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HALIFAX, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

Sixty-second General Assembly

Third Session

9:00 A.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Kevin Murphy

DEPUTY SPEAKERS

Mr. Gordon Wilson, Mr. Keith Irving

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

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

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

MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table a petition. It contains 1,076 names. I have also affixed my own name, to make 1,077. The operative clause is:

We the residents of Nova Scotia call upon the provincial government to address . . . 'Crowdis Bridge' located in Valley Mills . . . We need this bridge repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The petition is tabled.

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

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

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HON. DIANA WHALEN « » : In my capacity as Attorney General of Nova Scotia, I hereby beg leave to table the Law Foundation of Nova Scotia Annual Report for 2015-16.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The report is tabled.

The honourable Minister of Justice.

HON. DIANA WHALEN « » : Again, in my capacity as the Attorney General of Nova Scotia, Mr. Speaker, I hereby beg leave to table the Law Reform Commission of Nova Scotia annual report.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The report is tabled.

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of the Public Service Commission.

HON. LABI KOUSOULIS « » : Mr. Speaker, before I introduce this motion, may I make an introduction?

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MR. KOUSOULIS « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome to the east gallery the members of government's 2016 Diversity Conference organizing committee. The organizing staff from the Public Service Commission were instrumental in planning and hosting the 2016 Biannual Public Service Diversity Conference, which was held on Wednesday, October 26^th, at the World Trade and Convention Centre.

The theme of this year's conference was: Learn. Engage. Act. More than 300 people attended. The keynote speakers were Dr. Marie Wilson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Mark Wafer, a leader in employment of persons with disabilities.

As I call your names, I ask that you all rise and receive the warm welcome of the House: Angela Johnson, Norma Kennedy, Jude Gerard, Tania Salsman, Joe Fraser, Melissa Brayley, Kristel vom Scheidt, Litzie Brooks, Aja Joshi, Maddi MacDonald, Grace Campbell, James Gouthro, Rola AbiHanna, and Selena Jones. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of the Public Service Commission.

RESOLUTION NO. 228

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

Whereas the 2016 Public Diversity Conference took place earlier this week at the World Trade and Convention Centre, with the theme: Learn. Engage. Act.; and

Whereas two years ago, government launched Raising the Bar, Nova Scotia's first-ever diversity and inclusion strategy to help increase diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence in the Public Service; and

Whereas government has recently introduced several projects in support of this initiative, including the Count Yourself In! workforce census, the Guidelines to Support Trans and Gender Variant Employees, and Make It Here;

Therefore be it resolved that government is committed to becoming a more welcoming and inclusive Public Service, and we are building a workplace that better represents and better reflects the voices and talents of our diverse communities.

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 Justice.

RESOLUTION NO. 229

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

Whereas three Canadian judges, including the Chief Justice of Nova Scotia, will travel to Ukraine at the end of October as part of the national effort to advance democracy and the rule of law in Ukraine; and

Whereas these three judges and the court staff accompanying them will spend two weeks overseas meeting with Ukrainian judges, lawyers, regional government officials, academics, journalists, and civil society groups, with the objective of developing practical work plans to rebuild confidence and trust in Ukraine's judicial institutions; and

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Whereas the crucial work this delegation is undertaking to help the judicial system in Ukraine is deserving of both our respect and commendation;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House commend and thank Chief Justice Michael MacDonald, Chief Justice of Nova Scotia and the Chief Justice of the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, and his colleagues from Alberta and Quebec for their commitment to judicial independence, democracy, and the rule of law, and for offering their assistance to advance these democratic principles.

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 Business.

RESOLUTION NO. 230

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

Whereas we know that the Mortgage Brokers Association of Atlantic Canada provides invaluable services to citizens; and

Whereas in 2015, 55 per cent of first-time homebuyers relied on mortgage brokers for securing financing; and

Whereas the mortgage brokers help citizens fulfill their dreams of homeownership, while contributing to our national and provincial economies and creating jobs;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Legislature recognize the importance of the Mortgage Brokers Association of Atlantic Canada in promoting the best interests of consumers and contributing to the provincial economy.

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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. 51 - Entitled an Act Respecting Cape Breton Regional Municipality. (Ms. Lisa Roberts)

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 Pictou Centre.

HAMM, DR. JOHN

- PICTOU CO. C OF C ADVOCATE LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

HON. PAT DUNN « » : I rise in my place today to recognize a constituent who has been recently honoured with a lifetime achievement award.

This year's recipient of the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce Advocate Life Achievement Award was presented to John Hamm. The former Nova Scotia Premier and retired medical doctor received this recognition during the Chamber's 25^th Annual Business Achievement Award Ceremony this week in Pictou County. Hamm has received numerous awards throughout the years. He has often stated "medicine was planned - politics happened."

He received the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, and an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2010. He also received the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2010. He achieved the rank of Second Lieutenant in the Canadian Army Infantry, and was named an Honorary Colonel of the 1^st Battalion Nova Scotia Highlanders in 2014.

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I would ask all members of this Legislature to join me in thanking John Hamm for his numerous contributions to the Province of Nova Scotia.

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

HOUSE OF COMMONS: DERELICT/ABANDONED VESSELS - DECISION

HON. STERLING BELLIVEAU « » : I want to take a moment to recognize a decision that took place in the House of Commons yesterday that was a great benefit to the people of Nova Scotia.

The House unanimously voted yes to take action on the problem surrounding derelict and abandoned vessels. The vessel Farley Mowat has been abandoned on the Shelburne waterfront since September 2014, creating both environmental and financial problems for the town. I can only hope that the passing of this bill will result in meaningful action on this issue, as well as other similar situations across our beautiful province.

As we in this House are all too aware, you don't always find unanimous support in the Legislature. I want to commend the House of Commons for agreeing to take action on this very important issue.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Sydney-Whitney Pier.

CHRISTMAS, DAN: SENATE - APPT.

MR. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : I rise to congratulate a community leader and friend, Dan Christmas from Membertou.

For over 20 years, Dan has been one of the key architects in leading Membertou from near-bankruptcy to one of the most successful First Nations communities in Canada. Dan is a mentor to many in my community, and he's one of our greatest advocates, both for the community of Membertou, and for Cape Breton Island as a whole. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dan Christmas, the first Mi'kmaq Senator to be appointed in Canada.

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

RCL POPPY CAMPAIGN - DONATE

MR. LARRY HARRISON « » : Mr. Speaker, the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Campaign begins today. The poppy is worn to honour, thank, and remember Canada's fallen veterans and those who served, and continue to serve today. The poppy was adopted as a symbol of remembrance in 1921. According to the Canadian War Museum, poppies were manufactured by vet craft shops which were staffed by disabled soldiers, and run by the Department of Soldiers' Civil Re-establishment. The Royal Canadian Legion continues this annual Poppy Campaign today. Funds raised through this campaign are dedicated to the care and the benevolent support of veterans and their dependents. The Legion provides financial assistance to serving and former Canadian Armed Forces who are in need. I encourage everyone to donate to the Poppy Campaign and wear this symbol with pride.

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

WOMEN'S HIST. MO.: WOMEN - IMPACT RECOGNIZE

HON. DENISE PETERSON-RAFUSE « » : Mr. Speaker, as Women's History Month comes to a close in Canada, I want to recognize the growing impact that women are having on society both here at home, and abroad. In Rio this summer, female athletes generated Canada's first dozen medals, including two gold. Just this week, we learned that Nova Scotia educator, Wanda Bernard, has been named to the Senate. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton is vying to be the first female President of the United States of America. Go, Hillary go! Mr. Speaker, the list goes on. I, myself, am honoured and humbled to be one of the women representing their constituents in this Legislature. Today, I want to recognize the efforts and talents of all those women who have come before us, who have helped break down barriers, through hard work and commitment.

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

DIGBY AREA GIRL GUIDES: GUIDING MOSAIC (AB) - ATTENDANCE

MR. GORDON WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, this summer, the Digby Area Girl Guides went to the Guiding Mosaic, the national Girl Guide camp in Sylvan Lake, Alberta. This was the 13^th national gathering of the Girl Guides since 1927. The trip itself was an amazing experience, but I want to recognize the three-year effort by the group to raise $39,000 necessary to go to the camp. This fundraising was probably the biggest learning experience for the girls. They have had to meet and work with the Legion, the Town of Digby, the Municipality of Digby, and Digby Care 25, last Fall. They ran the canteen for the Digby Scallop Days Craft Fair, and sold their own gingerbread cookies. In February, they sold boxes of truffles and heart-shaped cookies that they had made at Valentine's Day. They finally reached their target at their last fundraising on Mother's Day with the Chili and Chowder Supper at the Digby Neck Fire Hall. Because of their hard work, they joined with 1,800 Pathfinders, Rangers, and Girl Guides, from across Canada for the experience of their young lives.

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

NORTHSIDE/HARBOURVIEW HOSP. FDN.

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- MOTOR MADNESS FUNDRAISER

MR. EDDIE ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the efforts of the Northside/Harbourview Hospital Foundation's second Motor Madness fundraiser. Thousands came and spent hours viewing the 218 entrants. The diverse entries in the fire department, and the all the gear, make an event very popular. Motor Madness is a huge fundraiser for the foundation to support programs to meet the needs of patients at the hospital. Our communities are blessed to have such volunteers who give so generously of their time to help local hospitals and patients. They deserve our thanks.

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

4Cs FDN.: ART BIKERS PROG. - ARTBRIDGES AWARD

MS. LISA ROBERTS « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 4Cs Foundation's Art Bikers Program for receiving The Remarkable Innovation! Award from ArtBridges. This is a national award granted by a jury of peers in community-engaged arts. The Art Bikers Program have been bringing art into Halifax communities for 10 years. It is just what it sounds like. Community artists pull trailers of art materials with their bicycles, much of it repurposed recycling, to community spaces, often public parks in good weather, and then facilitate collaborative art activities. Children flock to them, and magic ensues. For 10 summers, the 4Cs Foundation, which is privately funded and managed by very low-profile trustees, has brought art to children in Halifax's North End, Bayers Westwood, Fairview, Spryfield, and even further afield. Please join me in congratulating the 4Cs foundation and thank them for their contribution to our communities.

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

DIWALI (10/30 - 11/04/16) - HAPPY CELEBRATION WISHES

MR. IAIN RANKIN « » : I rise today to wish the Indo community a Happy Diwali. This year, Diwali is celebrating from October 30^th to November 4^th. Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is a colourful and happy celebration.

Families prepare their homes, and themselves, for the special festivities that symbolize the victory of spiritual goodness, and the lifting of spiritual darkness. Firecrackers are set off to drive away evil, lanterns and candles float in clay bowls called diyas are lit, and sweets are shared as part of celebration. The burning of diyas is considered to be the light pathway of a person's expression of happiness, the attainment of health, prosperity, knowledge, and peace in one's life. I would like to acknowledge the contributions of the Indian community here in Nova Scotia. Please join me to wish a happy Diwali to the Indian community.

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

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MACDONALD, MARY JANET:

CHESTICO DAYS FEST. - TRADITIONS HONOUR

MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, this summer Mary Janet MacDonald was honoured during the Chestico Days Festival. Mary Janet was taught to step-dance by her cousin, Minnie, and made her first stage appearance at the Mabou Hall with Minnie by her side, at the ripe age of four. Is it any wonder that Mary Janet went on to master the art of step-dancing?

She is in demand as a teacher both locally and internationally. Her role as a proponent of dance tradition and her generosity in sharing her knowledge is appreciated around the world. She has afforded appreciative audiences countless hours of entertainment and has passed on the joy of dancing to thousands. Let us acknowledge Mary Janet for her part in keeping the traditions of the Scottish Gaels alive.

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

BURTON, JOHN: GREATER HFX. BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

- LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP

MS. MARIAN MANCINI « » : Two nights ago, I was pleased to attend the benefit for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Halifax. During the evening, the Kinsmen Club of Dartmouth bestowed upon their President, John Burton, a Lifetime Membership, much to Burton's surprise. The Lifetime Membership is the highest honour the club can give its members.

John, originally from Cape Breton, has a long inventory of contributions to Dartmouth, including providing over 10,000 programs for children, and organizing the Dartmouth North Walk Against Violence. His work with the Kinsmen has enriched the lives of many Dartmouthians, particularly many of our children, from sponsoring swim teams, to holding fundraisers for Boys & Girls Clubs like the one I had attended. I would like to congratulate John on this achievement and thank him for his contributions to Dartmouth.

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

KEARNEY, HEATHER - HAITI VOLUNTEERING

MR. DAVID WILTON « » : Mr. Speaker, Heather Kearney, an English teacher at Breton Education Centre, looks forward to spending nine days of her summer vacation in Haiti, but it's not to relax and enjoy the sun. Heather volunteers at an orphanage and school in Deschapelles, Haiti, which is run by Hands Across the Sea.

She first heard about the organization through a family member, and got in contact with officials in Haiti last year. She was excited to visit the site and volunteer. Last year, Heather did some teaching, helping with maintenance work, and did some activities with children, such as play soccer and basketball. Please join me in congratulating Heather on her commitment to making the world a better place by volunteering during her vacation to help those in less fortunate countries.

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

GREENE, ANDREW: TORONTO WINTER FAIR - COMP.

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to congratulate Andrew Greene from Durham, Pictou County, for qualifying to compete in the dairy division at the TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic at the Winter Fair in Toronto, that takes place in November.

Andrew is the only competitor from Pictou County, and one of only eight to represent Nova Scotia, at this prestigious 4-H event. Andrew has much support from the 4-H community, and in particular, from Lonely Maple Holsteins, Upper Stewiacke, who gave Andrew the heifer to work with, and also the Daling family, who provided boarding for the animal. 4-H is an important organization dedicated to young people that has been around over for 100 years, and has over 2,000 members in Nova Scotia. I wish Andrew the best of luck at this competition.

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

EECD: GEORGE D. LEWIS - HUB SCH. APPLICATION

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : The hub school model is an opportunity to use innovative partnerships to keep education programs in communities and allow schools to become focal points for community activities as well. Despite having dedicated volunteers, broad community support, and well-developed plans, not one community in Nova Scotia has been able to get a hub school approved.

On Monday, the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board voted not to approve a hub school proposal for George D. Lewis School in Louisbourg. The board Chair, Lorne Green, said that the task was set up for failure from the beginning, because of the lack of thought the department put into the guideline.

Mr. Speaker, this is just another missed opportunity. To be continued.

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

NEW BEGINNINGS MINISTRY: DART. LAUNCH - CONGRATS.

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HON. JOANNE BERNARD « » : I had the pleasure to attend a New Beginnings Ministry Launch in Dartmouth North in August, then attend their first service at their permanent space at Harbour View School on Sunday, September 11^th. This expansion of New Beginnings, which originated in the community of Cherry Brook, is due to the dedication and motivation of Reverend Kirby Spivey. In a meeting with me two years ago, Reverend Spivey shared his goal and dream of expanding new ministries into Dartmouth North. The ministries have been well received in the community and the first service had over 300 in attendance. The service is uplifting, spiritual, and welcoming to all members of the community.

The Campus Pastor is led by Matthew Thomas, a former youth pastor with the ministry, and his passion and openness about his own lived history is inspiring and clearly the congregation holds him in tremendous regard.

The worship leader is well-known talent Reeny Smith and her leadership, both in worship and musical celebration, is second to none, so I want to congratulate Reverend Spivey, Matthew and all the people behind this ministry, who are committed to bringing another option for worship into Dartmouth North.

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

FISHER, CATHY/VOLS.: SCH. THANKSGIVING DINNER PROG.

- ACKNOWLEDGE

HON. JAMIE BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cathy Fisher, who has provided Thanksgiving lunches for every elementary-school-aged child in Springhill for many years. Twenty-five years ago, Cathy was asked to provide Thanksgiving lunches for a small group of children. She enlisted help from her sister, Clare Canning and her friend, Bev Sharp, and with the assistance of 75 volunteers, the Thanksgiving Dinner for the Springhill Elementary School students started.

Mr. Speaker, although Cathy Fisher is now retired from the Thanksgiving Dinner program, I'm sure there are many students and parents who will think of her each year, and are thankful for her dedication and hard work over the past 25 years. I am very pleased to acknowledge Cathy Fisher, and all the volunteers of the Thanksgiving Dinner program, for their contribution to the community of Springhill, and for Cathy's thoughtfulness for its elementary school children. Thank you.

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

DOCTOR SHORTAGE: PROBLEM - FIX

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HON. STERLING BELLIVEAU « » : Mr. Speaker, Halloween is only a few days away. Recently, rare scary clown sightings have been witnessed right across Nova Scotia. I, myself, only have to look across this aisle. Last week, this Liberal Government announced . . .

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. I'd like to remind the honourable member we are bordering on unparliamentary comments there, when referencing . . .

MR. BELLIVEAU « » : I like to live on the edge, Mr. Speaker.

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

MR. BELLIVEAU « » : Last week, this Liberal Government announced residents of Nova Scotia must now wait up to 10 years for a family doctor. Mr. Speaker, this government needs to stop clowning around and scaring people and start working to fix the broken promise of a doctor for every Nova Scotian because 2026 is too long to wait.

Mr. Speaker, Happy Halloween.

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

ANTIGONISH INTL. FILM FEST. - ANNIV. (10^th)

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, the Antigonish International Film Festival celebrated its 10^th Anniversary between October 21^st and 23^rd . I'm happy to report this year's offering was a huge success, offering screenings of 33 award-winning documentaries.

Our festival has grown and thrived. Over its 10-year history, more than 300 films have been shown to a collective audience of nearly 15,000 people. It takes many volunteers, sponsors, and moviegoers to make an event achieve success of this magnitude, but it is worth noting that the success of the Antigonish Film Festival began with the vision and determination of one woman, Dr. Carole Roy. Dr. Roy was successful in getting the first festival organized, and up and running in 2007, within four months of moving to welcoming Antigonish.

I invite my fellow members to congratulate Dr. Roy and all past and present volunteers, sponsors, and attendees, who have created an important cultural event in Antigonish. I am already looking forward to next year, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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

GOULD, CHANTEL: CADET LEADERSHIP - RECOGNIZE

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MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Congratulations to Chantel Gould, who recently graduated with her Private Pilot Licence, the highest designation of achievement in the Air Cadet League of Canada. Little did her mom know, when she took nine-year-old Chantel to see the Silver Dart at the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, that it would inspire her daughter to realize this achievement.

As a recent graduate of Dalbrae Academy, Chantel now looks to obtain her commercial pilots' licence. Let us recognize Chantel for working hard to follow her dreams and for the leadership she has shown to her fellow cadets.

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

BUS.: INTERNET ACCESS - IMPROVE

HON. DENISE PETERSON-RAFUSE « » : A lack of Internet access continues to be a problem for homes and businesses across the province, particularly in rural Nova Scotia. Some people have no access at all, while others have poor service at the best of times.

The $6 million commitment by the government in the Spring budget is basically a plan to make a plan. I do understand a need to develop long-term solutions; however, I want to encourage the Minister of Business to work with Nova Scotians across the province to see if there is anything that can be done in the short term to improve the plight of homes, businesses, and even schools that may be struggling with poor Internet access - or even worse, no access at all.

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

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: HFX. RESTORE - GRAND OPENING

HON. KEITH COLWELL « » : Mr. Speaker, we are all well aware that Habitat for Humanity provides affordable and excellent housing to many Nova Scotians and makes a positive difference in our communities.

Habitat for Humanity builds homes and hope through the efforts of enthusiastic volunteers, and has recently added another service to the broader community. A second ReStore in our area provides all residents an opportunity to purchase top-quality building materials at a very reasonable cost. All funds raised by the ReStore are reinvested in our communities through affordable housing.

Please join me in applauding and commending Habitat for Humanity on the grand opening of their new Halifax ReStore at 127 Chain Lake Drive in Bayers Lake on August 19, 2016.

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

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NEW GLASGOW WALK-IN CLINIC: HOURS EXTEND

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : I rise today to raise awareness about a serious concern regarding access to primary health care service in Pictou County. There are a significant number of people without access to a primary health care physician. They are dependent on the walk-in clinic in New Glasgow. Mr. Speaker, the walk-in clinic is only operating on part-time hours. It is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4:30 to 8:45 and on Saturday from 8:30 to 12:35. Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, the clinic is closed.

These are very limited hours of operation when you consider the number of individuals who are reliant on this clinic for all their health care needs. I urge the Minister of Health and Wellness to have the walk-in clinic hours extended to meet the community needs until such time as new doctors have been recruited for Pictou County residents.

MR. SPEAKER « » : I just want to confirm for the members of the House that the term "clown" or inferring that any member of this House is a clown is unparliamentary.

The honourable member for Halifax Needham.

LEGISLATIVE SERVICES: STAFF - THANK

MS. LISA ROBERTS « » : Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank the many people who work at Province House - the Commissionaires, security staff, Pages, clerks, and staff at the Library, Hansard, and Leg. TV - for their assistance to me as a new member. I'm also grateful to many members, both opposite and on this side, including yourself, who have made me feel welcome. This place bears little resemblance to any other workplace, and I will remember the many small gestures of kindness that I have been shown.

I'd also like to thank the member for Clayton Park West. In her capacity as Minister of Justice, she created an opportunity yesterday where the House was doing its work as Joseph Howe explained it, asking "What is right? What is just? What is for the public good?" For a moment, to reference the member for Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, it seemed that the Games had begun, and it was an honour to be present.

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

MCQUARRIE BRIDGE (FALL RIVER) - REOPENING

MR. BILL HORNE « » : Mr. Speaker, it was with great excitement that the community of Fall River was reunited with the reopening of the new McQuarrie Bridge, the main bridge in the Fall River area, on August 24^th. I'd like to thank Larry Harding, the bridge division superintendent of Dexter Construction, and all the crew who worked hard over the summer, as well as the HRM for funding this project.

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The hard work meant that the bridge was able to open two days early, allowing the community to return to normal routines before the beginning of the school year. The new bridge is three feet higher, which allows kayaks and canoes to travel from Dartmouth to the Bay of Fundy through the Shubenacadie Canal system.

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

MARSH, BRIANNA: ACAD./ATHLETIC CAREERS - SUCCESS WISH

MR. EDDIE ORRELL « » : I rise today to congratulate Brianna Marsh, the 16-year-old daughter of Carolyn and James Marsh, from the Northside. Brianna is doing her Grade 11 at the Ontario Hockey Academy in Cornwall. She received a scholarship after attending a summer hockey camp in Prince Edward Island this past summer. Brianna also travelled to Sweden to play in a hockey tournament a few months ago. She is busy at the academy, where a great deal of importance is placed on academics as well as athletics.

It is my pleasure to wish Brianna all the success in her academic and athletic careers, and I'm sure we will see her soon on an international ice surface.

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

HOLIDAY DECORATIONS: REMEMBRANCE DAY - GUIDELINE

MR. JOACHIM STROINK « » : As the holiday season rapidly approaches, I rise today to discuss the practice of putting out holiday decorations before Remembrance Day, November 11^th. Earlier and earlier each year, we see retailers putting out holiday products and putting up decorations, sometimes before Halloween is even over.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to encourage everyone - both business owners and homeowners alike - to hold off decorating for the holidays until after Remembrance Day. November 11^th is a day of solemn remembrance and an important opportunity to show our shared respect for the sacrifices made by Canadian women and men that have ensured the freedom we all enjoy. The decorations will still be there on November 12^th, but by waiting to display them, we show our respect and appreciation to those who lost their lives protecting our freedom. Lest we forget.

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

THOMAS, DOUG: PRINTING BUS. - DEDICATION ACKNOWLEDGE

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MR. JOHN LOHR « » : In 1994, Douglas Thomas opened the doors at 409 Main Street in Kentville. For over 30 years, Doug has been supplying the County of Kings with creative and professional printing material for all your business and personal needs. He is a hands-on owner, operating the business with only one other employee.

Doug has been able to provide excellent quality and fair prices to all his customers by keeping his expenses low. The walls of his shop are covered with the many thank-you notes and certificates he has received from organizations throughout the Valley for his kind donations. I'm happy to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Mr. Douglas Thomas as we celebrate small businesses throughout the province.

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

CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES: OVERSIGHT - IMPROVE

MS. MARIAN MANCINI « » : I've spoken several times during the session about the urgent need for better oversight and management of our correctional facilities, especially regarding segregation. I have been pleased with the minister's responses to my flagging these issues during Question Period and her commitments to address the troubling circumstances that I have brought to her attention. But as we can see from stories unfolding across this country, this is an issue that ought to be stressed.

It is crucial to a mandate of rehabilitation, to the humane treatment of prisoners, and to our overall justice system that we are fully accountable on this matter. Too many instances in our own province and across the country exemplify just how much work needs to be done when it comes to surveilling and accounting in our correctional facilities.

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

CLEARWATER SEAFOODS - ANNIV. (40^th)

HON. KELLY REGAN « » : Earlier this year, one of Nova Scotia's largest and most successful companies celebrated its 40^th Anniversary. Brothers-in-law John Risley and Colin MacDonald started Clearwater Seafoods out of Bedford by selling lobsters out of the back of a truck. Today, the company has 2,500 employees worldwide, and sells 45 million kilograms of wild seafood every year. They've opened the doors to new markets in Europe and Asia.

At an event in August to celebrate the company's 40^th Anniversary, Mr. Risley said that as much fun as it is to make money, he has found it's much more fun to give it away. Recently, he donated $25 million to the new Ocean Frontier Institute at Dalhousie. On the day of their 40^th Anniversary, Clearwater cut the price of their live lobster by 40 per cent, donating proceeds of the sale to the IWK Children's Hospital.

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I would like to congratulate Clearwater and their owners and staff on 40 years of success.

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

HATT, PAUL: RETIREMENT - WELL WISHES

MR. JOHN LOHR « » : After 28 years as the owner and operator of the Lakeville General Store, Paul Hatt has decided to retire. Prior to venturing out on his own, Mr. Hatt was the parts manager for a local car dealership. At that time, on Highway No. 221, between Berwick and Canning, there were 18 gas outlets. Now there are only three.

The changing times have been challenging for the local gas bar industry. Mr. Hatt was able to stay open and employ many throughout the years, including his own daughters. Mr. Hatt enjoys many faithful customers who will miss seeing his smiling face at the gas pumps each day.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to add my voice to all those who wish Mr. Hatt well in his retirement, and thank him for his contribution to entrepreneurs in the Annapolis Valley.

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

NATL. TRUTH & RECONCILIATION:

COMMN. REPT. - ABORIGINAL EDUC.

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight yet another call to action from the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission's report. The next recommendation of provincial importance reads as follows: "We call upon the federal, provincial, territorial, and Aboriginal governments to develop culturally appropriate early childhood education programs for Aboriginal families."

Mr. Speaker, every member in this Legislature acknowledges the importance of early childhood education for the children in our communities, and many would also admit that more programs are needed right across the province.

As we look to improve these programs and access to them, let us also recognize that more culturally appropriate spaces and programs are needed for the children of Aboriginal heritage. These programs must be parallel in quality and must be easily accessible in First Nations communities across the province.

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

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HON. ZACH CHURCHILL » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to bring the members' attention to the east gallery where my mother, Joanne Bishara, who is sitting next to a very suave-looking gentleman, is in attendance today. My mother's space on her PVR was filled up with Legislative TV recordings so she had to come here in person to watch.

Please, would the members give my mother a warm welcome. (Applause).

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

CANSO REGATTA - ANNIV. (30^th)

HON. LLOYD HINES « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding event and the individual responsible for it.

We celebrated our 30^th Anniversary this summer at the Canso Regatta. The Bernie Long Road Race was inspired by local running enthusiast Bernie Long, a well-known name in the Nova Scotia running community, and in 1986 became a fixture in the annual Canso Regatta.

Bernie loved running as much as he loved passing on his passion for wearing out his running shoes with others. In 2002 he passed away at the age of 69, but his legacy continued through the annual road race.

Mr. Speaker, the community has tirelessly organized this event without outside help or sponsorship, and on race day volunteers and runners honour a man who is integral to its existence and to the spirit of the community. The organization of the race has been passed through a few hands over the years, but in recent years Rolanda Schrader, the step-granddaughter of Bernie, and her family have taken the reins.

I commend them on keeping his memory alive and well.

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

FLEMMING, JACK: PHILANTHROPY - THANK

HON. LENA DIAB « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and commend Mr. Jack Flemming, who was honoured this week at the Dalhousie University Centre for Family Business annual legacy dinner.

Mr. Flemming is the founder of Ocean Family of Companies, which includes road-builders and ready-mix Ocean Contractors Limited, transport company Briar, and moving company Thompsons.

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Mr. Flemming started his business in 1974 in Halifax with an initial staff of two, one truck, and an asphalt plant. Today the business has more than 400 employees and about 400 pieces of equipment. He successfully concluded a 12-year succession planning exercise that allowed him to officially hand over control of his company to his two sons, John and Scott.

I am so proud to have known Jack and his wife Marion for a number of years. They are also known for their philanthropic activities through their Flemming Charitable Foundation that supports charities such as Phoenix House and Adsum House, which is now run by their daughters, Karen and Colleen.

I invite all members of the House to congratulate the Flemming family, and wish them much health and happiness.

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

LAHAVE RIVER CRED. UNION - COADY AWARD (2016)

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, the LaHave River Credit Union has been part of my community for many years. The staff have always been active in the community with their support of several not-for-profit organizations and many different fundraising initiatives. Their hard work was recognized by the prestigious Coady Institute, and the LaHave River Credit Union was presented with the Coady Award on June 17, 2016. This award is given for community leadership, involvement, and support, and this year's recipients are very deserving.

Congratulations to the LaHave River Credit Union and thank all the employees for their hard work.

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

ATOM AA TASA DUCKS: COMMUN. ENGAGEMENT - CONGRATS.

MR. BEN JESSOME « » : Mr. Speaker, two years ago the TASA hockey community held their first Learn to Skate for newcomer children and youth. Since 2014, we've had two additional Learn to Skate events and hope to continue the tradition.

I've had the pleasure of joining the team and tying many pairs of skates. Now the TASA AA players are being recognized by Scotiabank as part of The 5^th Season, an initiative that supports over 8,000 community teams and helps kids dream of legendary hockey moments and feel like hockey heroes. TASA is one of three teams from across the country to have been selected to be profiled to promote the importance of community engagement within hockey. TASA will be featured along with HRM every week on Hockey Night in Canada and online on Scotiabank platforms.

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Mr. Speaker, I would ask that all members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating the Atom AA TASA Ducks and the TASA community on this great honour, commend them on their community work, and wish them the best of luck.

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

STYLES ALIVE/HAIRSTYLING INC.: STAFF - SERV. THANK

MS. PATRICIA ARAB « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Styles Alive Hairstyling Inc. Styles Alive have been serving the community happily for the past 30 years, providing quality haircuts and spa services to the community of Fairview-Clayton Park. They have been the regular go-to hair salon for many in our community and celebrated this on September 11, 2016, with a large open house.

Mr. Speaker, through you I would like members of this Assembly to join me in thanking Anne Marie, Betty, Danielle, Tammy, Charlee, Melanie, Rebecca, Carolyn, Christine, Valli, Lynda, Shonda, and the entire team at Styles Alive for their services, and wish them continued success.

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

HANTSPORT MUSIC FEST.: ORGANIZERS - THANK

MR. CHUCK PORTER « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize the generosity of the organizers and participants of the Hantsport Music Festival. The annual community event raises funds which are then disbursed to the Hantsport Fire Department, the Hantsport and Area Food Bank, the Hantsport Memorial Community Centre, the Hantsport Minor Ball Association, and the Hantsport Shamrocks.

This year the 106 Royal Canadian Legion's Air Cadet Squadron were special recipients of $1,500 made possible by a re-gifted donation of $1,000 from the Hantsport Shamrocks and a last-minute sponsor of $500. Captain Joann Jackson was overwhelmed with the generosity of the donations as the squadron has been fundraising for a trip to Ottawa this Fall, with a projected expense of $25,000.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking the Hantsport Music Festival organizers for their continued generosity and dedication to the community, and I wish them all the best in future years. Thank you.

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

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ZWICKER, DONALD: COMMUN. BETTERMENT - THANK

MS. SUZANNE LOHNES-CROFT « » : Mr. Speaker, a quarter of a century is a long time in this day and age to work at one job. It is even a longer time when that job is an elected position and your job security is in the hands of the people you represent.

Donald Zwicker, now a former councillor for the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, was first elected in 1991 and served 25 years. He made the decision not to reoffer in the recent October election, choosing instead to retire from public life.

Don served his constituency admirably as is evidenced by the length of his service and he had the respect of the people he represented. He will be missed, but he will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank Donald Zwicker for the many years he has devoted to the betterment of his community through his life in public office, and wish him the best in retirement.

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

BURKE, OSBOURNE: VICTORIA CO-OP FISHERIES - THANK

MS. PAM EYKING « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Victoria Co-operative Fisheries on recently celebrating 60 years in business.

Since 1956 Victoria Co-op Fisheries has harvested and processed a significant portion of the East Coast's freshest and tastiest seafood. Located in the northeast Highlands region of Cape Breton, the co-operative purchases locally harvested seafood from its members. Once processed, the products are shipped not only across Canada and to the United States, but worldwide to many customers located in Japan, Vietnam, China, and Hong Kong.

Victoria Co-op Fisheries is also the only active lobster processing facility on Cape Breton Island. The purchasing and processing of this product results in the direct employment of as many as 125 people in peak periods.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to congratulate General Manager Osbourne Burke, the board of directors, and all the staff, and wish them continued success in the future.

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

BURGESS, ADEE: KARATE ACCOMPLISHMENTS - CONGRATS.

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MR. KEITH IRVING « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Adee Burgess of New Minas who, although only 13 years old, is no stranger to the sport of karate. Ms. Burgess has practised karate since the age of three, under the coaching of her father, Mark, who has practised and taught karate for almost 30 years.

With 25 medals to her credit, Ms. Burgess is already making a name for herself. As a member of Team Nova Scotia she travelled to British Columbia in January for nationals and finished fifth in Canada for age and weight. Miss Burgess holds a purple belt and hopes to earn her junior black belt by age 14, and her adult black belt by 16, the minimum age at which she will be eligible.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly, I congratulate Adee Burgess on her accomplishments and wish her all the best in her athletic career.

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

L&M SURPLUS - COMMUN. THANK

MR. STEPHEN GOUGH « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize L&M Surplus of Middle Sackville. This community business began over 50 years ago and is named after founders, Mr. Harvey Lively and Mr. Mort Maxwell, therefore providing us with the acronyms L&M. After the death of Mr. Lively's uncle, Mort, the store was run by Mr. Lively's wife, Helen, and their son, Wade. Also, from time to time, Mr. and Mrs. Lively's grandchildren would pitch in.

This community business first began as an army surplus store and even after 50 years is still well respected by the community and outdoor enthusiasts. L&M Surplus is a place where many community conversations have been had and also many hunting stories that include the one that got away, or the home of the original jackalope from Florida - pictures included.

Mr. Speaker, the family would like to thank the community of Sackville-Beaver Bank and all surrounding communities for their continued support and encouragement over the years.

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

HON. MICHEL SAMSON » : Mr. Speaker with the consent of the House could we revert to the order of business, Government Notices of Motion.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

RESOLUTION NO. 232

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

Whereas Nova Scotia has a long and proud history as a seafaring province with many awards and recognition for the skills and abilities of our sailors; and

Whereas the Saraphie, a 42-foot ketch, berthed at the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron in Halifax is owned by Peter Hancock and skippered by Bruce Hancock, Director of Aquaculture for the Province of Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture; and

Whereas the Saraphie has successfully completed a number of sailing competitions including achieving the first in class, the first in division, and was the first over the line for all ketches, yawls, and schooners in the 2015 Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race, taking second place in the Cruising Division at the 2016 Route Halifax-Saint Pierre Ocean Race, and took home the coveted Binnacle Trophy for the best combined time between the Marblehead race in 2015 and the Saint-Pierre race in 2016;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House extend congratulations to the skipper and crew for the ketch, Saraphie, for their sailing efforts and the tireless promotion of Nova Scotia as a world-class sailing destination.

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.

We'll now go back to Statements by Members.

[STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS]

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

METRO WORKS/FIRST BOOK CAN. - LITERACY EFFORTS

MS. JOYCE TREEN « » : Mr. Speaker, on September 8^th, MetroWorks, in partnership with First Book Canada, hosted a book distribution and luncheon at Fisherman's Cove to celebrate the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's 50^th Anniversary of International Literacy Day.

Lesley Dunn from MetroWorks did an amazing job of bringing together MLAs, community leaders, school librarians, and even a local daycare. The purpose of the event was to engage the attendees in taking the Literacy Pledge and to recognize the importance of literacy. Stone Hearth Bakery chef, Shawn, prepared a delicious lunch, and participants took home hundreds of free books to their offices to be distributed to children within their reach.

Please join me in thanking MetroWorks and First Book Canada for their continuing effort in making literacy more available to the children of our province. Thank you.

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

OAKLEY, KATHY: COMMUN. SERV. - THANK

MR. IAIN RANKIN « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Kathy Oakley and Glane Gorvette of Prospect for their dedication and service to our community.

For many years, Kathy and Glane quietly volunteered their time and talents to a number of community organizations and initiatives, most of which are centred around safe and healthy communities. The couple worked tirelessly to raise awareness and educate young people on the dangers of drugs. Glane has shared his experience and expertise in digital photography by offering community workshops and classes. They contributed the most volunteer hours to the Prospect Road Citizens on Patrol, being the eyes and ears for the community, and they were both founding members of the Prospect Road Jammers.

I would like the members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly to join me in thanking Kathy and Glane for their community service and wish them all the best in the future.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Sydney-Whitney Pier.

OSBORNE, CONNIE: MEMBERTOU FUNDRAISING - CONGRATS.

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MR. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : I rise to recognize Connie Osborne from Membertou. Connie spends almost the entire year fundraising for children in Membertou during Christmastime to build a gingerbread house so the kids can celebrate the Christmas season with family and friends in the Membertou community. She spends an incredible amount of time raising this money to ensure that all the kids have a present and that there's an event for all the families to attend during this time of year.

I rise in my place to congratulate Connie Osborne for all the work she does in her community of Membertou and all the work that she does for kids and families during Christmastime.

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

DERA, ADRIANA - WORLD YOUTH DAY (KRAKOW)

HON. TONY INCE « » : I rise today to acknowledge the accomplishments of a vibrant young woman, Ms. Adriana Dera. This past summer, Adriana visited Poland, the country of origin of her parents who immigrated to Canada through Pier 21 in 1952. Adriana travelled there not only to experience the culture and heritage she is so proud to be a part of, but she was also invited to attend the World Youth Day 2016 in Krakow, led by Pope Francis.

Adriana represented Nova Scotia with flags and pins, and shared stories with fellow participants about the beauty of our province. I'm certain she brought home a number of happy memories and many lessons in multiculturalism. She also came away with important lessons she can share with fellow Nova Scotian youth inspired by His Holiness Pope Francis: Go without fear to serve.

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

GRAN FONDO BAIE SAINTE-MARIE - SUPPORT CONGRATS.

MR. GORDON WILSON « » : After last year's impressive inaugural Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie, the organizers began to prepare for the 2016 fondo, adding a third immediate distance. Quickly, it became obvious that the second fondo would build on the success of the first. The number of cyclists doubled to over 850, and the number of volunteers required was 125.

Everything was ready, with the only unknown being the weather. No worries: the weather over the summer and early fall have been warm, dry, and calm. That was true until the day of the fondo. The early morning was chilly with a brisk breeze off the bay. Despite the wind, the cyclists arrived early, anticipating the challenge of the day. The volunteers fanned out across the municipality to ensure that everything would go smoothly. People came out to the starting line or their front yards with their cow bells or Acadian flags to cheer on the participants.

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The local support, both from the people and local businesses, was remarkable, and the spirit of the day was contagious. Congratulations to everyone involved. I await the third gran fondo, maybe minus the wind.

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

HADHAD FAM. - PEACE BY CHOCOLATE: OPENING - CONGRATS.

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, you may remember that I rose in the last session to welcome the Hadhad family, formerly of Damascus, Syria, to Antigonish. I rise again today to update my colleagues on the success of the Hadhad family.

Assam Hadhad owned a successful chocolate factory in Syria that was destroyed by the same fighting and conflict that forced his family to flee the country. The factory employed 30 people and shipped its specialty products all over the Middle East. It has been a success that Mr. Hadhad has been eager to recreate since his arrival in Canada. I'm happy to say that the Hadhads have reached another milestone on their new journey to success with the grand opening of their new chocolate factory, Peace by Chocolate.

Opened in August, the Hadhads' new chocolate factory was expanded, and they now have a dedicated space they can use to produce the sweets that will be sold at markets or used to fill many orders they received thus far. The Hadhads did have some help get their business up and running. Volunteers helped Mr. Hadhad find some equipment that was needed to begin and assisted in the construction of the new shed-turned-chocolate factory.

In turn, the Hadhads donated a month of profits from their home-based business to the Fort McMurray wildfire relief fund to show their appreciation for their new home and country. This sense of community was recognized when the Prime Minister recently referenced Antigonish and the Hadhads in the United Nations Leaders' Summit on Refugees.

I ask colleagues in the House of Assembly to join me in congratulating the Hadhad family on the opening of Peace by Chocolate and their continued success in Canada.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Thank you for those members' statements. I will take a couple of seconds just to remind all members to please try and time your statements to just shy of one minute so that we meet our deadline.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

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ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS TO MINISTERS

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

PREM.: TEACHERS - CONCILIATION BD.

HON. JAMIE BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, ever since the 96 per cent strike vote by teachers, the Premier has been saying that he wants to avoid a strike and work with them on improving classroom conditions. Yesterday, teachers indicated they are prepared to form a conciliation board, to work out the impasse between his government and teachers. A conciliation board would be the table where this can be worked out without a strike.

I'd like to ask the Premier, will his government say yes to a conciliation board with teachers?

HON. STEPHEN MCNEIL « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. Yesterday, he is right, the teachers union did reach out. The minister has responded to them today. When we're certain that they have received that response, we'll be happy to table it in the House.

MR. BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, parents and students also would like to know whether the government is prepared to go to a conciliation board. I don't know how the government sent their response, whether it was by carrier pigeon or by bicycle courier, but we're pretty sure that in 2016 the union has the government's response.

Parents got letters yesterday telling them to make contingency plans in the case of a strike. Why not share with parents, and all Nova Scotians now whether the government is saying yes?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, one more time for the Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party to stand up and grandstand in the House. It's only appropriate that our response goes to the NSTU, once we're sure they'll have it, we'll be happy to share it with the honourable member (Interruption)

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The honourable Premier has the floor.

THE PREMIER « » : Once we're certain that they have it, we'll be happy to share it with the honourable member and all members in the House, the media, and all Nova Scotians.

MR. BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, the Premier seems to think the only two groups that are interested in whether there will be a conciliation board are his government and the Teachers Union. What he is missing is that parents and students are also at this table, whether he likes it or not. Their school year is what is in question here. The learning conditions in the classroom are what is in dispute. They deserve to know, as much as anybody, what his government's answer is.

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The Premier knows the teachers union already has their response, so why won't he now share with parents and students what, obviously, they have told the Teachers Union?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I am not certain that the Teachers Union has that response. I told the honourable member that as soon as they do, we'd be happy to share it with those and all members of the province. I think it's only reasonable that the people who ask you the question should know the answer before you stand in front of the camera, but that is not something that that honourable member or that caucus practices.

We believe in relationships, Mr. Speaker, it's important that we tell them first and not find the first camera to grandstand in front of.

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

PREM.: DOCTORS - COMMUN. DISTRIBUTION

HON. STERLING BELLIVEAU « » : Mr. Speaker, my question through you, is to the Premier. Yesterday we were told by a high-ranking official in the Health Authority that every community cannot expect a family doctor.

Mr. Speaker, the people of Weymouth learned this the hard way, now Nova Scotians around the province as wondering if the government will also deny new billing numbers to their communities if they need a doctor.

I ask the Premier, when will he tell Nova Scotians which community can and cannot expect a new doctor?

THE PREMIER « » : I want to thank the honourable member for the question. I'm very proud of the work that communities are doing across the province, working with the new District Health Authority and the minister, to make sure they have the health care complement in their community that they require.

We know there are some challenges associated with that. We've been working together to make sure that collaborative teams are set up in communities across this province.

MR. BELLIVEAU « » : Mr. Speaker, the Health Authority is telling Nova Scotians that the transition to collaborative care could take another 10 years, yet this government seems to have no short-term plan for this transition. In fact, this government's decision to withhold billing numbers is only adding to the problem of a doctor shortage across our province.

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If this continues, there will be a province-wide crisis, long before the 10-years transition is completed. Mr. Speaker, a Health Authority official has admitted that in Weymouth, a crisis has already arrived.

I ask the Premier, when will this government provide a short-term plan to address the growing number of Nova Scotians who cannot find a family doctor?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. We know there's a doctor there visiting in the clinic, along with a nurse practitioner, now, in Weymouth. We're continuing to work with communities across the province. I want to thank the honourable member for Clare-Digby who continues to work with his community to help find solutions. There are positive signs on the horizon for that community.

As we look across the province, we're starting to see positive signs. But there's no question that there are challenges in certain communities. We're reaching out and working with those communities to make sure that we have a good handle on their physician resource requirements - not only this year and next year, but into the future. We're going to continue to work to make sure that that collaborative practice approach is what physicians are looking for and that it will be in place across our province.

MR. BELLIVEAU « » : This government continues to say that they are listening to doctors to justify decisions such as withholding billing numbers for new doctors. Well, the president of Doctors Nova Scotia recently spoke out in the media, stating that doctors have ". . . not been engaged by either the government or the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) to help shape these teams." She goes on to point out that there obviously needs to be a short-term solution to the ongoing doctor shortage. I will table that.

I ask the Premier, if this government is saying that they're listening to doctors, why is the president of Doctors Nova Scotia saying otherwise?

THE PREMIER « » : I thank the honourable member for the question. I want to thank Doctors Nova Scotia and physicians across the province and health care providers who are working with our government to ensure that we continue to build collaborative practices, making sure that they are in communities across this province. That's what health care providers are telling us is the environment they want to work in.

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS: HIGH-CREST NURSING HOME/ALL SAINTS HOSP. - DOCTOR SHARING

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HON. JAMIE BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Health and Wellness. High Crest Nursing Home is across the road from All Saints Hospital in Springhill, as I believe the minister knows. Doctors at the hospital are no longer allowed to cross the street to High Crest to do visitations to the senior residents there. The reason is that there are only two emergency room doctors left and they are too busy, so they've been ordered not to cross the street to provide medical assistance to the residents of High Crest anymore. That means those residents have to either go out, often in the cold and at some risk, or even, in extreme cases, take an ambulance across the street.

I'd like to ask the minister, will he intervene with the Health Authority on behalf of the residents of High Crest Nursing Home and order the hospital to allow their doctors to cross the street to help the residents of High Crest Nursing Home?

HON. LEO GLAVINE » : What I can convey to the honourable member, as I said to him yesterday, is that I will look into the current situation at Springhill. I met with Dr. Lynn Harrigan last evening to work on some kind of short-term plan to meet the current challenges that Springhill is experiencing. Part of it is due to a particular practitioner there and family circumstances. There are many issues that are involved in Springhill.

MR. BAILLIE « » : I want to tell the minister that I appreciate that answer. It's very helpful, and I'm thankful for it. In the meantime, of course, the situation goes on. The few remaining doctors are not allowed to cross the street. I hope the minister will provide some short-term solution for that as well.

I'd just like to ask the minister, what does he advise the residents and staff of High Crest to do when they have residents needing medical care in the meantime?

MR. GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, obviously it depends on the level of care that is required by a resident. We would find that there would be nursing available in our nursing homes that can look after many of the needs of patients. If it's something more critical, that's when they would be transported to a facility.

Many of our nursing homes don't have a doctor readily available. EHS is able to intervene and provide the necessary emergency care and stabilization of care in our nursing homes.

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

EECD: MIN. ACTION PLAN - EFFICACY

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MS. LENORE ZANN « » : Mr. Speaker, there are many challenges facing teachers in today's classrooms. The diverse needs of students in each classroom is one such challenge. A single teacher is expected to plan their lessons so that students meet defined learning outcomes, include adaptations to enable students to meet those incomes, and deliver individual program plans for students who are unable to meet the outcomes. The number of students on IPPs has gone up, and teachers are telling me rather than improving their work load, the minister's action plan has actually made their jobs more daunting than ever.

Mr. Speaker, my question for the minister is, would she please admit that her action plan simply isn't working, and agree to stop making changes until teachers have been meaningfully consulted?

HON. KAREN CASEY « » : I've said in this House, and I've said throughout my whole career, that the teachers in the classroom are the people who make the difference. I stand by that statement. We have opened our doors, and opened our ears, to listen to what their concerns are, we have established a partnership team to hear those concerns, I'm going into classrooms, and I'm meeting with teachers, because I do understand that there are complexities, and it's our responsibility to listen, and to ask them to help us with their solutions.

MS. ZANN « » : Well, once again, I did not hear an actual response to my question in her answer, but many teachers feel that the action plan deserves to be taken right off the table entirely. They are sharing many of their personal experiences. One teacher actually said that in class of 17, six students were on IPPs, and while the students not on IPP were writing provincial assessments, other students needed to be engaged in some kind of productive activities, but no teaching support was allotted.

However, when the minister's IPP review was conducted over the past year, most of these recommendations focused on increased data collection, and revised training materials for teachers. Teachers feel like they are drowning in data.

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

MS. ZANN « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is, will the minister agree to bargain with the union fairly, and make the changes actually needed so that teachers get back to teaching, instead of being data collectors?

MS. CASEY « » : When we did a review of students that were on IPPs, there was an alarming increase, and with the declining enrollment and an increase in number of students in IPP. It was absolutely critical that we look at why that was happening, how we could help parents and students, and how we could help teachers, to ensure that the students and the teachers were coming together with program that was meeting the students' needs. Mr. Speaker, we don't need a bargaining table to do that.

[Page 748]

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

MUN. AFFS. - MIN.: TAXPAYERS MONEY - PROTECT

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, my question, through you, is to the Minister of Municipal Affairs. The minister is dragging his feet on tightening up spending rules for municipalities, because he says he doesn't want to have a knee-jerk reaction to one situation. However, he knows there is at least one other situation in this province where taxpayers allegedly paid for alcohol, travel, and extravagant meals. The minister must know, as we all do, that the Ombudsman's Office is investigating the expenses in the Municipality of Guysborough County. So when will the minister stand with the taxpayers of this province, and get serious about protecting their money?

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : I appreciate the member's comments. And of course, the Ombudsman's Office is an independent office of government who is responsible for conducting these investigations independently of the executive branch of government. But I do reject the member's premise that we are not active on this file. We of course want all our municipalities to have a standardized level of transparency and accountability.

In fact, I sent a letter this morning to President Clarke of the UNSM, as well as President Marie Walsh of the AMA, asking the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities and Association of Municipal Administrators to join the Department of Municipal Affairs to work on a standardized policy expense policy for all municipalities including requiring municipal expenses to be posted online. I will table that for the member to view.

MS. MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, and that's great news. It sounds very positive, and maybe my bills will be considered for passing. The minister is taking credit for triggering the forensic audit after numerous red flags - months, years. The Ombudsman's Office is also investigating Guysborough County, and we now know past and present councillors allegedly spent thousands of dollars' worth of booze and travel.

Has the minister triggered a forensic audit in Guysborough County, since he was eager to take credit for the one in Richmond County?

MR. CHURCHILL « » : Mr. Speaker, just to be clear, I'm not taking credit for the forensic audit in Richmond County (Interruptions) No, no, let's be clear, there was a decision made by council and our staff made a recommendation to do that, in support of the move forward. That's what I said in this House, the record is clear on that.

Obviously it's a priority of this government to ensure that municipalities have the same standardized level of transparency and accountability with their expenses, as we MLAs do, Mr. Speaker, so I'm hoping that the member will work with our Party in moving forward on this very important initiative that the Department of Municipal Affairs has been doing for actually a very long time now.

[Page 749]

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

MUN. AFFS. - LIBERAL PARTY:

RICHMOND TAXPAYERS - MONEY RETURN

MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, I guess you could say we're trying to work with the government here in this Chamber to resolve this matter.

Mr. Speaker, a question for the Minister of Municipal Affairs. Money from the taxpayers of Richmond County is essentially now in the hands of the Liberal Party, courtesy of a Liberal Party fundraiser for the member for Cape Breton-Richmond. The Premier, the minister, and the member for Cape Breton-Richmond feel there is no obligation for the Liberal Party to return the money to the Richmond taxpayers.

Mr. Speaker and Mr. Minister, should we expect anything different from a Party found guilty of collecting illegal tolls off alcohol, sold through the NSLC in the 1970s?

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Mr. Speaker, that is a complete misrepresentation of the facts, which we're getting used to from that Party. Let's be clear, individuals donated personal cheques to the Liberal Party. Those individuals made a decision to have the municipality reimburse them. It has been brought to my attention this morning that those individuals have taken responsibility, and repaid the Municipality of Richmond for those dollars that they shouldn't have been refunded in the first place.

MR. MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm sure there have been lots of phone calls happening, especially yesterday, that triggered the councillors to do that.

The member for Cape Breton-Richmond said it was an honest mistake. If there is anything this scandal, and the way this government has been dealing with it, has been short of, it's honesty. The money belongs to the taxpayers of Richmond County.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. I'd like to remind the member that to infer that any other member of the House is not honest is unparliamentary. I'd like to ask you to rephrase the question or withdraw.

MR. MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, I will retract the comment and perhaps the government can take example when they see something that should be corrected.

The money essentially belongs to the taxpayers of Richmond County, not to the re-election campaign for the member for Cape Breton-Richmond. People have known for years that Liberal politics in Cape Breton-Richmond have been run like a Mafia. Why is this government defending it (Interruption)

[Page 750]

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. We'll move along to the next question. Referring to other members of this Chamber as Mafia is unparliamentary. We'll move on to the next question.

The honourable member for Sackville-Cobequid.

LAE - CONCILIATION BD.: NSTU REQUEST - DETAILS

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Nova Scotia Teachers Union made the request to the Minister of Labour and Advanced Education that she appoint a conciliation board. A conciliation board would bring both sides together, and eventually report on whether an agreement might be struck.

Its recommendations, Mr. Speaker, are not binding, and it seems like a logical place to go - it could avert a strike. Yesterday the Minister of Labour and Advanced Education told reporters that she hadn't spoken to the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development about the request. I'd like to ask the minister, has she had time now to talk to the Minister of Education on the request from the Nova Scotia Teachers Union about the conciliation board?

HON. KELLY REGAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I just want to inform the honourable member that that is not how the process works. No, I was asked if I had spoken to her and I do not speak to the minister, the minister will respond. I do not ask her what she is going to do.

Just so everyone understands what the process is: the conciliator filed his report, and both parties have two weeks in which to request a conciliation board. During those two weeks, they would each name who they would put on the board, Mr. Speaker. From there, those two members would agree upon a Chair. If they cannot agree upon a Chair, within five days I will report.

MR. DAVID WILSON « » : Yesterday the Minister of Labour and Advanced Education also said it's not up to her to decide if there is a conciliation board or not. The union has requested one, and she indicated that, and now the government has to respond.

Mr. Speaker, the last time I checked, the Minister of Labour and Advanced Education was part of the Executive Council, part of government. Under her department, under the Labour Services branch, there is the ability for conciliation and labour tribunals. What we're trying to do is ensure that the government does the right thing and diverts a strike. I'm hearing from parents across the province who want the government to act.

All I'm asking is, did the minister advise the Executive Council that her department could help facilitate a conciliation board in order to hopefully avert a strike?

[Page 751]

MS. REGAN « » : The honourable member does not understand how the Minister of Labour and Advanced Education interacts with the rest of government, clearly. I understand that their Minister of Labour sat there and interfered in negotiations. I am neutral, Mr. Speaker. I am neutral in this process. I am Switzerland, that's right. I do not sit in Cabinet (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The honourable Minister of Labour and Advanced Education has the floor.

MS. REGAN « » : I do not sit in Cabinet when labour issues are discussed. I remove myself, and there's a reason for that.

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

GAMING: BILLIARDS LOUNGE PROPOSAL (DART.) - VLT TRANSFERS

MR. ANDREW YOUNGER « » : My question is for the Minister responsible for Part I of the Gaming Control Act. The proponent of a proposed billiards lounge at 211 Main Street in Dartmouth says he now has verbal approval to transfer VLTs from the previous, long-closed club, to his new venture. As the minister would no doubt be aware, the government has a policy of attrition of VLTs, and transfers are usually only permitted when the same business moves, and reopens a short distance away, and in a short time frame.

Will the minister commit to the House that he will not allow the VLTs to be located at the project at 211 Main Street?

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : We'll certainly look into this matter.

MR. YOUNGER « » : I appreciate the minister looking into it. I thought he might be aware of it because we already made an inquiry into his office about the same. The new venture will have a different type of liquor licence, if it's approved. It will no longer be a club; it will be open to the general public. It is proposed to open long after the previous bar, owned by the same individual has closed. It's impossible to see how this project would even qualify under the guidelines for transferring the VLTs. At a public meeting held recently, residents were unanimously opposed to VLTs on this site.

Instead of asking if the minister will commit to not having that since he wants to look into it, when will the minister get back to the House about the issue of the VLTs?

MR. SAMSON « » : With all of my responsibilities, I'm sure we'll add this to the list of items to be looked at, and we'll deal with it accordingly.

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

[Page 752]

MUN. AFFS. - RICHMOND MATTER: MIN. AWARENESS - TIME FRAME

MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : I have a question for the Minister of Municipal Affairs. People in Richmond are upset. It was their action that caused the Ombudsman to start to investigate this matter and forced the government to take action. They have been trying for almost a year to get this government to take action, and all that they were offered in return was delays. Where was the minister months ago when this matter was brought to his attention?

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : As soon as there were red flags that came in the annual auditing report, that all municipalities need to go through, our staff became engaged. We had conversations with the municipality. We offered to bring in a financial expense expert, and a mediator, to help counsel and fill the gaps in their financial policies. We made a recommendation to move forward with a forensic audit, and they took it upon themselves to do that.

Now we are looking at the law that governs the entire province. We want all of our municipalities to be open and transparent and have a standardized level of transparency that people can be proud of, and have faith in. That's why we've initiated this review process. We're going to look at best practices across the province, and deal directly with UNSM, and our municipal partners, to have their expenses put online because that is our wish.

MR. MACMASTER « » : I don't know, the answers keep changing back and forth as to whether they took responsibility to drive the course of the audit or not. I think that's obvious. We're hearing it back and forth depending on the minister's answer today. If I could distill this down into one question, I would ask, why has this government been working with those involved in the Richmond spending scandal to avoid dealing with the matter, and financially benefiting from it in the case of the Cape Breton-Richmond Liberal Association?

MR. CHURCHILL « » : Mr. Speaker, that is a complete misrepresentation of the facts here. Individuals gave personal cheques to the Liberal Party. Those individuals then made a decision to reimburse themselves with taxpayers' dollars from Richmond County. That was wrong to do, and it is against the Elections Act to do that. That's why Elections Nova Scotia is investigating that right now. Those individuals have since repaid, and I'm happy they've taken responsibility for that, but Elections Nova Scotia is still investigating.

We do not control Elections Nova Scotia. I know the member wants us to have dictatorial powers when it's convenient for him, to guide the Ombudsman's Office, the RCMP, and Elections Nova Scotia, but we don't do those things. The proper authorities are investigating this matter, and if the member has evidence, he should provide it to them.

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

[Page 753]

HEALTH & WELLNESS: DRUG ADDICTION - PICTOU CO. CASE

HON. PAT DUNN « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. I believe we can be fairly certain that this province is in crisis when it comes to help for drug addiction. The system seems to be broken. It has serious gaps. We have had a number of constituents visiting our office in Pictou Centre recently.

Most recently a grandfather visited our office, worried sick over his two grandsons. It was a very emotional meeting. The grandsons were constantly using needles, and he is afraid they are going to die before something is done for them.

My question for the minister is, what would you suggest I say to this grandfather to comfort him while he is literally breaking down in front of me while he tells this story?

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for his thoughtful question and the issue that he's raising on the floor of the Legislature this morning. We know that this has been a significant issue in the province and across the country for the past decade. We know that in all parts of the province, we have both professionals and other people who intervene to work with our youth, whether it's in a school setting or community organizations.

In this case, I would say that visiting with a professional to get the best interventions seems to have the best results.

MR. DUNN « » : It is very difficult to tell family members that there is nothing we can actually offer in our area to any individual who is in this state. The grandsons are willing to take part in whatever program of treatment may be available, according to their grandfather. Even the Department of Community Services in our area was unable to help. My understanding is that they have been on a wait-list for more than a year. Meanwhile the grandfather continues to provide money for their habit, because he feels that if he doesn't, problems with the law would definitely occur. Their grandfather also stated that he doesn't know how he can possibly continue to afford this.

My question to the minister is, keeping in mind that this is one of many stories, does the minister now agree that the health system is indeed in a crisis?

MR. GLAVINE « » : I certainly am well aware of the depth of the opioid issue across the province and the interventions that are required. Some of the most difficult, in fact, are with our youth, but there are detox opportunities available throughout our province, and that is the first stage of working with anybody who has an addiction. I would encourage the member to work with the grandfather to continue to get them into detox.

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

[Page 754]

ENVIRON. - DEPT.: CLIMATE CHANGE DIV. - REMOVAL CONFIRM

HON. DENISE PETERSON-RAFUSE « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Environment. On Wednesday, I asked the minister twice if she could confirm whether or not the Climate Change division had been eliminated in her department. However, she failed both times to answer the question.

I'm hoping that the third time is the charm, so I'd like to ask the minister if she can confirm whether or not the Climate Change division has been eliminated in her department.

HON. MARGARET MILLER » : Mr. Speaker, I thank the honourable member for the question and the opportunity once again to showcase where Nova Scotia is going with climate change. We are still recognized nationally as provincial leader in GHG reductions, and I think that's something all Nova Scotians can be very proud of.

To actually answer the member's question, yes, we certainly do have a very active Climate Change division that is working on this file full time.

MS. PETERSON-RAFUSE « » : Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday I also asked the minister about the Climate Change Adaptation Fund program, but again I did not receive a straight answer. This program is very important to help municipalities prepare for climate change, so I will ask the minister again, what work has been done through this program in the last two years, and will she table that work with the House?

MS. MILLER « » : I thank the honourable member for the question. Climate change is such a big thing for Nova Scotia. We know that it's coming, we know that we have to prepare for that and part of that is coastal adaptation. That's certainly part of the conversation that we're having, we're having that within our departments and across governments because it's going to affect all of us. The conversations will continue and the work will as well. Thank you.

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS: DOCTOR CRISIS - ADMIT

HON. ALFIE MACLEOD « » : Mr. Speaker, when I was growing up I was told to say what you mean and mean what you say.

On June 10^th the members of this government attended a hastily organized press conference about a collaborative health practice for Sydney. This was only a cheap political trick to try to downplay a public meeting June 12^th that was held to voice concern . . .

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. I remind the honourable member that "cheap political trick" is unparliamentary, and I'd ask him to retract that phrase and rephrase his question.

[Page 755]

MR. MACLEOD « » : Mr. Speaker, I'll retract that.

There was a meeting held in Sydney to try to downplay the public meeting June 12^th that was held for people to voice concerns about a lack of doctors. Over 900 attended - a doctor actually called for a public inquiry.

This is a community in crisis, Mr. Speaker. We still have doctors leaving and now we learn that this collaborative care practice that such fanfare was made about is actually being put off again. It's not going to happen this Fall as promised. People need doctors today.

AN HON. MEMBER: Do you have a question on it?

MR. MACLEOD « » : I do have a question. (Interruption) I'm out of time, the people of Cape Breton are out of time. They are out of time waiting for you to act on . . .

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. I'd like to ask the honourable member to direct his question through the Chair.

MR. MACLEOD « » : Again I apologize to you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, my question to the Minister of Health and Wellness is, when will this government finally admit there is a doctor crisis and stop making promises they don't want to, or won't, keep?

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, I think the member does have enough information to know there will be a collaborative practice developed in Sydney. What the member should know is that getting doctors to go to certain communities is extremely challenging. We've even had to provide two doctors that we've even had to provide (Interruption) Mr. Speaker, I didn't interrupt the member, I don't think, during his presentation, so I would appreciate the opportunity to explain to the member that Sydney will indeed be getting a collaborative practice.

Thirteen doctors have started in Sydney, I think it's Dr. Melanie Adams who just opened a practice in Glace Bay and the work continues to recruit and that member will be able to tell residents of Sydney when the new collaborative practice is opening in its fullest.

MR. MACLEOD « » : Well, Mr. Speaker, I learned one thing today, the motto of this government is don't do today what you can put off until tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, 30 doctors have gone from Cape Breton and more are planning to leave. The minister took great pride in saying that this collaborative practice was coming to Sydney this Fall. He also took great pride last week in mentioning there was a doctor who came to the Northside and took on 1,000 patients - of course, he failed to mention there was another doctor who left who had over 2,000 patients.

[Page 756]

Mr. Speaker, I know this minister is an honourable man, but my question is, when will he and his Liberal Government do the right thing, admit that there is a doctor crisis in Cape Breton and do what they need to do so these Nova Scotians don't have to wait to find a doctor and finally put their words into action?

MR. GLAVINE « » : I'm pleased that we have announced recruitment is well under way with 22 nurses, nurse practitioners, and family practice nurses who will be added to current practices. As the member opposite knows, primary care is well beyond an individual doctor. Many patients now in Nova Scotia, when it's appropriate to see a nurse practitioner or a family practice nurse, are doing so. What I can tell the member opposite, from speaking to Dr. Harrigan last evening, is that recruitment is happening every week. In fact, every day contact is made across the country with medical schools. I think we'll see the fruition of some that work, and Sydney will get their collaborative practice.

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS - VALLEY REG. HOSP.: DIALYSIS - PLANS

MR. JOHN LOHR « » : My question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. As the minister knows, the citizens of the Annapolis Valley have long awaited now dialysis for the Valley Regional Hospital and have fundraised for it. My question for the minister is, can the minister update this House on plans for dialysis for Valley Regional Hospital?

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : The Valley held a wonderful event last evening put on by the Kidney Foundation. We were certainly talking with a number of people there who go to dialysis. Yes, they are anticipating when they'll be able to go to Kentville. Perhaps some already get dialysis in Berwick. But some have to come to the city. That work is well in advance now. We've had a team working on the design because they're attaching it, of course, to the existing Valley Regional Hospital. I'll keep the member for Kings South directly informed on what's happening with dialysis.

MR. LOHR « » : Thank you, minister, for that answer. I will remind the minister that I represent Kings North.

In 2013, there was a press release announcing dialysis for Kentville, and I'll table that. In the 2016-17 capital plan, it states, Buildings other, Dialysis unit, Kentville. There's only about five months left in this year's capital plan. My question for the minister is, what is going on with this? We have information on paper, but nothing in reality. Will the minister explain why he has stated things on paper, but nothing has happened?

[Page 757]

MR. GLAVINE « » : I thank the member for his question this morning. What I meant to say was that I would tell the member for Kings South first and then the member for Kings North so that we're all in the loop. I hope that when we make that announcement, and he'll be part of it, when the dialysis unit gets under way, he won't be as negative about the dialysis as he was about the hospice. I did hear from some of his constituents that in fact he should have been much more positive when the announcement was made. Going back to the Rodney MacDonald Government and the Hamm Government, they both rejected hospice for the Valley.

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

COM. SERV. - CAREER SEEK PROG.:

UPTAKE/PARTICIPATION - INCREASE

MS. MARIAN MANCINI « » : Yesterday, the Minister of Community Services announced (Interruptions)

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

MS. MANCINI « » : Yesterday, the Minister of Community Services announced changes to the Career Seek program. Prior to 2000, the family benefits program allowed students to access income assistance while in school. At the time the regulations were changed, there were 1,600 students receiving income assistance. Between 2013 and 2016, only seven students accessed the Career Seek program. There have been questions about whether eligibility is too strict or if the caseworkers are not promoting the program to their clients, and I will table that.

Mr. Speaker, what will the minister do to increase uptake and participation in the program?

HON. JOANNE BERNARD « » : I appreciate the question. The member opposite is absolutely right, we have not been promoting that. I don't know what the lack of communication over the last two decades has been within the department, so I was extraordinarily pleased yesterday to make those enhancements where we're actually now a provincial leader in encouraging people who are on income assistance to attend post-secondary education. That was my experience in the 1990s, before these two programs came into fruition, so to provide enhancements, to make sure that people are supported, and that barriers are removed, are what any member of this House would want for people who are facing challenges to post-secondary education in this province.

MS. MANCINI « » : Mr. Speaker, in making changes to Career Seek the minister acknowledged the cost of transportation can be a barrier to those wishing to attend post-secondary education. The cost of transportation is also a barrier for individuals who want to work, access medical services, or otherwise engage in the community.

[Page 758]

Mr. Speaker, given that the minister knows this is an issue, will she agree to reinstate bus passes for ESIA clients?

MS. BERNARD « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd be pleased to tell the member opposite that over 87 per cent of people who live in the central region of Nova Scotia do get access - whether it's bus tickets, bus passes, taxis, or whatever they need to get them where they are.

If someone does not follow the criteria that is needed to go to a volunteer opportunity, upgrading or training, or work, they would not be provided with that, and that has been a long-standing practice within the department for many years, and thus, one more reason why we're transforming the Department of Community Services in the Province of Nova Scotia.

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS - PICTOU CO.:

DOCTOR RECRUITMENT - UPDATE

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, my question, through you, is to the Minister of Health and Wellness. Health care services have been eroding in Pictou County. We know there are a significant number of people without access to a primary health care physician. In the Spring I had an opportunity to meet the recruiter for Pictou County who indicated they were working hard to recruit two doctors: one to replace Dr. Ibrahim's practice, and one for the Pictou clinic. Can the minister please provide an update on the progress being made to recruit these two doctors for Pictou County?

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : What I can convey to the member opposite is that the NSHA continues to work on finalizing contracts for a number of doctors. Obviously it's important that they come in the context of a wider team practice, and as the member can appreciate, if we look at the history in communities where practices are established, it takes some time to put that team together, and that's certainly in progress.

MS. MACFARLANE « » : Due to the lack of doctors in Pictou County, thousands of people are dependent on the walk-in clinic in New Glasgow. However, the clinic is operating on part-time hours; it's open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., but closed completely during the remaining days of the week.

Given the limited hours of operation, but the colossal need of constituents who are reliant on the clinic to be open, will the minister please extend the operating hours to meet the community needs, until at least Pictou County receives two more doctors?

[Page 759]

MR. GLAVINE « » : That's a good question the member is asking on behalf of her constituents, and it's one that obviously needs to be handled through the operations of the Nova Scotia Health Authority. If they are not tuned into that question today, I will certainly make them aware of it.

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS:

C.B. COLLABORATIVE MEDICAL PRACTICES - TIME FRAME

MR. EDDIE ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is also for the Minister of Health and Wellness. On June 10^th, as already stated today, before a community meeting on doctors and health care in Cape Breton, this government announced there would be a collaborative medical practice set up in Sydney. This week we hear that this will be delayed until the new year and that they may do two instead of one.

Mr. Speaker, they can't even get one up and running in the promised time, and now they're going to make it two, so my question to the minister is, can the minister please tell the people of Cape Breton, who need a doctor now, when this will happen and where these clinics will be set up?

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : In fact, in speaking with Dr. Harrigan as late as yesterday, we know that recruitment is at a very good stage because finally we're doing the right thing. We're doing the right thing by having recruitment in the very early months of the last year that residents are in their training. I don't see any reason why we will not see those clinics that the NSHA has now in development. We don't have an exact date as to when they will start, but they will come to fruition I'm sure, and the member will see for himself.

MR. ORRELL « » : In a previous answer, the minister said that they have a hard time getting doctors to go to certain communities. A doctor on the Northside wanted to have a nurse practitioner or a family practice nurse to enhance that practice and the health care of the people on the Northside.

Can the minister tell us why this collaborative-type practice was denied, and when will we see health care improve for Northside and Cape Breton in general?

MR. GLAVINE « » : What I can tell the member opposite, and the residents of Northside, is that we're pleased to have recruited a doctor who started practice just a short time ago, and we'll continue to recruit for that area.

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

[Page 760]

EMO - SOUTHWESTERN N.S.:

WATER/SHOWERING FACILITIES - PLANS

MS. LISA ROBERTS « » : My question is for the Minister responsible for Emergency Management. Yesterday, provincial park facilities closed for winter maintenance. These closures are concerning for residents in southwestern Nova Scotia whose household wells have been dry for months; many continue to rely on public facilities. Last week the member for Chester-St. Margaret's asked the minister if there was a plan to keep showering facilities open for the winter months, but no plan was offered. Yet, on Tuesday, the government announced it would allow residents to shower at two high schools and a county lifestyle centre.

So my question for the minister is, is there a plan that the minister has not yet shared with the House?

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : I appreciate the member pointing out that alternative locations have been found for members of those communities to shower and refill their water stations. Unfortunately, the cold weather does force us to close our parks down for winter maintenance. We do have options to bring in mobile units as well if the current facilities are not meeting the demand. We have also thought this out. If this problem does continue, we do have tanks we're able to get to residents so they can hold water in their home. We will be announcing a program, hopefully next week, relating to this as well that will help individuals dealing with this situation, particularly with dug wells.

MS. ROBERTS « » : I'm glad to hear that there is a plan under way, and we'll be anxious to hear the details. It is very disconcerting, given that it's almost November, and Cindy Day keeps hinting that snow is on the way. The ground will surely freeze soon and we need details now.

My question for the minister is, how is EMO working with the missing climate change adaptation staff to adjust to what may be a new normal in Nova Scotia?

MR. CHURCHILL « » : That is a very, very important question. The staff at EMO keep in constant contact with Environment Canada and their climate group. We are now going to ensure that municipalities have planning for water shortages.

This was a first in Nova Scotian history, and we do want to be prepared in the event that it does happen again. We are changing our planning processes to also be ready for these situations in the future, just in case. We also have a great opportunity with the Liberal Government in Canada, along with investments from the province, to have some major capital infrastructure investments in clean water initiatives across this province. We will work in direct liaison with our municipalities to achieve that.

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

[Page 761]

MR. LARRY HARRISON « » : Well, something tells me, Mr. Speaker, I'm not going to get this in.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Where were you earlier, though? That's what I want to know.

Order please. The time allotted for Oral Questions Put by Members to Ministers has expired.

With all kinds of things going on here, I just want to take a quick second to remind all members of the House that the use of electronic devices during Question Period is strictly prohibited.

The honourable Premier.

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, at the beginning of Question Period, the Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party asked a question about how we responded to the Nova Scotia Teachers Union. I have that letter. I have received information that they have received it, so if, with the consent of the House reverting back, I'd like to table that letter.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

[TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS]

MR. SPEAKER « » : The letter is tabled.

The honourable member for Inverness.

MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, on a point of privilege, I heard the member for Cape Breton-Richmond threaten me during Question Period by hollering - and it's almost amusing to me as well - "You say that out there", referring to outside the Chamber, and "You post that to the taxpayers for Richmond County" - I presume he's referring to the Facebook site.

Mr. Speaker, he was referring to the second comment I made, upon which you ruled my question out of order, and I can only surmise that the member for Cape Breton-Richmond was threatening me with legal action if the comment was repeated outside of this Chamber. So, I would ask that you review this matter to determine if it is in keeping with the spirit of the founding of this Legislature where members have been given the privilege to speak freely.

MR. SPEAKER « » : I'll take the point of privilege under advisement and report back to the House.

[Page 762]

The honourable Minister of Energy.

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : You know, I find it ironic that someone would say that their rights are impugned when that member stood here and used language which we all know is clearly unacceptable in this Chamber. Mr. Speaker, you had to do the same thing for the member for Sydney River-Mira-Louisbourg, who, as a former Speaker knew very well the language he was using was improper for this Chamber, so if we're going to talk about rights in this Chamber and respect for this Chamber, I think the Opposition would do best to look in the mirror first.

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

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT » : This is on another point of order, just so we know we're not continuing that one.

Today, during Question Period, the Minister of Municipal Affairs denied ever saying that he took credit for triggering a forensic audit into the expenses of Richmond County. However, on Tuesday in this House, and I'll table the documentation, in fact, the audit the member is referring to came about because of recommendation from our staff and our department. Mr. Speaker, there's certainly some confusion about what the minister did or did not do in respect to the forensic audit in Richmond County, so could I ask you to compel the member to table all the information, all the documentation he has with regard to the Richmond fiasco . . .

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. This is not a point of order, this is a disagreement of facts, and I'll ask you guys to sort that out outside of this Chamber.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

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 « » : Mr. Speaker, I move that the adjourned debate on the Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne be now resumed.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Sydney-Whitney Pier.

[Page 763]

MR. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm honoured to rise in my place today in Address in Reply as the member for Sydney-Whitney Pier.

We are approaching just over 13 months in office now, and it has been a year, for my community, of excitement, one of community-building, one of tragedy, and one of togetherness, and I want to take a few minutes to just talk about my time as MLA, talk about some of the initiatives that have taken place in the community, not just from my office, but from some of the leaders in our community, and talk about some of the recent events that have taken place in my riding, and in the area.

It has been a great first year, and our philosophy was simple, in our office we would do whatever we could to provide as much information as possible to the residents, so that they could make informed decisions that affect themselves, affect their families, affect their communities, and affect the community organizations, which they work so hard to support in their neighbourhoods, and across Cape Breton. So, as a result of that, we've had a great year where many organizations have stepped forward, and as a result of that, have taken the information that our office has provided, in support with many of the departments across the province, and have been successful in obtaining funds and obtaining support.

There's a lot of people in this room, and there's a lot of staff who aren't in this room, who work for the taxpayers and the residents of Nova Scotia each day who I want to thank, but just to talk about some of the accomplishments of the first year, and some of the leaders in our community from the first year, and continuing.

First and foremost I want to talk about Chester Borden. Chester Borden is probably one of our greatest advocates of youth in Cape Breton. For years, aside from the work he does on a daily basis, providing programs, and providing supports to the youth in our community, he has been resilient and relentless in his pursuit of providing a new building for the children and the youth of Whitney Pier.

I'm looking at the Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage, and he knows better than anybody how resilient Chester has been in this process. We're excited that in the next few weeks, Chester will open the new Whitney Pier Boys & Girls Club. With a lot of support from the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage and other levels of government, they will have a new centre that will be able to host over 80 children as members of the club. They will be providing over 100 meals a day for kids in the community, they will be providing a fully functional kitchen, they will be providing a gym, they will be providing a new tech centre, compliments of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. Now the kids will have access to computer software and programming and, as well, they will have a music booth and a music studio. So to Chester, congratulations for all you've done for the community of Whitney Pier, and for the youth of Whitney Pier. We are all very excited to open the new Whitney Pier Boys & Girls Club in the very near future.

[Page 764]

Through this process, as I said, there have been a lot of organizations that have stepped forward and accessed the information that we've tried to provide through our office on a daily basis. The Ukrainian Hall in Whitney Pier has been a recipient. St. Theresa's Hall has been a recipient, the Whitney Pier Historical Society has been a recipient to celebrate the 150^th Anniversary of Canada. These are just a few of the community organizations that, day in and day out, support families, support kids, support our community so I want to congratulate them all.

Another important milestone for me in receiving support, and one of our greatest organizations is the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, and the Cape Breton Hospital Foundation, and on behalf of the Minister of Health and Wellness, we launched and announced the new linear accelerator for the regional hospital. That was another highlight for the year for me.

When we look at the economy of Cape Breton, there are a couple of things that have come forward in the last year for me. One of them that I want to talk about is the tech sector. I've talked about the tech sector in the past here, what it means for Cape Breton, what it means moving forward, and we've seen some strategic investments through Invest Nova Scotia and through the provincial government to support Navigate Startup House, a new incubator that's in Sydney, and supporting some of the tech companies that have come forward - Ubique, to name one. We're looking at Darren Gallop and his company, and we're looking at a few others. We just had seven new companies that were recipients of money through the Innovacorp Spark Cape Breton competition that are all opening in Sydney. It's a very important part of the economy for us moving forward, and it also ties into some of the strategic investments we made with education. You talk about coding, and my job before I became an MLA, was to be involved with youth in the community on a daily basis, looking at the tech sector and looking at coding.

We may not see it completely today, but that decision by government to introduce coding into classrooms will pay off a hundred-fold in the future. We are giving students a new language, we are giving students a new level of confidence, and we are giving students a new skill set that they will take with them for the rest of their lives, that they will be able to grow, that they will be able to support businesses, and to support ideas, not just to open businesses but to solve community issues, to support social programs. That's a big step for the economy for us. We've seen it with kids - when we were providing programming in schools, we ran out of space. This is what kids wanted, this is what they wanted to be exposed to, and that decision by the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development and the Education Department is going to pay off ten-fold for our community.

Another big part of our economy is tourism, as we all know. Kudos to Destination Cape Breton and all their staff there who do tremendous work. Hats off to them. These are great people who spend their time - their whole goal is to promote Cape Breton and what Cape Breton is all about: our culture, our golf, all of our tourism, why our islands are beautiful.

[Page 765]

This year was extra special due to one man, Rob Calabrese. What he did with a website that was supposed to be for fun ended up being an economic driver and exposed Cape Breton all over the world. He was just recognized as one of the Ambassadors of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce. For me, three weeks ago, I'm at home, back and forth with a producer from ABC Nightly News who's interested in doing a story on Cape Breton. She's asking questions about the economy, about our communities, about our culture, and about our history. It's amazing that one man and his idea have exposed our island all over the world.

As a result of that, it has increased tourism. Some of the numbers we're seeing this year from tourism - our vendors are telling us that it's the best year they've ever had. A lot of the credit has to go to him because of his creativity. He's been all over the world. He's been interviewed by major news outlets all over the globe. I don't know if he'll ever see this, but I think it's important that, as Cape Bretoners, we recognize him for what he did and what he continues to do as, as I believe, one of our greatest ambassadors on our island. Tourism is a very important part of who we are, and it was a very important part of the last year.

Another thing we're seeing in Sydney-Whitney Pier, specifically, continues to be the growth of Membertou. I had the opportunity to recognize Dan Christmas for his appointment to the Senate. (Applause) Dan was a mentor of mine. When I was elected to council eight years ago, Dan was one of the first people I had the opportunity to meet with. He's been a good friend for the last eight years.

Dan has done so much in his career. Where Membertou has come from 20 years ago to now is such a success story, and he's one of the principal architects of doing that, but aside from all of his career highlights and his successes, I want to say that Dan Christmas is a good man. He's a family man. He care about his community, and he is going to be a great Senator for Cape Breton, for Nova Scotia, and for First Nations communities across Canada. I'm so proud to stand in my place today and have more than a minute to congratulate Dan and his family, who of course, as we are all here - our families are with us along this journey. It's an exciting time for him and his family, and I want to say thanks to Dan and congratulate him on his success.

Membertou continues to grow. They continue to be an economic driver in our community. They continue to employ hundreds of people. They continue to look at innovative ways to bring new businesses to our area and support the greater CBRM. The success of Membertou is success for all of us. We've seen that and we are looking forward to - in a few weeks they're going to be launching their new sports complex. (Applause) So that's an exciting time for us and our community, and much-needed infrastructure to support all sports within the CBRM. The relationship continues to be strong with Membertou, and we continue to support them in their pursuits.

[Page 766]

As I said, it's been a pretty amazing year. I have to say, to all of you in the House, whether you're on the government side or not, I've appreciated the opportunity to work with all of you and talk to all of you. I've learned a lot, and I appreciate the guidance. I appreciate people answering the questions that some of us new ones may have when getting in here, because it can be a bit of a daunting experience when you first start. I want to thank you all very much for your support (Interruption)

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. I would remind the honourable member to direct his comments through the Chair.

The honourable member for Sydney-Whitney Pier has the floor.

MR. MOMBOURQUETTE « » : I want to just take a few more minutes of your time to talk about some recent events in the community. It has been a tough few weeks for all communities in the CBRM with what has happened with the Thanksgiving flood. Specifically, there are areas in my community in Sydney where I grew up, where my friends grew up, where my friends reside, that have been hit significantly hard. People will not be returning to their homes. It's been a really trying process and a challenging process for the entire community, but I want to say a few things.

First, I want to start by saying how proud I am of my community. When this happened, neighbours came to help neighbours right away. It was amazing to see but no surprise how quickly the community came together to support those who were impacted the most. To everybody, thank you. Thank you for being who we are, a community that looks after one another, a community that's always looked after one another. It was incredible to see how quickly people rallied together.

I want to say this, too. When this happened, there were a lot of staff both with the province and the municipality - I had the honour of being a councillor in the CBRM, so over that four-year period, I had the honour to meet a lot of staff and to work with a lot of staff. When something like that happens, you're taking people out of their regular daily routine, and you're moving them into crisis mode. That staff at the CBRM, from police to fire to emergency - and I'll get to the province in a second, but specifically at the city - moved lightning-fast to set up call centres, to set up halls, to set up comfort centres, to make sure that everybody had a roof over their head, something to eat, and a place where they could get warm. To everybody at the CBRM including mayor, council, staff, emergency, thank you for being there for all of our people.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. Just a reminder to direct your comments through the Chair.

[Page 767]

MR. MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I want to talk about the provincial staffers second. I want to talk about staff and start by also recognizing the Minister of Municipal Affairs, the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, and the Premier's office as well. That includes EMO. That includes communications. That includes everybody. They, too, with lighting speed, came forward when this disaster happened, to provide support to me on the ground, to my colleagues on the ground, and to the CBRM. So to all of the provincial staff who may be listening to this, I just want to say thank you on behalf of the residents of Sydney-Whitney Pier.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. I appreciate the sentiments of the member's comments, but he's required by this House to direct his comments through the Chair. I'm certain that the honourable member can rephrase that with the same intentions.

The honourable member for Sydney-Whitney Pier has the floor.

MR. MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Mr. Speaker, through you to staff, a big thanks. I don't know what rule I'm breaking there. It's an emotional time for all of us. A lot of help came to my community from everybody. It's been really amazing.

When disaster hit and when all hope was lost for many people, the Premier came to my neighbourhood. He went into those homes. He looked at those families. He looked at them all and said, you are not alone. Our community holds so much thanks for all government representatives coming to our community to support our families that were desperately in need.

That journey continues; the journey is not over. There will be decisions made and there are constant supports and people are working day in and day out. The message I want to send home is that all levels of government are there to support our community and they will continue to be there. We will get through this, we are there to support everyone and that will continue. That's the message I want to send home to everyone.

Just to conclude, I guess, my comments for today, it has been an honour to be the MLA for Sydney-Whitney Pier. We have some great leaders in our community. Our primary function as an office, and the philosophy has always been, provide as much information as possible so people can make the right decisions to support their families, support their communities, and support their organizations.

If you can do that, by doing that we give the ability of the leaders of our community to make decisions with the resources that government provides or that other levels of government provide and that will continue to be our philosophy.

[Page 768]

I want to thank my wife, who is watching right now with two babies at home, who has been a huge support. I'll be home sometime today. Again, it has been an honour. It has been a great year, it has been a challenging year but I'm proud of my community, I'm proud of the work my office has done. I'm honoured to be the member for Sydney-Whitney Pier. (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. I would ask all members of the House to be on their best behaviour.

MR. MOMBOURQUETTE « » : In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, it has been a great year, I'm honoured to be in this position, to represent my community. I'm proud of my community; I believe I represent one of the most diverse ridings in Nova Scotia. We have some great leaders who do great things every day to support one another, and thank you for this opportunity. (Applause)

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

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, it's always a pleasure to rise in my place, and I believe this is my third Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne, so it's always a pleasure.

I'd like to take this opportunity first to give a shout-out and thank all the employees of this historic building. As we all know, it's one of the oldest parliamentary buildings in North America. In fact the other evening I was out for a walk and as I was walking by I could see the Library lights on and it just hit me how fortunate and how blessed I am to be able to be in this House and in this Chamber with wonderful people because, really, at the end of the day we are all here for the same reason but we also have a lot of common denominators and we are all trying to do the best we can.

In fact I learned just yesterday, I believe, when we all heard the pipe band going by the House, I learned that the member for Timberlea-Prospect actually plays the bagpipes, like myself, so perhaps someday (Interruption) Oh, well I'm not here to judge how well he plays, but I just want to say that at the end of the day we do have a job to do and there are moments definitely in this Chamber that are very delicate. As I even stand here right now I feel like I have Elvis legs - I'm as nervous as I was three years ago.

It's never easy for any of us in here to have to bring up delicate subject matter. I just want to say that I do know that we are all here for the same reason, and that's to make a better province and to make sure that we are always putting our constituents before ourselves.

I would like to thank the Liberal Government for taking the time and consideration to mention a past member of the House, Mr. Donnie McInnes, who was a great mentor to me. I was really happy to see that his name was mentioned as one of the members who spent 19 years here in this Chamber. I really miss my conversations with Donnie McInnes. He certainly had a lot of wisdom to share and knowledge. In fact, last May we had a dinner at the Pictou Lodge in honour of him. It was very successful, and 30-some members of his family were there. We will never, ever forget him and the positive impact that he had on Pictou West.

[Page 769]

I also want to take an opportunity to give a shout-out as well to all the members of the Pictou West PC Association. I started this adventure four years ago, and I am happy to say that many of them are still sitting around the table with me. I want to thank them for their dedication, their time, their effort, their financial donations, their honesty, and their input.

As well, I would like to take the opportunity to thank my full-time CA, Michelle Livingston. She is absolutely this incredible women. I often wonder how she handles everything in her own personal life as well as at the office. We recently hired another lady, as Michelle is taking one day off a week now. I would like to give a shout-out to Jennifer Sullivan, as well, who is a wonderful CA and has just fallen into the role very innately. It's a pleasure to have her in the office as well.

Unfortunately, the year brings some sadness as well. It's with a heavy heart that I mention Sandy MacLean, who worked so hard on my campaign building signs and became truly a wonderful friend. He was also very involved in federal politics. Really, the whole county misses him. He had such a jovial spirit and was always very, very positive, even in facing his adversities. I would like to acknowledge him as well as my dear friend Win Barnes, who knocked on over 5,000 doors with me during the time we campaigned. She had worked for Danny Williams as his assistant and decided she wanted to retire in beautiful Pictou West. We just became kindred spirits and ended up hanging out a lot. My mother had passed away during my campaign, and she really fulfilled that role as a mother figure. I deeply miss her. I know that everyone in this Chamber has had someone in their family experience cancer. Unfortunately, it took Win way, way too soon.

As we all know, we just went through municipal elections. There was quite a turn of tides in Pictou County. I would like to acknowledge that, in the Town of Pictou, we have a whole new council. We have Jim Ryan as mayor, and we have four new councillors: Eric Daley, Nadine LeBlanc, Malcolm Houser, and Dan Currie. In the Municipality of Pictou County, I am happy to say that in the Pictou West area, the councillors are not all new. But I'm certainly happy to see them back at this position: Ron Baillie, Larry Turner, Wayne Murray, Robert Parker, David Parker, and Darla MacKeil.

I would like to give a shout-out to Darla specifically for her help in working with me in order to save the Caribou lighthouse. The Caribou lighthouse began operation, I believe, in 1816 or 1817. It was actually my family, the MacFarlane family, who were light keepers. At the time my great-grandfather was the operator, and he had six or seven children. Very interesting man - he had one leg, and people would often say you could hear him walking on the dirt roads in the Caribou Island area.

[Page 770]

We are desperately trying to save this beautiful light and working along with Sean Fraser federally, and we are hoping that in the near future we'll be able to sit down with the Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage for some advice and to see if there's any funding available provincially to save this lighthouse - this iconic landscape, really. It is the light that the Coast Guard still uses, but is in surplus right now by the federal government. We do hope to be able to take it over, renovate, and make it a beautiful public space that all can use.

I'll just mention that we are still struggling in the Town of Pictou, as well as in the whole county, with the lack of doctors. It has been very sad and discouraging. It definitely happens on a weekly basis that people come into the office and they still don't have a doctor. I feel hopeless. I feel that things aren't moving fast enough in that area, to find doctors. Today I asked a question to the Minister of Health and Wellness with regard to the recruitment of two doctors who we desperately need in Pictou County and have been waiting for, for over two years.

There are some good stories, though. Last week I asked a question with regard to a young lady who doesn't have a doctor and is dealing with a very serious cancer diagnosis, and I was pleased that the Minister of Health and Wellness reacted quickly. By noon that day, she had a doctor. So good things do happen in this Chamber.

What I am disappointed in is that we had three doctors in the Pictou area who wanted to stay in Pictou and practise, but for some reason, regardless of the bureaucracy or what it was, they were not asked to fulfill those two positions. Sadly, we had a couple who ended up going to Ontario because they could both find jobs, whereas back in Pictou County only one of them could receive a job. And as of three weeks or a month ago, we had another doctor in Pictou who was waiting and trying to practise in Pictou County, and finally took an interview in Lunenburg and accepted a position there.

It's very frustrating to think that we have doctors willing to stay in Pictou County, wanting to stay, but no one seems to recognize them and offer them the positions that are open right now.

There's a lot of work to do, and we're not going to let up on that. When we know that we still have thousands of people struggling in Pictou County without a doctor, we certainly will not be letting up on our efforts to fulfill finding doctors.

With regard to education, Pictou West has had it hard in the last three years. My first year here, we struggled with the River John school, where we truly had an ideal hub model planned. It was a wonderful hub model, and we were willing to be the guinea pig. We were willing to go outside our box and give it a shot and let the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development use us as a guinea pig to see if it would work.

[Page 771]

In the final days, when the school board decided to vote, it was a tie. We were sitting there in our chairs in Truro, and we were like, "Oh my goodness, we have this. We have this. We're going to be able to go forward with our hub model." Sadly, of course, the chair had to break the tie, and we did not get our hub model.

But the sad story about this is that one school board member was out ill that day, in the hospital, willing to vote, but they wouldn't let that individual vote. And that individual was going to vote "yes," so we would have been able to go along with our hub model, but unfortunately, they wouldn't let that school board member vote. However, on other occasions, they allowed school board members who were either gone on vacation or away and not actually physically in the meeting to vote by proxy - but they wouldn't let that happen with us. So I do feel very much that we were put in a very compromising position and we were put at a very unfair disadvantage.

In Pictou West we now have four schools that are under review. We have Pictou Elementary School, Dr. Thomas McCulloch Junior High School, and Pictou Academy, as well as Northumberland Regional High School. We are very worried because in the Town of Pictou we have about 3,100 people, but what the school board is proposing is that we take Grade 9 to Grade 12 out of Pictou and move them to Northumberland Regional High School.

It's still in the constituency of Pictou West, but we all know that once you start removing students and grades from a community, it's the demise of the community. I'm not sure if there are any members in this Chamber who have read 13 Ways to Kill Your Community, but it's a very interesting book. I'm sorry, I apologize - I can't remember the author's name at the moment, but 13 Ways to Kill Your Community. The first one is water. If you don't have good water, you're done. Second, schools and then hospitals.

So here we have a town that has had a school in their community for 200 years - 200 years, Mr. Speaker - and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is threatening that we may lose that school. We have a wonderful school options committee that is working very hard to come up with options that can save the school, and I'm very proud of them. I know that they have a huge challenge ahead of them, but we will do everything we can to save that school. We know that saving the school is really about saving our town.

The other thing I wanted to mention is with regard to Northern Pulp. I have to say, from the first time I came into this Chamber, three years ago or more - very concerned, very worried for the constituents of Pictou County, but in particular those in the Pictou area where the particulate matter would flow over. We know particulate matter 2.5 is a carcinogen.

[Page 772]

But since then, Northern Pulp has installed a precipitator. There's no doubt that the precipitator is working, and I'm very happy about that. I'm proud to say that it is working. My concern is that it's not working every day, though, and the last month or so, we've seen quite a bit of plume. I have heard from constituents, where it seemed like for about a year I hadn't really had a lot of people coming in with concerns. It was really nice to know that everyone seemed happy with the precipitator, but there are definitely some issues around it again. It does raise some concerns.

I know that last week a couple of members from the Pictou County area went back to a meeting with regard to the closure of Boat Harbour. There's no doubt that Ken Swain, who is the project manager for the cleanup of Boat Harbour, is very credible. He's the individual who also helped to clean up the tar ponds in Sydney, and I have a lot of faith in him and a lot of respect for him.

However, when I got to the meeting, I was disappointed that we haven't advanced further with this project. They had some lovely panels and visuals up, which was very important and very helpful, but I will stand in my place, as I am right now, and I don't have a lot of faith that Boat Harbour will be closed in 2020.

I know this government, the Liberal Government, is trying. I know that Ken Swain as project manager is working so hard, but there's no possible way that Northern Pulp can go through all the environment assessments - and it's not just a provincial environmental assessment. It is a federal environmental assessment too, because it deals with water. There's no way that they can conduct those environmental assessments and have a new treatment facility built by 2020. I just don't know how it will happen, unless they have a magic wand.

I give credit that something has started, that's a good sign, but what we can't forget, Mr. Speaker, is that closing Boat Harbour in 2020 is law. It wasn't just a time frame that we threw out, it was made to be the law. So there's legislation saying it's going to close by 2020. My fear is that at the time I believe the member for Pictou East had put in an amendment to try to extend that time because - I just don't know how it can be done.

It's a huge project and I congratulate the Liberal Government on finally being the government that will do something, but I really think the time has to be reconsidered. I would rather go back to the table now, Mr. Speaker, and look at it and try to identify if it's really possible to have it done because I think it would be better to come out now and say look, you know what - I can't articulate the word I'm looking for right now, but I think we went a little bit ahead of ourselves. It's not doable, but 2021 or 2022 will be more reasonable. So that is my concern about that.

We know that Northern Pulp employs about 350 people directly, we know that indirectly it employs thousands. My cousins, my uncle, my father, my grandfather have all worked there, but I will never ever protect jobs over health - never. I have had more arguments and disputes probably than any other member in this Chamber with their family over this. But I have to go to bed every night and my integrity will never be compromised on this.

[Page 773]

Mr. Speaker, it is a very delicate issue. My grandfather, who worked there, died at 62 with lead and mercury poisoning. His doctor feels that it was probably from the job but there's no proof of that. We have to work, we have to take the jobs that are there. But you know what? The companies have to take responsibility to invest in their companies to ensure that they are protecting the constituents around them. That's all I ask of Northern Pulp, to please invest in maintaining your equipment and ensuring that the health of the constituents around them is not in jeopardy - that's all I'm asking.

Now, Mr. Speaker, I just want to go on for a moment about Northumberland Ferries, which is another company that has been with us for, oh my gosh, decades and decades. Northumberland Ferries is actually I believe the third highest entry point to come into the province. I suppose we have the airport (Interruption) well no, I believe - the member for Pictou East mentioned Yarmouth, but I don't believe that is the case, I think it's coming through New Brunswick into Amherst.

Once again I want to talk about Northumberland Ferries and how important it is to Pictou County and, really, the whole province. If the members in this Chamber, Mr. Speaker, think about the numbers compared to other ferries that are operating in this province, Northumberland Ferries carries over 400,000 passengers in their season - over 400,000 passengers. That's a big number - I'm going to get to the subsidy, too. It carries over 400,000 passengers; it carries over 14,000 commercial vehicles.

Now I can't say verbatim, Mr. Speaker, what the actual number was for the Yarmouth ferry, I believe it might have been around 36,000 - I think it's around 36,000. As I say that, I want to be clear. I believe there should be a ferry service from Yarmouth maybe not to Portland. I'm thinking more Boston. But I do believe that end of the province needs that. But it can't be subsidized by the amount of money that this government has done.

We'll talk about the subsidy of Northumberland Ferries. Northumberland Ferries has a subsidy of $12 million a year. That's from the federal government. But keep in mind, once again, that we have 400,000 passengers. We have 14,000 commercial vehicles. Better yet, Mr. Speaker, it employs Nova Scotians and Prince Edward Islanders. There's no doubt in my mind that the ferry service out of Caribou to Wood Islands is definitely more justified than the ferry service from Yarmouth to Boston (Interruption) To Portland. I guess I just wish it was to Boston. I lived in Portland, and I worked for the Department of Tourism and Culture and Portland. Like I said, I do believe in a ferry service from Yarmouth to somewhere in the New England states.

I do hope that those numbers are resonating with our members in the Chamber. Those are big numbers. Right now, I am working with some of the MLAs from Prince Edward Island along with our federal MP, Sean Fraser, working to prove to the federal government that this ferry service is needed. We need two ferries because with the MV Holiday Island held up all summer in Quebec - I know it's not a provincial issue, but the ferry could have been actually fixed in the Province of Nova Scotia. I was very disappointed in the federal government taking it and putting it in Quebec to be fixed. Our runs went from nine down to five.

[Page 774]

When we speak about the province and how tourism numbers were up, and I applaud that; it's fantastic. I had an opportunity to go around the province this summer, and I heard a lot of good stories. For someone who had most of their livelihood directly related to tourism, I'm really proud that there's some really big gains being made in the tourism industry, but guess the one place in the province where tourism went down. Tourism was actually down along the Northumberland Strait. One of the reasons is because of the lack of ferry service. I just want to throw out those comparisons. I think they're really important ones.

I'm really happy that tourism is up. I congratulate all those who are involved in making tourism numbers increase. But I also think that there has to be much attention paid to what's going on along the North Shore with the lack of ferry services. We don't want to see ourselves in the same situation next season as we did this season. I just wanted to mention that.

Pictou West is actually very fortunate to have a number of companies, and I'm just want to mention them. As you know, we have Northern Pulp. We have Scotsburn Lumber. It would be interesting at this time, Mr. Speaker, to mention that, of the 14,000 commercial vehicles, 25 per cent of that number is Scotsburn Lumber, which is located in Pictou West, in the village of Scotsburn. We have Michelin Tires. We have Aecon. We have MacKay Meters. We have the Advocate. We have Northumberland Ferries. We have North Nova Seafood. We have Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital. Those are some of our bigger employers.

But I also love the fact that last week we celebrated small businesses in Nova Scotia. There's so many, but I definitely want to give a shout-out to Pictou Lodge Beach Resort, Cape John Seafood, Lismore Sheep Farm, Caldera Distillery - which is selling their whisky all over the world now - Seafoam Lavender Company & Gardens, Amet Farms, Ahead of Hair, Green Thumb, and the list just continuously goes on. We know that they are the backbone of this province. Whether they're employing one to 10 people or 10 to 25, it's just really good to have them in the Pictou West area.

We had a beautiful summer in Pictou West. We celebrated Lobster Carnival, we had some events at LORDA Park. Our hardworking fishers are something that the people of Pictou West are very proud of. My grandfather was a lobster fisherman and I think along the North Shore we have the best lobster. We were in Maine at my brother's, and we went into a restaurant where we thought we would try their lobster dip. I said to the waitress, I look forward to having some Maine lobster. She said, oh, I have to tell you a little secret - it's actually lobster from Nova Scotia. That was a feel-good moment.

[Page 775]

I often hear how a lot of our lobster is sent to Maine, and I don't know if this is even legal, but I guess they will sometimes identify it as Maine lobster, but it's really lobster from Nova Scotia. We should be very proud of our fishing industry and, of course, our lobster industry.

I would like to shout-out that we had a wonderful season at a couple of museums in the Pictou West area: Hector Exhibit Centre, the McCulloch House, Northumberland Fisheries Museum and, of course, to mention again, our Pictou Academy 200-year celebration, a week-long event. At the opening ceremonies, we were blessed to have the member for Antigonish with us. I believe the member would agree that it was a wonderful opening, and a celebration of 200 years is something to be very proud of.

I think the important thing with the school review, is there is a piece of legislation here that was presented in 1969 by Mr. Harvey A. Veniot who put into legislation that Pictou Academy will be an institution that can never close, so it is definitely throwing in some concerns about the school review.

My whole thing is that people are saying we can't lose our school. But it's the fourth Pictou Academy, and my mind is not around the fact that the actual - I'm not attached to physical things, like buildings. What I'm attached to is ensuring that there is a Pictou Academy somewhere. I don't care that we actually keep the physical building, but we have to be able to keep Primary to Grade 12 in the Town of Pictou somewhere. I do hope, Mr. Speaker, that this government will respect that piece of legislation of 1969 that indicates that Pictou Academy cannot be taken out, there always has to be a Pictou Academy, an institution in the Town of Pictou.

I also want to mention that 4-H has been doing very well in Pictou West. In Pictou County, there are over 200 youth who are involved with 4-H. I really respect those children who are involved in 4-H, and all the volunteers who teach 4-H. They certainly show us that there's a strong agricultural environment in our area. It's sad to think that the year I was born, 1969, that there were 129 dairy farms in Pictou West alone, and now there are only six or seven. I guess that's how the industry is evolving, but we still have a very prominent agricultural industry in Pictou West. I'm proud of them and I'm proud of those involved in 4-H.

Sometimes I think about how 4-H really should a mandatory credit in our high school, as well as having some type of - yes, I really believe that 4-H, if you could have yoga and Highland dancing, why can't you have 4-H? That's no disrespect to Highland dancing and yoga, I'm just saying that I really believe 4-H has so many positive things to influence our youth, that it really should be a mandatory credit, as well as I believe we should have a mandatory credit - as well as, I believe, we should have a mandatory political science course or something, anywhere from Grade 10 to Grade 12, so that our youth can learn about how government is run.

[Page 776]

It was very disheartening going campaigning and seeing how even adults didn't realize the three different levels of government. They wanted to vote, but they weren't sure what they were voting for. It's very important that somehow we instill that back into our school curriculum.

I want to just touch on education for a moment. I had an opportunity two weeks ago, on a Friday evening - I sat with a number of teachers and listened to their concerns. If I am allowed, Mr. Speaker, I just want to read a letter from one of the teachers. I'm not sure if I'm allowed.

MR. SPEAKER « » : You can read from it and then table it.

MS. MACFARLANE « » : Sure. Thank you, Mr. Speaker « » :

My name is Gena Henderson. I'm writing to express my significant concern for the way the Liberal Government of Stephen McNeil has shown such utter disregard for the teaching profession of Nova Scotia. (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER « » : Just to clarify, you're allowed to read excerpts from the letter, as opposed to the whole letter.

MS. MACFARLANE « » : Perhaps I will go to the second paragraph.

Bill No. 148 disrespects teachers and public sector employees, especially those early in their careers. Bill No. 148 is not democratic, not respectful, and certainly does not represent free collective bargaining, which is a right that workers in this province have fought for historically through struggle, protest, and sacrifice.

Teachers in Nova Scotia have rejected two tentative agreements, thus sending a strong message to Premier McNeil, Minister Casey, and the Liberal Party that the profession will not be steamrolled into submission. It is understood that public finances are very tight, which will impact on wage increases. However, to impose a settlement that devalues the teaching profession is not the way to invest in Nova Scotia's future.

A strong education system is the foundation for a better future for all Nova Scotians. In order to move forward, real discussions need to occur around a fair salary package and negotiated benefits. Meaningful methods to address learning and teaching conditions in our schools are needed before our students and teachers succumb to a system that is untenable. Teachers are swamped under mountains of clerical duties and standardized assessments, which do not provide timely or helpful feedback to improve student learning. This must change.

[Page 777]

I'll table the rest of the letter, and I want to say that this weekend coming up I will be meeting a number of teachers again. I have a lot of respect for the teachers. When my children were younger, I would go into the school once or twice a week to help the teachers. I know how much they valued my time coming in and helping them. They didn't have the extra help that they needed, so they were very appreciative when any parent would offer up their time to help them.

I hope this can be settled sooner than later. I know that it's causing a lot of stress on everyone - the parents, the students, the teachers, and I'm sure this government too. So I just hope that there can be a meaningful compromise that will help us all move forward. That's what I hope for.

Just ending off, I guess I should take a moment to mention my family. Yesterday, when I was speaking with regard to the Minister of Justice's bill, I mentioned how lucky I was, being divorced for 10 years and having an ex-husband who has never, ever missed a child support payment. Every Friday, it would be there. Even if he was going on vacation or whatever, he would make sure he got me the week before.

I do want to say that I believe there's no way that I could be here - there's absolutely no way I could be here and doing this job without support and help and encouragement from my ex-husband. I hope people realize that this bill that is on the table right now from the Minister of Justice is truly a wonderful bill. I know I spoke on it yesterday, but I'm just so happy that it's there.

I heard from a couple of individuals last night who said, "This gives me hope." In particular, I heard from a lady who said, "You know, Karla, all these years, you often wonder why you aren't fighting." But it resonated with her that you get so exhausted. You get so tired, and you know it's bringing you down. You know it's depressing you. You know it's a reflection onto the children. So making it easier will have a lot of individuals - females and males - who will not give up the hope and the fight as early as I believe they have been doing. I wanted to mention that.

Last of all, I want to thank my brothers and my father for always loving me unconditionally and believing in me, as well as always being my harshest critics. I know I can always get the truth from them.

[Page 778]

Since September, my daughter's gone to university in Calgary and my household has been totally different with just me and my son. I'm very proud of my daughter. She was really worried about starting university, about whether or not she could handle it. She's a good kid, and I'm really proud of her. She wasn't a top student - she had 70s and 80s - but she got her first midterms back, and she had 70s and 80s. And I'm like, "You know, Chloe, you're doing okay. You're all the way out in Calgary."

I just really miss her. She was definitely the voice of reason in my household. My son is very much like me, so we butt heads once in a while, but I want to say that they have never complained once about me being in this job. I still worry, Mr. Speaker. There's a bit of guilt. I'm sure there's a bit of guilt with all the members in this Chamber. We all know we miss a lot, whether it's our children or our grandchildren or our parents. We miss so much. I really admire all the members in this Chamber for that reason, but I definitely admire the ones who have younger children. I can definitely appreciate the struggle in doing a good job and weighing that and balancing it with a family life.

I just want to say good luck to everyone. We're doing the right thing, being here. Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker, for allowing me to say these words. (Applause)

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

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, that concludes the government's business for today. I can advise the House that on Monday, October 31^st at 2 p.m. the Law Amendments Committee will be meeting. It will be considering Bill Nos. 22, 33, 36, 41, and 44. Those are listed on the sheets that the members all have on their desks.

As well, Mr. Speaker, the House will meet again on Tuesday, November 1^st, from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. Following the daily routine we will go into Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne and any other business that may arise.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now rise to meet again on Tuesday, November 1^st, from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is that the House rise to meet again on Tuesday, November 1^st, between the hours of 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.

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

The motion is carried.

[Page 779]

The House now stands adjourned until Tuesday, November 1^st, at 1:00 p.m.

[The House rose at 11:54 a.m.]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

[Page 780]

Tabled October 27, 2016

RESOLUTION NO. 157

By: Hon. Keith Colwell « » (Agriculture)

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

Whereas Dr. Laura Ross, a veterinary pathologist with the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture in Bible Hill, has consistently demonstrated excellence in her work to support animal health in the agriculture sector, through academic achievement and an unwavering commitment to professionalism; and

Whereas since 1976, the C.L. Davis Foundation has honoured the achievements of veterinary pathologists with an annual award that recognizes a number of competencies, including leadership skills, research abilities, and diagnostic work; and

Whereas in December Dr. Ross will receive the 2016 C.L. Davis Award during the 2016 Annual Meeting of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, in New Orleans, in recognition of her scholastic achievement in the area of veterinary practice;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Dr. Ross on this well-deserved honour, and thank her for her dedication to veterinary service.

RESOLUTION NO. 158

By: Hon. Keith Colwell « » (Agriculture)

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

Whereas the Ancienne Chardonnay 2014 from Lightfoot and Wolfville Vineyards was one of three Nova Scotia wines that received the Lieutenant Governor's Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines, in July; and

Whereas Lightfoot and Wolfville Vineyards specializes in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling - all grown in certified organic vineyards, with a brand new rental facility opening to the public in 2017; and

Whereas the winning selections of this year's competition were chosen through a blind tasting by an independent panel of experts and were given their awards by Lieutenant Governor J.J. Grant at a ceremony that was held at Government House in Halifax on July 21, 2016;

[Page 781]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Lightfoot and Wolfville Vineyards and its Ancienne Chardonnay 2014 on this recognition of their excellent product and for continuing to contribute to the growth of the wine industry in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 159

By: Hon. Keith Colwell « » (Agriculture)

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

Whereas the Tidal Bay 2015 from Avondale Sky Winery was one of three Nova Scotia wines that received the Lieutenant Governor's Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines, in July; and

Whereas Avondale Sky Winery, located at Newport Landing near Windsor, has been delighting visitors with its restaurant and retail shop overlooking the Avon River and was named Winery of the Year in 2015 by the Atlantic Canadian Wine Awards; and

Whereas the winning selections of this year's competition were chosen through a blind tasting by an independent panel of experts and were given their awards by Lieutenant Governor J.J. Grant at a ceremony that was held at Government House in Halifax on July 21, 2016;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Avondale Sky Winery and its Tidal Bay 2015 on this recognition of their excellent product and for continuing to contribute to the growth of the wine industry in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 160

By: Hon. Keith Colwell « » (Agriculture)

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

Whereas the Riesling 2015 from Gaspereau Vineyards was one of three Nova Scotia wines that received the Lieutenant Governor's Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines, in July; and

Whereas Gaspereau Vineyards, originally an apple orchard until 1996, has since produced top quality wines and secured its reputation as one of Nova Scotia's most exceptional vineyards; and

[Page 782]

Whereas the winning selections of this year's competition were chosen through a blind tasting by an independent panel of experts and were given their awards by Lieutenant Governor J.J. Grant at a ceremony that was held at Government House in Halifax on July 21, 2016;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Gaspereau Vineyards and its Riesling 2015 on this recognition of their excellent product and for continuing to contribute to the growth of the wine industry in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 161

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the Inaugural Lost Shores Gran Fondo, which is Italian for Big Ride, took place in Guysborough County on September 10, 2016, inviting 300 cyclists from all over and of every fitness level to choose from four different routes, each exploring many kilometres of beautiful, low-traffic oceanfront scenery; and

Whereas the event was a partnership between the Municipality of the District of Guysborough and Rob Carter of Lost Shores Gallery, a local photography business which seeks to promote the area through a co-operative marketing brochure, as well as a Facebook page; and

Whereas beautiful weather and outstanding efforts made by over 100 volunteers contributed to the success of the Inaugural Lost Shores Gran Fondo, as well as the assistance of several local businesses and community groups, and the hospitality of local residents graciously opening their homes to provide accommodations to cyclists;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made to ensure the great success of this event, and offer a sincere thank you to the Village of Guysborough and surrounding areas for their hospitality and willingness to share their scenic routes and their homes with the cycling community.

RESOLUTION NO. 162

[Page 783]

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas Country Harbour resident Maddison Dort spent the summer of 2016 playing for a province-wide girls hockey team, the Nova Scotia Selects; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia Selects, a team comprised of female players ages 15 to 18 years from all across the province, travelled to Finland this past summer to compete in a tournament where they played against teams from throughout Europe, claiming fifth place; and

Whereas Maddison Dort, one of four players awarded MVP in the Finnish tournament, is a high school student attending Saint Mary's Academy and the only Guysborough County player on the team, which practiced mostly in Antigonish where Maddison plays during the local hockey season for the Antigonish Bulldogs Midget Girls;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge this outstanding achievement made by Maddison and her fellow teammates on the Nova Scotia Selects team, and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 163

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 36^th annual Terry Fox Run took place in Sheet Harbour on Sunday, September 18^th, hosting 12 participants, collectively raising a total of $3,457 for cancer research via sponsors and t-shirt sales; and

Whereas this event is sponsored by the Sheet Harbour Lions Club, and is coordinated by local resident Bev Smith, with assistance from fellow local Anne Marie Perry, joined this year by Bev's nine-year-old granddaughter, Hailee Pelletier; and

Whereas Terry's team member, cancer survivor Elmer Josey raised the highest amount for the cause, $ 1,477, a great contribution to the community's run, and a symbol of hope, heightening awareness of the successes of cancer research, and encouraging us to continue participating until a cure for cancer is found;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge all those involved in ensuring the great success of the 36^th annual Terry Fox Run, and offer a sincere thank you for their extraordinary fundraising efforts, and contribution to cancer research.

[Page 784]

RESOLUTION NO. 164

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas this year, the Tracadie United Baptist Church Ladies Auxiliary celebrates its 86^th anniversary; and

Whereas the group formed in 1930, under the name the "Lend A Hand Club", with the vision of providing assistance and encouragement to all in need; and

Whereas over the past 86 years, and at present, the auxiliary has been involved in a multitude of aspects of both church and community life, holding special church services, volunteering to do regular church services when necessary, cooking meals for the church's anniversary, funerals, and seniors of the community, as well as visiting with the sick, and the delivery of get well cards;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable volunteer efforts made by all members of the Tracadie United Baptist Church Ladies Auxiliary, congratulate them on this momentous anniversary, and offer a sincere thank you for their continuous devotion to providing guidance and assistance to those in need.

RESOLUTION NO. 165

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the second annual Strait Regional School Board Tool Box Challenge was held at the SAERC school in Port Hawkesbury this past May 2016; and

Whereas twelve schools from throughout the Strait Regional School Board were participants in the challenge, where they were required to work in teams and were given two hours to build an apparatus that would propel a tennis ball at a target, using only the toolbox provided, consisting of an elastic band, tooth picks, dowels, bolts, screws, paper clips, and duct tape; and

[Page 785]

Whereas all 12 teams were assessed on two different components, the ability of the apparatus to successfully complete the task, and the team's ability to collaborate ideas and work together, with the final result of the Chedabucto Education Centre/Guysborough Academy team composed of Grade 9 students, Rebecca MacKeen, Hunter Poirier, and Dylan Pinkham being deemed winners of the challenge; and

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the importance of youth working together and engaging in activities that allow them to apply classroom learning to the real world, and congratulate Rebecca, Hunter, and Dylan on their ability to seamlessly combine knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into one hands-on learning experience.

RESOLUTION NO. 166

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas on Saturday, June 11^th, 2016, the Eastern Memorial Hospital Foundation of Canso held its 4^th Annual "Memory Walk"; and

Whereas this event is one of the largest fundraisers for the Canso hospital's foundation, this year raising a grand total of $ 6,731, and is a way to commemorate loved ones by collecting sponsors and walking in their memory; and

Whereas on the day of the Memory Walk, loved ones' names are read aloud, and a remembrance poem, and moment of silence is held in their honour, followed by a walk of remembrance, and the displaying of the names of those individuals being honoured inside a lighted glass case at the hospital entrance; and

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge all those involved in ensuring the great success of the 4^th Annual Memory Walk, and offer a sincere thank you for their extraordinary fundraising efforts.

RESOLUTION NO. 167

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas Boylston, Guysborough County native Bessie Reddick (née Lawrence) has a lifetime of memories surrounding the Baptist church that stood until recently in her community, having attended services there since the late 1940's, when she was a young girl; and

[Page 786]

Whereas parallel with many congregations in rural Nova Scotia, as the population decreased, as did the number of church congregants, along with the necessary funds to support the church, thus the fate of the Boylston Baptist Church was decided, and it would be demolished; and

Whereas in the process of tearing down the church, all items of value were to be sold, but thanks to the efforts of Reddick, with the help of like-minded locals, the same church bell that first called parishioners to worship in 1890 now has a new home just down the road, at the Baptist cemetery on the Back Road in Boylston;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the importance of historic preservation, and offer their sincere thanks to Mrs. Reddick and all those who aided her in the relocation of this church bell, so that the community of Boylston may retain a piece of their former Baptist church for many years to come.

RESOLUTION NO. 168

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas since 2008, local non-profit society the Friends of Taylor Head Provincial Park has been delivering programs and events at Taylor Head Provincial Park, located in Spry Bay on a rugged, wind-swept peninsula, jutting six-and-a-half kilometres into the Atlantic Ocean; and

Whereas the Friends of Taylor Head Provincial Park is comprised of local volunteers who enjoy the outdoors and share a love for Taylor Head, offering educational tours for schools in the area, birdwatching, and botany hikes, and maintaining their informative Friends of Taylor Head website and Facebook page, while keeping their objective simple: make Taylor Head Park a better place to visit and enjoy; and

Whereas through a partnership between the Friends of Taylor Head Provincial Park and the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, the crowning achievement of the group has been the opening of the park gate for an extended period of time during the Fall, while the Friends of Taylor Head maintain the facilities during this time to allow for the park gate to remain open until early December since 2008; and

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable volunteer efforts made by all members of the Friends of Taylor Head Provincial Park, and thank them for their continuous devotion to their community.

[Page 787]

RESOLUTION NO. 169

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the Goshen 4-H Club is the sole remaining 4-H Club in Guysborough County, with only six members; and

Whereas despite their small membership, the Goshen 4-H Club brought home many awards at the Eastern Nova Scotia Exhibition (ENSE) in Antigonish this past September, with all six qualifying for the Pro Show held in the first week of October at the Truro Exhibition Grounds in Bible Hill; and

Whereas Eryn Archibald had the Champion Lamb at the Eastern Nova Scotia Exhibition and was the recipient of the Sheila Polson Memorial Award for Top Sheep Member, as well as receiving awards in the senior division in the categories of Foods, Food Preparation, Sheep, Light Horse, and Market Lamb, with her Sheep project qualifying for the Pro Show;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the importance of youth's participation in 4-H clubs and the hands-on learning, leadership, and character-building skills they acquire through their involvement; congratulate Eryn and her fellow members of the Goshen 4-H club on the great accomplishments of their small but mighty 4-H; and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 170

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the Goshen 4-H Club is the sole remaining 4-H Club in Guysborough County, with only six members; and

Whereas despite their small membership, the Goshen 4-H Club brought home many awards at the Eastern Nova Scotia Exhibition (ENSE) in Antigonish this past September, with all six qualifying for the Pro Show held in the first week of October at the Truro Exhibition Grounds in Bible Hill; and

[Page 788]

Whereas Nathan Langley received an award in the senior division for competition in the category of Woodworking, along with his project in Woodworking qualifying for the Pro Show;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the importance of youth's participation in 4-H clubs and the hands-on learning, leadership, and character-building skills they acquire through their involvement; congratulate Nathan and his fellow members of the Goshen 4-H club on the great accomplishments of their small but mighty 4-H; and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 171

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the Goshen 4-H Club is the sole remaining 4-H Club in Guysborough County, with only six members; and

Whereas despite their small membership, the Goshen 4-H Club brought home many awards at the Eastern Nova Scotia Exhibition (ENSE) in Antigonish this past September, with all six qualifying for the Pro Show held in the first week of October at the Truro Exhibition Grounds in Bible Hill; and

Whereas Dawson Dort received an award in the senior division in both the Photography and Recyclable competition, as well as receiving awards in the categories of Woodworking, Photography, Goat, and Market Lamb, with his Goat and Photography projects both qualifying for the Pro Show;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the importance of youth's participation in 4-H clubs and the hands-on learning, leadership, and character-building skills they acquire through their involvement; congratulate Dawson and his fellow members of the Goshen 4-H club on the great accomplishments of their small but mighty 4-H; and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 172

[Page 789]

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the Goshen 4-H Club is the sole remaining 4-H Club in Guysborough County, with only six members; and

Whereas despite their small membership, the Goshen 4-H Club brought home many awards at the Eastern Nova Scotia Exhibition (ENSE) in Antigonish this past September, with all six qualifying for the Pro Show held in the first week of October at the Truro Exhibition Grounds in Bible Hill; and

Whereas Rhett MacIsaac received an award in the junior division Recyclable Competition for his sea glass photo as well as an award for his Woodworking projects, a cutting board and a wooden tray;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the importance of youth's participation in 4-H clubs and the hands-on learning, leadership, and character-building skills they acquire through their involvement; congratulate Rhett and his fellow members of the Goshen 4-H club on the great accomplishments of their small but mighty 4-H; and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 173

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the Goshen 4-H Club is the sole remaining 4-H Club in Guysborough County, with only six members; and

Whereas despite their small membership, the Goshen 4-H Club brought home many awards at the Eastern Nova Scotia Exhibition (ENSE) in Antigonish this past September, with all six qualifying for the Pro Show held in the first week of October at the Truro Exhibition Grounds in Bible Hill; and

Whereas Laura Smith received an award in the senior division in the category of Foods for her burger sliders with her projects in Foods and Light Horse both qualifying for the Pro Show;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the importance of youth's participation in 4-H clubs and the hands-on learning, leadership, and character-building skills they acquire through their involvement; congratulate Laura and her fellow members of the Goshen 4-H club on the great accomplishments of their small but mighty 4-H; and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

[Page 790]

RESOLUTION NO. 174

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the Goshen 4-H Club is the sole remaining 4-H Club in Guysborough County with only six members; and

Whereas despite their small membership, the Goshen 4-H Club brought home many awards at the Eastern Nova Scotia Exhibition (ENSE) in Antigonish this past September with all six qualifying for the Pro Show held in the first week of October at the Truro Exhibition Grounds in Bible Hill; and

Whereas Parker MacIsaac received an award in the senior division Recyclable Competition for his creation of a bowl constructed from an old vinyl record;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the importance of youth's participation in 4-H clubs and the hands-on learning, leadership, and character-building skills they acquire through their involvement; congratulate Parker and his fellow members of the Goshen 4-H club on the great accomplishments of their small but mighty 4-H; and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 175

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the U12 Jr. Guysborough Broadhorns were declared provincial champions at the St. Croix, Hants County, tournament on the weekend of August 6^th; and

Whereas the U12 Jr. Guysborough Broadhorns defeated the Antigonish Diamond Jacks (13 to 0), suffered a (4 to 2) loss against host team West Hants Thunder, and secured their place in the semi-finals with a (9 to 0) win over the Timberlea Timberwolves, thus continuing on to triumphantly defeat host team West Hants Thunder (10 to 3) in the gold medal game; and

[Page 791]

Whereas the team, made up of 11- and 12-year-olds from Guysborough County, made their hometown proud by returning home bearing not only the provincial gold title but also several Most Valuable Player awards, the most notable of which was received by pitcher Jacob Cook, who was named the tournament's overall Most Valuable Player;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating the U12 Jr. Guysborough Broadhorns and their coaches, Shane Cook, Edward Connolly, and Fabian Doiron, on capturing the championship title and securing their place representing the best in Nova Scotia's U12 league at the Atlantic championships in West Hants from September 9^th-11^th.

RESOLUTION NO. 176

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the U12 Jr. Guysborough Broadhorns were declared provincial champions at the St. Croix, Hants County, tournament on the weekend of August 6^th; and

Whereas the U12 Jr. Guysborough Broadhorns defeated the Antigonish Diamond Jacks (13 to 0), suffered a (4 to 2) loss against host team West Hants Thunder, and secured their place in the semi-finals with a (9 to 0) win over the Timberlea Timberwolves, thus continuing on to triumphantly defeat host team West Hants Thunder (10 to 3) in the gold medal game; and

Whereas the team, made up of 11- and 12-year-olds from Guysborough County, made their hometown proud by returning home bearing not only the provincial gold title but also several Most Valuable Player awards, one of which was received by first base player Brent O'Handley;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating the U12 Jr. Guysborough Broadhorns and their coaches, Shane Cook, Edward Connolly, and Fabian Doiron, on capturing the championship title and securing their place representing the best in Nova Scotia's U12 league at the Atlantic championships in West Hants from September 9^th-11^th.

RESOLUTION NO. 177

[Page 792]

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the U12 Jr. Guysborough Broadhorns were declared provincial champions at the St. Croix, Hants County, tournament on the weekend of August 6^th; and

Whereas the U12 Jr. Guysborough Broadhorns defeated the Antigonish Diamond Jacks (13 to 0), suffered a (4 to 2) loss against host team West Hants Thunder, and secured their place in the semi-finals with a (9 to 0) win over the Timberlea Timberwolves, thus continuing on to triumphantly defeat host team West Hants Thunder (10 to 3) in the gold medal game; and

Whereas the team, made up of 11- and 12-year-olds from Guysborough County, made their hometown proud by returning home bearing not only the provincial gold title but also several Most Valuable Player awards, one of which was received by right fielder Ryan Sangster;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating the U12 Jr. Guysborough Broadhorns and their coaches, Shane Cook, Edward Connolly, and Fabian Doiron, on capturing the championship title and securing their place representing the best in Nova Scotia's U12 league at the Atlantic championships in West Hants from September 9^th-11^th.

RESOLUTION NO. 178

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the U12 Jr. Guysborough Broadhorns were declared provincial champions at the St. Croix, Hants County, tournament on the weekend of August 6^th; and

Whereas the U12 Jr. Guysborough Broadhorns defeated the Antigonish Diamond Jacks (13 to 0), suffered a (4 to 2) loss against host team West Hants Thunder, and secured their place in the semi-finals with a (9 to 0) win over the Timberlea Timberwolves, thus continuing on to triumphantly defeat host team West Hants Thunder (10 to 3) in the gold medal game; and

Whereas the team, made up of 11- and 12-year-olds from Guysborough County, made their hometown proud by returning home bearing not only the provincial gold title but also several Most Valuable Player awards, one of which was received by catcher Jesse MacDonald;

[Page 793]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating the U12 Jr. Guysborough Broadhorns and their coaches, Shane Cook, Edward Connolly, and Fabian Doiron, on capturing the championship title and securing their place representing the best in Nova Scotia's U12 league at the Atlantic championships in West Hants from September 9^th-11^th.

RESOLUTION NO. 179

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the Scoutrees for Canada project was founded in Spring 1972 for the purpose of allowing all scout members the opportunity to demonstrate, through action, their concern for the environment; and

Whereas through planting trees, youth learn the vital role trees have in our lives, the critical need for conservation, and the impact of climate change, and that they as individuals can do their part to create a better world; and

Whereas approximately 500 trees were planted this past Spring by Kiera Newell and her fellow scouts under the 5^th Canso Scout Troop, as part of the Scoutrees for Canada project;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the importance of youth taking action to sustain our planet, and offer a since thank you to Kiera and all other members of the 5^th Canso Scout Troup, as well as their leaders, Harold Roberts, Sheila Luddington, and Crissy Robar, for their dedication to and concern for the environment.

RESOLUTION NO. 180

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the Scoutrees for Canada project was founded in Spring 1972 for the purpose of allowing all scout members the opportunity to demonstrate, through action, their concern for the environment; and

[Page 794]

Whereas through planting trees, youth learn the vital role trees have in our lives, the critical need for conservation, and the impact of climate change, and that they as individuals can do their part to create a better world; and

Whereas approximately 500 trees were planted this past Spring by Bradley Pellerin and his fellow scouts under the 5^th Canso Scout Troop, as part of the Scoutrees for Canada project;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the importance of youth taking action to sustain our planet, and offer a since thank you to Bradley and all other members of the 5^th Canso Scout Troup, as well as their leaders, Harold Roberts, Sheila Luddington, and Crissy Robar, for their dedication to and concern for the environment.

RESOLUTION NO. 181

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the Scoutrees for Canada project was founded in Spring 1972 for the purpose of allowing all scout members the opportunity to demonstrate, through action, their concern for the environment; and

Whereas through planting trees, youth learn the vital role trees have in our lives, the critical need for conservation, and the impact of climate change, and that they as individuals can do their part to create a better world; and

Whereas approximately 500 trees were planted this past Spring by Ava Sampson and her fellow scouts under the 5^th Canso Scout Troop, as part of the Scoutrees for Canada project;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the importance of youth taking action to sustain our planet, and offer a since thank you to Ava and all other members of the 5^th Canso Scout Troup, as well as their leaders, Harold Roberts, Sheila Luddington, and Crissy Robar, for their dedication to and concern for the environment.

RESOLUTION NO. 182

[Page 795]

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the Scoutrees for Canada project was founded in Spring 1972 for the purpose of allowing all scout members the opportunity to demonstrate, through action, their concern for the environment; and

Whereas through planting trees, youth learn the vital role trees have in our lives, the critical need for conservation, and the impact of climate change, and that they as individuals can do their part to create a better world; and

Whereas approximately 500 trees were planted this past Spring by Connor Feltmate and his fellow scouts under the 5^th Canso Scout Troop, as part of the Scoutrees for Canada project;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the importance of youth taking action to sustain our planet, and offer a since thank you to Connor and all other members of the 5^th Canso Scout Troup, as well as their leaders, Harold Roberts, Sheila Luddington, and Crissy Robar, for their dedication to and concern for the environment.

RESOLUTION NO. 183

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the Scoutrees for Canada project was founded in Spring 1972 for the purpose of allowing all scout members the opportunity to demonstrate, through action, their concern for the environment; and

Whereas through planting trees, youth learn the vital role trees have in our lives, the critical need for conservation, and the impact of climate change, and that they as individuals can do their part to create a better world; and

Whereas approximately 500 trees were planted this past Spring by Tullee Erkidjuk-Schnare and his fellow scouts under the 5^th Canso Scout Troop, as part of the Scoutrees for Canada project;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the importance of youth taking action to sustain our planet, and offer a since thank you to Tullee and all other members of the 5^th Canso Scout Troup, as well as their leaders, Harold Roberts, Sheila Luddington, and Crissy Robar, for their dedication to and concern for the environment.

[Page 796]

RESOLUTION NO. 184

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the Scoutrees for Canada project was founded in Spring 1972 for the purpose of allowing all scout members the opportunity to demonstrate, through action, their concern for the environment; and

Whereas through planting trees, youth learn the vital role trees have in our lives, the critical need for conservation, and the impact of climate change, and that they as individuals can do their part to create a better world; and

Whereas approximately 500 trees were planted this past Spring by Marissa Fraser and her fellow scouts under the 5^th Canso Scout Troop, as part of the Scoutrees for Canada project;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the importance of youth taking action to sustain our planet, and offer a since thank you to Marissa and all other members of the 5^th Canso Scout Troup, as well as their leaders, Harold Roberts, Sheila Luddington, and Crissy Robar, for their dedication to and concern for the environment.

RESOLUTION NO. 185

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the Scoutrees for Canada project was founded in Spring 1972 for the purpose of allowing all scout members the opportunity to demonstrate, through action, their concern for the environment; and

Whereas through planting trees, youth learn the vital role trees have in our lives, the critical need for conservation, and the impact of climate change, and that they as individuals can do their part to create a better world; and

[Page 797]

Whereas approximately 500 trees were planted this past Spring by Kelsey Pellerin and her fellow scouts under the 5^th Canso Scout Troop, as part of the Scoutrees for Canada project;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the importance of youth taking action to sustain our planet, and offer a since thank you to Kelsey and all other members of the 5^th Canso Scout Troup, as well as their leaders, Harold Roberts, Sheila Luddington, and Crissy Robar, for their dedication to and concern for the environment.

RESOLUTION NO. 186

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17 to 18, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors, who all worked together to organize the event and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

Whereas George Gaudet and Donald Graham were awarded third place in the Indoor Shuffleboard event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course, all the seniors who participated, to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

RESOLUTION NO. 187

[Page 798]

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17 to 18, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors, who all worked together to organize the event and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

Whereas Hope Wright, Bertie Ehler, Sheila Pelly, Donna Clyke, Lorne MacDonald, Neila MacDonald, Dorothy Kaiser, and Marian Brow were awarded first place in the Carpet Bowling event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course, all the seniors who participated, to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

RESOLUTION NO. 188

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17 to 18, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors, who all worked together to organize the event and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

Whereas Doug Farnell and George Gaudet were awarded second place in the Darts event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course, all the seniors who participated, to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

[Page 799]

RESOLUTION NO. 189

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17 to 18, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors, who all worked together to organize the event and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

Whereas Dorothy Smith and Pat Farnell were awarded third place in the Auction 45s event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course, all the seniors who participated, to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

RESOLUTION NO. 190

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17 to 18, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors, who all worked together to organize the event and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

[Page 800]

Whereas Betty and Richard Glencross were awarded third place in the Outdoor Shuffleboard event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course, all the seniors who participated, to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

RESOLUTION NO. 191

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17 to 18, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors, who all worked together to organize the event and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

Whereas Cora Pollard and Brenda Garrity were awarded first place in the Scrabble event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course, all the seniors who participated, to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

RESOLUTION NO. 192

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17 to 18, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

[Page 801]

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors, who all worked together to organize the event and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

Whereas Brenda Chase and Lena Spears were awarded second place in the Indoor Shuffleboard event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course, all the seniors who participated, to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

RESOLUTION NO. 193

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17 to 18, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors who all worked together to organize the event and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

Whereas Brian Pace was awarded first place male in the Walking Event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course all the seniors who participated to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

RESOLUTION NO. 194

[Page 802]

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17 to 18, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors who all worked together to organize the event and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

Whereas Barbara Pace and Sharon Pye were awarded third place in the Scrabble event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course all the seniors who participated to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

RESOLUTION NO. 195

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17 to 18, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors who all worked together to organize the event and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

Whereas Alvina Snow and Sandra Ley were awarded third place in the Cribbage event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course all the seniors who participated to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

[Page 803]

RESOLUTION NO. 196

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17 to 18, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors who all worked together to organize the event and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

Whereas Bill Polson and Keith Lewis were awarded first place in the Outdoor Shuffleboard event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course all the seniors who participated to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

RESOLUTION NO. 197

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17 to 18, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors who all worked together to organize the event and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

[Page 804]

Whereas Cora Pollard was awarded second place female in the Walking Event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course all the seniors who participated to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

RESOLUTION NO. 198

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17 to 18, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors who all worked together to organize the event and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

Whereas Dianna Williams and Doreen Martin were awarded second place in the Crokinole Event.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course all the seniors who participated to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

RESOLUTION NO. 199

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17 to 18, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

[Page 805]

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors, who all worked together to organize the event and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

Whereas Bill Polson and Vivian Hartling were awarded first place in the Crokinole Event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course, all the seniors who participated, to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

RESOLUTION NO. 200

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17 to 18, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors, who all worked together to organize the event and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

Whereas James Greene, Helen Archibald, Claire MacKeen, Jane Gjrim, Doug Farnell, Linda Redmond, Betty Glencross, and Richard Glencross were awarded second place in the Carpet Bowling event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course, all the seniors who participated, to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

RESOLUTION NO. 201

[Page 806]

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17 to 18, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors, who all worked together to organize the event and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

Whereas Lorne MacDonald was awarded second place male in the Walking event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course, all the seniors who participated, to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

RESOLUTION NO. 202

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17 to 18, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors, who all worked together to organize the event and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

Whereas Juanita Reid and Dianna Williams were awarded second place in the Scrabble event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course, all the seniors who participated, to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

[Page 807]

RESOLUTION NO. 203

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17 to 18, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors, who all worked together to organize the event and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

Whereas Mary Miles was awarded first place female in the Walking event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course, all the seniors who participated, to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

RESOLUTION NO. 204

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17 to 18, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors, who all worked together to organize the event and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

Whereas Harry Dobson and Kenny O'Leary were awarded first place in the Darts event and third place in the Washer Toss event;

[Page 808]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course, all the seniors who participated, to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

RESOLUTION NO. 205

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17 to 18, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors, who all worked together to organize the event and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

Whereas Genesta Atkins and Hilda Sangster were awarded second place in the Cribbage event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course, all the seniors who participated, to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

RESOLUTION NO. 206

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17 to 18, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors, who all worked together to organize the event and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

[Page 809]

Whereas Donald Graham and Jack Duffy were awarded third place in the Darts event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course, all the seniors who participated, to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

RESOLUTION NO. 207

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17^th and 18^th, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors, who all worked together to organize the event, and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

Whereas Eleanor Pye and Genevieve Gaudet were awarded first place in the Auction 45s event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge, who provided the venue, and banquet meal for the games, and of course, all the seniors who participated, to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

RESOLUTION NO. 208

[Page 810]

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17^th and 18^th, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors, who all worked together to organize the event, and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

Whereas Flo and Jack Duffy were awarded second place in the Outdoor Shuffleboard event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge, who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course, all the seniors who participated, to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

RESOLUTION NO. 209

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17^th and 18^th, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors, who all worked together to organize the event, and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

Whereas Irene Naugler and Colleen Pace were awarded first place in the Washer Toss Event and third place in the Crokinole Event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge, who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course, all the seniors who participated, to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

[Page 811]

RESOLUTION NO. 210

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17^th and 18^th, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors, who all worked together to organize the event, and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

Whereas Hilda Elms and Kim O'Halloran were awarded first place in the Cribbage Event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course, all the seniors who participated, to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

RESOLUTION NO. 211

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17^th and 18^th, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors, who all worked together to organize the event, and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

[Page 812]

Whereas Eric and Carol Pineault were awarded first place in the Indoor Shuffleboard Event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge, who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course, all the seniors who participated, to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

RESOLUTION NO. 212

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17^th and 18^th, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors, who all worked together to organize the event, and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

Whereas Sharon Pye was awarded third place female in the Walking Event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge, who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course, all the seniors who participated, to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

RESOLUTION NO. 213

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17^th and 18^th, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

[Page 813]

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors, who all worked together to organize the event, and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

Whereas Jean Josey and Ola Currie were awarded second place in the Auction 45s Event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge, who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course, all the seniors who participated, to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

RESOLUTION NO. 214

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17^th and 18^th, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors, who all worked together to organize the event, and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

Whereas Liz Antle, Florence Brennan, Joe Miles, Mary Miles, Alvina Snow, Sandra Ley, Hilda Elms, and Marian England were awarded third place in the Carpet Bowling Event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge, who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course, all the seniors who participated, to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

RESOLUTION NO. 215

[Page 814]

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17^th and 18^th, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors, who all worked together to organize the event, and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

Whereas Joe Miles was awarded third place male in the Walking Event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge, who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course, all the seniors who participated, to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

RESOLUTION NO. 216

By: Hon. Lloyd Hines « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games took place on August 17^th and 18^th, 2016, at Liscombe Lodge; and

Whereas the games are a collaboration between the municipal recreation departments of Guysborough, St. Mary's, and Mulgrave, as well as a games committee comprised of seniors, who all worked together to organize the event, and welcomed over 80 seniors to Liscombe Lodge to participate in the games; and

Whereas Pat and Doug Farnell were awarded second place in the Washer Toss Event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the remarkable efforts made by all those who helped to ensure the success of the 29^th Annual Guysborough County 55+ Games, including the recreation leaders, the nurses who were on call, and the hospitable staff at Liscombe Lodge, who provided the venue and banquet meal for the games, and of course, all the seniors who participated, to whom we offer our sincere congratulations.

[Page 815]

RESOLUTION NO. 217

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Education and Early Childhood Development)

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

Whereas the Tatamagouche Brewing Company, which opened its doors on June 17, 2014, was one of three Nova Scotia brew companies to win medals at the prestigious Canadian Brewery Awards in Vancouver and the only one to claim three awards; and

Whereas last year the Tatamagouche Brewing Company won a medal for their North Shore Lagered Ales and started brewing the Giant Beer series with higher alcohol, fuller flavours and more hops; and

Whereas this year, the brewery received a gold medal for its Giantess Barley Wine, a gold medal for its Russian Imperial Stout, and a bronze medal for its Two River Baltic Porter;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Christiane Jost, brewery manager, and Matt Kenny, head brewer, for their creativity, entrepreneurial abilities, and successes, and for being excellent representatives for Nova Scotia and our innovative small businesses.

RESOLUTION NO. 218

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Education and Early Childhood Development)

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

Whereas 18-year-old Sidney Patton from North River, Colchester North, is planning to attend Mount Saint Vincent University, then go on to DalAC for her masters in agriculture; and

Whereas her genealogy supports her interest in agriculture, since her grandfather was Ed Lorraine, a former beef farmer and a former Minister of Agriculture, and her uncle is Jim Lorraine, who now runs the farm; and

Whereas Sidney has been involved with 4-H for 11years, and this involvement has helped her earn two scholarships, being one of three Nova Scotians to be presented with a TD 4-H Agricultural Scholarship worth $2,500 and a renewable Weston Scholarship for agriculture, which covers a year of tuition;

[Page 816]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating this very deserving teenager.

RESOLUTION NO. 219

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Education and Early Childhood Development)

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

Whereas furniture maker Jonathan Otter, from Earltown, Colchester North, has been named as one of the five finalists for the Lieutenant Governor's Nova Scotia Masterworks Arts Awards for the second time; and

Whereas this prestigious award, established in 2005 by the Honourable Myra Freeman, recognizes the excellence of a particular work of art or design in any medium, with $3,000 going to each finalist and $22,000 going to the grand prize winner; and

Whereas Otter's Lounge Chair No. 2 (2015), the piece nominated and winner of the 2016 Nice Award, is composed of black walnut and white ash, deeply carved under and on the seat and took 200 hours to make;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Jonathan Otter for being recognized for his technical excellence in design, his distinct quality of unique, creative and original thought, and his craftsmanship.

RESOLUTION NO. 220

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Education and Early Childhood Development)

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

Whereas Greg Jones, owner of Riverrun Golf Course in Colchester North and a chartered accountant, has been volunteering his services to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFB), an organization affiliated with churches that raises money to help fight world hunger, working in Rwanda, the Congo, Burundi, Cambodia, and Laos; and

Whereas Jones, recognizing the blessings of living in this country and having education, was determined to help out at home after working in these remote countries and, with help from local farmers, converted his six-acre driving range into a cornfield; and

[Page 817]

Whereas once the corn is harvested and sold, it is expected to raise about $650 per acre for the CFB, and by inviting people to sponsor an acre or part of an acre, Greg is hoping to further increase that amount;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly thank and commend Greg Jones for his efforts to give back.

RESOLUTION NO. 221

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Education and Early Childhood Development)

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

Whereas Andre Landry from East Mountain, Colchester North, is the owner-handler of a very special Border Collie named Crash, who has competed in a world championship in the Netherlands and was selected for the Canadian team going to Spain and the World Agility Open in Buckingham, England, where their combined placement in games won them the gold medal; and

Whereas six-year-old Crash had all clean rounds and top 10 placements highlighted by second in snooker, second in gamblers, second in speedstakes finals and third in pentathlon agility 2; and

Whereas Crash's weekly massages help prevent problems from developing and keep him flexible, especially since international courses require lot of tight turns and speed:

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Crash and Andre for the dedication, hard work, and time it took to win this gold medal.

RESOLUTION NO. 222

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Education and Early Childhood Development)

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

Whereas Clinton Harvey, 35, of Valley, Colchester North, a vice-principal at Harmony Heights Elementary School, has been umpiring softball games for 21 years; and

Whereas Clinton has umpired softball in most Canadian provinces, but this past summer, he had the pleasure of calling games in Montegranaro, Italy, being the only umpire selected to represent Canada at the European Softball Federation Men's Championship; and

[Page 818]

Whereas Harvey loves the game and enjoys the opportunity it has given him to meet so many people, as well as this special occasion to enjoy another culture;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Clinton Harvey for receiving this prestigious honour.

RESOLUTION NO. 223

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Education and Early Childhood Development)

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

Whereas Art and Betty Hartlen from Valley, Colchester North, became involved with the International Student Program back in 1999 when they decided to take two students, both boys, from two different countries, so they would improve their English; and

Whereas since this time the Hartlens have had 25 students from many countries, including Korea, Mexico, Columbia, France, Brazil, Italy, Japan, Thailand, and China and have visited some of these students after they returned home, but keep in contact with all 25 boys; and

Whereas most of the boys have been between the ages of 14 and 15 and have attended Bible Hill Junior High;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly thank this exceptional couple who have given so freely of their home, their time, and their affections, to make these international students welcome, happy and at home in our province.

RESOLUTION NO. 224

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Education and Early Childhood Development)

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

Whereas Amy Harrington from Debert, Colchester North, a second-year animal science student at Dalhousie University's Faculty of Agriculture, was selected as one of the Canadian student-leaders to participate in the Uniterra International Seminar on technology in agriculture for five weeks in Arusha, Tanzania; and

[Page 819]

Whereas Amy toured farms in Tanzania, met with farmers, NGOs and other agricultural operations to learn what is working there and what they might need; and

Whereas she enjoyed meeting new people and gaining new perspectives, and credits her 4-H background for developing her interest in animals and helping her to gain confidence;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Amy Harrington on being chosen as a Canadian representative for Uniterra International, and wish her well as she continues her studies.

RESOLUTION NO. 225

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Education and Early Childhood Development)

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

Whereas Alain Begin, a resident of North River, Colchester North, and a former naval officer, graduated from the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario, in 1986, served two years in the reserves and eight in the regular naval service prior to entering law school, graduated from the University of Ottawa Law School in 1994; and

Whereas Mr. Begin has served as a veteran criminal lawyer and civil lawyer in Truro for 22 years, joined the firm of McLellan, Richards & Begin as a partner in 2000; and

Whereas Mr. Begin has been appointed a provincial and family court judge in Sydney and, because he is bilingual, Mr. Begin will travel the province to preside at trials that are required in French;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Alain Begin for his judicial appointment, and wish him well in his new role.

RESOLUTION NO. 226

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Education and Early Childhood Development)

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

Whereas the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation believes all children should have access to books so they can reach their full potential later in life, and for this reason the foundation makes a commitment of $1.5 million in annual grants; and

[Page 820]

Whereas since 2004 the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation has donated more than $23 million to more than 2,600 schools, benefiting more than 750,000 Canadian children and offering deserving school libraries the means to break the cycle of dwindling bookshelves; and

Whereas Leah Unicomb, the librarian at West Colchester Consolidated School in Bass River, Colchester North, submitted a grant application to the foundation and was the successful recipient of a $25,000 grant;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate staff and students at the West Colchester Consolidated School for their successful application to increase resources in their library.

RESOLUTION NO. 227

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Education and Early Childhood Development)

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

Whereas in 1999 Dr. Karen Ewing visited France to pay tribute to her uncle, Stanley Thomas, a member of the Newfoundland Regiment, who fought in the July 1, 1916, Battle of Beaumont-Hamel; and

Whereas the Newfoundland Battlefield Memorial Park, created in 1925, inspired Dr. Ewing to establish the Veteran's Memorial Park in Bass River, Colchester North, in 2008, which was dedicated to members of the Canadian Military, Peacekeepers, Merchant Marines, the Forgotten Heroes (animals of military and police service) and the Broken; and

Whereas on July 1, 2016, Dr. Ewing returned to France for the 100^th Anniversary of the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel and presented the Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs, with a commemorative plaque called "Ours", representing the Newfoundland Regiment;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Dr. Karen Ewing for her commitment to the Veteran's Memorial Park and her dedication to the Newfoundland Regiment.

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

[Page 821]

Tabled October 28, 2016

RESOLUTION NO. 231

By: Hon. Kevin Murphy » (The Speaker)

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

Whereas Rollie Cousins is a long-time resident of West Chezzetcook and has recently retired from a 39-year career as an entrepreneur in auto services; and

Whereas Rollie has, during his career, provided dozens of jobs to local residents and excellent customer service to thousands of motorists travelling along the Eastern Shore; and

Whereas Rollie has been a community supporter of many local organizations and causes by donating merchandise and services for various fundraising events whenever asked;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Rollie Cousins for his years of exemplary service to the motoring public and for his charitable work, and congratulate him on his retirement.

RESOLUTION NO. 233

By: Hon. Keith Colwell « » (Agriculture)

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

Whereas Carlo Simmons, vice-president and director of operations for Simmons Paving Company, operates the longest-running paving company in Nova Scotia owned by an African Nova Scotian; and

Whereas Carlo operates the company in the tradition of his father, Wilfred, Sr., and his mother, Gloria, who formed the company in 1975; and

Whereas Carlo attributes the success of the company to his focus on trustworthiness, financial aptitude, honesty, and dependability;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House recognize and congratulate Carlo Simmons on his significant achievements in business and for successfully operating a company that has thrived for four decades plus.

[Page 822]

RESOLUTION NO. 234

By: Hon. Keith Colwell « » (Agriculture)

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

Whereas Colter Simmonds of North Preston has taken the initiative to create the We Will Win Youth Association (3WYA), a basketball program that guides and directs young athletes on the path of opportunities that education and athletics can offer; and

Whereas Colter credits his strong values, love for young people, and faith in a higher power to his early years in North Preston, and it is this strong background that accounts for Colter's success in working with student athletes in his community; and

Whereas Colter is sharing his vision to help youth in the community find opportunities through education and athletics, and the 3WYA creates opportunities for young people to develop and succeed in school through participation in athletics;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House applaud and congratulate Colter Simmonds on his tremendous achievement on the creation and development of the We Will Win Youth Association.

RESOLUTION NO. 235

By: Hon. Keith Colwell « » (Agriculture)

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

Whereas Amber Grouse of East Preston is a new staff member at the Black Business Initiative in the role of youth coordinator, Business is Jammin'; and

Whereas Amber is currently completing her Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in marketing at Mount Saint Vincent University; and

Whereas Amber has experience in events planning and developing educational programs for students, as well as a strong work ethic;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House recognize and congratulate Amber Grouse on her tremendous achievements and for giving back to her community.

[Page 823]

RESOLUTION NO. 236

By: Hon. Keith Colwell « » (Agriculture)

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

Whereas Ernest Simmonds has worked hard and smart in developing his successful business, Sim Clean Commercial Cleaning Services; and

Whereas Ernest, a 65-year-old grandfather of 21, great-grandfather of two, and great-grandfather of four, has multiple members of his family on the company payroll; and

Whereas Ernest credits his success to a higher power, paying it forward through acts of kindness such as plowing driveways for members of his community, and purchasing anti-bullying t-shirts for every student in his granddaughter's school;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House recognize and congratulate Ernest Simmonds on his significant achievements in business and for his acts of kindness in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 237

By: Hon. Keith Colwell « » (Agriculture)

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

Whereas Genevieve Orton of Lake Echo's Orenda Canoe Club is a world-class Olympic athlete; and

Whereas Genevieve is a World Cup bronze medal winner, proudly representing Canada at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro; and

Whereas Genevieve is a fine example of all that is good in athletics and a role model for many young paddlers;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House recognize and congratulate Genevieve on her tremendous achievements and for proudly representing Canada at the 2016 Olympics.

RESOLUTION NO. 238

[Page 824]

By: Hon. Keith Colwell « » (Agriculture)

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

Whereas Habitat for Humanity provides affordable and excellent housing to many lower-income Nova Scotians; and

Whereas Habitat for Humanity builds homes and hope through the efforts of enthusiastic volunteers; and

Whereas Habitat for Humanity held the grand opening of the new Halifax ReStore at 127 Chain Lake Drive, Bayers Lake, on August 19, 2016;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House recognize and congratulate Habitat for Humanity for opening their store and providing us a method to support their work in our communities.

RESOLUTION NO. 239

By: Hon. Keith Colwell « » (Agriculture)

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

Whereas Lawrence Willis, owner of Willis Plumbing and Heating, credits his family for his start in the trade when he began by helping his father plumb their home; and

Whereas Lawrence took his training at the former Nova Scotia Institute of Technology, worked for Eastern Plumbing, and received his diploma in 1983; and

Whereas Lawrence focused on the future of his company and has encouraged his grandsons, who are enrolled in plumbing at the Nova Scotia Community College;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House recognize and congratulate Lawrence Willis on his notable achievements in business, and for preparing and encouraging family members to continue his company.

RESOLUTION NO. 240

[Page 825]

By: Hon. Keith Colwell « » (Agriculture)

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

Whereas Matthew MacKenzie founded MacKenzie Atlantic Tool and Die/Machining Ltd. in 2006, and recently celebrated its tenth anniversary; and

Whereas Matthew grew the company from one owner/operator to one with 20 employees in two facilities, Musquodoboit Harbour and Woodside; and

Whereas Matthew demonstrates Nova Scotian entrepreneurial spirit, completing contracts for work in Canada, the United States, and China;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House recognize and congratulate Matthew MacKenzie on his tremendous achievement creating a vibrant local company that contributes to the growth of Nova Scotia's economy.