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HALIFAX, FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2017

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 Lunenburg West.

HON. MARK FUREY « » : I beg leave to table a petition on behalf of the residents of Lunenburg County. The operative clause is:

"Therefore we, the undersigned concerned citizens, demand that the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal change the dust control policy to ensure that there will be dust control every time the roads are graded - Summer, Spring, and Fall!!!! - not just for the summer grading."

Consistent with the Rules of the House, I have affixed my name to that petition.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The petition is tabled.

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

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TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage.

HON. TONY INCE « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table a document entitled Nova Scotia's Culture Action Plan: Creativity and Community, in both French and English versions. As well, the plan's executive summary is in English, French, Mi'kmaq, Gaelic, Arabic, and Mandarin.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The report is tabled.

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

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

HON. KELLY REGAN « » : I would like to point out that today marks a very important day for a number of us in this House. It happens to be the 10^th Anniversary of the member for Annapolis taking on the leadership of this Party. I want to thank him for his service over the last 10 years.

Some of us have walked that walk with him. Some of us came along later. We always knew that it was a privilege to serve with this man as Leader. We've laughed together. Sometimes we've cried together, some of us crying more than others. But what always shone through was how much this member cared for the less fortunate, how much he thought about that.

There were so many times when I thought I had a handle on a file, and then he would say, but what about this? He would give me a new way of looking at things, and it always brought more clarity to the situation. I want to thank him for that.

As caucus members, we always knew that we could reach out to him, that he was at the other end of the line if we needed to talk to him. He has never forgotten where he comes from.

I don't know what we're supposed to get someone for a 10^th Anniversary - I can't remember if it's wood or paper or whatever (Interruption). Apparently, it's Scotch. I do want to thank the honourable member for Annapolis for his service over the last 10 years and for the privilege of serving alongside him. (Applause)

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Premier.

HON. STEPHEN MCNEIL « » : Before I do my resolution, can I do an introduction?

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MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to draw the attention of the House to the east gallery, where we have with us some very special Nova Scotians who have been a tremendous example for all of us.

I'd like them to stand as I introduce their names: Daniel Martin, he's a snowshoer; Robert Fougere in figure skating; Kailey Stewart in figure skating; and Brianna Harris in snowshoeing. And Mary Ann Crowley is there, who is a coach of an extraordinary time - she doesn't want me to say how long she has been coaching but she has given a tremendous amount of her adult life to coaching Special Olympics. We are so grateful for you, and the athletes are so much better for it.

I also want to acknowledge two people who couldn't be here, Aimee Gordon and another coach, Cyril MacDonald, who couldn't join us today. I want the House to give these special Nova Scotians a warm welcome. (Standing Ovation)

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Premier.

RESOLUTION NO. 1199

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

Whereas today we celebrate Nova Scotia's Special Olympic athletes and their success at the 2017 World Games in Austria; and

Whereas through the hard work and dedication of Aimee, Daniel, Robert, Kailey, Brianna, and their coaches, Mary Ann and Cyril, they brought home 11 medals to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas these athletes have accomplished extraordinary personal goals, setting a great example for all Nova Scotians by demonstrating the Special Olympic motto - "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.";

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly and all Nova Scotians join me in congratulating the athletes, their coaches, and their families for an outstanding effort for their achievement and for the love of sport and, quite frankly, Mr. Speaker, for being great role models for all Nova Scotians.

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

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

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Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried. (Standing Ovation)

The honourable Minister of Labour and Advanced Education.

RESOLUTION NO. 1200

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

Whereas Nova Scotians recognize the National Day of Mourning every year on April 28^th, a day to pause and pay respect to those who lost their lives or were seriously injured on the job; and

Whereas we honour the 20 Nova Scotians who lost their lives as a result of workplace injury or illness last year, leaving heartbroken families and loved ones behind; and

Whereas today is a day to remember those individuals and reaffirm our shared commitment to spare other families from this heartache;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House stand united at today's Day of Mourning ceremony and that we continue to raise awareness of the importance of workplace safety and commend the tremendous efforts of so many to better protect workers across the province.

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 Communities, Culture and Heritage.

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RESOLUTION NO. 1201

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

Whereas culture is the heart and soul of our communities and seeps into every aspect of our lives; and

Whereas the province recently released Nova Scotia's first comprehensive strategy to celebrate and share our culture, our creative sector, and our diverse communities; and

Whereas Nova Scotia's Culture Action Plan takes an inclusive approach towards culture, an approach that promotes creativity and innovation, advances cultural diversity, and grows our creative economy so we can keep our communities strong and vibrant;

Therefore be it resolved that every member in this House and Nova Scotians across the province take the time to read Nova Scotia's Culture Action Plan: Creativity and Community, to better understand the important role culture plays in the lives of Nova Scotians and our creative economy.

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.

[9:15 a.m.]

The honourable Minister of Immigration.

RESOLUTION NO.1202

HON. LENA DIAB « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution. I will read it in both English and French:

Whereas we have a big opportunity to welcome more French-speaking immigrants to Nova Scotia; and

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Whereas the Office of Immigration and the Office of Acadian Affairs are currently working on a new joint strategy on francophone attraction; and

Whereas I recently had the opportunity to share some of our plans at a historic first conference of federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for the Ministries of Immigration and the Canadian Francophonie in Moncton, New Brunswick;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Legislature join me in thanking the Government of New Brunswick for hosting this historic summit, and thank my colleagues from across the country for helping shape our strategy.

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

Je donne avis par la présente que dans un futur jour, je proposerai l'adoption de la résolution suivante:

Attendu que nous avons une grande opportunité d'accueillir plus d'immigrants francophones en Nouvelle-Écosse; et

Attendu que l'Office de l'immigration et l'Office des affaires acadiennes et de la francophonie travaillent actuellement à une nouvelle stratégie commune sur l'attraction des francophones; et

Attendu que j'ai récemment eu l'occasion de partager certains de nos projets lors d'une première réunion historique des ministres fédéraux, provinciaux et territoriaux responsables de l'immigration et de la francophonie à Moncton, en Nouveau-Brunswick;

Par conséquent il est résolu que tous les membres de cette Assemblée Législative me joignent pour remercier le Gouvernement du Nouveau-Brunswick d'avoir accueilli ce sommet historique et remercier mes collègues de tout le pays d'avoir contribué à façonner notre stratégie.

Monsieur le Président, je demande la renonciation à l'avis et à son adoption sans débat.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

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The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Justice.

RESOLUTION NO. 1203

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

Whereas Nova Scotia has made a sincere and heartfelt commitment to implement and honour the Truth and Reconciliation calls for action and the Donald Marshall Jr. Inquiry Report recommendations; and

Whereas it is a priority of this government to make the Nova Scotia justice system more responsive to the needs of First Nations communities and their people; and

Whereas the Department of Justice this past week in Wagmatcook First Nation was proud to announce Nova Scotia's very first Gladue Court, which will also have a wellness court and regular provincial court services for the residents of Victoria County;

Therefore be it resolved that we all join together to thank and commend all of our community and justice partners, especially Chief Norman Bernard of Wagmatcook and Chief Rod Googoo of Waycobah, for their leadership and advocacy in helping bring these unique, culturally-sensitive court services to Wagmatcook and the surrounding 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 Immigration.

HON. LENA DIAB « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction before reading my statement.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

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HON. LENA DIAB « » : I'd like to draw your attention to the east gallery, where we have with us today Xinpei Sun, the founder of UbiElife, a Halifax-based web company. Xinpei came to Nova Scotia to attend university, earning an undergraduate and a master's degree in economics from Dalhousie University.

Since graduating, she has started her own business. I ask Xinpei to stand and remain standing. She's also joined in the gallery by her partner, Chen, her lawyer, Liz Wozniak, and business consultant Foxx Liu.

As well there is some staff from the Office of Immigration who played key roles in designing and implementing the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream. I want to welcome Natalie Silver, Business Stream Officer; Colin Brothers, Senior Business Officer; Rachel Henderson, Director of Strategic Policy and External Relations; and my Executive Secretary, Sandra Bennett.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues in the House to please give them a very warm welcome to the House. (Applause)

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

RESOLUTION NO. 1204

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

Whereas we are fortunate to have thousands of international students coming to Nova Scotia each year to attend our post-secondary institutions; and

Whereas I am so proud of the work of our government and the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration in creating a number of immigration pathways and in particular a new immigration stream in 2016 for international students with entrepreneurial spirit to stay in Nova Scotia after graduation and start businesses here; and

Whereas this week we nominated Xinpei Sun, a graduate of Dalhousie University, the founder of UbiElife, a Halifax-based web company that is already that is already employing four people, and the first nominee through our International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream for permanent residency;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Legislature join me in thanking Xinpei Sun for choosing to live, work, and contribute to our Nova Scotia economy and congratulate her for being the first person nominated for permanent residency through our International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Labour and Advanced Education.

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

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MS. REGAN « » : I would like to direct the members' attention to the east gallery today where we are joined by Janet Hazelton who many in this House would know very well as the President of the Nova Scotia Nurses' Union, and with her today is Tim Tokarz who is a nurse from Ontario. He was here in Nova Scotia this week speaking to the Nova Scotia Nurses' Union Annual General Meeting in Truro where he was speaking about PTSD.

I want to welcome them, ask them to rise, and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 90 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 10 of the Acts of 1994-95. The Workers' Compensation Act (Hon. Kelly Regan)

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

The honourable Minister of Finance and Treasury Board on an introduction.

HON. RANDY DELOREY » : Mr. Speaker, I would just like to direct the members' attention to the east gallery. Joining some of the representatives from the Nova Scotia Nurses' Union that were previously introduced is Dr. Paul Curry, a former resident from Antigonish, who I'd like to recognize he does research service and a lot of work with Nova Scotia Nurses' Union so if people could rise and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)

NOTICES OF MOTION

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STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

NAT. DAY OF MOURNING: VICTIMS - REMEMBER

MR. LARRY HARRISON « » : Mr. Speaker, today is a solemn occasion - it's the Day of Mourning. Every year, we set aside this day to pay tribute to those who have died or have been injured at work.

It only takes a fraction of a second to change a life or a family forever. It is those lives and those families who are in our thoughts today. There are many employers, unions, and businesses who work very hard to reduce the number of workplace accidents in our province, and we salute them, just as we salute hard-working, resilient Nova Scotians. When they leave their homes in the morning, they expect to return at the end of the day. We, as legislators, must do all we can to make sure that they return to their families safely. We have to minimize the number of times that a fraction of a second changes the course of someone's life.

Today Nova Scotians who were injured or who lost their lives on the job, and their families, are in our thoughts and our prayers. We must do everything we can to ensure that their lives were not lost in vain.

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

PHYSICIAN PROVISION - PROMISES

HON. STERLING BELLIVEAU « » : In 2013, the Liberal Government promised a doctor for every Nova Scotian, but there was something missing at the end of the sentence that is key to that promise, and that is when. They could have said "in five to 10 years," as the member for Clare-Digby has suggested, but they did not. Even if they had suggested that timeline, I'm not sure they could have met it. By failing to recruit doctors and withholding billing numbers, the province has been headed in the wrong direction and taking the Liberal promise with it.

Now here we are on the eve of election, with more Liberal promises to recruit doctors. They've been there, Mr. Speaker, but they haven't done that.

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

WAY, RAYLENE - POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARD (HFX.)

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MS. PATRICIA ARAB « » : I would like to recognize Raylene Way for her outstanding service to our community. Raylene recently received the Police Officer of the Year award from the Halifax Regional Police force for her amazing work with various community groups in the Fairview/Clayton Park area. Her service is truly an inspiration to all aspiring police officers, and her work ethic and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty should be an inspiration to us all.

Mr. Speaker, I would ask that you and the members of this House join me in thanking Officer Way for her amazing service and in wishing her only the best for her future endeavours.

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

MILLEN, CATHERINE: SM. BUS. - BEST WISHES

MR. TIM HOUSTON « » : A young woman from Foxbrook Road has launched a lipstick line named after the road where she grew up. Catherine Millen knows that big things can come from small places. She believes women feel better about themselves when they look their best. Since lipstick is the quickest way to add a little colour, she designed lipstick colours tailored to individual women.

Plush Esthetics Studio reached out to Catherine to carry Foxbrook Lipstick after only her third week in business. Now she is looking to expand her business into other parts of Nova Scotia.

I'm thrilled that another small business in Pictou East is off to a successful beginning, and I wish Catherine all the best moving forward.

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

PREM. - LBR. RELATIONS

MS. LISA ROBERTS « » : The Atlantic Journalism Awards will be handed out next Saturday in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. Six of the nominations are for journalists from Local Xpress, who have been on strike from The Chronicle Herald for 15 months.

Journalism, like our job in this House, is essential for democracy, and for that matter, collective bargaining and respect for unions is core to democracy as well. We have felt a void these past 15 months with the absence of a quality daily provincial newspaper.

That absence will be felt more keenly in the election campaign that I assume is about to kick off, but what can we expect when this Premier has led by such poor example in the area of labour relations? Is it any wonder that we've seen no resolution in the Chronicle Herald strike if employers follow this Premier's lead?

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I congratulate the members of the Halifax Typographical Union and thank them for their work.

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

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, in the west gallery I have a constituent of mine, and I would like for her to rise. Heather Morrissey, who is here today, is an advocate for bees and is a bee lover.

As well, I'd like to say that last week, media deemed her road in rural Nova Scotia "the road to hell." It is a road that we can't even get trucks to go down anymore.

A warm welcome to Heather. Thank you for coming. (Applause)

[9:30 a.m.]

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

WENTZELL HOCKEY TOURNAMENT - ORGANIZERS THANK

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, the Gary L. Wentzell hockey tournament has become one of the largest rural hockey tournaments in Atlantic Canada, with more than 50 teams participating in the five-day tournament, 94 games were played at the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre, the Lunenburg War Memorial Arena, and Queens Place Emera Centre, a great example of regional co-operation.

Three host teams were able to earn championship banners in the Atom A, Pee Wee A, and Pee Wee B divisions. Mr. Speaker, it takes many volunteer hours and coordination to be able to put a tournament of this size together. More than 60 hockey moms and dads, community members, and others did everything from sell 50/50 tickets, look after score sheets and clock-keeping, answering questions, and giving directions. I think it's safe to say the tournament was a success. This would not have been possible without the leadership of Devan Naugler and his team. Many thanks to the volunteers, the rink staff, officials, players, and parents who helped make this a tournament that is very successful.

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

MR. JOHN LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to make two introductions.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

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MR. LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, in the west gallery you'll find Tom Cosman of Cosman and Whidden Beekeeping in Kings County. I'm pleased to say he lives on a very good road, on Highway No. 1. Tom is one of the leading beekeepers in the province and you'll find his honey, Cosman and Whidden brand, throughout the province.

Seated next to Tom is Perry Brandt of Wolfville. Perry is a beekeeper too. He has over 100 hives and he is a bee inspector and, on occasion, has advised me on my four bee hives. I am pleased to ask the House to give them the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)

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

AGRIC. - ONT. BEEHIVES: IMPORTATION - DENY

MR. JOHN LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, the beekeeping industry in Nova Scotia is too important for our provincial government to risk importing a pest. With more than adequate hive numbers in the province, there is no need to import bees from small-hive, beetle-infested southern Ontario.

Mr. Speaker, I call on the Minister of Agriculture to do the right thing and say no to importation of hives for blueberry pollination this year.

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

AGRIC.: ONT. BEEHIVES - IMPORTATION REJECT

HON. DENISE PETERSON-RAFUSE « » : Mr. Speaker, beekeepers in Nova Scotia are alarmed by an application currently sitting with the Minister of Agriculture to import bee hives from Ontario, where a small-hive bee infestation has been on a path of destruction. They are concerned that if this import permit is approved, this infestation could spread to Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, this beetle lives in the cluster and even through an inspection process it is very difficult to ensure that all these beetles are found.

Bees are important pollinators, particularly for our blueberry industry. I call on the minister to reject this application to import hives from Ontario as it is just not worth it, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Before we go on to the next member's statement, I'll take the opportunity to make a brief introduction. Up in my gallery, the Speaker's Gallery, we have with us here today - many of the members know my legislative assistant who works downstairs and keeps me on the straight and narrow - Mr. Scott Burke is with us here today. (Applause)

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Joining Scott is my part-time CA from the beautiful Eastern Shore, Ms. Hollie Quick. Thank you for coming in today. (Applause)

The honourable member for Hants West.

WEIR, DAVE: NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSISTANCE - THANK

MR. CHUCK PORTER « » : I rise today to recognize Mr. Dave Weir from Newport Station. On Thursday, April 20^th, Dave was visiting his good friend John Geddes in Ellershouse. John had been burning some debris out back in his yard and realized that the fire had gotten away from him. Dave immediately jumped into action, knowing what to do, and beating the fire out.

As John describes himself, although he has lived in Ellershouse for some years now, he describes himself as a city boy who didn't quite know what to do in the circumstance where you had a grass fire now out of control. Dave jumped on it, immediately beating the fire out and probably saved it from going into the woods and maybe nearby houses.

I wanted to stand today and take a moment to recognize Dave and thank him for that great effort in helping John and his local neighbours out.

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

ARSENAULT, ALISON - PICTOU VOL. OF YR. (2017)

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to congratulate Pictou resident Alison Arsenault for being chosen as the 2017 Pictou Volunteer of the Year. Alison has a long history of volunteering with Boxing Nova Scotia. She judged bouts from 1975 until 2011, held the position of vice-president of administration for 24 years, was a member of the Women in Boxing Commission, and holds lifetime memberships to Boxing Nova Scotia and Boxing Canada.

Alison has volunteered with the New Horizons Club in Pictou, serving as director and is a rental chairperson. She has assisted with the club's newsletter, organized cribbage games, and helped with potlucks and pancake breakfasts. Alison also helps fundraise for the Christmas Daddies and the IWK. She is involved with the Pictou United Church's grab and go school lunch program.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Alison for volunteering and congratulate her on being Pictou's volunteer of the year.

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

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COBEQUID DANCE ACAD. - ANNIV. (20^th)

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : "Dance is the hidden language of the soul of the body." - so said the trailblazing modern dancer Martha Graham. This week is National Dance Week, and I want to acknowledge those in all of our communities who celebrate that hidden language.

In September of this year, the Cobequid Dance Academy in Truro will be celebrating its 20^th Anniversary of introducing the world of dance to so many young people in Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River. Started by Margo Beijing of the Truro Dance Academy, many of its students have gone on to pursue careers in performing arts. It has hosted master teachers from across the country, and its annual Nutcracker performance is a holiday season favourite.

During this week, I want to thank all of the teachers and the dancers at the CDA for expressing that hidden language of the soul of the body in our community.

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

BURG CLASSIC HOCKEY TOURNAMENT:

ORGANIZER/VOLS. - RECOGNIZE

MS. SUZANNE LOHNES-CROFT « » : It is an amazing accomplishment when members of a community lend their time and resources, bonding together to raise money for a great cause.

I would like to recognize the organizers and volunteers of the annual Burg Classic charity hockey tournament in Lunenburg. This year was the fifth year of its operation, growing into 16 teams from four in its initial year. The tournament took place at the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre and was a weekend-long event accompanied by a silent auction and a dance. This year, the charity hockey tournament event raised over $24,500, a new record high for the event. All of the proceeds raised will help 10 local recipients in need.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask that you and members of this House of Assembly please join me in recognizing the organizers and volunteers of the Burg Classic charity hockey tournament and wishing them continued success in the years to come.

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

N. SYDNEY VOL. FD - EQUIPMENT ADDITIONS

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MR. EDDIE ORRELL « » : I rise today to congratulate the North Sydney Volunteer Fire Department on their new additions. Two new vehicles - a pumper and a three-ton vehicle to help fight grass fires - will soon be arriving along with a relatively new second- hand aerial truck. Fundraising will allow the department to upgrade its jaws of life, purchase a new generator, and in the near future obtain a new support truck.

It's a pleasure to live in and represent a community that supports its volunteer firefighters and gives them the tools they need to protect lives and property. A big salute goes out to Chief McIntosh and his department.

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

LIBERALS - ELECTION SPENDING SPREE

HON. STERLING BELLIVEAU « » : It has often been said that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

While I risk showing my age here in this House, I can remember when rum and nylons were the norm around election times. Sure, times have changed, but old habits die hard.

The spending spree of this government on the eve of election is as transparent as a pair of nylons and as hard to swallow as a shot of rum. The Liberals certainly know how to grease wheels. Unfortunately, you can't do it without getting your hands dirty along the way.

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

RING 73: BOXERS - WELL WISHES

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : The Ring 73 boxing club out of Glace Bay has a storied history of developing quality boxers and quality people for decades. Dozens of fighters, including my best friend John John McCarthy, have experienced national and international success under the Ring 73 banner. Perhaps more importantly, the club's coaching staff allows young athletes to channel their emotions toward something positive and build on an incredible skill.

That tradition continues this week in Quebec City when Jonathan Sinclair, Josh Prince, and Matt MacDonald compete at the Canadian boxing championships. We wish the boys the very best of luck, and we know they will represent us proudly like the generations of boxers who paved their way.

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

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FILM IND. - FUNDING

HON. PAT DUNN « » : Mr. Speaker, in 2014, when this government killed the refundable credit for the film industry, thereby damaging the industry, the Premier said that $24 million was too rich, the film industry was greedy. In 2014, the cost of that credit was $24 million. We lost experienced producers and crew, small and independent filmmakers. The next generation of young people whom we desperately need to stay and raise families here have left or are being left behind.

The damage control has been under way. The government committed more than $24 million this year. It is obvious that the government made a huge mistake. The industry is smaller, but hopefully resilient enough to survive this government.

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

QUEENS-SHELBURNE MLA/CLAYTON PARK WEST MLA

- BEST WISHES

MS. LISA ROBERTS « » : I would like to share a Sterling Belliveau-ism with the members of the House who don't have the benefit of receiving his advice in our caucus meetings. There is no "I" in team.

I am grateful that my time with the Nova Scotia NDP has overlapped with the member for Queens-Shelburne. In the House and in our caucus meetings, he is a grounded voice of good sense and the big picture.

Likewise, I am grateful to have been here with the member for Clayton Park West in her role as Minister of Justice. The best work of the House that I have witnessed has been under her guidance.

I wish both members the very best and I thank them for their welcome to the House and for their example. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER « » : I would like to remind the honourable member for Halifax Needham not to refer to other members by their proper name. He's still a member for a little while yet. A Sterling Belliveau-ism (Interruptions). I understand.

The honourable member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island.

NDP GOV'T.: BUDGET/CUTS - DETAILS

[Page 2660]

HON. LABI KOUSOULIS « » : Mr. Speaker, this is an interesting place. Some people call it theatre. Yesterday, we got to witness a comedy act. Yesterday, the member for Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River got up and claimed the NDP balanced the budget. I've never heard anything so comedic in my life.

I would like to say, they did table a balanced budget, but Nova Scotians soon came to find out it was $500 million in the hole. When they posed this budget to Nova Scotians, which was the farthest thing from balanced, I want to point out one thing: a $30 million cut to income assistance. I will table that.

The NDP Government cut $30 million, 10 per cent, from the most vulnerable people in Nova Scotia. They cut out a whole month of income assistance payments. Shame on you. (Interruption)

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. I would like to remind the honourable member not to refer to the members opposite directly with the word "you."

The honourable member for Argyle-Barrington.

NICKERSON, ERIC: LIFESAVING EFFORT - THANK

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : A 69-year-old sailor is lucky to be alive after he was rescued from his disabled sailboat in a 50-knot wind and 30-foot seas last November. Eric Nickerson is a crew member on board the Coast Guard cutter Spray. He was instrumental in the rescue, putting his life on the line. Although he doesn't consider himself a hero, he definitely went above and beyond to save this man's life. Please join me in thanking Eric Nickerson for answering the call of duty and risking his own life to save another.

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

LIBERALS: CREATIVE INDUSTRIES - TREATMENT

HON. DENISE PETERSON-RAFUSE « » : It seems to me that this government believes that the people of this province have short memories. The Liberals spent yesterday setting off fireworks to celebrate their dedication to the creative industries. They were tripping over themselves to praise the working people they've disrespected time and time again - the same industries they've starved over the last three and a half years.

The people of this province haven't forgotten how the Liberals went to the jugular and eliminated the Film Tax Credit, rather than supporting an industry that was thriving and punching above its weight. Nova Scotia's creative economy is now on life support. If the Premier thinks that our memories can be erased by vague promises of cultural funding, he should think again.

[Page 2661]

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

MURRAY, DANIEL - CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING ACCOMPLISHMENTS

MS. PAM EYKING « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dingwall resident Daniel Murray, who recently returned from Sweden after completing the world's longest, oldest, and biggest cross-country ski race. Mr. Murray, who has been on skis since childhood and trains at home year-round, placed 881^st out of 15,800 participants. I wish to congratulate Daniel on his tremendous accomplishments. I wish him continued success and the best of luck in the future.

[9:45 a.m.]

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

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

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MR. LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, I wish to direct the attention of the House to the west gallery, where we have Amanda Brulé from Nova Solar Capital in Kentville, Nova Scotia. Nova Solar Capital is offering an RRSP-eligible CDIF that homeowners can use to put solar panels on their own homes. Please give Amanda the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)

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

BATEMAN, LILY - LORAN SCHOLARSHIP

MR. JOHN LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour a young woman from Canning. Lily Bateman is a Grade 12 student at Northeast Kings Education Centre who was chosen to receive the Loran Scholarship. She will receive $100,000 over four years for undergraduate studies, as well as mentorship and summer experiences.

The Financial Post recently named the Loran Scholarship Foundation as a top 25 Canadian charity. It's number one in education, based on evidence of good governance, financial transparency and clear evidence of impact. Ms. Bateman is involved in the Jane Goodall Roots & Shoots program, Lights for Learning, and serves as a junior board member with the Community Association of People for REAL Enterprise - CAPRE.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Lily Bateman for receiving this scholarship and I look forward to following her career, because she is a truly remarkable young woman.

[Page 2662]

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

APRIL THE GIRAFFE: BIRTH - CONGRATS.

MR. STEPHEN GOUGH « » : I would like to take a moment to talk about April the giraffe. The proud mother was live-streamed for weeks while the world watched with anticipation of the arrival of her calf.

Located in Upstate New York, the Animal Adventure Park welcomed the baby boy on Saturday, April 15^th. The calf weighed 129 pounds and stood five feet, nine inches tall at birth. It is estimated that more than 1.2 million viewers tuned in to watch the birth. That is the second most live-viewed channel in YouTube's history - the first being League of Legends Esports, which has been around since 2012.

Since February, April's livestream has had more than 232 million views and 7.6 billion minutes of live watch time, according to YouTube. Fifteen-year-old April had the baby with first-time father Oliver, a five-year old giraffe. While this is April's fourth calf, male giraffes - according to Animal Adventure Park - only rarely care about two things. The first is fighting, and I will leave the other to your imagination.

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

CREWE, LESLEY: BOOK LAUNCH - CONGRATS.

HON. ALFIE MACLEOD « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate author Lesley Crewe of Homeville on the launch of her newest book, Mary, Mary. Lesley Crewe is also the author of several novels, including Relative Happiness, which has been adapted into a feature film.

I wish to congratulate Lesley Crewe and offer her all the best. I am sure we will continue to hear more of her stories and see many more novels from her.

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

LAFITTE, SHIRLEY: CED AWARD OF EXCELLENCE - NOMINATION

MS. JOYCE TREEN « » : I rise today to tell you about Shirley Lafitte. Shirley Lafitte has been nominated for the CEO Award of Excellence with Ocean View Continuing Care Centre. Shirley was nominated by her coworkers for consistently going above and beyond to ensure the comfort and contentment of residents. Shirley cares for the residents as though they were her own family. She is always deeply and sincerely concerned about their well-being. She is well-known for her positivity, honesty and team spirit. Shirley never misses a chance to make each resident feel special.

[Page 2663]

Mr. Speaker, I ask that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Shirley Lafitte on a job well done.

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

MACISAAC, PAUL: NOBLE HALL OF HONOUR - INDUCTION

MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, congratulations to Paul MacIsaac of Port Hood, who was inducted into the Doctor Hugh A. Noble Hall of Honour by the Nova Scotia Teachers Association for Physical and Health Education. Paul had a teaching career that lasted 34 years, primarily in Port Hood.

In demonstrating the spirit of the Dr. Hugh A. Noble Award, Paul made tremendous efforts on behalf of his colleagues and students. Dr. Noble is considered by many to be the father of physical education in our province. He was elegant, articulate and a charismatic leader for physical education in sport. He was a role model for many, and so Paul has been during his career. Let us congratulate Paul.

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

ST. JOSEPH'S LEBANESE & SYRIAN BENEVOLENT SOC.:

CULTURE - PROTECTION CONGRATS.

MR. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise in my place to recognize the St. Joseph's Lebanese and Syrian Benevolent Society in Sydney, which for over 100 years has supported, celebrated, and protected the Lebanese and Syrian cultures in the CBRM and across the Island. They have done tremendous work in the community supporting Syrian refugees in their Cedars Club, located in Sydney, which has been a community centre for many years to support organizations throughout the community.

It has been a challenge for the society since the Thanksgiving Day flood, but this week, through the perseverance of their board and their president, they received very good news that will allow them to continue to celebrate the traditions of the Lebanese and Syrian families in Cape Breton for 100 years more.

So I rise today as their MLA to congratulate the St. Joseph's Lebanese and Syrian Benevolent Society on their hard work and their commitment to protecting and celebrating the Lebanese and Syrian culture in Cape Breton.

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

JANSON, OLIVER ET AL - VOL. EFFORTS - HONOUR

[Page 2664]

MR. GORDON WILSON « » : Every year, our municipalities honour some of the many volunteers, and choose one to represent the group at a provincial ceremony. The following are the three from my riding, and a short description of some of the things these people do for their communities.

Oliver Janson of the Town of Digby, who has had a tremendous impact on the sporting community, coaching soccer, track and field and cross-country, as well as being one of the founders of the Digby Scallop Fun Run. Over the years, he has been part of a number of organizations and boards.

Shirley Dugas of the municipality has volunteered much time for the Admiral Digby Museum and Historical Society's genealogy, as well as for the Girl Guides and the Bear River United Baptist Church.

Marie Saulnier of the Municipality of Clare has been an avid volunteer at the Sacré-Coeurs Church in Saulnierville, serving on several of the committees and organizing fundraisers such as a parish picnic. She also volunteers at the food bank.

The ceremony by the province permits us to show our appreciation, and highlight the importance of volunteering.

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

MACISAAC, GABRIEL - PHOTOGRAPH/RAIL ART COLLECTION

MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Let us acknowledge Gabriel MacIsaac, from Troy, for combining his passion for photography and rail art to produce a one-of-a-kind collection.

Years ago, working as a railcar inspector at Port Hawkesbury Paper, he began to appreciate the spray-painted art on the railcars. Most of us would have dismissed the creations as graffiti, but Gabriel saw something more and started taking photos of the cars. That led him to New York to study graffiti art in the 1970s. Over the years, he has taken more than 500 photographs and his collection is currently on display in the People's Place Library in Antigonish.

We look forward to seeing more of Gabriel's work. Thank you.

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

CHIASSON, LYNETTE: VOLLEYBALL - DEDICATION

HON. ALFIE MACLEOD « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Lynnette Chiasson of Albert Bridge, who was the lone Cape Breton athlete on the Nova Scotia women's volleyball team that competed in the 1987 Jeux Canada Games held in Sydney.

[Page 2665]

Thirty-seven years ago, the Canada Games was one of the largest sporting events ever held on the Island. Close to 2,000 athletes from across Canada competed in 17 different sports.

Today, Lynnette coaches girls volleyball, both at the Sydney Academy and with Volleyball Cape Breton. The Nova Scotia volleyball team didn't get a medal at the event, but Lynnette's fondest memories are of the times she spent with her teammates at the athlete's village at Breton Education Centre.

?I'm pleased to congratulate and thank Lynnette Chiasson for her dedication then and now to volleyball in our area. Thank you.

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

BEDINGFIELD, DR. WENDY: WOMENACTIVE N.S. - RECOGNITION

MR. KEITH IRVING « » : I rise to recognize Gaspereau resident Dr. Wendy Bedingfield, a leader in physical education, sport, and recreation opportunities for women.

Beginning her teaching career at Acadia University in 1970, Dr. Bedingfield left to earn her Ph.D. in biomechanics and anatomy. In 1981, she helped establish the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women in Sport. Returning to Acadia in 1986, she was a professor and administrator until she retired in 2012. Her interest in sport, leadership, and gender equity was reflected in her teaching and in her work with provincial, national, and international sport organizations.

On April 1^st, she was recognized by WomenActive Nova Scotia, an organization she helped found, at its second annual Trailblazer Trendsetter Awards. On behalf of the Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia, I would like to congratulate Dr. Bedingfield on this most recent honour, and for years of motivating and inspiring sport and recreation professionals to be leaders and agents for change.

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

MACKENZIE, BLAIR/C.B. HORSEMAN'S ASSOC.

- WEEKLY HARNESS RACING

MR. EDDIE ORRELL « » : I rise today thank Blair Mackenzie and the Cape Breton Horseman's Association's 200 members for the weekly harness racing at the Northside Downs. It's a monumental task to keep the track and surrounding facilities up and running. Close to 50 people are employed at the track during the season. There is no admission to the track, and the owners and trainers welcome people into the barns to meet their horses. It's an event for young families to spend an afternoon at the Downs. I'm very proud to highlight the track today in this House.

[Page 2666]

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

CAMPBELL, DR. LINDA: BILL 59 ALLIANCE - APPLAUD

HON. LENA DIAB « » : I rise today to speak about a passionate advocate for improving accessibility in our province, Dr. Linda Campbell, a professor and senior research fellow in environmental science at Saint Mary's University, who is a deaf Nova Scotian and a resident of Halifax Armdale. I wish to thank Dr. Campbell for reaching out to me in January and involving me in meetings being held by the Bill 59 Alliance, a group that worked extremely hard over the last several months to put forward meaningful recommendations and strengthen Bill No. 59. I wish to thank Dr. Campbell and other members of the Alliance whom I was able to hear from personally about the reality and challenges of living with disability in Nova Scotia. I ask all members of the House of Assembly to join me in applauding Dr. Campbell and all those who contributed to the Bill 59 Alliance's work, which greatly improved the final piece of legislation.

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

GARLAND, DILLON - FILM/VIDEO WORK CONGRATS.

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : Dillon Garland is an award-winning filmmaker originally from Barrington who has directed more than 30 music videos, numerous short films, and worked on several Canadian television series. Dillon has been awarded two East Coast Music awards, two Hollywood music and media awards, an IMEA music award, a Los Angeles music award, a Music Nova Scotia award, and one best short film award at the 2013 CAT film festival. A review of his feature film called, Afraid to Speak - the Story of a Young Man Dealing with Depression, called Dillon a natural-born filmmaker and a major new player on Atlantic Canada's ever-changing cinema scene, after it was featured at the 2016 Parrsboro Film Festival.

I congratulate Dillon Garland for his outstanding work in film and video and for bringing the difficult subject of depression to a wider audience.

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

HON. DIANA WHALEN « » : I would like to draw everyone's attention to the gallery opposite. As we know, there has been a committee of teachers who have been working very hard to put together actions for us to implement. One of those teachers is here today. We have received the report of the Council to Improve Classroom Conditions. Michael Cosgrove is here. He has joined us in the gallery. He has been speaking to media. He's getting all kinds of practice. Michael is a teacher at Dartmouth High, teaches English and philosophy, and has indicated to me that the council has worked six days, 55 hours. I think they are to be commended. Thank you very much. (Applause)

[Page 2667]

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

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : I would like to make a quick introduction. In the east gallery, we have Reverend Gerry Leet with us, who comes by to acknowledge all MLAs and the work that they do. Perhaps in the next couple of weeks, he'll include us all in his prayers. (Applause)

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

SAM'S PIZZA (TRURO):

TRURO'S HOMELESS OUTREACH SOC. - PIZZA DONATIONS

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : I would like to commend the generous and compassionate spirit demonstrated by Truro's Sam's Pizza. On Wednesday evenings, the staff at Sam's takes their wood-fire-cooked pizzas down to Truro's Homeless Outreach Society to share with our community members experiencing homelessness, taking pressure off volunteers and giving the Outreach Society a bit of a break from having to plan a menu for that night. They've been doing this for the past three years. This is exemplary community spirit in Truro. It's a sample of why I'm so proud to represent this district. I would like the House to join me in recognizing the work of the entire team at both Sam's Pizza and the Truro Homeless Outreach Society.

[10:00 a.m.]

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS TO MINISTERS

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

PREM. - COUN. TO IMPROVE CLASSROOM CONDITIONS REPT.

HON. JAMIE BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. Today, the Council to Improve Classroom Conditions issued their report. I think we should all give them a big round of applause and a big thanks for the work they have done. (Applause) That council got more work done in a few weeks than this government did for education in three and a half years. It's true.

You know what, Mr. Speaker? After the way this government treated the teachers of Nova Scotia, the work they got done is particularly impressive. For three years, teachers have been asking for caps on our classrooms and the Premier said no. He told them we couldn't afford it. He said it would cost $41 million. I will table that estimate, which the Premier and his government made. Now, on the eve of an election, suddenly it only costs $5.9 million.

[Page 2668]

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

MR. BAILLIE « » : I'll ask the Premier, was he overestimating the cost of class caps for three years or is he underestimating it now?

THE PREMIER « » : Again, I want to thank those teachers who came from across the province to work with the department to lay out improvements that we could continue to make in the classroom. I want to remind the Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party that through successive budgets in this province, we continue to put class caps. We started from Primary to Grade 3, and went from Grade 3 to Grade 6. I'm very proud of the work that the classroom teachers have done over the last couple of weeks.

I also want to remind the honourable member that he is the one who said he would disband that council. We're going to continue to invest in classrooms and we're going to continue to invest in teachers, because our kids deserve it.

MR. BAILLIE « » : Yes, Mr. Speaker, we would have had class caps a long time ago if we had a Premier and a government that listened to teachers in the first place. But it took an election to get them to pay attention. That's a shame, because the students and teachers of Nova Scotia deserve a government with vision, not just in the last week of their mandate, but through all four years.

The Premier even went out of his way to tell teachers he couldn't afford class caps. That it was $41 million. Now today, magically, it's $5.9 million. How can teachers and parents trust any number this Premier ever presents on education when he makes the numbers up to suit his own political needs?

THE PREMIER « » : I want to thank the honourable member, and I want to thank those teachers who came in here, again. I want to tell each and every one of them that I value and respect what they have been doing in classrooms, and that I value the work they have done with this committee. I respect and believe in the things they brought forward to our government.

We will continue to work with them. We will continue to make investments in classrooms no matter how negative the honourable member is. It's one thing to be negative towards us in this House, but to criticize those teachers who came in here 15 different times? He should stand up and congratulate them.

MR. BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, we've seen how much this government respects teachers. We've seen how much they respect students. They locked students out of our classrooms last December. They told teachers they were greedy. They told teachers they were asking for too much. They told teachers they were wrong about classrooms.

[Page 2669]

Teachers know exactly how much the Premier respects them. If he means what he says, then he should stand in his place now and apologize to the teachers of Nova Scotia for calling them greedy when there was no election, and then suddenly giving them the legitimate things they were asking for, on the eve of a vote.

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, the honourable member may have missed that in every budget we've introduced, we've invested in classrooms across the province. We continue to do so. This is the first question that we've had about education from the honourable member, while teachers have continued to work to improve classrooms.

I want to thank those teachers who continue to work here. I want to thank all those Nova Scotians who have worked with our government over the last four years to put us in good fiscal health. Each and every time along that journey, we invested in classrooms. We told all public servants that we would provide a wage increase that we believed was fair, and at the time, we invested in classrooms, health care and other services that Nova Scotians have come to expect and deserve.

It is a balanced approach. It's a different approach than the honourable member would bring forward. We're very proud of our record, and we're grateful to those teachers who have worked with us.

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

PREM. - HALLWAY MEDICINE: BUDGET - EFFECTS

HON. STERLING BELLIVEAU « » : My question is to the Premier. The stories emerging from the health care workers and patients about the state of emergency rooms in this province is beyond troubling. I ask all MLAs in this House to picture themselves or a loved one shivering on a gurney in a hallway for hours on end with no privacy. Hallway medicine is not a solution to overcrowding in our ERs. It has to stop. It has to stop today. I would like to ask the Premier, how will this budget end hallway medicine in our hospitals today?

THE PREMIER « » : The Minister of Health and Wellness has continued to work with health care providers and the Health Authority continues to improve infrastructure across the province. We continue to work on a human resources plan to ensure that we have doctors, nurse practitioners, family practice nurses, and all health care providers practising in communities. We know there's more work to do. The honourable minister has increased emergency room capacity in Dartmouth General. Here on the Halifax side of the harbour, we're going to continue to make those investments and work with communities. As the honourable member says, Nova Scotians deserve top-quality health care.

[Page 2670]

MR. BELLIVEAU « » : The Premier on a continuous theme, it continues to get worse. The Premier continues to talk about strategic investments. While I know we have to make long-term investments, this Premier cannot ignore the short-term needs that are putting the health and safety of workers and patients at risk. He cannot ignore the patients lying in hallways and family rooms. He cannot strip away their dignity in this way while at the same time standing here in this House patting himself on the back. I would like to ask the Premier, how can he stand here today and celebrate this budget while our hospitals are resorting to hallway medicine to deal with the overcrowding in our ERs?

THE PREMIER « » : I want to thank the honourable member for the question. I want to remind him the budget of the Health Department has increased by, I believe, $75 million. In the last NDP budget, it was a $50 million increase. We continue to invest in health care. We continue to make sure that the infrastructure is in place. We're going to continue to go out and work with those health care providers. One of the things that has become very clear is that the health care infrastructure was ignored for a very long time. Particularly it was ignored under the NDP Government. They made no investment in improving that. We're to continue to make that investment.

MR. BELLIVEAU « » : The third time, I hope the Premier gets a chance to at least try to address this question. I doubt those lying in hospital hallways or family rooms are celebrating this budget. In fact, I bet they are certainly disappointed, perhaps even angered by the standing ovations that this Liberal Government gave themselves yesterday.

The Code Census report is available to the Premier. The stories emerging from the overcrowded ERs are in the media. The Premier should read these. How can this government ever fix the problems when they won't even admit there's a problem in the first place? I ask the Premier, will he admit today that there is a crisis - I underline the word "crisis" - in our health care system, created by this government with their lack of attention to the front-line health caregivers?

THE PREMIER « » : The challenge in health care is the fact that Nova Scotians gave the NDP a chance to govern, and they completely ignored the health care infrastructure.

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

PREM. - HEALTH CARE FACILITY: HRM LANDS - CONSIDER

HON. JAMIE BAILLIE « » : Yesterday, Halifax Mayor Mike Savage said he was surprised by the $7.5 million purchase of the Whopper Lands in Bayers Lake. In fact, the mayor said, it was a surprise to all of us, and I will table that for the benefit of the House. We know this land was bought without a proper tender at 12 times its assessed value. It seems odd that the government didn't even talk to HRM about that purchase, since they are a significant landholder in the area, and they might have been able to swap some land cost-free.

[Page 2671]

I'd like to ask the Premier, why didn't his government look to the landholdings of the Halifax Regional Municipality, which are already owned by the taxpayers, when it decided to buy the Whopper lands?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. As I've said to him a number of times in this House, when we looked at the people who were using the facility, 60 per cent of them were outside of HRM. They would be funnelled downtown to the peninsula. It didn't make sense to continue that. This was an opportunity - we are a generation that can shape the health care delivery model. When we looked at the 40 per cent of those in HRM who are using the facility, many of them live out in that catchment area. There are 15 pieces of property that we looked at. We narrowed it down to negotiate.

Mr. Speaker, the mayor is the mayor of HRM. I am the Premier of Nova Scotia. This is a health care facility for all Nova Scotians. (Interruptions)

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

MR. BAILLIE « » : It's hard to ask questions when the Liberal and the NDP members are being so negative. (Laughter) That's for those guys.

Mr. Speaker, the Premier seems to know better than the chief city planner for HRM about where this facility should be located. Chief Planner Bob Bjerke says, "It will be nearly impossible to provide adequate transit service out there," and added that that area is already congested. But the government went ahead anyway and bought the Whopper Drop lands, without tender, for 12 times their assessed value.

That $7.5 million is coming out of the health care budget. It could be used for doctors. It could be used for facilities. But instead, it's being used to buy land in an area without proper services that's already congested.

The only way this will ever be cleared up is if the government releases all the documents that were involved in this decision. Will the Premier agree, before the end of today, to release all the documents related to the Whopper Drop land purchase?

THE PREMIER « » : Again, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. Staff at Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal did an outstanding job of looking at traffic patterns and people. They came through. We are using that facility. They looked at 15 different sites and narrowed it down to a few. They went into negotiations with this site. This site will be ready for construction when it's taken over by the province - water, sewer, roads will be brought in. Blasting will have taken place. This is an investment that is in the best interests of all Nova Scotians to continue to deliver health care.

[Page 2672]

I look forward to the members in that community going out knocking on doors and hearing from the residents who live in that area who are grateful that a government is finally listening to them and putting in infrastructure where people live.

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

PREM. - BUDGET: NEW NURSING HOME BEDS - DETAILS

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : What the government delivered to Nova Scotians yesterday was a budget of zeroes. While that side of the House was patting itself on the back, the rest of the province was scratching their heads and wondering why the budget didn't include any of the investments that the province desperately needs. Wait times for nursing homes in some areas of the province are over 1,000 days.

I'd like to ask the Premier, how many nursing home beds will be created under this new budget?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. I also want to thank the Minister of Health and Wellness for the continued work he's been doing in reducing the wait-lists for long-term care facilities. I also want to thank the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union and the Nurses' Union, who worked with government to eliminate home care wait-lists across the province.

We're continuing to make sure that seniors get to stay home as long as possible. It's through that level of collaboration and co-operation that we're continuing to provide people with those services.

MR. DAVID WILSON « » : Zero, Mr. Speaker. There are so many vulnerable Nova Scotians today, as we stand here debating and asking questions, who are in hospitals throughout the province and need long-term care placements. They're waiting months.

Something else missing in the budget is Collaborative Emergency Centres - or the mention of collaborative centres. This year, emergency room closures are up, and they've been up ever since this government took office. Emergency rooms in Halifax and industrial Cape Breton are bursting at the seams, forcing patients into hallways and makeshift rooms.

I would like to ask if the Premier will tell me, how many new Collaborative Emergency Centres are included in this budget?

[10:15 a.m.]

[Page 2673]

THE PREMIER « » : I'll ask the Minister of Health and Wellness to respond.

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : I'd like to tell the member opposite, and the House and all Nova Scotians, that I remember the day when there were 350 patients waiting in hospitals for placement. Today, we run between 150-175 right across the province, many in transitional care. When I delivered my first address to the House in 2014, we had 2,563 on the waiting list for nursing homes; today, we're at 1,100 across Nova Scotia. (Interruptions)

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

MR. GLAVINE « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The story gets absolutely better, because we offered those on the list proper care at home. Today, across Nova Scotia, again, when I first reported we had over 14,000 unserviced hours; today we're down to a couple of hundred, just-in-time home care service in our province.

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

PREM.: ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES - USAGE EXPLAIN

HON. JAMIE BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, in 2012, the now-Premier was very critical and negative about the way that the NDP rigged the electoral boundary process and the boundaries that were drawn as a result of that process. He said at the time that this whole process has undermined the confidence in many ways of the voter. And I'll table that quote for the benefit of the House.

I'd like to ask the Premier today, if he knew that the process used by the NDP was wrong in 2012, why is he insisting on using those same boundaries today?

?THE PREMIER « » : We agreed with the court when they said the former NDP Attorney General interfered with the process from an independent commission. We've reached out to the complainant, who took the complaint to the court and asked them to give us the definition of effective representation - what they believe is effective representation. We told them at that point - and we're reaching out to the African Nova Scotia community for that very answer.

We will reconstitute a commission, we'll put the vote into those communities, and we'll make sure when the new boundaries commission goes out and sets the boundaries, it will be a reflection of what the minority communities felt was missing in the last one. And when that commission is struck and those boundaries are set, whatever election comes after that will follow those boundaries.

?MR. BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, earlier the Premier bragged about being the Premier of Nova Scotia. His number-one job is to protect the constitutionally enshrined rights and freedoms of Nova Scotians. You don't need someone else to tell you what effective representation is, it's in the Constitution of Canada. There have been court cases that have provided that definition. (Interruptions)

[Page 2674]

Mr. Speaker, the member for Yarmouth is being very negative today. It's hard to ask questions. (Laughter)

I have to ask the Premier, doesn't he want to know whether the boundaries are constitutional or not before he calls an election? Wouldn't it be reasonable to actually find out first? He was against the boundaries in the last election; now he's ready to turn a blind eye to whether the current boundaries are unconstitutional. In fact, he said at the time that he would never compromise on minority rights.

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

MR. BAILLIE « » : My question, Mr. Speaker, is pretty direct. Why is the Premier compromising the minority rights of Nova Scotians now, when he was against it before the last election?

THE PREMIER « » : The court did not say the boundaries were unconstitutional. What the court said was that the Attorney General, under the NDP, believed he had the same answers that the Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party just stood up and said. He said he interfered and it was inappropriate. What he said was, and what we have said is, we're reaching out to the Acadian community, the African Nova Scotia community, and let's have a conversation. Does the Acadian community believe that they are fairly represented by the three protected ridings that existed before?

I've heard from people in Cheticamp, Mr. Speaker, who say they didn't feel represented by those three communities. The largest Acadian community is in HRM. What we're asking is, what does the Acadian community believe is effective representation, the same question we're asking to the African Nova Scotian communities all across Nova Scotia, from one end to the other.

We want them to be engaged in this process so when we reconstitute a new boundaries commission, Mr. Speaker, we can give them the instructions that reflect the values of minorities in this province and that when the boundaries commission is struck and is laid out, they will feel like they've been heard and represented.

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

AGRIC.: BEEHIVE IMPORTATION - REASONS

[Page 2675]

MR. JOHN LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Agriculture. Nova Scotia has invested more than $900,000 to increase beehive numbers and that has been successful. There are now more than enough beehives in the province to supply the pollination needs. In fact there is the Perennia Beeline, and I will table that, which shows more than 800 hives available.

If you look at that, most of the major beekeepers are not listed on that. In fact you could easily double that number of hives available for pollination.

Mr. Speaker, the reason for increasing our own beehive numbers was important. It was to keep pests like the small hive beetle out of Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, my question for the minister is, given the more than adequate numbers of beehives within Nova Scotia, why would the minister risk importing small hive beetle by permitting 500 hives to come into the province from small hive beetle-infested southern Ontario?

HON. KEITH COLWELL » : The member raises a very good question. Indeed, according to the information put out by the bee industry, we have 24,000 pollinators in the province. That's not accurate, we have 20,000, this year. We had a 15 per cent death of beehives and we're down to between 17,000 and 18,000 and that's the actual numbers provided by beekeepers themselves in the census that is done every year.

We also implemented the most rigid inspection for the small hive beetle in the world. (Interruption) That is true. Also, some of the beekeepers are importing bees from Australia, queen bees in clusters, where the small hive beetle is from and also from California. This is a very major issue that we intend to address.

MR. LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, my suspicion is that the minister himself wouldn't know a small hive beetle if he saw it and is quoting numbers. I would challenge him to table that information. He stated things in the Yarmouth County Vanguard that he has no support for.

I would suggest to him that the producers in the industry know the business and the minister does not know the business. I would suggest to him that he table where there are small hive beetles in other provinces, other than southern Ontario which he stated in the Yarmouth County Vanguard, which I will table.

The minister also stated in the Yarmouth County Vanguard, and I quote, when asked why hives wouldn't be imported from a province that doesn't have the pest, he replied that it was not up to the department to decide, "It's up to the individuals who have been doing the importation."

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

[Page 2676]

MR. LOHR « » : I would suggest that the minister has an obligation to protect the industry; that's his obligation. Will the minister defend the local beekeepers and the bee industry here and do his job?

MR. COLWELL « » : As a result of the concerns brought forward by the bee industry and the research we've done on this - and we have all the facts and figures which we will table later today, or on Monday (Interruptions) We are going to do a complete review of the program.

When I came to the department, the goal was to double the number of hives in the province to get to where you don't have to import bees. We're not convinced we are at that point yet. However, we're going to put on hold everything we're doing. We're going to do a complete inventory of all bees in the Province of Nova Scotia to see if the numbers are accurate. Then we are going to look at the program. (Interruptions)

I will answer the question, Mr. Speaker, when the people are prepared to listen. I'm in no rush.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The honourable Minister of Agriculture with a couple of seconds left.

MR. COLWELL « » : When I first came to the department the total bee pollination expansion program was $125,000. I increased it to $0.25 million a year. That's a substantial investment in Nova Scotia's bee industry (Interruption).

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

PREM. - BUDGET: SENIORS CARE - LACK EXPLAIN

HON. DENISE PETERSON-RAFUSE « » : Mr. Speaker, the Premier abandoned negotiations with the federal government to have a health transfer that takes into account Nova Scotia's aging population. Instead, he has tried to sell Nova Scotians on a side deal that provides less money overall with a pocket of funding for home care. Well, looking at this budget, it's hard to know what the government plans to do with that money because there are no increases in the budget for home care nursing services or support services. Will the Premier tell us why this money isn't included in the budget lines for the direct care for seniors?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. She would know we negotiated a health accord with the national government at a 3 per cent increase across the entire amount that would be delivered to the province from the federal government. We also had dedicated funding, $360 million roughly, for home care; again about another $170 million for adolescent mental health. That funding is a 10-year agreement that will come in.

[Page 2677]

I also want to remind the honourable member of the great work that the Minister of Health and Wellness has been doing along with our partners, with the NSGEU and the NSNU, when it comes to home care to eliminating lists across the province. We've invested in every budget in home care, and we're going to continue to do so.

MS. PETERSON-RAFUSE « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank the Premier for his answer but the Premier does not have the facts from his minister. The fact is that home care supports have a long waiting list. I personally know that. Home care seems to be the Premier's answer to everything, but I don't think he tells Nova Scotians the whole truth. We still have seniors waiting for home support services. Like this government's approach to doctors and collaborative care, there's just no plan.

What is the Premier's plan for supporting seniors who urgently need home support services? It's the home support services, and maybe the minister can explain what that is to the Premier.

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question, and I want to thank the Minister of Health and Wellness. This is a very serious issue. We know, and people have told us, they want to stay home as long as possible. That's why we continue to make those investments in home-care supports.

I would encourage the honourable member to continue to work with the home care delivery agency in her community if the Minister of Health and Wellness could connect her with the right people. I do want to thank our sister organizations that have worked with us to ensure that we are providing those supports at home.

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

FIN. & TREASURY BD.:

HEALTH CARE FED./PROV. AGREEMENT - STATUS

MR. ANDREW YOUNGER « » : Mr. Speaker, on December 23^rd, the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board and the Premier put out a press release that stated the government had reached an agreement with the federal government on health care and that it was a 10-year agreement, and it went on to provide details of that funding. Now, does the minister still stand behind that release that an agreement was reached and was being implemented with the federal government?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : As released in December, as people know, there was a finance ministers' meeting. We met with federal, provincial, and territorial ministers of finance. We had health ministers actually join us at that meeting to have discussions about the health-transfer amounts from the federal government going towards health care.

[Page 2678]

Earlier in that week, we failed to come to an agreement but throughout that week back in December, we continued our discussions with the federal government working to get the best deal that we could get for Nova Scotia and for Nova Scotians to invest in health care. The budget that got tabled yesterday demonstrates that indeed the transfers from the federal government for health care have increased.

MR. YOUNGER « » : I see, Mr. Speaker, the minister avoided answering the question whether he stands by the release which I guess is the answer. In a scrum following the more recent Public Accounts Committee meeting, the minister's deputy was quoted as saying there was no agreement, and in the meeting itself, he said, "There usually isn't an agreement, per se, but there's an understanding . . ." and in the same testimony, he said talk of an agreement ended earlier in December, before the release came out.

[10:30 a.m.]

Why did the minister put out a press release announcing an agreement when his deputy says talk about an agreement had already stopped, and how can we have faith in any of the minister's statements, including his budget, since he has claimed there was an agreement that did not exist?

MR. DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd just like to highlight that an agreement coming to a common understanding is a relatively accepted definition there. In terms of the agreement that was reached, the agreement that was reached between the federal government with almost all provinces and territories, you can go and look at the press releases from each and every one of them that came to agreements of the same sort of nature and the press releases, in each and every case, follow similar wording and description.

We have the same deal with the federal government for those transfers. We've seen increases from the federal government, particularly targeted investments in home care and mental health. These are the shared priorities that the provincial government has with our federal partners. Thank you.

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

EECD - NEW SCHOOLS: VETTING PROCESS - QUEUE-JUMPING

HON. PAT DUNN « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development.

Recent FOIPOP documents shed light on the way this Liberal Government decides which communities get new schools - and I'll table that, Mr. Speaker. There's a vetting process which ranks schools by need, however Cabinet makes the final decision and it appears that political need is a major component to that decision-making process.

[Page 2679]

My question, Mr. Speaker, can the minister explain why five of the schools that jumped the queue were located in Liberal constituencies?

HON. KAREN CASEY » : Thank you to the member for the question, a question that has been answered many times.

There are a number of factors considered when new school constructions are planned. The first priority is the program for students, the next priority is for boards to submit to the department their list of capital requests and that is asked for, considered.

We also look at the capacity within the capital budget of the province. We also look at the regional fairness, all those factors come together. It is not political, I can tell you. When we were elected in 2013 we accepted all the announcements that had been made by the previous government and we moved forward with those. Some of those were not in Liberal-held ridings. We did not consider that; we considered the communities that had been promised those schools and we followed through on them.

MR. DUNN « » : When asked to explain how schools in her own riding and in the Premier's riding got approved over others that were ranked higher, the minister said that geography plays a role in that decision making.

My question to the minister, can the minister explain how a school in Sydney River-Mira-Louisbourg that is ranked number 12 was passed over and a school in Dartmouth North that ranked number 41 was chosen?

MS. CASEY « » : I think it's more important to talk about the situation in Springhill. The Town of Springhill has requested A&A for our new school for two elementaries. All governments, PC, NDP and Liberal, have said no, we will not build a new school, we will do a renovation.

Mr. Speaker, not once has the member from that area ever written to me, ever talked to me, ever asked me - ever spoke to me on behalf of the good people of Springhill about the needs in his community.

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

JUSTICE: MENTAL HEALTH COURT - UPDATE

[Page 2680]

MR. JOHN LOHR « » : My question is for the Minister of Justice. Last year I tabled a bill to have mental health court available throughout the province. At the time the minister stated that a bill was not required; she could do this within existing legislation.

Mr. Speaker, my question for the minister is this, if that is the case, why has this not happened yet, given the great need for mental health court throughout the province?

HON. DIANA WHALEN « » : I appreciate the question from the member opposite. He and I had a chance to tour the central correctional facility not very long ago, and we've had discussions about mental health in Nova Scotia. We have an extension of various courts in our province - wellness courts are what I'm thinking of. They encompass mental health and addictions, and they really are led by our judiciary. Each time one is undertaken, it's because we have a provincial court judge sitting in some corner of the province who has agreed that it's a priority and has worked to change the opportunity for a different sort of court in their area. The most recent is an announcement that Wagmatcook First Nation will have a Gladue, which is a cultural court, as well as a wellness court. It is the result of the judge sitting in Port Hawkesbury spearheading that.

MR. LOHR « » : In Kentville, the Health Authority and courts work together to realign existing services and staff to provide a mental health court for very little extra cost. Could this model not be used throughout the province? That's my question for the minister. Has she looked into the Kentville model, and can it not be spread throughout the province?

MS. WHALEN « » : I agree that where the communities have come together with the co-operation or leadership from the judiciary, it has been possible. The Mental Health Court in Dartmouth, which is our one that is actually named a mental health court, has been fairly expensive to do with the way it's structured. It's having tremendously positive results, and I know it's a real advantage to so many people who have mental health issues and who should not really be seen in a regular court system. It requires more sensitivity. I appreciate the suggestion from the member that more of these courts could be done with the communities coming together and putting their resources on the table.

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

COM. SERV.: INCOME ASSISTANCE RATES - INCREASE

MS. LISA ROBERTS « » : Thousands of Nova Scotians don't make enough money to meet their basic needs. They go without food or medication or heat because their pockets are empty. In yesterday's Budget Address, the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board said putting money into the pockets of Nova Scotians who need it was his government's top priority. Since the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board has said repeatedly that giving people more money to spend is good economic policy, I would like to ask the Minister of Community Services why there is no increase to income assistance rates in this budget.

[Page 2681]

HON. JOANNE BERNARD » : I have stood in this House for three and a half years and talked about transformation. I have not talked about $2 or $4 incremental increases. I have not talked about tinkering. What I have talked about is innovative social policy change that will make a difference in the lives of people who need it the most. Yesterday's budget introduced a standardized household rate - innovative, bold, a leader in this country - so that people on income assistance will have a substantial increase, and they will be able to keep more of their income when they work. That makes a difference in social policy, Mr. Speaker. That makes a difference.

MS. ROBERTS « » : Many income assistance recipients have been working as long as the minister with members of her department for years already on that transformation process. I would like to know, when are they going to see the change in their cheques so that they can actually have a dignified life in this province?

MS. BERNARD « » : We have been working with over 1,800 stakeholders over the last three and a half years, while that government, who are the supposed beacons of social policy in Nova Scotia, gave people $2 and $4 increments without changing the system that keeps people in poverty. We have made a difference, and we will continue to make a difference in the province. I was on this system in the 1990s, and it was the same system that we came into. That government blew up waiting lists on affordable housing. We can thank our lucky stars that that Party is not responsible for social policy in the Province of Nova Scotia. (Interruption)

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please, Order, please.

The honourable member for Inverness.

HEALTH & WELLNESS - CHILDREN'S DENTAL PLAN:

UNIVERSALLY ACCESSIBLE - PROTECT

MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, a question for the Minister of Health and Wellness. In 2013, here in Halifax, the Canadian Paediatric Society met and they made a recommendation to governments across the country. They asked that governments ensure that children are afforded equal access to basic treatment and preventive oral care regardless of where they live or their socioeconomic status.

In 2015, the Oral Health Advisory Group, however, recommended to the minister that this government eliminate the universal plan and replace it with a needs-based plan. So, my question is to the minister, will the minister confirm that he will protect our universally-accessible children's dental plan?

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, what I can say to the member opposite is absolutely we will protect the children's plan. In fact, we need a more robust plan. The previous government went in the wrong direction as the Nova Scotia Dental Association gave us very specific directions. Spreading it over 14, 15, 16 years was not the way to go but to do the most work in the early years, and that plan is getting very close to its final delivery.

[Page 2682]

MR. MACMASTER « » : I'd like to thank the minister for that, Mr. Speaker, and I think that is one of the points. It's not just universal care but it's actually getting children into the dentist's chair. We can see that out of about 150,000 children who are eligible in this province only 50,000 are finding their way into the dentist's chair, and it's not because of money as it's universal care.

We need care that is proactive. We could be preventing more diabetes; we could be preventing chronic disease versus having children in emergency rooms, getting dental care versus having to be put under anaesthetic because emergencies have arisen because this preventive care wasn't done. The minister has provided a fairly positive response there.

My final question is, will the minister acknowledge, and I think he has, and perhaps he can tell us about how we can get more children into the dentist chairs.

MR. GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, the member for Inverness raises an extremely valid, well-researched perspective here in the Legislature this morning. When we came to office, we had to work at that end of the spectrum where we needed to increase surgical work at the IWK and had to hire additional paediatric dental special surgeons because of the lack of work in the early years. We're retrenching; we're going to direct more towards those early years and prevent the serious and significant surgeries that have been required in adolescent years. We hope to have that plan in front of Nova Scotians.

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS: PICTOU WEST PHYSICIAN - TIME FRAME

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, this could be perhaps the last opportunity that I have to stand in this place and have the privilege to ask a question to the Minister of Health and Wellness.

My question is about a young couple in their 30s, both teachers, who lost their home in Fort McMurray. They decided to move back to Nova Scotia, and, they are considering moving back out West this fall. They were able to find teaching jobs which is great but were not able to find a doctor. They need a doctor as do many hundreds of people in Pictou West, alone. Can the minister please tell us if we will have a doctor in Pictou West before September?

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, first of all, I was pleased to be part of the announcement at the Westville Medical Clinic just a week ago where we added an outstanding nurse to the team to the collaborative practice in Westville and what we'll be able to do there is add anywhere from 500 to 800 who are actually on the list that is now compiled. The doctors there very specifically said, that's the list that they will go to to pick off those people of Pictou County, Westville area first, but Pictou County generally, so that more can get primary care.

[Page 2683]

[10:45 a.m.]

MS. MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, I spoke to that collaborative care the other day. They're not taking anyone. Let's be clear on that - they've told everyone that they're not taking any more.

The other part of this story is rather sad. A young couple was in the process of adopting in Alberta and they needed a doctor. I was able to get the adoption agency to waive the part on the application so that they didn't have to have a full-time doctor; however, each of them needs a physical before the adoption process can go through.

Will the minister please leave a legacy and help me get physicals for this young couple so they can live their dream, grow their family, and hang their hats in Nova Scotia? Please. This may be his last opportunity to help - my last opportunity, maybe your last opportunity. Please let's work together and get them a physical. Promise me that. Please.

MR. GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, as the member opposite and many here in the House know, I not only work to look after the global picture of Nova Scotia, but I also help with many individual cases that have come my way - and I will certainly do my best in the particular case that has been raised here this morning.

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

PREM.: FILM INDUSTRY - APOLOGIZE

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : Mr. Speaker, my question today is for the Premier. Yesterday, he talked about working with the film industry as if he's a regular patron of the arts or something. This is the same Premier who thought that the film industry was getting a free ride. A Premier who didn't understand the financial return to the province for investing in the industry, who thought they weren't paying taxes.

I'd like to ask the Premier, as he tops up the Nova Scotian Film and Television Production Incentive Fund on the eve of an election, can he please at least apologize today to the many film industry workers who had to pack up and move away, some taking their families with them, because of his government's callous, short-sighted, and mean-spirited actions?

[Page 2684]

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all those in the film industry who continued to work with our government over the last year to continue to provide employment to many Nova Scotians. I'm very proud of the fact that the film funds she's talking about have a subsidy of 25 per cent, but it has spread beyond just labour. She would know that prior to that it was 50-65 per cent. We said that was too high. We went down and said we could provide a subsidy that was real for Nova Scotia. We continue to make that investment and will continue to make that investment and work with them.

What's interesting is that the honourable member continues to stand in this House and complain and complain and complain, but the industry came to work with us, and that's why they're working in Nova Scotia.

MS. ZANN « » : Mr. Speaker, the film industry came and tried to work with this government because their hands were tied behind their backs and they knew that if they didn't come and work with them they had nothing - nothing. Some extra money for the incentive fund will help some offshore service producers become viable again. However, companies wanting to grow our local, independent film industry have been seriously crippled by a lack of equity investment by this government and by the cutting of the Film and Television Development Fund, which have both helped create a local industry.

My question for the Premier is, why is his government opposed to equity investment in the film industry that would help local producers tell our local stories right here in Nova Scotia, instead of having to go somewhere else where they can get it?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, if the honourable member would stop complaining so much, she would realize that there are many people working in Nova Scotia. We've continued to invest in the film industry and the investment we're making has spread beyond just labour in the film industry. It's spread across many sectors. We're seeing it based in the economy, we're seeing it grow the economy, and I want to thank Screen Nova Scotia for continuing to work with us to continue to try to provide an opportunity for many young Nova Scotians to be here.

I'm grateful that they didn't accept the negativity of the honourable member, and that they actually came to work with our government to provide opportunity.

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

HON. JAMIE BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, on a point of order. With great reluctance, I need to correct a statement made by the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development during Question Period. As member for Cumberland South I am very proud that I have raised the Springhill school both in this House . . .

[Page 2685]

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. Is it a point of order or a disagreement of facts?

MR. BAILLIE « » : A point of order, Mr. Speaker. You'll get this very quickly. I don't want to take up a lot of time. Both in this House in Question Period and in the examination of the estimates, the minister raises the issue of letters in this House. One would think that the annual letter that she gets from the Chignecto-Central School Board - which constantly presents their top priority for the construction of a new school for Springhill - would be enough, but given her answer today, it has been very clear that politics play a role in new school construction, instead of the priorities of the school board.

MR. SPEAKER « » : That's not a point of order, that's a disagreement of facts.

The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. TERRY FARRELL » : Mr. Speaker, I move that we recess so that all members can attend the Day of Mourning, which is being held downstairs at 11:00 a.m. I suggest that we return after the ceremony, or at 12:15 p.m., whichever is later.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is to recess.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

The House will now stand recessed until the conclusion of the Day of Mourning ceremony, or 12:15 p.m., whichever comes last.

[10:51 a.m. The House recessed.]

[12:15 p.m. The House reconvened.]

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The honourable New Democratic Party House Leader.

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, on a point of order. On Tuesday, we were asked by the Government House Leader to consent to move Bill No. 59 on to the order paper and have it debated because it was an important bill. On this National Day of Mourning, I ask for similar consent for a bill that the government introduced today, Bill No. 90, which would do what we think Nova Scotians would want us to do: improve workplace safety.

I would ask for consent of the House to move that Bill No. 90 be placed on the order paper today and called for second reading debate.

[Page 2686]

MR. SPEAKER « » : Is it agreed?

I hear several Noes.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

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

MR. TERRY FARRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Government Motions.

GOVERNMENT MOTIONS

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

MR. TERRY FARRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Resolution No. 915.

Res. No. 915, Estimates: CW on Supply - Referred - notice given April 27/17 (Hon. R. Delorey)

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

MR. TIM HOUSTON « » : I just wanted to conclude with my final words on this budget with a few comments on what happens to ordinary Nova Scotians when government doesn't dot its i's and cross its t's. I think a number of the issues that have been heavily discussed in this House have to do with the fact that the government really hasn't done its homework, that the government hasn't followed process.

If you think of the land deal, we wouldn't be talking about this land deal if it had been tendered, if government had followed process. Instead, here we have people raising questions about the developer and about the price. All these issues are only coming up because the government didn't follow proper process. It's a shame when government makes decisions that drag ordinary Nova Scotians into issues in this Legislature.

We've seen it time and time again with this government. Think about the issue with the school boards and the new schools. There was a process to be followed. The government makes the fine school board members deliver bad news, close schools. That's the old thing. When there are photos to be taken and smiles to be had, they open schools. There has been a lot of discussion about whether these schools that have been announced should be built or not. What a shame for those communities to have that questioned. But nobody questions whether those communities need a school or not. They're only questioning the actions of this government. When government doesn't do its homework, it can make good, upstanding people look bad. That's what we've seen there.

[Page 2687]

Now we have the same thing happening for the Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance, the $5 million payment. The government didn't do its homework to support it, so instead, people ask questions about it. Government takes actions that cause people to question why the government has taken those actions. It's a complete shame.

I would like to finish off with the bees. The bees are a serious, serious issue. I'm sure the company that's importing one truckload of bees doesn't want to put the entire industry at risk, but it's the path that this government has set us on by not doing its homework.

I would close on this by urging the next government that sits in this House and successive governments to treat process with respect, to do their homework beforehand. We had a number of bills over the last four years pulled back. Government bills were pulled back because the homework wasn't done. Please, you owe it to Nova Scotians as a government to do your homework, dot your i's, and cross your t's beforehand.

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

HON. STERLING BELLIVEAU « » : It's an honour to have the opportunity to reply to this year's budget. Here we are again on the eve of an election with this government telling us about all the wonderful things that they are doing. You may ask, how did we get here?

Yesterday, the Opposition member for Pictou East and for just a few minutes today, in my observation, did a fair job. I'm going to be a bit generous. I actually made this comment yesterday but I'm going to give the member for Pictou East, especially on his last comments here, I'm going to give him a B+ for his budget address.

Mr. Speaker, in 2013 the campaigning Liberal Leader promised to put Nova Scotians first. Instead, the Premier has spent three and a half years of trying to cut his way to prosperity while, at the same time, helping his Liberal friends. The Premier set out the tone right after coming into office by handing an $85,000 job to a failed Liberal candidate - pure patronage.

Then came the amalgamation of the health authorities. It was going to transform the system. However, as we have seen, the creation of this super board has resulted in no savings, none whatsoever. In fact, my observation is a cost of $15 million to them.

Furthermore, while this government has been busy rearranging bureaucrats, the health care system in this province has been rapidly declining - 106,000 people without a family doctor, Mr. Speaker, ER closures at an all-time high, hospitals resorting to hallway medicine. That's not good enough.

[Page 2688]

Mr. Speaker, then came the cuts. They axed the Film Tax Credit, devastated an industry that has been built up over decades, with one swoop of the pen. We watched as film workers circled this House in protest. Under this government's watch we witnessed as the police presence grew and more tinted SUVs, wagons, circled and sat in the parking lot, and petty cuts to community groups that provided minimum savings to the government but had a major negative impact on those community groups. All the while the Premier found money to help his Liberal friends. He allowed his top civil servants to set up a company to avoid paying taxes. How is that putting Nova Scotians first?

But the government was saving money in other ways, by making cuts to long-term care, impacting patients and staff in nursing homes, not a single new long-term care bed under this Liberal watch. The number is easy to remember - zero. Meals, food costs for long-term care residents reduced to less than $5 per day. It saved money by underspending the hospital infrastructure, underspending in a tone of $82 million. Meanwhile it has not opened a single CEC - zero, Mr. Speaker. That number is going to be frequent here in this speech - zero. It has also not opened a single long-term bed - again, zero.

While these cuts and underspending were taking a toll on our patients and health care workers across the province, the Liberal insiders were still laughing all the way to the bank.

In January 2015 the Premier appointed - and I repeat "appointed" - a former Liberal Cabinet Minister to head the Nova Scotia Business Inc., a position that pays $210,000 a year. Oh, to be a Liberal insider, Mr. Speaker. Maybe that's what is called "sunny ways."

Meanwhile, the Premier promised - and I remember that very clearly - a doctor for every Nova Scotian who is not well and not doing well. I hope the government was not surprised by the fact that this decision to withhold billing numbers and their failure to recruit doctors actually resulted in more people without a family doctor than when this Liberal Government came to office.

Mr. Speaker, the Premier was also on rocky grounds with the public sector workers - workers he promised to treat fairly. In fact, he wrote an open letter to workers promising to respect the collective bargaining process.

In a few minutes, I will certainly add a pile of broken promises, Mr. Speaker, but I distinctly recall that open letter in the election of 2013.

Now, while there was no money for public sectors, there was money for a few more staff in the Premier's Office. One even got to write her own job description. Oh, to be a Liberal insider. Again, is that what the Liberals called "sunny ways"?

And so we are here today. We're here today, and just to remind you again of the letters' promise of 2013, the Nova Scotia Liberal caucus believed in - the letter stated at that time - the collective bargaining process; the right to strike; and protecting workers' rights, the letter went on to say, both unionized and non-unionized. Then along came Bill Nos. 148 and 75.

[Page 2689]

I believe I have made a very good case for a broken promise. The list goes on.

Let's review the past three and a half years under this Liberal reign. More than 10,000 full-time jobs lost; 5,000 fewer people under 24 in the workplace; the second-worst economy in Canada, 2017; emergency room closures that have increased by more than 30 per cent; the longest wait times for hip- and knee-replacement surgeries in Canada; wait times for mental health care services that have increased by more than 25 per cent.

Nova Scotia has a doctor shortage - and I'll repeat the number for those who are jotting down notes. People in Nova Scotia who do not have a family doctor - that's now risen to 106,000 people across this province; the second-highest tuition cost in Canada - some schools have increased by over 30 per cent; the first public school teachers' strike in - get this - 122 years. We all remember Bill No. 75 just a few weeks ago, when there was the largest crowd of my 11 years here. The crowd circled this building. We all remember that. Out-of-province nurses had to be flown in because of a shortage of nurses.

Is any of this being noted, Mr. Speaker? I'm sure the public is making notes, as we are on the eve of an election.

This government cut funding to nursing homes - $8 million; long-term care, not one new bed in three and a half years - they placed a moratorium on long-term care beds; the budget for seniors' long-term care equals less than $6 per day per meal, for the most vulnerable people in our society - and yet Danny Graham is paid over $13,000 per month at Engage Nova Scotia. That, to me, is Liberals looking after Liberals again. Is that "sunny ways"? To me, that would probably fit the bill. That's sunny ways.

Now, I know that the members opposite are listening closely and taking notes. Just to refresh their minds, they eliminated the Film Tax Credit. And remember the Pharmacare fiasco? We all remember that? They talked about doubling the fees to $2,400? I remember that.

The Premier has been absent 30 per cent of the time in Cabinet meetings in 2016. We heard on this floor that it was recommended that cardboard cut-outs might replace in Ottawa - and might possibly be a good scenario to have here. We could probably get more answers from a cardboard cut-out. (Interruptions) I'm just getting into it and I know I have the attention of the government here, so I know they're taken notes intently.

Here's an interesting statistic, Mr. Speaker, and I'll say this slowly so that I know the members opposite are carefully writing this down. The Minister of Health and Wellness had 41 months in government and promised a doctor for every Nova Scotian. Now he wants us to believe that he will have a doctor in the next 36 months. Just a little play on numbers there, Mr. Speaker. I didn't bring up that the member from Clare-Digby suggested a 10 year term, until they meet that goal (Interruptions).

[Page 2690]

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

MR. BELLIVEAU « » : I really appreciate your attention to the day's activities, and your wisdom, Mr. Speaker. The Liberals were going to lower power rates, remember that promise? And break the monopoly - I remember that in the literature, the campaign - I wonder how that is doing? Well, how it's doing is that the monopoly is stronger than ever - another broken promise. They were going to fix education. In respect to collective bargaining, the bargaining works. Just an update on both the bills: it is my observation that Bill No. 75 during this session, both Opposition (Interruptions)

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

MR. BELLIVEAU « » : Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Again, I enjoy your intervention and wisdom on this, because I want these individuals across to take thorough notes. On Bill No. 75 they were talking about - in their election campaign in 2013 - about protecting workers' rights and bargaining for workers.

In this session, I observed that both Opposition Parties tabled bills to repeal Bill No. 75. I know that the Nova Scotia Teachers' Union has committed to taking that to the Supreme Court of Canada. Just a side note, during Bill No. 75, there was a discussion here and I believe that I raised the point that a similar bill to Bill No. 75 was introduced in B.C. It took 14 years to go through the court system. It spent 20 minutes in the Supreme Court - 20 minutes. I cannot drink a cup of coffee in 20 minutes. In the Supreme Court decision on the B.C. decision - all it did was simply read the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. And guess what, Mr. Speaker? Bill No. 75 will not only be repealed if it is unsuccessful - it's not going to get too far when it gets to the courts.

We've had a government that has promised to fix the roads. The very first day, three and a half years ago, Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal sold the paving equipment. What we see now after three and a half years is paving less and costing more. Now they have the courage to talk about a "program" to improve our road system by investing $390 million. But, here's the catch: you're going to have to spread that over the next seven years. Well I did the math, and there could possibly be two or three more elections over the next seven years. So I'm going to follow that one with great interest, and we'll see how many roads are completed with this particular program.

This particular government boasts about stopping corporate handouts, but $22 million to the Royal Bank, and offshore banks? I think that's a broken promise. I'm just working my way slowly through this list, and I ask the members over there to take careful notes because there is going to be some homework for this weekend. If you take notice, in my last several speeches, I've always had some homework for the sitting government and the backbenchers, so there's going to be a test at the end of this speech.

[Page 2691]

Long-term care - as I mentioned earlier, there was a moratorium that was put on building nursing homes. It's ironic that this Liberal Government boasted in 2013 of keeping the previous government's commitment on long-term care. One of those long-term care facilities in Middlefield just outside of Liverpool is still waiting, and I think they're going to be waiting for a while until there's a government change to get that home built. Not one long-term care bed under this particular government.

Interestingly enough, the previous four years in which I had the fortune of spending some time in government, there were over 1,000 beds created. I suggest to you here today and those who are listening intently, those 1,000 beds that were created in that four-year time frame, they freed up hospital beds and they relieved the pressure on these institutions that we are seeing that are overcrowded as I speak. I will get to that a little later on in this speech.

The Premier said that, again, a doctor for everybody in 2013. The Minister of Health and Wellness - if I can back up a year - came to the Town of Shelburne and promised to keep our ERs open. That was somewhere around two years ago, a year-and-a-half ago; but, I know that the members on this side can clearly recall myself standing in this seat, identifying each closure at Roseway Hospital, every one, in one session. That was after the Minister of Health and Wellness came to Shelburne and said we have a plan, we are going to address the closures in ERs not only in Roseway Hospital but right across our beautiful province. Do you know how this story ended? It got worse. It got worse - the highest record in Canada.

Then, just to add to that story, in the previous sitting, we had the member for Clare-Digby stand in his seat, address this congregation here, the delegation of MLAs, and suggested, well, maybe we're not going to meet that goal, we're probably going to kick that goalpost down the road a bit. Ten years down the road, Mr. Speaker. That's not a promise that I think is going to address the issue, and I can assure you that I truly believe that health care is the major issue across our Atlantic Provinces. Then a few weeks ago, we had the Minister of Health and Wellness suggest that, well, it's not ten years - it's going to be three years that we can provide those services.

So, Mr. Speaker, we're left with a challenge. We're left with a challenge, and this is it: You pick a number. Is it ten years? Is it three years? Is there one doctor for everyone this year? It's going to be interesting to see what the Liberal platform is regarding health care as they enter this election.

I have designed three words to describe the situation that they're in because they can't pick a number, and the three words to describe their health care platform is: Don't get sick. Now I think that's going to have a lot more trust from the population than if you back up three-and-half years ago and they suggested that we'll have a doctor for everyone.

[Page 2692]

Now, Mr. Speaker, overcrowding in our hospitals - this is something that's certainly of interest to me and I think that we have seen this system deteriorate over the last few years. Early in the last few days we have seen the overcrowding certainly mentioned in Question Period, and the beginning of a new term in our medical care vocabulary - and it's certainly a new phrase for myself in this particular sitting - it's called "hallway medicine." What we've heard is that there are 118 doctor vacancies and, like I repeated earlier, 106,000 people without a family doctor. We have overcrowding or closed emergency rooms and the wait times of two or three years for surgery.

Interesting enough, Mr. Speaker, I've heard several times during Question Period, this Premier stand in his place and say very clearly that there is no crisis - and I repeat, no crisis. I know we have different political approaches and I accept that, but I actually googled the word "crisis" because I wanted to understand the meaning of that thoroughly because we were using it, certainly I have used it to describe the situation we are entering into. The Google Dictionary gives us this terminology - "it is a time of intense difficulty, it is trouble or danger." But if you read on, probably the best meaning is "it's a time when a difficult, important decision must be made."

Now, Mr. Speaker, I know there's a difference of opinion - the Premier says there's no crisis, but what I hope to conclude in my closing remarks here in the next few minutes is that there is a crisis in our health care system - and I hope the members opposite are taking thorough notes because there will be a test.

To me this is certainly the main thrust of my speech, Mr. Speaker, and the address certainly to this budget and to all the witnesses certainly, or the MLAs in this Chamber. This Premier stated there is no crisis, but we have a hospital infrastructure underspent in the last three years by $82 million. We have hospital floors closing for months, to be fixed - leaky roofs. If I can make an example in Lunenburg or in Yarmouth of hospital floors being closed because of a leaky roof and people losing MRI services, this is something that has a ripple effect that goes the whole way through the system.

The MRI appointments are something that I know is important to those individuals, yet we see the infrastructure money being severed and not spent over the last three years, and yet we can show clear examples where the roof is leaking and there has to be infrastructure, and we've had appointments cancelled and it just escalates the problem.

Mr. Speaker, I mentioned that we have 106,000 Nova Scotians without a family doctor; ERs are closing at a record high; and the wait times are the highest in Canada. What is interesting, in this Chamber a few days ago, in Nova Scotia there was testimony here that Nova Scotia needs to recruit 100 doctors a year for the next decade, says Doctors Nova Scotia. That is certainly an interesting comment because to me there is a warning sign that the iceberg of our aging population is certainly coming at us and we are not properly prepared when Doctors Nova Scotia gives you that warning, I would think that I would lean towards the seriousness that we are in a crisis.

[Page 2693]

Just a few days ago in this Chamber, Nancy MacCready-Williams, CEO of Doctors Nova Scotia, told this very Legislature in the Public Accounts Committee that there were 118 doctor vacancies throughout this province. He also said that 1,300 of the 2,400 physicians currently practising are over the age of 50, and that 630 are over 60, suggesting that this shortage will become more acute as doctors wrap up their careers.

[12:45 p.m.]

I'll quote Ms. MacCready-Williams: "The last two years, it's been more pronounced than we've seen in previous years," she said after speaking to the committee.

I would take that as a warning sign. After the information that we've heard from the Opposition, including myself and the Premier, on one side we have a crisis or we don't have a crisis. This is what this Chamber is for, to put the information forward, and hopefully decide on an outcome. But I think I'm winning this argument as I speak.

It sounds like a crisis to me. Today in my hometown - this is an interesting story and I hope that the members opposite will pay attention - when a new doctor starts, he or she usually starts with half the workload of the former doctor. The former doctor may have 3,000 to 4,000 patients.

I appreciate that the new doctors are coming, and I understand that they have to work their way up to the workload of the former doctors. I'm not disagreeing with it. But what I am disagreeing with is that if the new doctor wants to add new patients, there is a phone lottery for the first 50 or 100 patients who call in. Is this what our universal health care has come to - a phone lottery? I think it's in crisis. That little story is evidence of how the evolution of our universal health care has come to rural Nova Scotia. If you are not successful and you do not have the doctor on speed-dial, you are out of luck.

With that story, I suggest that our health care is in a crisis. You should not have to win a lottery. To me, it sounds like a crisis.

I want to talk about "hallway medicine," which is a new term from this sitting. On March 27, 2017, there was a CBC News article titled, "Patients at Nova Scotia's largest hospital 'not safe,' says union." It read, "Overcrowding has become routine at the Halifax Infirmary emergency department, says the Nova Scotia General Employees Union president. The union that represents nurses and other health care workers at the province's largest hospital complex has concluded patients are receiving care that is 'not safe'." It says "not safe" from the largest union representing nurses. That sounds like a crisis to me.

[Page 2694]

I know that the members of the government are taking thorough notes, and I want them to compare the notes over the weekend, first to what the Premier says - that there's no crisis here - and then to what the Opposition is saying, including myself. The conclusion comes following a review of statistics obtained from the Nova Scotia Health Authority, which shows how often emergency room physicians or charge nurses at the Halifax Infirmary declared a Code Census. A Code Census happens when the emergency department is overcrowded, because it seems to be unsafe. The staff and other departments have 30 minutes to prepare to accept more patients in order to free up beds in emergency. Last year, there were 146 Code Censuses out of the Halifax Infirmary emergency department, up from 110 in 2015 and 42 in 2014. There have been 39 already in January and February of this year. That sounds like a crisis to me, and it's growing.

It's interesting that we've observed this province spending $7.5 million on land outside of Bayers Lake to build a health centre. The question that I ask is, has that gone through a thorough tendering process? The answer is no. Is this Liberal Government simply looking after Liberal friends? It probably would fit into that category.

We know that the developer donated $3,000 to the Nova Scotia Liberal Party in 2013. Is this sunny ways? Is this simply Liberals looking after Liberals? The developer sold only 15 acres to the Liberals out of the 177-acre parcel of land that he owned. He got most of his money back, and still has roughly 162 acres left. That's good fiscal management. I wonder if we could get the developer in here in Province House, it would probably help out the Premier. To me, it certainly sounds like Liberals looking after Liberals on the eve of election.

Getting back to the hallway medicine - I have learned that term here in the last few months. I noticed some media outlets have entertained a story about a patient on a gurney participating in hallway medicine. I really sympathize with those individuals who have to endure situations like that. I truly believe that the word "crisis" is the right word to describe a situation like that. I want to paint this scenario. I know that when our family members go through near-death experiences, and we all go through this, a hallway is not the place to have privacy for family, those surroundings, when people are in those dire situations.

I truly believe that that's inexcusable. We have a universal health system. The government has failed by creating this shortage of doctors. Not having access to long-term care facilities is backing up more people - and these ER emergencies. We have 106,000 people without a family doctor. We have communities that do not have access to a kidney dialysis machine - unless you are a Liberal. That doesn't fall into what I believe is universal health care.

Then you have hallway patients. In the next session, are we going to see more of these scenarios? I simply believe that that's unacceptable when people are entering the last stages of life and could possibly be in a setting like that - not only for that individual who is at the end of their life but also for their family members.

[Page 2695]

There's an interesting story that was just divulged to me. I know one of my family members will be entering the hospital scenario in the next few months. An interesting side note is that the doctors are telling this individual now that you need a loved one to accompany you during the first couple of days after surgery. I want to separate the two, the end-of-life scenario and some serious surgery. If you are one of those patients who have surgery, and your doctor has instructed for your loved ones to accompany you the first two or three days, and you are a hallway patient, where is that loved one going to stay? Are you going to take your little cot and stay next to your loved one during the surgery, in the hallway?

I don't think that's appropriate, Mr. Speaker, and that's the point I'm making. We are allowing this government to shy away from the responsibility of addressing health care in the province. We are seeing the escalation of a deteriorating health system, and it is inexcusable. These are just a few examples, and you're going to see more of them as we enter into the 40 hours of debate on our budget as we move forward.

I pointed out that one of the things that really troubles me is the kidney dialysis machine. I do respect the member for Argyle-Barrington, who has brought this up here repeatedly. It also affects the western part of Shelburne County, which I represent. There is no kidney dialysis machine in that immediate area. When you see people who have to travel long distances, to Yarmouth, for instance, in the dead of winter - senior people - that is unacceptable. That is simply unacceptable.

I applaud the announcements leading up to election. In just the last few weeks, we've seen an announcement in Digby. We've seen announcements across our province. But they're all in Liberal ridings. I ask a simple question, aren't the lives of these other patients who are looking for the services of a kidney dialysis machine worth having a satellite division in their community? It's simply unacceptable, Mr. Speaker.

What is interesting, and again, this falls in the category of the baby boomer iceberg moving through our system, is a statistic that I think is very noticeable. It's going to create more pressure on one of the scenarios that I've mentioned earlier. Each month, 1,000 Nova Scotians reach the age of 65. I can attest to the fact that I'm getting ever closer to that number myself. I'm just doing the math here quickly - I'm 14 or 16 months away from that. We have roughly less than a million people in this province. We have the aging population with 1,000 people reaching 65 per month. The interesting fact is that the young people may not need those services. In my personal life, I just did a routine physical every year or two, a medical for my work or whatever, and I usually did not go to the hospital or the doctor on a frequent basis. But now I'm in that group, and I suggest that that is to do with aging. I think that we need to address the seriousness of this situation of our health care crisis.

[Page 2696]

Here in Nova Scotia, who do we believe? After a good night's rest, the answer came to me. I was trying to debate back and forth. I've heard the Premier say that there is no crisis. I know that I've done my best to kind of disregard that approach and say there is. I came up with what I thought was an ingenious way of solving this. This is the homework that I'm asking of the backbenchers of the Liberal Government and the ministers, if they want to be involved - to answer one question.

[1:00 p.m.]

Mr. Speaker, you know how I came upon finding the real answer to this? After a good night's rest the answer just came to me - we have a difference of opinion between Opposition and the Premier, so let's ask the 106,000 people who don't have a doctor if there's a crisis in the health care system. Let's ask the people who are affected by no doctors. Isn't that a brilliant idea? All the members, the backbenchers in the present government, can go and justify whether the Premier is on the right track or not, or the Opposition.

Now I'm willing to bet, Mr. Speaker, that the people affected will vouch and say, yes, there is a crisis and the people waiting for three or four years for hip replacements, the people, the backbenchers or the Liberal Government contacting those people on the gurneys in the hallways, I'm willing to bet that my survey will say, 19 times out of 20, that the member for Queens-Shelburne is on the right track, there is a crisis.

Mr. Speaker, I'm looking forward to coming next week and I know that members opposite have been taking thorough notes. They're going to go out to their constituencies over the weekend and they're going to do their homework, they're going to ask those people who may be in the hallways, on the gurneys, the 106,000 people without a doctor, and they are going to do a survey and bring that information back, and I look forward to it. I look forward to their presentation and debate on this particular question because it really is a question of what is happening to our health care system.

Now, Mr. Speaker, we have painted that scenario so my next question is, could the Premier be wrong? Now in saying that there's no crisis in health care, it's an interesting question. Has the Premier been wrong before? Another interesting question. Well I asked that question and I did some research last night while I was watching a hockey game, but I was more interested in getting the answer to this question - has the Premier been wrong before?

He was wrong, Mr. Speaker, when it came to the Seniors' Pharmacare Program. I remember that one, and I'm sure that if I jogged the memories of the members opposite that they will remember that, because I think one of the reasons they will remember it is because the Premier and the government office had to spend $115,000 to mail out apologies, letters to the seniors regarding the Pharmacare Program. I remember that.

[Page 2697]

Now when you send out an apology, to me you are accepting that you are wrong. So there's one incident right there, Mr. Speaker, that we have declared that the Premier makes mistakes . . .

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. Could I ask all members to keep the chatter down.

The honourable member for Queens-Shelburne has the floor.

MR. BELLIVEAU « » : Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Certainly you are doing a good job controlling the anticipation of the members opposite.

Mr. Speaker, the mandate of the Premier for three and a half years, his promise to break Nova Scotia Power's monopoly and it's still there. Has that been wrong? I would say there's another wrong. And he promised to protect workers' rights. He issued an open letter in 2013 and we have both Opposition bills, as I mentioned earlier, to repeal Bill No. 75. We have teachers' unions headed to the courts and, again, I think he broke a promise and he is wrong here too.

Mr. Speaker, the same Premier promised last election a doctor for every Nova Scotian. As of today, I've said a number of times, 106,000 people in Nova Scotia are without. I truly believe that the Premier is wrong here too. I feel that there is a trend here; perhaps the Premier may be in denial or refusing to upset his facts. Again I want to ask the backbenchers to do their homework and make sure they contact the people, who have no doctors, over the weekend.

I look forward to the next 40 hours of debate on this budget and I look forward to my colleague's address on the health care. I truly believe that we can put (Interruptions) Well, I have got some nice comments, and I just need a few minutes to get to them.

I've got my notes here in case there was some heckling from the present government - and I used it, I just used some key words. And I can control the heckling, and it's a simple technique that I've learned in the last 11 years, and I can use certain words that I can shut these people down within 20 seconds.

Let's try it, Mr. Speaker, here are my words - all I've got to do, when I have heckling from the government Party, is mention one bill, Bill No. 75. Instantly, like we heard several weeks ago in February, all the members just simply sit in silence. They didn't speak, and the Premier left in a police escort, with a tinted SUV, and they didn't participate. Notice how that worked - it's a magic paper, a magic paper. They did not participate in Bill No. 75, they became silent, and as soon as I pick that up and talk about that particular bill, the hush goes over the crowd and I can continue on with my speech, which I'm getting close to winding down.

[Page 2698]

I am looking forward to 40 hours of debate on this budget, and I made note here that health care in my 11 years of presence here, health care got the majority of time in this Chamber. It's one of the top issues in the whole budget process, and it's certainly an important issue. (Interruptions) I'm trying to proceed, but I'll continue talking about Bill No. 75 if the member keeps interrupting. It's his choice.

I look forward to my honoured colleagues addressing health care; they have more wealth of knowledge than I have. I truly believe - and this is the part here that's interesting to all members - I truly believe regardless of what political Party that you belong to, that we are put on this earth to take care of each other. That is a strong statement.

I truly believe in universal health care for every Canadian, and I truly believe we are entering a health care crisis under this Liberal Government, and I want to say that I look forward to the next 40 hours of debate because I want to see the Opposition, their rebuttal to my comments. And I look forward to the honour of the members here and my caucus because they can do a thorough job.

So, Mr. Speaker, I'm getting close to winding down, and I want to just close on this. I spent 11 years in this Chamber. I had the appreciation of (Standing Ovation)

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Four more years. Four more years.

MR. BELLIVEAU « » : Just before I close, the member for Yarmouth has introduced a new thought in my process and I'll reflect over that, I'll reflect over that. I'll reflect over that as I drive home - four more years. But it has truly been a privilege to sit here in this Chamber. I just want to say that I'm a simple fisherman who had an opportunity that very few people get in this society, to come here, and I really appreciate meeting all of you, and if I'm not here in my role as I am today, I hope that you see me as a friend.

I wish you all well, as I believe that we may be on the eve of an election. Good health, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for your time. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER « » : That concludes the response to the Budget Speech from the recognized Opposition Parties. The estimates are now referred to the Committee of the Whole on Supply.

The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

HON. JAMIE BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, before we conclude the business for today, as Leader of the Official Opposition and as a fellow Opposition Leader to the NDP Leader in the House, on behalf of our side - and I invite a member on the government side to also just recognize the moment - people come and go from this place. Some are changed by it. Sometimes in good ways, sometimes not good ways. Others are not and they're the same person when they retire as they were when they came in.

[Page 2699]

I think we can say with certainty that that is true of the member for Queens-Shelburne. As Leader of my Party and a fellow MLA and as someone who, I think, I can say does consider him a friend, I just want to thank him for his years of service, first and foremost to his constituents - some of whom are my in-laws - and secondly to all Nova Scotians for his time in this place as Leader of the NDP in the House. I invite all members to join me in thanking him and wishing him a very happy retirement. (Applause)

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

HON. KEITH COLWELL « » : Thank you very much. I'm not going to speak about the budget today. I also want to pass on my finest wishes to Sterling Belliveau, and I know I'm not supposed to say his name in here (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. (Interruptions) I believe the Chair has been challenged, but we'll move on.

The honourable Minister of Agriculture has the floor.

MR. COLWELL « » : I apologize, Mr. Speaker. Indeed, I thought it was appropriate in this case. Being a former Minister of Fisheries, who did a great job in that role, Sterling - the honourable member - I'll get it right this time - I've known for years and years. He did very well at representing the communities and the fishing industry, and when I was fisheries minister years ago he was in that field, and he did a great job representing the fishing industry and fishermen in this province. I want to personally thank you for doing that, and I know the industry does too.

It's very special to have you here in the Legislature, and it's sad when you see someone go who has things in their heart, as you have, to help the industry and help the Province of Nova Scotia. So, I know whatever you do in the future, that you'll do it very well. It's been an honour and a pleasure for me to know you, and my colleagues say the same thing about you. You conduct yourself very well here as you always have in your life. Congratulations on retirement. I should have done the same thing, maybe. But I'm still a long way away from that. It's wonderful to work here and to have people with your character and determination to do things, to sit in this House.

Again, thank you, Sterling - honourable member - and we'll be good friends for many years to come. Thank you.

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

HON. DENISE PETERSON-RAFUSE « » : Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and thank you very much for those kind words from the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

[Page 2700]

My colleague here from Queens-Shelburne deserves the recognition. I would like to say on behalf of the NDP caucus - and I know from his constituents - that we want to thank him for all that he has given. I can tell you that my experience with this gentleman - and he is a gentleman, I can tell you that - has been a great experience for me to watch him and be a mentor to me. I know that during one of the most stressful situations in the House, when we were trying to tire out the government by continuing and continuing and ringing the bells, I had such a grand time being the whip at that time. I could just ring the bells as long as I wanted to, what power, hey? Sterling wrote me this fabulous note that I will have forever, and I'm going to get it laminated. It said, "stay focused".?

[1:15 p.m.]

I would like to offer that piece of advice to everyone here, because we do know that we're on the eve of an election, and I think that that was the most incredible advice for all of us, to stay focused on the job that needs to be done. And I know that the words that I have today are not enough to say the appreciation that we have for this fine gentleman and what he has offered to Nova Scotia and to us as a caucus. So, I would like to say thank you, Sterling. I will stay focused, and we love you.

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

HON. ALFIE MACLEOD « » : I want to rise with my other colleagues to wish the member well. I had the opportunity to be Fisheries Critic with him and a Fisheries Critic to him, and found that he was always an individual that you could work with, who certainly had the best interests of the industry and the people of Nova Scotia at heart. I know that we all owe him a great thanks, and many have said that tonight.

I would also like to thank his family, for allowing him to be a member of the House of Assembly, for giving up many different family occasions to do the work, not only as an MLA, but also as a Minister of the Crown. As most of us here realize, this is not a job that you go into if you don't have the support of your family. As much as I praise Sterling, the member, for what he has done, I also want to thank his family for what they've done for the Province of Nova Scotia. Thank you.

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

MR. TERRY FARRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, that completes the government's business for today, and I have to say it's a pretty fine note to complete it on, to honour one of our long-serving members in that way.

I move that the House now rise to meet again on Monday, May 1^st, at 4:00 p.m. We'll sit between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. and we'll call Government Business, Committee of the Whole on Supply. With that I move that the House now rise until Monday, May 1^st, at 4:00 p.m.

[Page 2701]

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is that the House rise to meet again on Monday, May 1^st, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

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

The motion is carried.

We stand adjourned until Monday, May 1^st, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

[The House rose at 1:19 p.m.]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

[Page 2702]

(Tabled April 27, 2017)

RESOLUTION NO. 1119

By: Hon. Zach Churchill « » (Municipal Affairs)

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

Whereas in 1974, Dr. Pete Loveridge set up practice in Yarmouth County, where his responsibilities included: hospital admitting at Yarmouth hospital for 28 years while looking after patients from Digby to Shelburne and doing early morning visits, including on Christmas Day; covering the emergency room every Wednesday night for 12 hours; being on call locally every Tuesday, every third weekend and every third Monday; and performing house calls every Thursday as far away as the Hawk on Cape Sable Island; and

Whereas Dr. Loveridge was a founding member of The Society of Rural Physicians of Canada, which started out with ten doctors across the country sitting at their kitchen tables partaking in a conference call and which now represents thousands of rural doctors; and

Whereas Dr. Loveridge is one of about 70 doctors in Canada to have been made a Fellow in Rural and Remote Medicine and he is presently involved with medical residencies at Yarmouth Hospital and integrating foreign trained doctors;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly recognize and thank Dr. Pete Loveridge for his decades of hard work and dedication to his patients especially in rural areas.

RESOLUTION NO. 1120

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 Peter S. Conrod was born and lived in Head of Chezzetcook for his whole life and raised a hard-working family of four children; and

Whereas Peter owned and operated Peter S. Conrod Construction providing excavating services and employing numerous people along the Eastern Shore; and

Whereas Peter had provided countless free hours of excavation services and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need;

[Page 2703]

?

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Peter S. Conrod posthumously for providing employment and helping those in need along the Eastern Shore.

RESOLUTION NO. 1121

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Armdale Taxi, one of the oldest taxi companies in Nova Scotia, has serviced the Armdale area since 1932; and

Whereas Armdale Taxi, a family-owned and managed business, boasts a fleet of over 20 independently owned and operated vehicles and has drivers who have been proudly working for the company for over 45 years; and

Whereas Armdale Taxi's parent company, Yellow Cab, has been a trusted taxi company in HRM since 1962 and has been owned and operated for the last seven months by brothers, Justin and James Ghosn, who have taken great initiative to modernize the business and provide the kind of safe and high-quality service that the company has long been known for;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating Justin and James Ghosn on their successful first months at the helm of Yellow Cab and wish them all the best in this endeavour and their future business ventures.

RESOLUTION NO. 1122

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas the fourth annual Maronite Youth Convention (MYC) will be held from May 19 to May 21, 2017, in Halifax, hosted by the Eparchy of St. Maron Canada and the Our Lady of Lebanon Parish; and

Whereas over 300 Maronite-Catholic youth across Canada will gather to attend MYC 2017 in Halifax for a three-day weekend of spiritual, cultural, and social activities that are planned to help reinforce the bonds among youth in our community and across the nation; and

[Page 2704]

Whereas young participants will have the opportunity to attend workshops and participate in discussions centered on: the Joy of Love based on the apostolic exhortation by Pope Francis;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate the Maronite Eparchy of Canada, Our Lady of Lebanon Parish, the 2017 MYC organizing committee, volunteers, and all participants for making the fourth annual Maronite Youth Convention in Halifax possible.

RESOLUTION NO. 1123

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas immigrant settlement organizations play a vital role in supporting our new residents; and

Whereas the Halifax Regional School Board (HRSB) has helped thousands of people learn English since the launch of its Teaching Immigrants in English (TIE) program for adult newcomers in 2005; and

Whereas the TIE program will be winding down at the end of June so the HRSB can focus on its core mandate of educating children and the YMCA will be launching a new province-wide language program for adult newcomers;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this legislature thank the Halifax Regional School Board for making a difference in the lives of thousands of adult newcomers over the last ten years, and thank the YMCA for adding language classes to its settlement services.

RESOLUTION NO. 1124

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

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

Whereas anniversaries are an occasion for family and friends to gather together to celebrate the life of two individuals united as one; and

Whereas it was once said that a marriage anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance, and tenacity, but that the order varies in any given year; and

[Page 2705]

Whereas on January 27, 2017, a very special occasion took place when Kathleen and Stewart Taylor of Pleasant Lake celebrated their 70^th wedding anniversary;

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

RESOLUTION NO. 1125

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

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

Whereas birthdays are an occasion for family and friends to gather together to celebrate the life of an individual; and

Whereas on March 20, 2017, Glendon Gavel of Tusket celebrated his 85^th birthday; and

Whereas to have reached 85 years of age and to continue to be active and share all of the memories gathered over your lifetime with your loved ones is a wonderful reason to celebrate;

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

RESOLUTION NO. 1126

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

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

Whereas birthdays are an occasion for family and friends to gather together to celebrate the life of an individual; and

Whereas on March 17, 2017, Lorraine A. Pottier of Belleville celebrated her 80^th birthday; and

Whereas to have reached 80 years of age and continue to be active and share all the memories gathered over your lifetime with your loved ones is a wonderful reason to celebrate;

[Page 2706]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Lorraine on reaching this milestone in her life and wish her many more happy birthdays and continued good health.

RESOLUTION NO. 1127

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

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

Whereas birthdays are an occasion for family and friends to gather together to celebrate the life of an individual; and

Whereas on December 6, 2016, Angèle Vacon of Ste. Anne du Ruisseau celebrated her 90^th birthday; and

Whereas to have reached 90 years of age and continue to be active and share all the memories gathered over your lifetime with your loved ones is a wonderful reason to celebrate;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Angèle on reaching this milestone in her life and wish her many more happy birthdays and continued good health.

RESOLUTION NO. 1128

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

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

Whereas birthdays are an occasion for family and friends to gather together to celebrate the life of an individual; and

Whereas on January 30, 2017, Catherine M. Pothier of Wedgeport celebrated her 90^th birthday; and

Whereas to have reached 90 years of age and continue to be active and share all the memories gathered over your lifetime with your loved ones is a wonderful reason to celebrate;

[Page 2707]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Catherine on reaching this milestone in her life and wish her many more happy birthdays and continued good health.

RESOLUTION NO. 1129

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

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

Whereas birthdays are an occasion for family and friends to gather together to celebrate the life of an individual; and

Whereas on January 30, 2017, Rose M. Atkinson of Wedgeport celebrated her 80^th birthday; and

Whereas to have reached 80 years of age and continue to be active and share all the memories gathered over your lifetime with your loved ones is a wonderful reason to celebrate;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Rose on reaching this milestone in her life and wish her many more happy birthdays and continued good health.

RESOLUTION NO. 1130

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

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas a new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities, author Eda J. LeShan wrote; and

Whereas on April 6, 2017, Brittany Wray and Cody Bower welcomed their daughter into the world;

[Page 2708]

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

RESOLUTION NO. 1131

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

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas a new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities, author Eda J. LeShan wrote; and

Whereas on October 27, 2016, Tiffany and Aaron Pottier welcomed their daughter into the world;

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

RESOLUTION NO. 1132

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

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas a new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities, author Eda J. LeShan wrote; and

Whereas on February 27, 2017, Stephanie and Warren Campbell welcomed their daughter into the world;

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

[Page 2709]

RESOLUTION NO. 1133

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

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas a new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities, author Eda J. LeShan wrote; and

Whereas on March 12, 2017, Monique Surette and Trevin McNicol welcomed their daughter into the world;

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

RESOLUTION NO. 1134

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

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas a new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities, author Eda J. LeShan wrote; and

Whereas on December 5, 2016, Meagan and Gilles LeBlanc welcomed their daughter into the world;

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

[Page 2710]

RESOLUTION NO. 1135

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

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas a new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities, author Eda J. LeShan wrote; and

Whereas on December 6, 2016, Kelly Muise and Jeffrey Blanchard welcomed their daughter into the world;

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

RESOLUTION NO. 1136

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

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas a new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities, author Eda J. LeShan wrote; and

Whereas on January 16, 2017, Jocelyn and George d'Entremont welcomed their daughter into the world;

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

[Page 2711]

RESOLUTION NO. 1137

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

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas a new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities, author Eda J. LeShan wrote; and

Whereas on April 14, 2017, Lanette Muise and Ralph Atkinson welcomed their daughter into the world;

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

RESOLUTION NO. 1138

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

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas a new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities, author Eda J. LeShan wrote; and

Whereas on April 4, 2017, Tiffany and Chris Frotten welcomed their son into the world;

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

[Page 2712]

RESOLUTION NO. 1139

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

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas a new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities, author Eda J. LeShan wrote; and

Whereas on November 5, 2016, Sheena and Matt Chetwynd welcomed their son into the world;

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

RESOLUTION NO. 1140

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

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas a new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities, author Eda J. LeShan wrote; and

Whereas on November 11, 2016, Sarah and Phillip Ready welcomed their son into the world;

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

[Page 2713]

RESOLUTION NO. 1141

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

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas a new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities, author Eda J. LeShan wrote; and

Whereas on November 10, 2016, Sara and Ben Hurlburt welcomed their son into the world;

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

RESOLUTION NO. 1142

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

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas a new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities, author Eda J. LeShan wrote; and

Whereas on December 28, 2016, Malizza and Regan Brunette welcomed their son into the world;

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

[Page 2714]

RESOLUTION NO. 1143

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

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas a new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities, author Eda J. LeShan wrote; and

Whereas on November 10, 2016, Ashley and Colton d'Eon welcomed their son into the world;

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

RESOLUTION NO. 1144

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

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas a new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities, author Eda J. LeShan wrote; and

Whereas on April 11, 2017, Aimy Doucet and Ryan Bradford welcomed their son into the world;

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

[Page 2715]

RESOLUTION NO. 1145

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

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas a new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities, author Eda J. LeShan wrote; and

Whereas on February 23, 2017, Aleicia and Jeff Boudreau welcomed their son into the world;

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

RESOLUTION NO. 1146

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas Nova Scotia's volunteer fire departments are made up of individuals who show their dedication by contributing hard work and skills, frequently risking their lives, and dealing with incidents of great emotional stress; and

Whereas long-serving volunteers are the lifeblood of our community; and

Whereas Allison Gould is a recipient of the 2017 Municipal Firefighters Long-Service Award;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Mr. Allison Gould on this award and thank him for his 40 years of service to Uniacke & District Volunteer Fire Department.

RESOLUTION NO. 1147

[Page 2716]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas Nova Scotia's volunteer fire departments are made up of individuals who show their dedication by contributing hard work and skills, frequently risking their lives, and dealing with incidents of great emotional stress; and

Whereas long-serving volunteers are the lifeblood of our community; and

Whereas Dale Crowell is a recipient of the 2017 Municipal Firefighters Long-Service Award;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Mr. Dale Crowell on this award and thank him for his 30 years of service to Noel & District Volunteer Fire Department.

RESOLUTION NO. 1148

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas Nova Scotia's volunteer fire departments are made up of individuals who show their dedication by contributing hard work and skills, frequently risking their lives, and dealing with incidents of great emotional stress; and

Whereas long-serving volunteers are the lifeblood of our community; and

Whereas John McLellan is a recipient of the 2017 Municipal Firefighters Long-Service Award;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Mr. John McLellan on this award and thank him for his 30 years of service to Noel & District Volunteer Fire Department.

RESOLUTION NO. 1149

[Page 2717]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas Nova Scotia's volunteer fire departments are made up of individuals who show their dedication by contributing hard work and skills, frequently risking their lives, and dealing with incidents of great emotional stress; and

Whereas long-serving volunteers are the lifeblood of our community; and

Whereas Henry Raymakers is a recipient of the 2017 Municipal Firefighters Long-Service Award;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Mr. Henry Raymakers on this award and thank him for his 40 years of service to Uniacke & District Volunteer Fire Department.

RESOLUTION NO. 1150

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas Nova Scotia's volunteer fire departments are made up of individuals who show their dedication by contributing hard work and skills, frequently risking their lives, and dealing with incidents of great emotional stress; and

Whereas long-serving volunteers are the lifeblood of our community; and

Whereas Raymond Ross is a recipient of the 2017 Municipal Firefighters Long-Service Award;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Mr. Raymond Ross on this award and thank him for his 40 years of service to Walton Shore Fire Department.

RESOLUTION NO. 1151

[Page 2718]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants recognized the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their Annual Volunteer Recognition on April 21, 2017; and

Whereas David Brown was nominated for the Shining Star recognition by the Jump to it Trampoline and Tumbling Club; and

Whereas David as a founder and head volunteer coach of this club provides a quality, safe, and affordable program for 3-17 year-olds, mentors volunteer coaches, volunteers for Milford Recreation and the East Hants Archery Club;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate David Brown on this award and thank him for tireless volunteer efforts.

RESOLUTION NO. 1152

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants recognized the contributions and commitments of volunteers during the Annual Volunteer Recognition on April 21, 2017; and

Whereas Charles and Judy Burns were nominated for the Shining Star recognition by the CHArt Society; and

Whereas Charles and Judy have given countless hours to the CHArt Society, Scouting, Maitland Fire Auxiliary, the Anglican Church and former Forrester's Hall;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Charles and Judy Burns on this award and thank them for their tireless volunteer efforts.

RESOLUTION NO. 1153

[Page 2719]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants recognized the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their Annual Volunteer Recognition on April 21, 2017; and

Whereas Nettah Burry was nominated for the Shining Star recognition by the CHArt Society; and

Whereas Nettah has been the driving force behind the CHArt Society, contributes to the Launch Day Festival, and volunteered with the Maitland District Development in the beautification of the Dawson Dowell Park;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Nettah Burry on this award and thank her for her tireless volunteer efforts.

RESOLUTION NO. 1154

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants recognized the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their Annual Volunteer Recognition on April 21, 2017; and

Whereas Michelle Grant was nominated for the Shining Star recognition by the Kennetcook & District Fire Department; and

Whereas Michelle volunteered countless hours as a treasurer for the KDFD, active member for the school PTA, and secretary to the Hants North Baseball Association;

Therefore, be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Michelle Grant on this award and thank her for her tireless volunteer efforts.

RESOLUTION NO. 1155

[Page 2720]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants recognized the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their Annual Volunteer Recognition on April 21, 2017; and

Whereas Earl Isenor was nominated for the Shining Star recognition by the Lantz Volunteer Fire Department; and

Whereas Earl has volunteered for 47 years at this fire department, has a 92% attendance rating, has always been one of the first to offer help, and brings lots of energy and encouragement to members;

Therefore, be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Earl Isenor on this award and thank him for his tireless volunteer efforts.

RESOLUTION NO. 1156

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants recognized the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their Annual Volunteer Recognition on April 21, 2017; and

Whereas John Kingston was nominated for the Shining Star recognition by the Uniacke & District Volunteer Fire Department; and

Whereas John volunteers countless hours at the UDVFD, he is the lieutenant of training, former chief, has held most officer positions, and is responsible for the maintenance of the hall;

Therefore, be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate John Kingston on this award and thank him for his tireless volunteer efforts.

RESOLUTION NO. 1157

[Page 2721]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants recognized the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their Annual Volunteer Recognition on April 21, 2017; and

Whereas David MacRae was nominated for the Shining Star recognition by the Shubenacadie Tin Smith Museum & Craft Shop; and

Whereas David provides countless hours trimming lawns on Main Street, collecting litter, maintaining the grounds at the cenotaph and is involved in the Remembrance Day Ceremony;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate David MacRae on this award and thank him for his tireless volunteer efforts.

RESOLUTION NO. 1158

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants recognized the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their Annual Volunteer Recognition on April 21, 2017; and

Whereas Matt McLellan was nominated for the Shining Star recognition by the Hants North Baseball Association; and

Whereas Matt has been coaching for this association since 2011, has contributed to player development, scorekeeping, maintenance and recently umpiring;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Matt McLellan on this award and thank him for his tireless volunteer efforts.

RESOLUTION NO. 1159

[Page 2722]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants recognized the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their Annual Volunteer Recognition on April 21, 2017; and

Whereas Angela Parks was nominated for the Shining Star recognition by the Hants North Recreation & Development Association; and

Whereas Angela volunteers countless hours to Hants North Soccer, Hants North Baseball, Actors Inc., and the Hants North Recreation and Development Association, and fundraises and applies for grants to hire students and complete projects;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Angela Parks on this award and thank her for her tireless volunteer efforts.

RESOLUTION NO. 1160

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants recognized the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their Annual Volunteer Recognition on April 21, 2017; and

Whereas Lee Roulston was nominated for the Shining Star recognition by the Rawdon & District Volunteer Fire Department; and

Whereas Lee has dedicated 25 years to this department, recently as Chief, and has chaired the Winter Carnival, which is a very successful fundraiser;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Lee Roulston on this award and thank him for his tireless volunteer efforts.

RESOLUTION NO. 1161

[Page 2723]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants recognized the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their Annual Volunteer Recognition on April 21, 2017; and

Whereas William (Bill) Thompson was nominated for the Shining Star recognition by the Walton Area Development Association; and

Whereas Bill has provided countless hours maintaining trails, making repairs to the lighthouse, and giving guided tours, in addition to his 35 years of service with the Walton Shore Fire Department;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Bill Thompson on this award and thank him for his tireless volunteer efforts.

RESOLUTION NO. 1162

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants recognized the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their Annual Volunteer Recognition on April 21, 2017; and

Whereas the Sandra Watson was nominated for the Shining Star recognition by the Milford Recreation Association; and

Whereas Sandra volunteers countless hours seeking out grants to improve the Milford Recreation grounds, being actively involved in various community events and helping a local family in need to fundraise;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Sandra Watson on this award and thank her for her tireless volunteer efforts.

RESOLUTION NO. 1163

[Page 2724]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants recognized the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their annual volunteer recognition on April 21, 2017; and

Whereas Eric White was nominated for the Shining Star recognition by the Hants North Recreation and Development Association; and

Whereas Eric has been president of HNRDA and was instrumental in organizing the first Chase the Ace in Nova Scotia, and recently worked on the HNRDA trail system and lead the Sport Pad project;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Eric White on this award and thank him for his tireless volunteer efforts.

RESOLUTION NO. 1164

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants recognized the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their annual volunteer recognition on April 21, 2017; and

Whereas Fred Anthony was nominated for the Shining Star recognition by the Cape Breton SPCA;

Whereas Fred made a round trip the Cape Breton SPCA and opened his heart and home to two special needs dogs; and

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Fred Anthony on this award and thank him for giving these two special dogs a loving home.

RESOLUTION NO. 1165

[Page 2725]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants recognized the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their annual volunteer recognition on April 21, 2017; and

Whereas Doug Bartlett was nominated for the Shining Star recognition by the Hants North Recreation and Development Association; and

Whereas over the last 10 years, Doug has been a carpenter, a coach, and a groundskeeper, making sure that the children can get on the fields to play their games;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Doug Bartlett on this award and thank him for his tireless volunteer efforts.

RESOLUTION NO. 1166

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants recognized the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their annual volunteer recognition on April 21, 2017; and

Whereas Darrell Steeves was nominated for the Shining Star recognition by the Uniacke and District Volunteer Fire Department; and

Whereas Darrell is an active member of this fire department, and as captain of training, he provides a solid foundation for the firefighters;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Darrell Steeves on this award and thank him for his tireless volunteer efforts.

RESOLUTION NO. 1167

[Page 2726]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants recognized the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their annual volunteer recognition on April 21, 2017; and

Whereas Robert (Bob) Bona was nominated for the Shining Star recognition by the Enfield Earth Keepers Association; and

Whereas Bob provided 12 years of devoted service to the Enfield Earth Keepers, teaching over 475 youth the importance of community and giving back while helping them gain job skills and employment;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Bob Bona on this award and thank him for his tireless volunteer efforts.

RESOLUTION NO. 1168

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants recognized the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their annual volunteer recognition on April 21, 2017; and

Whereas Donna Jarvis was nominated for the Shining Star recognition by the Uniacke and District Volunteer Fire Department; and

Whereas Donna is an active firefighter, has been a fair convenor for the past four years, and is a coordinator between the fire department members and community volunteers;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Donna Jarvis on this award and thank her for her tireless volunteer efforts.

RESOLUTION NO. 1169

[Page 2727]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants recognized the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their annual volunteer recognition on April 21, 2017; and

Whereas Carrie MacDougall was nominated for the Shining Star recognition by the Maple Ridge Elementary School; and

Whereas over the last eight years, Carrie has been involved with Christmas concerts, Spring fun fairs, fundraising, and all the home and school initiatives at Maple Ridge;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Carrie MacDougall on this award and thank her for her tireless volunteer efforts.

RESOLUTION NO. 1170

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants recognized the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their annual volunteer recognition on April 21, 2017; and

Whereas Barbie O'Brien was nominated for the Shining Star recognition by the Community Christian Women Maitland; and

Whereas Barbie visits and sends cards and letters to those in her community who cannot get around, and has hosted the rug hookers and craft group for several years;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Barbie O'Brien on this award and thank her for her tireless volunteer efforts.

RESOLUTION NO. 1171

[Page 2728]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the dancers from Dance Zone in Elmsdale competed at DanceAbition Cape Breton, held at the Emera Centre, and the Limelight competition in Halifax on March 31 to April 2, 2017, winning 11 top mark trophies; and

Whereas Ryslin Turner is a member of the Minnie Pre-Troupe Plus, which competed in the 12 and under intermediate group; and

Whereas Ryslin Turner with her Minnie Pre-Troupe Plus dance troupe won top mark trophies with their routine Trouble;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Ryslin Turner and her troupe for participating in the competitions and winning the top mark trophies in the 12 and under intermediate group category.

RESOLUTION NO. 1172

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the dancers from Dance Zone in Elmsdale competed at DanceAbition Cape Breton, held at the Emera Centre, and the Limelight competition in Halifax on March 31 to April 2, 2017, winning 11 top mark trophies; and

Whereas Kylie Paul is a member of the Minnie Pre-Troupe Plus, which competed in the 12 and under intermediate group; and

Whereas Kylie Paul with her Minnie Pre-Troupe Plus dance troupe won top mark trophies with their routine Trouble;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Kylie Paul and her troupe for participating in the competitions and winning the top mark trophies in the 12 and under intermediate group category.

RESOLUTION NO. 1173

[Page 2729]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the dancers from Dance Zone in Elmsdale competed at DanceAbition Cape Breton, held at the Emera Centre, and the Limelight competition in Halifax on March 31 to April 2, 2017, winning 11 top mark trophies; and

Whereas Camden Maloney is a member of the Minnie Pre-Troupe Plus, which competed in the 12 and under intermediate group; and

Whereas Camden Maloney with her Minnie Pre-Troupe Plus dance troupe won top mark trophies with their routine Trouble;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Camden Maloney and her troupe for participating in the competitions and winning the top mark trophies in the 12 and under intermediate group category.

RESOLUTION NO. 1174

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the dancers from Dance Zone in Elmsdale competed at DanceAbition Cape Breton, held at the Emera Centre, and the Limelight competition in Halifax on March 31 to April 2, 2017, winning 11 top mark trophies; and

Whereas Avery MacAskill is a member of the Minnie Pre-Troupe Plus, which competed in the 12 and under intermediate group; and

Whereas Avery MacAskill with her Minnie Pre-Troupe Plus dance troupe won top mark trophies with their routine Trouble;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Avery MacAskill and her troupe for participating in the competitions and winning the top mark trophies in the 12 and under intermediate group category.

RESOLUTION NO. 1175

[Page 2730]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the dancers from Dance Zone in Elmsdale competed at DanceAbition Cape Breton, held at the Emera Centre, and the Limelight competition in Halifax on March 31 to April 2, 2017, winning 11 top mark trophies; and

Whereas Ava Law is a member of the Minnie Pre-Troupe Plus, which competed in the 12 and under intermediate group; and

Whereas Ava Law with her Minnie Pre-Troupe Plus dance troupe won top mark trophies with their routine Trouble;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Ava Law and her troupe for participating in the competitions and winning the top mark trophies in the 12 and under intermediate group category.

RESOLUTION NO. 1176

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the dancers from Dance Zone in Elmsdale competed at DanceAbition Cape Breton, held at the Emera Centre, and the Limelight competition in Halifax on March 31 to April 2, 2017, winning 11 top mark trophies; and

Whereas Mia Doucette is a member of the Minnie Pre-Troupe Plus, which competed in the 12 and under intermediate group; and

Whereas Mia Doucette with her Minnie Pre-Troupe Plus dance troupe won top mark trophies with their routine Trouble;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Mia Doucette and her troupe for participating in the competitions and winning the top mark trophies in the 12 and under intermediate group category.

RESOLUTION NO. 1177

[Page 2731]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the dancers from Dance Zone in Elmsdale competed at DanceAbition Cape Breton, held at the Emera Centre, and the Limelight competition in Halifax on March 31 to April 2, 2017, winning 11 top mark trophies; and

Whereas Madison Dillman is a member of the Minnie Pre-Troupe Plus, which competed in the 12 and under intermediate group; and

Whereas Madison Dillman with her Minnie Pre-Troupe Plus dance troupe won top mark trophies with their routine Trouble;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Madison Dillman and her troupe for participating in the competitions and winning the top mark trophies in the 12 and under intermediate group category.

RESOLUTION NO. 1178

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the dancers from Dance Zone in Elmsdale competed at DanceAbition Cape Breton, held at the Emera Centre, and the Limelight competition in Halifax on March 31 to April 2, 2017, winning 11 top mark trophies; and

Whereas Alexis Chaisson is a member of the Minnie Pre-Troupe Plus, which competed in the 12 and under intermediate group; and

Whereas Alexis Chaisson with her Minnie Pre-Troupe Plus dance troupe won top mark trophies with their routine Trouble;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Alexis Chaisson and her troupe for participating in the competitions and winning the top mark trophies in the 12 and under intermediate group category.

RESOLUTION NO. 1179

[Page 2732]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas young dancers from DanceZone, Elmsdale, and RSI Danceworks, Enfield, competed at Danceabition Cape Breton held at the Emera Centre and the Limelight competition in Halifax on the weekend of March 31 to April 2, 2017; and

Whereas dancing competitively requires agility, fitness, rhythm, focus, commitment, and the bravery to perform in front of an audience; and

Whereas Madison Hopewell demonstrated these qualities, winning Top Mark trophies for the following 13 and Over Categories: Contemporary Solo, Duo/Trio, Small Group, Large Group, Line Group, Due/Trio Overall Award, and Overall Award;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Madison Hopewell on winning Top Mark trophies for the following 13 and Over Categories: Contemporary Solo, Duo/Trio, Small Group, Large Group, Line Group, Due/Trio Overall Award, and Overall Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1180

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas young dancers from DanceZone, Elmsdale, and RSI Danceworks, Enfield, competed at Danceabition Cape Breton held at the Emera Centre and the Limelight competition in Halifax on the weekend of March 31 to April 2, 2017; and

Whereas dancing competitively requires agility, fitness, rhythm, focus, commitment, and the bravery to perform in front of an audience; and

Whereas Mackenzie Hopewell demonstrated these qualities, winning Top Mark trophies for the following 13 and Over Categories: Jazz Solo, Modern Solo, Duo/Trio, Small Group, Large Group, Line Group, Due/Trio Overall Award, and Overall Award;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Mackenzie Hopewell on winning Top Mark trophies for the following 13 and Over Categories: Jazz Solo, Modern Solo, Duo/Trio, Small Group, Large Group, Line Group, Due/Trio Overall Award, and Overall Award.

[Page 2733]

RESOLUTION NO. 1181

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas young dancers from DanceZone, Elmsdale, and RSI Danceworks, Enfield, completed at Danceabition Cape Breton held at the Emera Centre and the Limelight competition in Halifax on the weekend of March 31 to April 2, 2017; and

Whereas dancing competitively requires agility, fitness, rhythm, focus, commitment, and the bravery to perform in front of an audience; and

Whereas Sarah Bell demonstrated these qualities, winning a Top Mark trophy in the 12 and Under Contemporary Solo competition for "Your Day Will Come," as well as being recognized as the Most Promising Dancer in the 12 and Under Category;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Sarah Bell on winning Most Promising Dancer in the 12 and Under Category and the Top Mark trophy for "Your Day Will Come".

RESOLUTION NO. 1182

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas young dancers from DanceZone, Elmsdale, and RSI Danceworks, Enfield, completed at Danceabition Cape Breton held at the Emera Centre and the Limelight competition in Halifax on the weekend of March 31 to April 2, 2017; and

Whereas dancing competitively requires agility, fitness, rhythm, focus, commitment, and the bravery to perform in front of an audience; and

Whereas Brooklyn Law demonstrated these qualities, winning a Top Mark trophy for "Macavity" in the 12 and Under Acro Solo Category;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Brooklyn Law on winning a Top Mark trophy for "Macavity in the 12 and Under Acro Solo Category.

[Page 2734]

RESOLUTION NO. 1183

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas young dancers from DanceZone, Elmsdale, and RSI Danceworks, Enfield, completed at Danceabition Cape Breton held at the Emera Centre and the Limelight competition in Halifax on the weekend of March 31 to April 2, 2017; and

Whereas dancing competitively requires agility, fitness, rhythm, focus, commitment, and the bravery to perform in front of an audience; and

Whereas Meaghan Penny demonstrated these qualities, winning a Top Mark trophy for the 13 and Over Line Group Category;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Meaghan Penny on winning a Top Mark trophy for the 13 and Over Line Group Category.

RESOLUTION NO. 1184

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas young dancers from DanceZone, Elmsdale, and RSI Danceworks, Enfield, completed at Danceabition Cape Breton held at the Emera Centre and the Limelight competition in Halifax on the weekend of March 31 to April 2, 2017; and

Whereas dancing competitively requires agility, fitness, rhythm, focus, commitment, and the bravery to perform in front of an audience; and

Whereas Olivia Shive demonstrated these qualities, winning a Top Mark trophy for the 13 and Over Line Group Category;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Olivia Shive on winning a Top Mark trophy for the 13 and Over Line Group Category.

RESOLUTION NO. 1185

[Page 2735]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas young dancers from Dance Zone, Elmsdale, and RSI Danceworks, Enfield, competed at DanceAbition Cape Breton, held at the Emera Centre, and the Limelight competition in Halifax on the weekend of March 31 to April 2, 2017; and

Whereas dancing competitively requires agility, fitness, rhythm, focus, commitment, and the bravery to perform in front of an audience; and

Whereas Joely Wallace demonstrated these qualities, winning a Top Mark trophy for 13 and over Line Group category;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Joely Wallace on winning the Top Mark trophy for 13 and over Line Group category.

RESOLUTION NO. 1186

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas young dancers from Dance Zone, Elmsdale, and RSI Danceworks, Enfield, competed at DanceAbition Cape Breton, held at the Emera Centre, and the Limelight competition in Halifax on the weekend of March 31 to April 2, 2017; and

Whereas dancing competitively requires agility, fitness, rhythm, focus, commitment, and the bravery to perform in front of an audience; and

Whereas Abigail McGrath demonstrated these qualities, winning a Top Mark trophy for 13 and over Line Group category;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Abigail McGrath on winning the Top Mark trophy for 13 and over Line Group category.

RESOLUTION NO. 1187

[Page 2736]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas young dancers from Dance Zone, Elmsdale, and RSI Danceworks, Enfield, competed at DanceAbition Cape Breton, held at the Emera Centre, and the Limelight competition in Halifax on the weekend of March 31 to April 2, 2017; and

Whereas dancing competitively requires agility, fitness, rhythm, focus, commitment, and the bravery to perform in front of an audience; and

Whereas Piper Atwood demonstrated these qualities, winning Top Mark trophies for 13 and over Line Group category and the Pro Am Duo;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Piper Atwood on winning the Top Mark trophies for 13 and over Line Group category and the Pro Am Duo.

RESOLUTION NO. 1188

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas young dancers from Dance Zone, Elmsdale, and RSI Danceworks, Enfield, competed at DanceAbition Cape Breton, held at the Emera Centre, and the Limelight competition in Halifax on the weekend of March 31 to April 2, 2017; and

Whereas dancing competitively requires agility, fitness, rhythm, focus, commitment, and the bravery to perform in front of an audience; and

Whereas Annalise Morash demonstrated these qualities, winning Top Mark trophy for the Pro Am Duo;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Annalise Morash on winning the Top Mark trophy for the Pro Am Duo.

RESOLUTION NO. 1189

[Page 2737]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas young dancers from Dance Zone, Elmsdale, and RSI Danceworks, Enfield, competed at DanceAbition Cape Breton, held at the Emera Centre, and the Limelight competition in Halifax on the weekend of March 31 to April 2, 2017; and

Whereas dancing competitively requires agility, fitness, rhythm, focus, commitment, and the bravery to perform in front of an audience; and

Whereas Taylor Hirtle demonstrated these qualities, winning Top Mark trophies for 13 and Over Large Group and 13 and Over Line Group categories;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Taylor Hirtle on winning Top Mark trophies for 13 and Over Large Group and 13 ands Over Line Group categories.

RESOLUTION NO. 1190

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas young dancers from Dance Zone, Elmsdale, and RSI Danceworks, Enfield, competed at DanceAbition Cape Breton, held at the Emera Centre, and the Limelight competition in Halifax on the weekend of March 31 to April 2, 2017; and

Whereas dancing competitively requires agility, fitness, rhythm, focus, commitment, and the bravery to perform in front of an audience; and

Whereas Olivia Helpard demonstrated these qualities, winning

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Olivia Helpard on winning Top Mark trophies for 13 and Over Large Group and 13 and Over Line Group categories.

RESOLUTION NO. 1191

[Page 2738]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas young dancers from Dance Zone, Elmsdale, and RSI Danceworks, Enfield, competed at DanceAbition Cape Breton, held at the Emera Centre, and the Limelight competition in Halifax on the weekend of March 31 to April 2, 2017; and

Whereas dancing competitively requires agility, fitness, rhythm, focus, commitment, and the bravery to perform in front of an audience; and

Whereas Haley Helpard demonstrated these qualities, winning top mark trophies for the 13 and over large group and 13 and over line group categories.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Haley Helpard on winning top mark trophies for the 13 and over large group and 13 and over line group categories.

RESOLUTION NO. 1192

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas young dancers from Dance Zone, Elmsdale, and RSI Danceworks, Enfield, competed at DanceAbition Cape Breton, held at the Emera Centre, and the Limelight competition in Halifax on the weekend of March 31 to April 2, 2017; and

Whereas dancing competitively requires agility, fitness, rhythm, focus, commitment, and the bravery to perform in front of an audience; and

Whereas Jadra Hannam demonstrated these qualities, winning top mark trophies for the 13 and over large group and 13 and over line group categories.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Jadra Hannam on winning top mark trophies for the 13 and over large group and 13 and over line group categories.

RESOLUTION NO. 1193

[Page 2739]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas young dancers from Dance Zone, Elmsdale, and RSI Danceworks, Enfield, competed at DanceAbition Cape Breton, held at the Emera Centre, and the Limelight competition in Halifax on the weekend of March 31 to April 2, 2017; and

Whereas dancing competitively requires agility, fitness, rhythm, focus, commitment, and the bravery to perform in front of an audience; and

Whereas Katherine Ball demonstrated these qualities, winning top mark trophies for the 13 and over large group and 13 and over line group categories.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Katherine Ball on winning top mark trophies for the 13 and over large group and 13 and over line group categories.

RESOLUTION NO. 1194

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas young dancers from Dance Zone, Elmsdale, and RSI Danceworks, Enfield, competed at DanceAbition Cape Breton, held at the Emera Centre, and the Limelight competition in Halifax on the weekend of March 31 to April 2, 2017; and

Whereas dancing competitively requires agility, fitness, rhythm, focus, commitment, and the bravery to perform in front of an audience; and

Whereas Sydney MacNeil demonstrated these qualities, winning top mark trophies for the 13 and over small group, 13 and over large group, 13 and over line group, and 13 and over overall award categories.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Sydney MacNeil on winning top mark trophies for the 13 and over small group, 13 and over large group, 13 and over line group, and 13 and over overall award categories.

RESOLUTION NO. 1195

[Page 2740]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas young dancers from Dance Zone, Elmsdale, and RSI Danceworks, Enfield, competed at DanceAbition Cape Breton, held at the Emera Centre, and the Limelight competition in Halifax on the weekend of March 31 to April 2, 2017; and

Whereas dancing competitively requires agility, fitness, rhythm, focus, commitment, and the bravery to perform in front of an audience; and

Whereas Jessica Pertus demonstrated these qualities, winning top mark trophies for the 13 and over small group, 13 and over large group, 13 and over line group, and 13 and over overall award categories.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Jessica Pertus on winning top mark trophies for the 13 and over small group, 13 and over large group, 13 and over line group, and 13 and over overall award categories.

RESOLUTION NO. 1196

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas young dancers from Dance Zone, Elmsdale, and RSI Danceworks, Enfield, competed at DanceAbition Cape Breton, held at the Emera Centre, and the Limelight competition in Halifax on the weekend of March 31 to April 2, 2017; and

Whereas dancing competitively requires agility, fitness, rhythm, focus, commitment, and the bravery to perform in front of an audience; and

Whereas Janaya O'Toole demonstrated these qualities, winning top mark trophies for the 13 and over large group and 13 and over line group categories.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Janaya O'Toole on winning top mark trophies for the 13 and over large group and 13 and over line group categories.

RESOLUTION NO. 1197

[Page 2741]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the dancers from Dance Zone in Elmsdale competed at DanceAbition Cape Breton, held at the Emera Centre, and the Limelight competition in Halifax on March 31 to April 2, 2017, winning 11 top mark trophies; and

Whereas Sofia Bitar is a member of the Minnie Pre-Troupe Plus, which competed in the 12 and under intermediate group; and

Whereas Sofia with her Minnie Pre-Troupe plus dance troupe won top mark trophies with their routine Trouble;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Sofia Bitar and her troupe for participating in the competitions and winning the top mark trophies in the 12 and under intermediate group category.

RESOLUTION NO. 1198

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the dancers from Dance Zone in Elmsdale competed at DanceAbition Cape Breton, held at the Emera Centre, and the Limelight competition in Halifax on March 31 to April 2, 2017, winning 11 top mark trophies; and

Whereas Nylah Cannon is a member of the Minnie Pre-Troupe Plus, which competed in the 12 and under intermediate group; and

Whereas Nylah with her Minnie Pre-Troupe plus dance troupe won top mark trophies with their routine Trouble;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Nylah Cannon and her troupe for participating in the competitions and winning the top mark trophies in the 12 and under intermediate group category.

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

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(Tabled April 28, 2017)

RESOLUTION NO. 1205

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Halifax Armdale resident Jaddus Poirier has had a long and accomplished career, serving for 22 years in the air force and teaching for 23 years in the Halifax public school system at the junior-high level; and

Whereas for the last 14 years Jaddus has committed his retirement to volunteering in our community, most notably with the Earl Francis Spryfield Memorial Legion, where he helps our veterans and assists with organizing events; and

Whereas Jaddus is known to many in our community for his roles as Poppy Chairman and Literacy and Poster Contest Chairman, but also for the friendly smile with which he always greets visitors to the Legion;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Jaddus Poirier for his dedicated service to our country and community, and applaud him on his goal of continuing his Legion volunteering until the twenty-two-year mark, achieving equal years of service in each of his public service roles.

RESOLUTION NO. 1206

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Fleur O'Connor, a 13-year-old girl living in Halifax Armdale, as part of her Bat Mitzvah project had the idea to organize a cultural exchange centred around the idea that the sport of running is truly universal; and

Whereas Fleur decided to sponsor a runner her own age from Kenya to come to Halifax, participate in the Blue Nose Marathon Weekend, experience life in Nova Scotia, and take home inspiration and empowerment to her hometown; and

Whereas the O'Connor family welcomed Dorothy, a young runner from Iten, Kenya, to Halifax in April and, with her, led a 5K fundraising run around Point Pleasant Park dubbed the Race for Awareness, Courage, and Empowerment that I was proud to attend alongside my daughter Monica;

[Page 2743]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating Fleur O'Connor on her special and unique project and wish both Fleur and Dorothy a fun and enriching exchange over the rest of her stay.

RESOLUTION NO. 1207

By: Mr. Iain Rankin « » (Timberlea-Prospect)

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

Whereas Christopher Hillier of Timberlea, along with 19 other Nova Scotia paramedics, was awarded the Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Services Medal for his service to Nova Scotians in their time of need at a ceremony hosted by Lieutenant Governor J. J. Grant at Government House in Halifax on Monday, November 28^th; and

Whereas the Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal was created by Her Majesty The Queen in 1994; and

Whereas it is part of a national recognition program for people who work in high-risk jobs that enhance Canada's public safety;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating Christopher Hillier on receiving the award, and thank him for his service.

RESOLUTION NO. 1208

By: Mr. Iain Rankin « » (Timberlea-Prospect)

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

Whereas Nova Physiotherapy has been serving the Halifax area since July, 2004, they are independently founded, owned and operated by trained and experienced physiotherapists Jeff Walsh and Robbie MacDonald; and

Whereas with clinics in Timberlea, Bedford, and Dartmouth, Nova Physiotherapy is proud of how they have grown and the high quality of service they provide to the clients; and

[Page 2744]

Whereas complementing their physiotherapy services they also offer a variety of other services and products including massage therapy, acupuncture, gait analysis, orthotics, sports injury rehabilitation, and much more:

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating Nova Physiotherapy, the only rehabilitation clinic servicing the Beechville, Lakeside, and Timberlea region, and wish them well in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1209

By: Mr. Iain Rankin « » (Timberlea-Prospect)

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

Whereas Trecan Combustion Limited located in Hubley, Nova Scotia, has been designing and manufacturing portable diesel-fired and stationary natural gas-fired snow melters that are sold throughout North America and Russia; and

Whereas Trecan Snowmelters are a fast and efficient way to eliminate large volumes of snow and are a necessity for many airports, parking garages, parking lots, municipalities, and any other locations where there is insufficient space to pile snow; and

Whereas the snow melter can save up to 50 per cent or more of snow disposal costs when compared to trucking, which is good for the environment and the bottom line - the Trecan Snowmelter is essentially a large mobile snow-eating machine and the company builds several models with varying appetites;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating Trecan Combustion Limited on their success with this innovative line of machines.

RESOLUTION NO. 1210

By: Mr. Iain Rankin « » (Timberlea-Prospect)

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

Whereas eleven-year-old Adam Graves from Brookside is a very caring boy who decided that he wanted to reach out to those less fortunate than himself; and

[Page 2745]

Whereas Adam began a modest campaign to raise money by collecting and cashing in recyclables so that he could put together Care Kits which might include a warm toque, mitts, socks, and toiletries, each at an approximate cost of $15 - each Care Kit also contains a personal message to the recipient from Adam; and

Whereas when word of Adam's initiative got out in the community many residents donated recyclables and a number of Adam's friends joined in the sorting process, as a result the Care Kits were distributed through soup kitchens and homeless shelters;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in acknowledging Adam's generosity of spirit and in congratulating him on taking action to make change.

RESOLUTION NO. 1211

By: Mr. Iain Rankin « » (Timberlea-Prospect)

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

Whereas a group of Discovery Toys Consultants, led by Andrea Urquhart of Timberlea, worked together with the community partners to provide children at Adsum House with baskets of fun during the Easter season; and

Whereas the campaign, called Kits of Kindness, consisted of a basket containing an educational toy or game, a book and other fun treats, local businesses were eager to participate by sponsoring a basket or donating toward the campaign, making this a true community endeavour; and

Whereas baskets were valued at approximately $30 each, but donations of any value were gratefully accepted and the results were lots of wonderful Easter treats for the children of Adsum House;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating all involved in making Kits of Kindness possible for the children of Adsum House.

RESOLUTION NO. 1212

[Page 2746]

By: Mr. Iain Rankin « » (Timberlea-Prospect)

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

Whereas Andrew Hamilton of Whites Lake is a Masters student in the Department of Applied Human Nutrition at Mount Saint Vincent University and he is also the recipient of the 2016/2017 Scotia Scholars Award; and

Whereas the Scotia Scholars Award is intended to provide financial support to high-calibre trainees engaged in the health research-related academic study at Nova Scotia universities and applicants are evaluated by their institution based on their past academic, leadership, and research achievements; and

Whereas the goal of the Scotia Scholars Award is to support the development of the next generation of highly-qualified health researchers and leaders in the Nova Scotia health research enterprise as well as encourage continued interest in health research careers;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating Andrew on achieving this prestigious designation and wish him well in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1213

By: Mr. Iain Rankin « » (Timberlea-Prospect)

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

Whereas Dr. Tamara Franklin of Prospect Village is a Dalhousie Alumni (B.Sc., M.Sc.) who obtained her Ph.D. from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETHZ) in 2009; and

Whereas Dr. Franklin has recently returned to Halifax from a post-doctoral position in the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (Monterotondo); and

Whereas Dr. Franklin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Dalhousie and recently received a Development/Innovative Grant for her research on environment/gene interactions in autism;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating Dr. Franklin on her achievements and wish her well in her research and the future.

[Page 2747]

RESOLUTION NO. 1214

By: Mr. Iain Rankin « » (Timberlea-Prospect)

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

Whereas 17-year-old Ian McPhee of Timberlea started this year off by being called up to make his Mooseheads debut as a forward wearing number 9; and

Whereas playing against the Moncton Wildcats in a game that ended with a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory for the Mooseheads; and

Whereas Ian is the captain of the Halifax McDonald's in the NSMMHL and is in his third year with the team, having played 21 games for them this season and scoring 10 goals and 13 assists for a total of 23 points;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating Ian on his Mooseheads debut and wish him and his teammates much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1215

By: Mr. Iain Rankin « » (Timberlea-Prospect)

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

Whereas 13-year-old Gabrielle Trudel of Timberlea won the 2016 Joey Award for the Best Young Actress for her role in the TV series Haven; and

Whereas Gabrielle also appeared in the Lizzie Bordon Chronicles and is active in the Drama Club at her school, École Secondaire du Sommet; and

Whereas Gabrielle has a passion for dance and she is a student and volunteer teacher at the Rhythm in Motion studio in the St. Margaret's Bay Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating Gabrielle and her family on her successes to date and wish her well for her future endeavours.

[Page 2748]

RESOLUTION NO. 1216

By: Mr. Iain Rankin « » (Timberlea-Prospect)

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

Whereas Keith Ayling who reports for the Masthead News uses his writing skills and his strong connection to community to inform residents of local news and events; and

Whereas Keith has dedicated much of his life to promoting healthy outdoor living and he has worked tirelessly on boards and committees to enhance cross-country skiing and trail development in the Province of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Keith raised thousands of dollars for cancer research during his time as Chair of the local Relay for Life for the Canadian Cancer Society and he currently serves as secretary for the St. Margaret's Bay Chamber of Commerce;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating Keith on his many years of community service and thank him for his capable coverage of local news.

RESOLUTION NO. 1217

By: Mr. Iain Rankin « » (Timberlea-Prospect)

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

Whereas Sherry Costa of Hatchet Lake is the Executive Director for Independent Living Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Sherry's education and background in communications and psychology offer a unique combination of leadership and communications expertise that she uses to build capacity and raise awareness of both the disability community and the non-profit sector; and

Whereas Sherry is a passionate advocate with tremendous energy and bright intellect who works tirelessly to make a positive difference in the world;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in recognizing Sherry for her commitment and service to others.

[Page 2749]

RESOLUTION NO. 1218

By: Mr. Iain Rankin « » (Timberlea-Prospect)

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

Whereas Todd Leader is an alumnus of Cape Breton University and Memorial University of Newfoundland, a registered psychologist, a registered social worker, an author, and a committed volunteer; and

Whereas Todd has spent the last 26 years working as a transformational leader in health services and in health promotion particularly in the areas of mental health, addictions, and primary health care and he has given freely of his time and talents as Chair of the Sir John A. Macdonald High School Advisory Committee; and

Whereas it was in Todd's leadership as chair of the SAC that led to the recent announcement that Sir John A. Macdonald High School will be the site of a new Skilled Trades Centre that will provide students with the opportunity to explore different trades and engage in learning outside of a traditional classroom setting;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in recognizing Todd for all he has achieved professionally and all that he gives as a volunteer.

RESOLUTION NO. 1219

By: Mr. Iain Rankin « » (Timberlea-Prospect)

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

Whereas Arrow and Knot Productions is a full-service videography company servicing the East Coast and beyond; and

Whereas the owners of Arrow and Knot, Kristen Brown and Jane Nicholson, built their company on a passion for storytelling through video after graduating college with a major in broadcast journalism; and

Whereas Arrow and Knot specialize in private and corporate videography, incorporating new technologies such as drones, they produce quality cinematic videos that are timeless and are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on its viewers;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating Kristen and Jane on the success of Arrow and Knot Productions, and wish them well in the future.

[Page 2750]

RESOLUTION NO. 1220

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 I rise today to recognize a lifelong resident of Sheet Harbour, Mrs. Beverly Smith; and

Whereas Beverly has always been a dedicated volunteer in her community, starting with being an inaugural member of the Sheet Harbour Lioness Club, which is now part of the Sheet Harbour Lions Club;

Therefore be it resolved that in honour of National Volunteer Week, the House thank Beverly for her unrelenting dedication to her community and for continuing to make a difference each day.

RESOLUTION NO. 1221

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 I rise today to pay tribute to a most cherished husband, father, son, brother, and friend, who was taken from us far too soon, on October 1, 2016; and

Whereas Wayne Avery of Larry's River lost his courageous battle with cancer at the age of 58, leaving many to mourn the loss of an amazing teacher, ballplayer, coach. and active community member;

Therefore be it resolved? that our community will forever remember Wayne and the lasting impact he has made on all who knew him.

RESOLUTION NO. 1222

[Page 2751]

By Hon. Leo Glavine « » (Health and Wellness)

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

Whereas Joan McElman has had an extraordinary run of 35 years as the host of Welcome to My Kitchen; and

Whereas Joan faithfully travels to Windsor for tapings of Eastlink TV's number- one rated program and has inspired many to learn to cook and provide nutritious meals for their families; and

Whereas Joan had been asked by many for years to produce a cookbook, and with the support of her husband, Bob, the summer of 2016 saw the release of the cookbook, Welcome to My Kitchen;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Joan McElman on her 35 years of hosting a TV show and her cookbook, Welcome to My Kitchen.

RESOLUTION NO. 1223

By: Hon. Diana Whalen « » (Justice)

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

Whereas David Greenberg is an internationally renowned baroque and traditional musician who has made Rockingham, in Halifax, his chosen home; and

Whereas David Greenberg has helped to bring attention and popularity to one of Nova Scotia's greatest cultural contributions, Cape Breton fiddle music, through publications, recordings, and concerts; and

Whereas David Greenberg tours extensively, playing in major international centres as well as smaller venues like Ottawa House, in Parrsboro, where I was fortunate to see him;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly join me in recognizing the amazing talents of David Greenberg, and congratulate him on his invaluable contribution to Nova Scotia's culture and heritage.

RESOLUTION NO. 1224

[Page 2752]

By: Hon. Diana Whalen « » (Justice)

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

Whereas the Peggy's Cove Commission is a provincial commission dedicated to preserving the unique beauty, character, and integrity of Peggy's Cove; and

Whereas Gary Logan, a resident of Clayton Park West and graduate of Halifax's Mount Saint Vincent University, has a history of volunteerism and community engagement; and

Whereas Gary Logan was recently appointed by the Government of Nova Scotia to a four-year term as commissioner and vice-chairman of the Peggy's Cove Commission;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Gary Logan on his appointment and wishing him success in all his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 1225

By: Hon. Diana Whalen « » (Justice)

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

Whereas Bruce MacKinnon has been entertaining, informing, and capturing major Canadian events for over 30 years through his often thought-provoking editorial cartoons in The Chronicle Herald; and

Whereas in his time as editorial cartoonist for The Chronicle Herald, Bruce MacKinnon has been lauded many times for his excellent work, including 18 Atlantic Journalism Awards and six National Newspaper Awards; and

Whereas in 2016, Bruce MacKinnon was awarded the Order of Canada for his work as one of Canada's most skilled, empathetic, and provocative editorial cartoonists;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating Bruce MacKinnon on this highly deserved honour which recognizes his contributions to our province and country.

RESOLUTION NO. 1226

[Page 2753]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas Debbie McGinley of Hants East and mother of three has been an active volunteer in the community since 1996 when her oldest child started school and dedicated nine years to Girl Guides as a Sparks, Brownie and Guide Leader, as well as five years as District Commissioner of Girl Guides; and

Whereas Debbie joined the Milford and District Lions Club 13 years ago, has held various positions including Club Secretary, King Lion, Zone 4 Chairperson and is currently Lions Nova Scotia District Development Chairperson on the Global Membership Team; and

Whereas Debbie recruited many new members to the Lions Club including her children, siblings, and friends;

Therefore be it resolved that we thank Debbie for the passion and dedication that she has shown to her community through her many years as a volunteer.

RESOLUTION NO. 1227

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas on the weekend of March 31, 2017, to April 2, 2017, dancers from DanceZone in Elmsdale and RSI Danceworks, Enfield, competed at the Danceabition Cape Breton competition held at the Emera Centre and the Limelight competition in Halifax; and

Whereas Madison Hopewell won Top Mark trophies for the following: 13 & Over Contemporary Solo, 13 & Over Duo/Trio, 13 & Over Small Group, 13 & Over Large Group, 13 & Over Line Group, 13 & Over Duo/Trio Overall Award, and 13 & Over Overall Award showcasing her agility, fitness, rhythm, commitment, and focus;

Therefore be it resolved that we congratulate Madison Hopewell for participating in the competition and winning so many Top Mark trophies and awards.

RESOLUTION NO. 1228

[Page 2754]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller « » (Environment)

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

Whereas on the weekend of March 31, 2017 to April 2, 2017, dancers from DanceZone in Elmsdale and RSI Danceworks, Enfield, competed at the Danceabition Cape Breton competition held at the Emera Centre and the Limelight competition in Halifax; and

Whereas Mackenzie Hopewell won Top Mark trophies for the following: 13 & Over Jazz Solo, 13 & Over Modern Solo, 13 & Over Duo/Trio, 13 & Over Small Group, 13 & Over Large Group, 13 & Over Line Group, 13 & Over Duo/Trio Overall Award/ and 13 & Over Overall Award showcasing her agility, fitness, rhythm, commitment, and focus;

Therefore be it resolved that we congratulate Mackenzie Hopwell for participating in the competition and winning so many Top Mark trophies and awards.

RESOLUTION NO. 1229

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Renee Metlej, a student in the Our Lady of Lebanon Parish Religious Education program, is celebrating her First Holy Communion on May 13, 2017; and

Whereas Renee has dedicated many hours learning about her Maronite Catholic Faith and will accept the bread and wine as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the sacrament that builds the Church into the Body of Christ: and

Whereas much thanks go to her parents, Peter and Tanya, for their dedication and to Father Pierre Azzi and Catechists Mona Francis and Nadia Jreige;

Therefore be it resolved that we all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Renee for this special milestone in her Christian life.

RESOLUTION NO. 1230

[Page 2755]

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas my niece Olivia Metlege, a student in the Our Lady of Lebanon Parish Religious Education program, is celebrating her First Holy Communion on May 13, 2017; and

Whereas Olivia has dedicated many hours to learning about her Maronite Catholic faith and will accept the bread and wine as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the sacrament that builds the Church into the Body of Christ; and

Whereas much thanks goes to her parents, Steven and Diana, for the dedication and to Father Pierre Azzi and Catechists Mona Francis and Nadia Jreiga.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of their House of Assembly congratulate Olivia for this special milestone in her Christian life.

RESOLUTION NO. 1231

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Joyia Korkomaz, a student in the Our Lady of Lebanon Parish Religious Education program, is celebrating her First Holy Communion on May 13, 2017; and

Whereas Joyia has dedicated many hours to learning about her Maronite Catholic faith and will accept the bread and wine as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the sacrament that builds the Church into the Body of Christ; and

Whereas much thanks goes to her parents for their dedication and to Father Pierre Azzi and Catechists Mona Francis and Nadia Jreiga.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Joyia for this special milestone in her Christian life.

RESOLUTION NO. 1232

[Page 2756]

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Lamita Obeid, a student in the Our Lady of Lebanon Parish Religious Education program, is celebrating her First Holy Communion on May 13, 2017; and

Whereas Lamita has dedicated many hours to learning about her Maronite Catholic faith and will accept the bread and wine as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the sacrament that builds the Church into the Body of Christ; and

Whereas much thanks goes to her parents for their dedication and to Father Pierre Azzi and Catechists Mona Francis and Nadia Jreiga.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Lamita for this special milestone in her Christian life.

RESOLUTION NO. 1233

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Sadie Peplar, a student in the Our Lady of Lebanon Parish Religious Education program, is celebrating her First Holy Communion on May 13, 2017; and

Whereas Sadie has dedicated many hours to learning about her Maronite Catholic faith and will accept the bread and wine as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the sacrament that builds the Church into the Body of Christ; and

Whereas much thanks goes to her parents for their dedication and to Father Pierre Azzi and Catechists Mona Francis and Nadia Jreiga.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Sadie for this special milestone in her Christian life.

RESOLUTION NO. 1234

[Page 2757]

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Emili Mayaleh, a student in the Our Lady of Lebanon Parish Religious Education program, is celebrating her First Holy Communion on May 13, 2017; and

Whereas Emili has dedicated many hours to learning about her Maronite Catholic faith and will accept the bread and wine as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the sacrament that builds the Church into the Body of Christ; and

Whereas much thanks goes to her parents, Stephen and Diana, for their dedication and to Father Pierre Azzi and Catechists Mona Francis and Nadia Jreiga.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Emili for this special milestone in her Christian life.

RESOLUTION NO. 1235

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Raquel Khoury, a student in the Our Lady of Lebanon Parish Religious Education program, is celebrating her First Holy Communion on May 13, 2017; and

Whereas Raquel has dedicated many hours to learning about her Maronite Catholic faith and will accept the bread and wine as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the sacrament that builds the Church into the Body of Christ; and

Whereas much thanks goes to her parents for their dedication and to Father Pierre Azzi and Catechists Mona Francis and Nadia Jreiga.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Raquel for this special milestone in her Christian life.

RESOLUTION NO. 1236

[Page 2758]

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Isabella Jarmash, a student in the Our Lady of Lebanon Parish Religious Education program, is celebrating her First Holy Communion on May 13, 2017; and

Whereas Isabella has dedicated many hours to learning about her Maronite Catholic faith and will accept the bread and wine as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the sacrament that builds the Church into the Body of Christ; and

Whereas much thanks goes to her parents for their dedication and to Father Pierre Azzi and Catechists Mona Francis and Nadia Jreiga.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Isabella for this special milestone in her Christian life.

RESOLUTION NO. 1237

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Theresa Jabbour, a student in the Our Lady of Lebanon Parish Religious Education program, is celebrating her First Holy Communion on May 13, 2017; and

Whereas Theresa has dedicated many hours to learning about her Maronite Catholic faith and will accept the bread and wine as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the sacrament that builds the Church into the Body of Christ; and

Whereas much thanks go to her parents for their dedication and to Father Pierre Azzi and Catechists Mona Francis and Naira Jreige;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Theresa for this special milestone in her Christian life.

RESOLUTION NO. 1238

[Page 2759]

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Nancy Hoyeck, a student in the Our Lady of Lebanon Parish Religious Education program, is celebrating her First Holy Communion on May 13, 2017; and

Whereas Nancy has dedicated many hours learning about her Maronite Catholic faith and will accept the bread and wine as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the sacrament that builds the Church into the Body of Christ; and

Whereas much thanks go to her parents for their dedication and to Father Pierre Azzi and Catechists Mona Francis and Naira Jreige;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Nancy for this special milestone in her Christian life.

RESOLUTION NO. 1239

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Crystal Bekki, a student in the Our Lady of Lebanon Parish Religious Education program, is celebrating her First Holy Communion on May 13, 2017; and

Whereas Crystal has dedicated many hours learning about her Maronite Catholic faith and will accept the bread and wine as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the sacrament that builds the Church into the Body of Christ; and

Whereas much thanks goes to her parents for their dedication and to Father Pierre Azzi and Catechists Mona Francis and Naira Jreige;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Crystal for this special milestone in her Christian life.

RESOLUTION NO. 1240

[Page 2760]

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Tyler Chater, a student in the Our Lady of Lebanon Parish Religious Education program, is celebrating his First Holy Communion on May 13, 2017; and

Whereas Tyler has dedicated many hours learning about his Maronite Catholic faith and will accept the bread and wine as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the sacrament that builds the Church into the Body of Christ; and

Whereas much thanks go to his parents, Joanne and Joe, for their dedication and to Father Pierre Azzi and Catechists Mona Francis and Naira Jreige;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Tyler for this special milestone in his Christian life.

RESOLUTION NO. 1241

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Lucas Bassil, a student in the Our Lady of Lebanon Parish Religious Education program, is celebrating his First Holy Communion on May 13, 2017; and

Whereas Lucas has dedicated many hours learning about his Maronite Catholic faith and will accept the bread and wine as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the sacrament that builds the Church into the Body of Christ; and

Whereas much thanks goes to his parents Joseph and Maggie for their dedication and to Father Pierre Azzi and Catechists Mona Francis and Naira Jreige;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Lucas on this special milestone in his Christian life.

RESOLUTION NO. 1242

[Page 2761]

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Joseph Metlej, a student in the Our Lady of Lebanon Parish Religious Education program, is celebrating his First Holy Communion on May 13, 2017; and

Whereas Joseph has dedicated many hours learning about his Maronite Catholic faith and will accept the bread and wine as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the sacrament that builds the Church into the Body of Christ; and

Whereas much thanks go to his parents for their dedication and to Father Pierre Azzi and Catechists Mona Francis and Naira Jreige;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Joseph for this special milestone in his Christian life.

RESOLUTION NO. 1243

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Markus Choueiri, a student in the Our Lady of Lebanon Parish Religious Education program, is celebrating his First Holy Communion on May 13, 2017; and

Whereas Markus has dedicated many hours learning about his Maronite Catholic faith and will accept the bread and wine as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the sacrament that builds the Church into the Body of Christ; and

Whereas much thanks go to his parents for their dedication and to Father Pierre Azzi and Catechists Mona Francis and Naira Jreige;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Markus for this special milestone in his Christian life.

RESOLUTION NO. 1244

[Page 2762]

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Antonio Assaff, a student in the Our Lady of Lebanon Parish Religious Education program, is celebrating his First Holy Communion on May 13, 2017; and

Whereas Antonia has dedicated many hours learning about his Maronite Catholic faith and will accept the bread and wine as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the sacrament that builds the Church into the Body of Christ; and

Whereas much thanks go to his parents for their dedication and to Father Pierre Azzi and Catechists Mona Francis and Naira Jreige;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Antonio for this special milestone in his Christian life.

RESOLUTION NO. 1245

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Charbel Meneem, a student in the Our Lady of Lebanon Parish Religious Education program, is celebrating his First Holy Communion on May 13, 2017; and

Whereas Charbel has dedicated many hours to learning about his Maronite Catholic faith and will accept the bread and wine as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the sacrament that builds the Church into the Body of Christ; and

Whereas much thanks go to his parents for their dedication, and to Father Pierre Azzi and Catechists Mona Francis and Nadia Jreige;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Charbel on this special milestone in his Christian life.

RESOLUTION NO. 1246

[Page 2763]

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Fadi Mayaleh, a student in the Our Lady of Lebanon Parish Religious Education program, is celebrating his First Holy Communion on May 13, 2017; and

Whereas Fadi has dedicated many hours to learning about his Maronite Catholic faith and will accept the bread and wine as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the sacrament that builds the Church into the Body of Christ; and

Whereas much thanks go to his parents for their dedication, and to Father Pierre Azzi and Catechists Mona Francis and Nadia Jreige;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Fadi on this special milestone in his Christian life.

RESOLUTION NO. 1247

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Michael Kodaysi, a student in the Our Lady of Lebanon Parish Religious Education program, is celebrating his First Holy Communion on May 13, 2017; and

Whereas Michael has dedicated many hours to learning about his Maronite Catholic faith and will accept the bread and wine as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the sacrament that builds the Church into the Body of Christ; and

Whereas much thanks go to his parents for their dedication, and to Father Pierre Azzi and Catechists Mona Francis and Nadia Jreige;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Michael on this special milestone in his Christian life.

RESOLUTION NO. 1248

[Page 2764]

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Roy Jazmati, a student in the Our Lady of Lebanon Parish Religious Education program, is celebrating his First Holy Communion on May 13, 2017; and

Whereas Roy has dedicated many hours to learning about his Maronite Catholic faith and will accept the bread and wine as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the sacrament that builds the Church into the Body of Christ; and

Whereas much thanks go to his parents for their dedication, and to Father Pierre Azzi and Catechists Mona Francis and Nadia Jreige;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Roy on this special milestone in his Christian life.

RESOLUTION NO. 1249

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Romario Jarmash, a student in the Our Lady of Lebanon Parish Religious Education program, is celebrating his First Holy Communion on May 13, 2017; and

Whereas Romario has dedicated many hours to learning about his Maronite Catholic faith and will accept the bread and wine as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the sacrament that builds the Church into the Body of Christ; and

Whereas much thanks go to his parents for their dedication, and to Father Pierre Azzi and Catechists Mona Francis and Nadia Jreige;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Romario on this special milestone in his Christian life.

RESOLUTION NO. 1250

[Page 2765]

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Luke Bakhache, a student in the Our Lady of Lebanon Parish Religious Education program, is celebrating his First Holy Communion on May 13, 2017; and

Whereas Luke has dedicated many hours to learning about his Maronite Catholic faith and will accept the bread and wine as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the sacrament that builds the Church into the Body of Christ; and

Whereas much thanks go to his parents for their dedication, and to Father Pierre Azzi and Catechists Mona Francis and Nadia Jreige;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Luke on this special milestone in his Christian life.

RESOLUTION NO. 1251

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Ghaith Al Khalel, a student in the Our Lady of Lebanon Parish Religious Education program, is celebrating his First Holy Communion on May 13, 2017; and

Whereas Ghaith has dedicated many hours to learning about his Maronite Catholic faith and will accept the bread and wine as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the sacrament that builds the Church into the Body of Christ; and

Whereas much thanks go to his parents for their dedication, and to Father Pierre Azzi and Catechists Mona Francis and Nadia Jreige;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Ghaith on this special milestone in his Christian life.

RESOLUTION NO. 1252

[Page 2766]

By: Hon. Lena Diab « » (Immigration)

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

Whereas Joseph Abi-Yaghi, a student in the Our Lady of Lebanon Parish Religious Education program, is celebrating his First Holy Communion on May 13, 2017; and

Whereas Joseph has dedicated many hours to learning about his Maronite Catholic faith and will accept the bread and wine as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the sacrament that builds the Church into the Body of Christ; and

Whereas much thanks go to his parents for their dedication, and to Father Pierre Azzi and Catechists Mona Francis and Nadia Jreige;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Joseph on this special milestone in his Christian life.

RESOLUTION NO. 1253

By: Hon. Diana Whalen « » (Justice)

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

Whereas the Rockingham Residents Association is a community organization, in the constituency of Clayton Park West, dedicated to bringing people together both socially and for community causes; and

Whereas the members of the Rockingham Residents Association, after much planning, organization and fundraising, welcomed a refugee family from Syria to their community in October 2016 and

Whereas the work of the Rockingham Residents Association in bringing this family to their community is a wonderful success story of Canada's renowned refugee sponsorship program;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Renee Field, the chairman of the Rockingham Residents Association, and their members for the wonderful work they do in their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 1254

[Page 2767]

By: Hon. Diana Whalen « » (Justice)

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

Whereas Robert Henman is a resident of Clayton Park West and a graduate of Halifax's Mount Saint Vincent University and Atlantic School of Theology; and

Whereas Robert Henman is an academic who has contributed to the education of many Nova Scotians as a lecturer in philosophy and ethics at Mount Saint Vincent University since 1984; and

Whereas after four years of research into the methodology of neuroscience, Robert recently authored and published the book Global Collaboration: Neuroscience as Paradigmatic;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Robert Henman on his recent publication and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 1255

By: Hon. Diana Whalen « » (Justice)

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

Whereas Monique Richards helped to shape the lives of many young people in her community as the owner of Wedgewood's Little School, on Kearney Lake Road; and

Whereas Monique Richards recently retired from Wedgwood's Little School after 30 years giving exceptional early learning and care to the children in her community; and

Whereas her contribution to her community was so appreciated that dozens of her current and former children, their parents, and community members, came together to celebrate her recent retirement;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Monique Richards for her contributions to her community and wish her all the very best in her retirement.

RESOLUTION NO. 1256

[Page 2768]

By: Hon. Diana Whalen « » (Justice)

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

Whereas Gary Mitchell is the manager of the Lower Deck Bar and Grill, a popular Clayton Park Restaurant; and

Whereas Mr. Mitchell and his staff have been instrumental in hosting successful community fundraisers such as the Park West School Pancake Dinner and the Halifax West High School Spaghetti Dinner; and

Whereas these successful fundraisers helped to raise much-needed funds for important causes and have fostered community spirit among the residents of Clayton Park West;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Gary Mitchell and his staff for their commitment to our community and wish him continued success.

RESOLUTION NO. 1257

By: Hon. Diana Whalen « » (Justice)

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

Whereas Jessica Sloan is a talented author and illustrator who was born and raised in Nova Scotia and makes Clayton Park West her home; and

Whereas among her professional accomplishments, Jessica Sloan is the author and illustrator of the children's book The Very Fat Caterpillar; and

Whereas The Very Fat Caterpillar provides encouragement to children afraid to try new things, through a vividly illustrated and fun storybook;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Jessica Sloan on her book, and wishing her continued success in all her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 1258

[Page 2769]

By: Hon. Diana Whalen « » (Justice)

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

Whereas National Volunteer Week has been celebrated in Canada since 1943 to highlight the contributions of volunteers, and was marked this year from April 23^rd to 29^th; and

Whereas the Government of Nova Scotia honoured its outstanding volunteers during National Volunteer Week with the presentation of Provincial Volunteer Awards; and

Whereas Clayton Park West resident Kate Sullivan has been honoured this year with a Provincial Volunteer Award for her tireless work on behalf of two local organizations, Engage Mainland North and the Clayton Park and Fairview Neighbourhood Watch;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Kate Sullivan on this well-deserved award, and thank her for giving so selflessly of her time and talents to better our community and our province.

RESOLUTION NO. 1259

By: Hon. Diana Whalen « » (Justice)

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

Whereas Mary Wile is a lifelong resident of Halifax who has done so much to serve the community of Clayton Park West, notably serving as councillor in Halifax Regional Council from 2004 to 2012; and

Whereas Mary Wile was instrumental in bringing a local commemoration of Remembrance Day to her community at the Korean War Memorial in Stratford Way Park, and this important event has grown substantially each year; and

Whereas after ten years of commemorating Remembrance Day at the Korean War Memorial, Mary Wile continues to ensure that our community can come together to pay our respects to veterans and remember those who have died in the service of our country;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly join me in thanking Mary Wile for recognizing the need for a local Remembrance Day ceremony, and thank her for her dedicated service to her community.

[Page 2770]

RESOLUTION NO. 1260

By: Hon. Diana Whalen « » (Justice)

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

Whereas the Big Buddies and Inclusion Committees at Halifax West High School work to foster relationships and understanding amongst a diverse student population; and

Whereas Marian Hawley, a Grade 12 student at Halifax West High School, has capably undertaken leadership of these committees and has worked hard to expand their scope and participation throughout the school year; and

Whereas the work of Marin Hawley has led to expanded programming and the formation of true friendships amongst the participants in these committees;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Marin Hawley for setting an example of leadership, hard work, and inclusion that we can all look up to and wish her success in all her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 1261

By: Hon. Diana Whalen « » (Justice)

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

Whereas model parliaments in high schools create a better understanding of our government systems that leads young people to better appreciate their roles, responsibilities, and obligations as citizens; and

Whereas for many years the students of Halifax West High School have been passionate, engaged, and innovative in producing their annual model parliament; and

Whereas at the 2016 Model Parliament at Halifax West High School students Nathan Mendel and Kate He were awarded the Most Improved Parliamentarian Awards for their active participation over the two-day event;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Nathan Mendel and Kate He on their well-deserved awards and wish them continuing success in all their future endeavours.

[Page 2771]

RESOLUTION NO. 1262

By: Hon. Diana Whalen « » (Justice)

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

Whereas author, Yury Vasiliev, moved to Canada ten years ago after studying our country's history and geography and has chosen to make Halifax his home; and

Whereas Yury Vasiliev's extensive research into Canada's history, peoples, and changing geography led to the publication in 2016 of his fiction book "Saga of Carus: under the Northern Sky"; and

Whereas Yury has dedicated his book in honour of the 150^th Anniversary of Canada in 2017 and presented a copy in person to MLA and Deputy Premier Diana Whalen;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Yury Vasiliev on the publication of his well-researched and -written work of fiction and wish him continued success in all his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 1263

By: Hon. Diana Whalen « » (Justice)

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

Whereas model parliaments in high schools create a better understanding of our government systems that leads young people to better appreciate their roles, responsibilities, and obligations as citizens; and

Whereas for many years the students of Halifax West High School have been passionate, engaged, and innovative in hosting their annual model parliament; and

Whereas at the December 2016 Model Parliament at Halifax West High School student Dardan Loshi was recognized for his role in the two-day event with the Best Party Leader Award;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Dardan Loshi on his well-deserved award and wish him every success in his future endeavours.

[Page 2772]

RESOLUTION NO. 1264

By: Hon. Diana Whalen « » (Justice)

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

Whereas mental-health support and education is critical to the personal and academic success of high school students; and

Whereas Jane Warren, Neha Khanna, Taylor Green, Emilie Comeau, and Cooper Holt are students at Halifax West High School who formed the Mental Health & Wellness Committee in May, 2016, to ensure the school could hold its first Mental Health & Wellness Day; and

Whereas these students were successful in organizing a Mental Health & Wellness Day that brought guest speakers from many backgrounds to speak to students on a variety of mental-health topics;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Jane, Neha, Taylor, Emilie, and Cooper for their hard work on this event that raised awareness and understanding about mental health for the students and staff at Halifax West and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 1265

By: Hon. Diana Whalen « » (Justice)

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

Whereas the Terry Fox Foundation, now entering its fourth decade, has raised millions of dollars for research into multiple forms of cancer; and

Whereas Amanda Higgins, a Halifax West High School student, spearheaded a fundraising campaign in her school for Terry Fox Foundation Week that included multiple innovative and successful events; and

Whereas thanks in large part to the dedicated work of Amanda Higgins Halifax West High School raised an impressive $5,000 for the work of the Terry Fox Foundation;

[Page 2773]

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Amanda Higgins for her leadership and dedication to this worthy cause and wish her all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1266

By: Ms. Patricia Arab « » (Fairview-Clayton Park)

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

Whereas Raylene Way, a community officer in the constituency of Fairview-Clayton Park, has shown outstanding service to our community for years; and

Whereas Raylene recently received the Police Officer of the Year Award from the Halifax Regional Police for her amazing work with various community groups in the Fairview Clayton Park area; and

Whereas her service is truly an inspiration to all aspiring police officers and her work ethic and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty should be an inspiration to us all;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Officer Way for her amazing service and wishing her only the best in the years to come.

RESOLUTION NO. 1267

By: Ms. Patricia Arab « » (Fairview-Clayton Park)

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

Whereas Chérif F. Matta is chair of the department of chemistry and physics at Mount Saint Vincent University; and

Whereas Dr. Matta has demonstrated outstanding achievements in his many and has received acclaim from numerous organizations, most recently the Lady Davis fellowship, an extremely prestigious award from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem; and

Whereas Dr. Matta is an outstanding leader in our community and an incredible member of the faculty of Mount Saint Vincent University;

[Page 2774]

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly join me on congratulating Dr. Matta on his most recent accolade and wish him well in his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 1268

By: Hon. Diana Whalen « » (Justice)

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

Whereas Stuart Cameron of Clayton Park West has distinguished himself as an excellent coach to the Junior men's team at the Mayflower Curling Club, giving generously of his time and skill to inspire young curlers; and

Whereas Stuart's teams have had a very successful outcome in the last three years, with his Mayflower Junior Men's team winning the provincial championships in 2015, 2016, and 2017, and representing Nova Scotia three times at the Canadian Junior Curling Championships; and

Whereas under Stuarts guidance, the team, skipped by Matthew Mannel, became the first team to win three consecutive junior men's titles in NS, and this accomplishment reflects the excellent coaching provided to t his committed group of young curlers;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Stuart Cameron for his dedication to coaching this extraordinary team of young men to their impressive record of championships.

RESOLUTION NO. 1269

By: Mr. Iain Rankin « » (Timberlea-Prospect)

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

Whereas John Kilbride and his family recently returned from a journey to Ireland to commemorate the 170^th Anniversary of their ancestors' epic emigration to Canada, surviving a tragic shipwreck on April 28, 1847, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence that took the lives of many; and

Whereas both Irish and Irish Canadian descendants of Patrick Kaveney an Sarah McDonaghin participated in a 32-kilometre walk from the caves of Keash to Sligo, in Northern Ireland, to mark the 170^th Anniversary of the Sligo famine emigration; and

[Page 2775]

Whereas on Saturday, April 15, 2017, John Kilbride presented Canada pins, a Nova Scotia flag, and a special invitation to visit Canada and Halifax, Nova Scotia, to the Mayor of Sligo Ireland, Marie Casserly, as we celebrate this year Canada's 150^th year;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in recognizing the courage and sacrifice that this family endured to start a new life as Canadians.

RESOLUTION NO. 1270

By: Hon. Diana Whalen « » (Justice)

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

Whereas the World Involvement Committee at Halifax West High School allows students to expand their understanding beyond our borders while offering support to communities in need around the world; and

Whereas Halifax West High School student Maggie Ivimey has stepped up and undertaken the leadership of the World Involvement Committee, raising funds and awareness and organizing multiple events; and

Whereas the work of Maggie Ivimey and her committee has raised over $5,000 for the Nova Scotia Gambia Association as well as funds for Red Cross relief in Haiti;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Maggie Ivimey for her hard work, dedication, and excellent leadership of the World Involvement Committee and wish her every success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1271

By: Hon. Diana Whalen « » (Justice)

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

Whereas select students with the Halifax Regional School Board participated in the Fourth Wall Justice Art and Youth Project, where they embrace art as a means of addressing social justice issues; and

Whereas students, through their art, have illustrated important issues including domestic violence, sexual violence, homophobia, and mental health; and

[Page 2776]

Whereas the art pieces have been donated to the department of Justice to be displayed permanently in the lobbies on Granville and Hollis Streets;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this house congratulate these talented students and their art teacher, Sabine Fels, for the success of their exhibit and join me in sincerely thanking them for drawing attention to these important social justice issues.

RESOLUTION NO. 1272

By: Hon. Diana Whalen « » (Justice)

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

Whereas model parliaments in high schools create a better understanding of our government systems that leads young people to better appreciate their roles, responsibilities, and obligations as citizens; and

Whereas for many years, the students of Halifax West High School have been passionate, engaged, and innovative in producing their annual model parliament; and

Whereas at the 2016 Model Parliament at Halifax West High School in December, students Kenzie Burke and Jack Martha were awarded the Best Parliamentarian awards;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Kenzie Burke and Jack Martha on their well-deserved awards, reflecting their excellent debating skills, and wish them every success in the future.