Week ran from April 10 to April 16, 2016; and

Whereas on Friday, April 15, 2016, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 155 in Wedgeport hosted the Annual Volunteer Banquet for the Municipality of Argyle; and

Whereas among the 21 volunteers honoured was Rita d'Entremont for her devotion of time and tireless effort to so many organizations in and around the community:

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Rita d'Entremont on being honoured by the Municipality of Argyle and thank her and all volunteers for their dedication to their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3570

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

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

Whereas the 42^nd National Volunteer Week ran from April 10 to April 16, 2016; and

Whereas on Friday, April 15, 2016, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 155 in Wedgeport hosted the Annual Volunteer Banquet for the Municipality of Argyle; and

Whereas among the 21 volunteers honoured was Sandra Greene for her devotion of time and tireless effort to so many organizations in and around the community:

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Sandra Greene on being honoured by the Municipality of Argyle and thank her and all volunteers for their dedication to their community.

[Page 8938]

RESOLUTION NO. 3571

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

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

Whereas the 42^nd National Volunteer Week ran from April 10 to April 16, 2016; and

Whereas on Friday, April 15, 2016, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 155 in Wedgeport hosted the Annual Volunteer Banquet for the Municipality of Argyle; and

Whereas among the twenty-one volunteers honoured was Carolyn Freeman for her devotion of time and tireless effort to so many organizations in and around the community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Carolyn Freeman on being honoured by the Municipality of Argyle, and thank her and all volunteers for their dedication to their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3572

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

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

Whereas the 42^nd National Volunteer Week ran from April 10 to April 16, 2016; and

Whereas on Friday, April 15, 2016, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 155 in Wedgeport hosted the Annual Volunteer Banquet for the Municipality of Argyle; and

Whereas among the twenty-one volunteers honoured was Aynsley Long, a youth volunteer representing Drumlin Heights Consolidated School, for her devotion of time and tireless effort to her school and many organizations in and around the community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Aynsley Long on being honoured by the Municipality of Argyle, and thank her and all volunteers for their dedication to their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3573

[Page 8939]

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

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

Whereas the 42^nd National Volunteer Week ran from April 10 to April 16, 2016; and

Whereas on Friday, April 15, 2016, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 155 in Wedgeport hosted the Annual Volunteer Banquet for the Municipality of Argyle; and

Whereas among the twenty-one volunteers honoured was Corey Clamp for his devotion of time and tireless effort to so many organizations in and around the community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Corey Clamp on being honoured by the Municipality of Argyle, and thank him and all volunteers for their dedication to their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3574

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

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

Whereas the 42^nd National Volunteer Week ran from April 10 to April 16, 2016; and

Whereas on Friday, April 15, 2016, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 155 in Wedgeport hosted the Annual Volunteer Banquet for the Municipality of Argyle; and

Whereas among the twenty-one volunteers honoured was Keith Doucet for his devotion of time and tireless effort to so many organizations in and around the community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Keith Doucet on being honoured by the Municipality of Argyle, and thank him and all volunteers for their dedication to their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3575

[Page 8940]

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

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

Whereas the 42^nd National Volunteer Week ran from April 10 to April 16, 2016; and

Whereas on Friday, April 15, 2016, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 155 in Wedgeport hosted the Annual Volunteer Banquet for the Municipality of Argyle; and

Whereas among the 21 volunteers honoured was Kaylie Albright, a youth volunteer representing École secondaire de Par-en-Bas, for her devotion of time and tireless effort to her school and many organizations in and around the community:

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Kaylie Albright on being honoured by the Municipality of Argyle and thank her and all volunteers for their dedication to their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3576

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

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

Whereas the 42^nd National Volunteer Week ran from April 10 to April 16, 2016; and

Whereas on Friday, April 15, 2016, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 155 in Wedgeport hosted the Annual Volunteer Banquet for the Municipality of Argyle; and

Whereas among the 21 volunteers honoured was Amy LeBlanc for her devotion of time and tireless effort to so many organizations in and around the community:

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Amy LeBlanc on being honoured by the Municipality of Argyle and thank her and all volunteers for their dedication to their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 3577

[Page 8941]

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

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

Whereas the 42^nd National Volunteer Week ran from April 10 to April 16, 2016; and

Whereas on Friday, April 15, 2016, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 155 in Wedgeport hosted the Annual Volunteer Banquet for the Municipality of Argyle; and

Whereas among the 21 volunteers honoured was Dolores Ann d'Entremont for her devotion of time and tireless effort to so many organizations in and around the community:

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Dolores Ann d'Entremont on being honoured by the Municipality of Argyle and thank her and all volunteers for their dedication to their community.