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HALIFAX, FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018

Sixty-third General Assembly

First Session

9:00 A.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Kevin Murphy

 

DEPUTY SPEAKERS

Mr. Chuck Porter, Ms. Suzanne Lohnes-Croft

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

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

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

RESOLUTION NO. 1157

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

Be it resolved as follows:

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That paragraphs (1) and (2) of Rule 14 of the Rules and Forms of Procedure of the House of Assembly are repealed and the following substituted:

14(1) Every Member is bound to attend the services of the House unless

(a) leave of absence has been given by the House or the Speaker; or

(b) the member is taking pregnancy leave, parental leave, leave for illness or leave for a similar purpose and notice has been given, of the nature and expected length of the leave, to the House or the Speaker within ten days of commencing the leave.

(2) If any Member shall leave the House for one whole day without

(a) permission first obtained from the House or the Speaker; or

(b) notice given pursuant to subparagraph (1)(b),

the Member may be subject to the censure of the House and shall also forfeit such monetary amount per day as is determined by the House of Assembly Management Commission for the time the Member shall be so absent.

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 Health and Wellness.

RESOLUTION NO. 1158

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

Whereas April 7^th marks World Health Day, with this year's campaign focusing on universal health coverage for everyone, everywhere; and

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Whereas we are fortunate to live in a part of the world that recognizes the importance of universal health care; and

Whereas in Nova Scotia the Department of Health and Wellness works closely with its partners to provide health care services to all Nova Scotians and promote healthy and active communities;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize April 7^th as World Health Day and encourage all of us to consider how we can help advance the health of all people.

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.

RESOLUTION NO. 1159

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

Whereas the Nova Scotia International Student Program (NSISP) which offers high school education to students around the world, is celebrating its 20^th year of welcoming international students to our province; and

Whereas NSISP creates global citizens by promoting the growth of intercultural understanding and increased international educational opportunities for Nova Scotians and students from around the world; and

Whereas currently there are over 1,100 international students from 32 countries, studying in 78 different schools, in the seven English-language school boards across Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating the Nova Scotia International Student Program for providing excellent education and homestay environment to all international students for the last 20 years.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage.

RESOLUTION NO. 1160

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

Whereas from April 15^th to April 21^st, Canadians will officially observe National Volunteer Week - a time to reflect upon, celebrate, and thank the millions of volunteers who contribute to their communities throughout the country; and

Whereas since 2009, Jane Roy of Halifax has volunteered her time and energy to the Catapult Leadership Society, which hosts camps for youth with limited opportunities, fostering leaderships skills in hundreds of Nova Scotia youth from communities throughout the province; and

Whereas in recognition of her commitment and dedication to the youth of Nova Scotia, Jane Roy was honoured with the Commonwealth Points of Light award, a prestigious volunteer award, at a ceremony at Government House on April 3^rd, signed personally by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly offer their sincere congratulations to Jane Roy of the Catapult Leadership Society on receiving the Points of Light award in recognition of her dedication to volunteerism, in addition to thanking her for her role in inspiring the next generation of Nova Scotian leadership.

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.

The honourable Minister of Gaelic Affairs.

RESOLUTION NO. 1161

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

Whereas today, April 6^th, people around the world celebrate Tartan Day; and

Whereas Tartan Day provides an opportunity to recognize and display connection to our Scottish Gaelic heritage; and

Whereas Nova Scotia is recognized internationally for our commitment to honouring and sustaining our Gaelic culture;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House recognize today, April 6, 2018, as Tartan Day, and take time to reflect and celebrate our Gaelic culture.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

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Bill No. 116 - Entitled an Act Respecting Certain Financial Measures. (Hon. Karen Casey)

Bill No. 117 - Entitled an Act to Amend Schedule A of Chapter 1 of the Acts of 2018. The Education Act. (Ms. Claudia Chender)

Bill No. 118 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 18 of the Acts of 1998. The Municipal Government Act, and Chapter 39 of the Acts of 2008. The Halifax Regional Municipality Charter, Respecting Parental Accommodation. (Hon. Derek Mombourquette)

[9:15 a.m.]

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

MS. LISA ROBERTS « » : Mr. Speaker, may I first make an introduction please?

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MS. ROBERTS « » : I'd like to direct the attention of the House to the west gallery, where we are joined today by Tiffany Gordon. Tiffany is a PhD Student in Philosophy at Dalhousie University, and is also a supporter of a community organization called Working While Black in Nova Scotia. (Applause)

Bill No. 119 - Entitled an Act Respecting Police Street Checks. (Ms. Claudia Chender)

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

NOTICES OF MOTION

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

RIVERVIEW REDMEN, HS HOCKEY:

SUCCESSFUL SEASON - CONGRATS.

HON. ALFIE MACLEOD « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Riverview Redmen for earning the silver medal honours in the top tier of Nova Scotia boys high school hockey.

The Coxheath-based squad lost 4-3 to the host C.P. Allen Cheetahs of Bedford in the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Division 1 boys hockey championship, held recently in Bedford. Prior to this, Riverview went undefeated in its three round-robin games.

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I stand today to acknowledge and thank the Riverview Redmen team for all the hard work and dedication they have made this season, and I will also thank the coaches and the parents for their strong influence, which makes high school hockey such an enjoyable part of our children's lives.

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

CONRAD, CAROLYN: VOLUNTEER OF THE YR. - CONGRATS.

MIS. KIM MASLAND: Mr. Speaker, the region of Queens Municipality has chosen to recognize Carolyn Conrad of Caledonia as Volunteer of the Year. Carolyn is a tireless worker who has been involved with the Queens County Fair for over 15 years.

She works at this annual event and is involved in the many events that take place at the fairgrounds throughout the year, including horse pulls, weddings, and the RCMP Musical Ride. Regardless of the event or task, Carolyn is there with a willing and smiling face. She is very modest about her contributions, but her dedication and reliability are vital to the Queens County Fair Association.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Carolyn on receiving this well-deserved honour, and thank her for all that she does for her community.

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

HFX. W. WARRIORS: RED CUP SHOWCASE - RECOGNIZE

HON. PATRICIA ARAB « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Halifax West Boys Hockey Team on being declared league champions of the Metro High School Hockey League.

This team has consistently been a force to be reckoned with for the past few seasons, with several accomplishments under their belt, including recently winning the 2018 Red Cup Showcase. The successes of this team would not be made possible without the coaching staff, including Frank Hubley who dedicates countless hours as head coach for the boys team.

A special thank you to the Warriors that will be graduating after this season: Ben Penrose, Patrick Oxner, Richard Abbass, Ryan Maunder, Justin Sumarah, Massimo Spensieri, Josh Comeau, Luc Waldron, Kyle Penney, and Ryan Breau.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the members of this House to join me in applauding the Halifax West Warriors for their successful year, and wish them all the best in the future.

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

ROOTS FOR YOUTH: COLDEST NIGHT WALK - GRATITUDE

MR. TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, led by Pictou Academy Roots for Youth Society, walkers came together on the Coldest Night of the Year Walk to combat youth homelessness.

Roots for Youth director Stacey Dlamini confirms they helped 18 young people end their homelessness last year. In over two and a half years, they have helped 45 local youth in need of safe housing. Youth who are forced to leave home are vulnerable and need a safe place to stay. Couch-surfing and staying with "that guy who lets them hang out" is not safe.

The walk is a Canada-wide event, with approximately 130 communities participating. Almost $43,000 was raised, and much appreciation goes out to the various churches, students, volunteers, and walkers for a job well done.

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

TUTTLE, ADA: UMPIRING CERT. - CONGRATS.

MR. BILL HORNE « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Windsor Junction's Ada Tuttle, who became the LWF baseball league's first female umpire at 11 years old. Now 14, with two years' experience and lessons learned, she is aiming for her Level II umpiring certificate, which will enable her to officiate all association games, from rookie up to under-18-years division ball.

Ada inspired her friend Kenzie to join and train as an umpire as well, and they were the first-ever female duo to officiate a Baseball Nova Scotia game.

WomenActive Nova Scotia "advocates . . . and promotes meaningful active living experiences and leadership opportunities to enrich the lives of all women and girls in Nova Scotia."

Congratulations to Ada on her well-deserved award, and thank you for being a trendsetter.

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

BORAN, DAVID: N. N.S. HIGHLANDERS, JUNO BEACH: COMMEND

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MS. ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : I'd like to recognize David Boran from Springhill, Cumberland County. He is a military veteran and a former member of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders.

He and some of his fellow Highlanders ae travelling to France to visit Juno Beach. They will be visiting the graves at Bény-sur-Mer. They have researched and found that 157 Nova Scotia Highlanders are buried there. They are bringing 157 Nova Scotia flags to place on their graves.

This is a beautiful and respectful thing that David and his fellow Highlanders are doing to honour these Nova Scotia heroes.

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

KHARA: COM. SERV. - THANKS

MR. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Mr. Speaker, continuing on with the theme of recognizing great people from our community, I would like to recognize the members of the Ketch Harbour Area Residents Association, or KHARA for short. The executive is made of co-chairs Pete Rose and John Himmelman, executive-at-large Catherine Bagnell Styles, corporate secretary Alida Bundy, and treasurer Adrienne Bowers.

This executive and dozens of volunteers have made countless positive changes in our community. They took over an old fire station and turned it into a vibrant community centre, which is now the hub of the community. They also took over a federal wharf and turned it into a summer social spot, including dory racing and ice cream socials. Between all of this, they have organized movie nights for all the kids and parades for all.

Thank you to all the members and volunteers of KHARA for making our community a better place.

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

GALLANT, KERRY: VOLUNTEER OF THE YR. - CONGRATS.

MS. KIM MASLAND « » : Mr. Speaker, the region of Queens Municipality has chosen to recognize Kerry Gallant of Liverpool as Volunteer of the Year. Kerry is a very active volunteer who enjoys the outdoors and is committed to safety.

Kerry is a valued and well-respected member of the Queens County Ground Search and Rescue organization and dedicates his boundless energy and enthusiasm to helping others in their time of need. He is the main operator of the SMART Program and is an electronic search specialist with Project Life Saver. In addition, he works with youth as a presenter for the Hug-a-Tree program.

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These are just a few of Kerry's volunteer activities. Kerry epitomizes all that is great about community volunteers, and we congratulate him on this well-deserved honour.

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

DEANA LLOY, DESIGNER: DARTMOUTH TARTAN - RECOGNIZE

MS. SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, on this National Tartan Day, I rise in recognition of the Dartmouth tartan. Unveiled on Canada Day last year, the Dartmouth tartan bears four distinct colours. Each colour represents a piece of Dartmouth's history and culture.

Yellow represents the three rowing clubs of Lake Banook, where fond memories are held of people filling the banks and the hill and taking in Natal Day festivities. It also represents a bright future for future generations.

Red represents the clay of the Shubenacadie Canal and the three main lakes into which it feeds; blue represents the harbour, which separates Dartmouth and Halifax; and grey represents the tragedy of the Halifax Explosion and the lives lost and those left homeless on that grey day.

Dartmouth has its very own tartan thanks to the skill and efforts of tartan designer Deana Lloy of Red Label Kilts, based in Sydney. Lloy, who grew up in Dartmouth, came to the conclusion that Dartmouth needed its own tartan after viewing old photos of former Mayor Gloria McCluskey waving a Dartmouth flag during a Natal Day parade.

I ask the members of this House to join me in recognition of the Dartmouth tartan and its historical and cultural significance to Dartmouth.

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

LOVELACE, CALLUM:

DELEGATE, NTL. CHILDREN'S SUMMIT: CONGRATS.

MR. BEN JESSOME « » : I would like to recognize Callum Lovelace of Hammonds Plains. Callum is a 14-year-old student attending Kings-Edgehill School who was chosen as a delegate at the National Children's Summit last November.

Youth from across Canada gathered in Ottawa to help with Canada's first Children's Charter. The draft for Canada's Children's Charter that came out of Ottawa was the work of forty culturally diverse kids from across the country and follows months of regional and national discussions. Some aspects of the draft include children's right to health care and support for many areas that fall under health; they would like to see an end to discrimination and exclusion, and to bullying, violence, and abuse; and they are looking for a stable and sustainable future.

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Callum said that issues like cyberbullying, racial discrimination, and mental health were items he was glad to see on the agenda. He enjoyed being part of this initiative and hopes to be part of the final draft. I would add, Mr. Speaker, that he was also a strong volunteer on my campaign.

I ask members of the House to join me in congratulating Callum for his part in drafting Canada's Children's Charter.

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

MACDONALD, WINNIE: NTL. DAY OF KINDNESS - THANKS

MR. TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, Winnie MacDonald was just one of many Kinettes celebrating the National Day of KINdness on February 24^th by performing good deeds in the community - everything from paying parking at the hospital and making deliveries to the ICU to delivering pizza to Tierman House and passing out Hershey's kisses, even collecting donations for the food bank. The message to the public was simple: Kindness, pass it on.

Last year, 162 clubs participated and urged others to pass on their good deeds. In 2020, Kin Canada will celebrate their 100^th Anniversary of helping their community and spreading good cheer.

Winnie, I want to pass along my thanks and congratulations for being "Kin of kindness" and wish you continued success moving forward.

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

TARTAN DAY: SCOTTISH CONTRIB. TO N.S. - HONOUR

MR. HUGH MACKAY « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate Tartan Day, a celebration of the promotion of Scottish heritage held annually across Canada on the 6^th of April.

Canadians are encouraged to wear tartan on this in commemoration of the contributions of the Scots and their descendants to the fabric of our society. It is well known by many in this House that the Scots invented just about everything.

April 6^th was selected as the anniversary date on which the Declaration of the Arbroath was signed in 1320. This declaration was to confirm Scotland's status as an independent sovereign nation rather a land controlled by the arrogant English.

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Many members of this House are proud sons and daughters of Scotland, as evidenced by the grand amount of tartan I am pleased to see here today - and the member for Pictou West, the member for Timberlea-Prospect, and myself, also share a strong Scottish heritage tradition, as we are all players of the great Highland bagpipes, which are generally regarded as the finest instrument on the face of the earth.

Mr. Speaker, on this day of celebration, I encourage all members of the House and all sons and daughters of Nova Scotia, regardless of their ethnic or national heritage, to join us in this House in honouring Tartan Day and the contributions of the Scots to the development of Nova Scotia. (Standing Ovation)

MR. SPEAKER « » : I'll be sure to direct all international correspondence that comes into the House to your constituency office.

The honourable member for Cumberland North.

LEICESTER VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT.:

GOOD FRIDAY BRUNCH - THANKS

MS. ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Today, I would like to recognize Chief Clayton Brooks and the Leicester Volunteer Fire Department.

Each year they host a brunch on Good Friday to help raise funds for their department. Together, the team served over 600 people. Proceeds of this event help keep the fire department running so they can help the community when needed. This shows how much dedication goes into their service and that they are indeed important citizens.

I would like to thank the Leicester Volunteer Fire Department for their services and commitment to the community.

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

COM. MEETING: JUSTICE ISSUES - ACTION

MS. LISA ROBERTS « » : Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity yesterday to be with constituents in Halifax Needham when the NDP federal Leader, Jagmeet Singh, visited the Halifax North Memorial Library, and also spoke to media about several justice issues that affect people of colour differently, including mandatory minimum sentences and the practices of carding and street checks.

I had the opportunity to hear a community member tell her story, how she moved out of that neighborhood when police started stopping her 13-year-old son. Mr. Speaker, it is time to listen and to believe African Nova Scotians, and other racialized citizens of this province, to believe them and to act.

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[9:30 a.m.]

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

BURG CLASSIC CHARITY HOCKEY: 6^th ANNIV. - RECOGNIZE

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

I'd like to recognize the organizers and volunteers of the Annual BURG Classic Charity Hockey Tournament in Lunenburg: Lisa Brown-Tanner, Jayme Niford, Kristi Strowbridge, Dennis Chapman, and Jason Conrad.

This year was the sixth year of its operation, growing to 18 teams from four in its initial year. The weekend-long tournament was accompanied by a silent auction and a sold-out dance. This year, the BURG Classic event raised $30,000, a new record high for the event and all proceeds raised will go to help local recipients in need.

Mr. Speaker, I would ask that you and all members of this House of Assembly please join me in recognizing the organizers and volunteers of the BURG Classic Charity Hockey Tournament, and wish them continued success in the years to come.

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

MS. BARBARA ADAMS « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MS. ADAMS « » : I'd like to draw everyone's attention to the west gallery, and I'll ask them to stand. My constituency assistant, Lisa Rochon, who makes me look good every day, is here, as well as a volunteer in our office, Tabitha Cadieux, who, within two days, Lisa was saying was doing as good a job as she was.

So, I would like to have the House give them a round of applause and thank them for coming. (Applause)

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

PARSONS, REHTAEH: DEATH OF - TRIBUTE

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MS. BARBARA ADAMS « » : Mr. Speaker, today I rise to acknowledge that tomorrow will be the 5^th anniversary of the death of Rehtaeh Parsons. As all members of this Legislature know, Rehtaeh Parsons was born on December 9, 1995, and 17 years later, on April 4, 2013, Rehtaeh, a former Cole Harbour High School student, attempted suicide by hanging at her home in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

She fell into a coma, leaving the heartbreaking decision to turn off life support to her family. Rehtaeh's life support machine was turned off on April 7, 2013. As we also know, her death was attributed to the online distribution of photos of an alleged gang rape that occurred 17 months prior to her suicide, in November 2011.

On a Facebook page set up in tribute to her daughter, Parsons' family held the four boys who allegedly raped her and released images of her, as a consequence to the bullying and messaging, her death, and a failure of the Canadian justice system for her daughter's decision to commit suicide.

I ask all members of the House to take time to ask themselves, how far have we come since that time to work towards reducing the onslaught of cyberbullying in our society?

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

ARMITAGE, STEVE: CONTRIB. TO CDN. SPORT - RECOGNIZE

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, his name and voice are synonymous to sport. Steve Armitage, a Lunenburg County resident, has been a well-known sports commentator for the past 50 years - 16 Olympics, multiple Commonwealth Games, Canada Games, CFL football, international swimming competitions, and the list goes on.

Steve has been recognized with three Gemini Awards, the Foster Hewitt Award, and received the Sports Media Career Achievement Award in 2017. As a resident of Lunenburg County and member of the Lunenburg County YMCA, Steve has given of his time and lent his voice to numerous local events and functions. During the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, Steve was his usual energetic self as he covered the speed- skating event.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to take this opportunity to recognize and acknowledge Steve Armitage for his contribution to Canadian sport, and thank him for his many years of bringing sport to Canadian living rooms.

Mr. Speaker, we are as proud of Steve Armitage for his Olympic performance as we are any one of our Olympic athletes.

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

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SARCOIDOSIS AWARENESS MO. - PUBLIC EDUC.

MR. BRAD JOHNS « » : Since April is actually Sarcoidosis Awareness Month, I wanted to raise a topic and draw attention to enhance awareness of this rare disease that affects many Nova Scotians.

Members of the Legislature may wonder what sarcoidosis is. Sarcoidosis is a rare autoimmune disease that is characterized by the formation of tiny lumps and inflammation on organ tissues that result in permanent scarring and thickening of the organ. This can occur in any organ in the body. It means lungs, heart, and even the brain can be affected. In addition to hardening of the body organs, patients have a compromised immune system. Those with sarcoidosis often suffer fatigue and are susceptible to other illnesses.

Currently, there is no cure for this chronic condition, which is rarely fatal. However, corticosteroids are often used as the main treatment. The causes of sarcoidosis, whether environmental, viral, bacterial, or fungal, is still unknown. However, it is not contagious.

Although studies indicate that women and those with African heritage have a higher occurrence rate, anyone, young or old, regardless of race, can find themselves facing this disease with no warning.

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

FOXE, CARLA: LUNCHTIME PROG. - THANKS

MS. SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an important member of the Dartmouth North community. Carla Foxe is a community librarian at the Dartmouth North Public Library, and her work there goes way beyond books.

Carla identified the need for food security for the kids coming to the library and has developed a very successful program at lunchtime and after school where the local schoolchildren can get something to eat. As part of this, Carla has also tracked with the local schools the changes in the lives of these students since they have been eating at the library. Learning outcomes have improved hugely and visits to the office for discipline problems have dropped. All of this has taken a lot of hard work and dedication, and Carla does this work quietly and kindly.

She works very hard for the people of Dartmouth North, and her dedication to the children and young adults who frequent our library is very impressive. Carla is also involved in many other projects for the people of Dartmouth North.

On behalf of our community, I would like to thank her for her work and commitment to our community.

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

BELL, ERIN: INTL. COM. SERV. - COMMEND

MS. RAFAH DICOSTANZO « » : Mr. Speaker, on International Students Day, I want to recognize an accomplished young woman from Clayton Park West who has made a lasting impact internationally. After graduating from the University of Calgary, Erin Bell worked for Musana International, a women's empowerment social enterprise in Uganda.

While living in a rural community in East Africa, she noticed the lack of community space. Through fundraising and partnership, Erin was able to open the first library in the community of Lugazi, stocked with culturally-relevant books.

Erin went on to work for a U.S.-based holistic community development NGO and she is now back home working for Nova Scotia ACORN. I ask that the members of this House of Assembly join me in commending Erin for her work in Africa. We are so pleased to have her home.

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

ROUGHNEEN, MICHAEL: COM. SERV. - THANKS

HON. KELLY REGAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to tell this House a bit about a notable Bedford volunteer. Michael Roughneen was honoured by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul - St. Ignatius Conference last year for his volunteer service. He's been with this organization for more than eight years, serving as president and vice-president. He's also been a Sunday School teacher at Saint Ignatius Church, as well as a member and chair of parish council.

Mike has demonstrated his deep commitment to Bedford, where he has lived for more than 35 years. He was involved in the Old Central Bedford Homeowners Association and the Bedford Shaman Wilderness Initiative. In the 1990s, he was a board member and chair of Metro United Way, which honoured him for his work.

Mike sees the good in all people and believes that we are here to help those less fortunate than ourselves. I'd like to thank him for his volunteer efforts.

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

ROBERTSON, WARREN: TRUE PATRIOT LOVE - CONGRATS.

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HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, today I would like to offer my congratulations to a resident of Antigonish who has been given the chance of a lifetime. Warren Robertson is the owner of Scope Digital Media and has been hired as the Himalayas expedition photographer for True Patriot Love.

True Patriot Love is a national charity raising money to support military families and community-based programs that assist our military members and their families in a variety of areas, including mental health, physical rehabilitation, and transitioning to civilian life.

The expedition team is made up of ill and injured Canadian soldiers and veterans, as well as business and community leaders and Peter Hillary, a two-time Everest conqueror. From April 1^st to April 18^th, the team will make their way to Everest Base Camp and then ascend the 20,000-foot peak Lobuche East, which sits next to Mount Everest in Nepal. The goal is to raise $1 million.

I ask my colleagues in the House of Assembly to join me in congratulating Mr. Robertson on this unique and incredible opportunity and wish him and the team the best of luck on this adventure.

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

WAR AMPS: 100^th ANNIV. - RECOGNIZE

HON. KAREN CASEY « » : The War Amps is celebrating its 100^th Anniversary. This program has grown from assisting only traditional war amputees to all amputees, including modern-day veterans and children.

The War Amps key tag service has returned 1.5 million sets of lost keys to their owners. Each key tag has a coded number, and the War Amps use that number to determine the owner and return the keys free of charge.

This service operates on donations from the public and supports many programs, but it is especially known for the child amputee program called CHAMP. Through CHAMP, child amputees receive the special recreational limbs and devices that they need to lead a full childhood and achieve future independence.

The key tag service employs amputees and people with disabilities. With continued support from the public, the War Amps will continue to help children and all amputees long into the future.

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

BURKE, SUSAN: ONLINE BUS. DIRECTORY - RECOGNIZE

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HON. MARGARET MILLER « » : I think we've all fallen down that rabbit hole of a Google search, Mr. Speaker. Googling has become the way we search for events, news, entertainment, and business services, making it difficult for a small business to remain in the forefront of Google in order to be noticed.

Today I want to recognize Susan Burke, a woman in East Hants, who came up with a solution to that problem locally and created an Online Business Directory for businesses in East Hants.

Instead of potential clients getting lost in that Google vortex, they can now easily, simply, and from any device find an orderly and categorically organized, distraction-free list of local services and businesses.

The benefit is two-fold, Mr. Speaker. The Community Online Business Directory serves not just the consumer in their search, but also the business owner who can rest assured knowing that their media sources and contact information is front and centre of potential clients with just one search.

Mr. Speaker, I invite all members of this House to thank Ms. Burke in serving her community with this valuable endeavour.

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

MS. LISA ROBERTS « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to draw the attention of the House to the west gallery where we're joined today by Kendall Worth, and please give him the warm welcome of the House. Kendall is a wonderful writer who chronicles his experience living as someone who is a client of income assistance, and also chronicles the stories of other people who are dependent on income assistance. He publishes those through the Nova Scotia Advocate, and also circulates them to the Community Services Committee, doing us all a great service. Thank you very much. (Applause)

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

SMITH, BONNIE/BOYD, ROSEANNA:

VOLUNTEER AWARDS - CONGRATS.

MR. CHUCK PORTER « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate two outstanding volunteers in my community. Roseanna Boyd, will receive, on Monday, the nomination for Provincial Volunteer for the Municipality of West Hants, who has nominated her. She is an outstanding volunteer, like all our volunteers. On Monday also, the Town of Windsor's nominee will be Bonnie Smith, who is, in fact, my CA, heavily involved in our community in many volunteer efforts.

I want to congratulate both of those ladies and thank them and thank all volunteers, Mr. Speaker, who will be recognized not only on Monday, but in the coming weeks in our respective communities, and thank them for all the great work they continue to do and have done over the many years of their lives of volunteering.

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

DIGBY NECK CONSOLIDATED: TIDEVIEW CAROLLING - THANKS

MR. GORDON WILSON « » : Carolling during the holidays is one of those traditions that many of us remember fondly from our youth. Unfortunately, the tradition seems to be fading, except this last Christmas, for the students of Digby Neck Consolidated Elementary School. The children decided to go to Tideview Terrace, first to sing songs and carols and then to visit with the residents. It was a great start to the holiday season for the residents, who are always delighted to meet young people and hear them sing. This is especially for those residents who at this time in their lives no longer have many family nearby. For the children, it is important that they understand the importance of doing for others, including getting together and singing Christmas carols at a place like Tideview.

For sharing their carols with the residents of Tideview, I would like to thank the children of Digby Neck Consolidated Elementary School, and hope they make it an annual tradition.

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

JORDAN, DEBBIE: COM. CHRISTMAS DINNER - SELF-GIVING

HON. LLOYD HINES « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share a story of true selflessness and a benevolent act of human fellowship. This past Christmas, restaurant owner Debbie Jordan of Indian Harbour Lake opened her establishment for a complimentary community Christmas dinner. She invited all who were alone for the season, whether widowed or empty nesters, and 28 people took her up on her kind offer. She then proceeded to prepare a full holiday meal complete with her apple-sage gravy and homemade relish to be served to her very spirited and grateful guests.

Mr. Speaker, Debbie worked hard to follow through on the simple thought that it's better to have everyone gathered for a warm meal than to be lonely on Christmas Day, and because of her efforts, she became a living example of compassion and goodwill and a great example for all of us to emulate all year through. Thank you.

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

[9:45 p.m.]

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CHEBUCTO PEEWEE AAA: INTL. SEMI-FINALISTS - CONGRATS.

HON. LENA DIAB « » : Mr. Speaker, following on yesterday's great announcement that Halifax is hosting the 2019 Memorial Cup, I'd like to congratulate the Chebucto Peewee AAA Boys Hockey Team.

The team was selected to represent Nova Scotia at the 59^th Annual Quebec International Peewee Hockey Tournament held last month. It's a first in the team's history.

With 120 teams from 17 countries competing, our boys defeated teams from Austria, France, Atlanta, Alaska, Arizona, and Quebec, and made it all the way to the semifinals.

I want to acknowledge Halifax Armdale's own A.J. Metlej, the team's strong and supportive captain, and congratulate Tyler Lirette on finishing second overall with eight points and who, in his own words, doesn't let his type 1 diabetes hold him back on the ice or anywhere else.

I ask all members to join me in wishing the Chebucto Peewee AAA boys the best of luck.

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

THOMPSON, KENYA: EMERGING LEADER AWARD - CONGRATS.

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Kenya Thompson, a student at Mount Saint Vincent University and also the Elections Coordinator for Mount Saint Vincent University's Student Union. Kenya is passionate about engaging youth in the political system.

I came to know Kenya when she asked to volunteer in my constituency office. From that first meeting, she eagerly accepted the role of mentor to the newly-formed Timberlea-Prospect Youth Council, freely sharing her skills and talents to help the group organize.

On March 23^rd, Kenya was awarded the Emerging Leader Award at the A. Garnet Brown Student Awards Night Gala.

Kenya recently accepted a position as administrative assistant to MP Geoff Regan.

I would like the members in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly to join me in congratulating Kenya on getting the Emerging Leader Award, and thank her for inspiring other young people to become politically active. Thank you.

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

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FAIRVIEW JH: THERAPY DOG INITIATIVE - RECOGNIZE

HON. PATRICIA ARAB « » : Mr. Speaker, today, I recognize Fairview Junior High School for allowing puppy Stanley Paul Chisholm to be trained as an official therapy dog.

The students at Fairview Junior High School were thrilled to allow Stanley to be trained in their school over the past few months, and are even more excited to announce that he has passed his test to become a therapy dog for the Therapeutic Paws of Canada.

Stanley will provide supports to both students and staff at the junior high as well as making weekly visits to local seniors' homes.

I ask the members of this House to join me in congratulating Fairview Junior High School for initiating this program, and Stanley for passing his test to become a therapy dog. Thank you.

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

COOK FAM.: LAND DONATION, NAT. CONSERV. CAN. - COMMEND

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : Mr. Speaker, three brothers from Truro are donating 904 acres of mature hardwood forest in Colchester County to the Nature Conservancy of Canada for long-term conservation.

Dr. Steven Cook of Truro, along with two of his brothers, Dr. Laurie Cook and Dr. David Cook, have agreed to donate the property which is currently raising funds to cover costs associated with conserving the large property.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada is thanking the Cook family for this incredibly generous gift. They say, "It's not only a rare example of mature and intact hardwood forest, it's an outstanding wildlife habitat in a region with very few protected areas."

Located in the Cobequid Hills, about halfway between Truro and Tatamagouche, the brothers acquired the property from their father, the late Dr. George Cook. They said they decided to donate the land to the NCC in honour of their father, who put many years and a lot of care into the land, and would want to see it always remain in this natural state. I want to thank the Cook brothers for this generous donation. Thank you.

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

BEAVER BANK KINSAC CTR.: COM. HUB

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MR. BILL HORNE « » : Mr. Speaker, the heart of Beaver Bank community is the Beaver Bank Kinsac Community Centre. Built in 2004, it was destroyed in a 2009 fire. The rebuilt community centre hosts private individuals, non-profit community groups, and businesses.

From the very young children who attend the daycare, to the university students who work at the summer camps, and to the seniors' groups that meet there regularly, there is something for all residents.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Jessica Davison, who is in her 10^th year as facility coordinator. Jessica points to the volunteers for the success of the centre, as it would not function without them.

Please join me in congratulating the Beaver Bank Kinsac Community Centre.

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

SACA: COM. SERV. - RECOGNIZE

MR. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize another fantastic community organization, the Sambro & Area Community Association. The association, or SACA for short, is made up of Kimberly MacKay, Patricia Thomas, Skip Horton, Tabatha Zinc, Maurice Horton, Leslie Harness, Lori Boylan, and Natasha Roscoe, along with countless other volunteers.

SACA has organized baseball tournaments, movie nights, and of course, Sou'Wester Days. Mr. Speaker, our community is a better place because of the hard work and all the love that members and volunteers of SACA show us.

I ask that everyone recognize the members of SACA and wish them many more successful years.

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

MOTHERS' UNION: SILENT WITNESS VIGIL - COMMEND

MR. HUGH MACKAY « » : I want to recognize the Mothers' Union of the Anglican Parish of French Village, for organizing the 2^nd Annual Silent Witness Vigil as part of the national 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.

The Mothers' Union held this event last November 24^th to raise awareness among the public about the 54 women who, since 1990, have been killed by their spouse or partner in Nova Scotia as well as all women killed in Canada in a domestic violence situation. Men and women walked quietly, many carrying placards, along the side of busy St. Margarets Bay Road, or stood silently in the company of two cut-out silhouettes representing Nova Scotians Paula Gallant and Linda Paulene Boudreau. The attendance for the 2^nd Annual Silent Witness Vigil doubled from the previous year, which shows a growing awareness, and hopefully sustained awareness, of this serious social problem.

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I ask the members of the House of Assembly to join me in commending the members of the Mothers' Union of the Anglican Parish of French Village for organizing this event.

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

SIR JOHN A. MACDONALD HS: FREE TO GIVE - CONGRATS.

MR. BEN JESSOME « » : Today I would like to recognize the volunteer group at Sir. John A. Macdonald High School called Free to Give.

In December, this group of volunteers made up of students and staff hosted a community holiday movie night. The movie shown was, go figure, Home Alone, a great movie for the holidays I would agree, and included snacks and refreshments.

The movie was in support of the Shoebox Project, which provides comfort and food items to women and children in shelters during this holiday season. Admission to the movie was either an item or items for the Shoeboxes, or a monetary donation. Movie night was a great success with the support of community and commitment of volunteers.

I would ask all members of the House of Assembly to join me in congratulating and thanking the Free to Give volunteer group from Sir John A. Macdonald High School.

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

PROPOSED QUARRY EXPANSION - EFFECT ON TOURISM

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : Mr. Speaker, some northern Cape Breton residents are concerned about a proposed quarry expansion, that it could hurt tourism in the area. There is a construction company that wants to increase production at a gravel quarry it currently operates on top of Money Point Mountain, near Bay St. Lawrence, up to 50,000 tons per year actually until 2058.

However, Glenn Kosick, a Glace Bay native who has a summer home in St. Lawrence, says that the increased traffic on the road could deter tourists and upset the tranquility of the area. A Sydney native, Andrew Stevenson, also recently sold his financial planning companies so he can develop a long-term strategy to make the northeastern tip of the island an adventure tourism mecca, complete with hiking and mountain biking trails, year-round huts, and even a nano brewery.

[Page 3728]

These gentlemen are very concerned that this offer to make this a larger quarry will actually hurt their tourism in the area. While they said they understand the need to maintain roads, they think that the current volume is enough.

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

HEALTH SERV. FDN.: CURL FOR A CAUSE - CONGRATS.

MS. SUZANNE LOHNES-CROFT « » : Over the weekend of March 2^nd to March 4^th, 24 teams of curlers gathered at the Lunenburg Curling Club to partake in the 18^th Annual Curl for a Cause event.

Curl for a Cause raises funds for the Fishermen's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg. This year, the event surpassed its goal and raised a total of $44,000. These funds will be used to purchase all new equipment for the Alternate Care unit at the hospital, including two beds, two ceiling lifts, and over-the-bed tables. The silent auction, which included gift cards and items donated by community members, contributed to the success of this event. This year's Curl for a Cause also included a live auction for tickets to a Toronto Maple Leafs home game.

Mr. Speaker, I would ask that you and the members of this House of Assembly please join me in congratulating all of the hard-working volunteers and the Health Services Foundation on the success of the 18^th Annual Curl for a Cause event.

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

AL-OTUMI, AKRAM: SPRITELY, NEWCOMER WEBSITE - CONGRATS.

MS. RAFAH DICOSTANZO « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize an entrepreneur in my riding who recently launched an innovative application for newcomers.

Akram Al-otumi is the founder and CEO of Spritely, a new website that aims to show newcomers around their new site. Spritely has a network of local experts who can be hired to show newcomers the best retail outlets, entertainment sites, health facilities, and more. Users specify their needs, and Spritely's city experts take them on a tour.

Akram was inspired by his own experience as a newcomer to Halifax, from Yemen. He knows how it feels to arrive in a new place with no connections. He hopes that this new platform will make it easier for newcomers to find their way around their new home.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that the members of this House join me in congratulating Akram on the successful launch of Spritely and for his leadership in helping newcomers feel more at home.

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

THE REAL SCOOP: NEW ENTERPRISE - BEST WISHES

MR. KEITH IRVING « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring your attention to a fantastic new business in Wolfville, The Real Scoop Ice Cream and Espresso Shop.

Owner and entrepreneur Tammy Skater moved to Wolfville from Ontario in 2017 and soon after started to focus on her dream of opening her own business. She wanted a business that would bring joy to both herself and her customers, and felt that an ice cream shop would be the perfect fit.

The Real Scoop offers customers the opportunity to enjoy made-on-site premium ice cream, unique toppings, fresh Belgium Liege waffles, and exceptional espresso. They are strongly committed to using real, high-quality, and local ingredients.

It's terrific to see entrepreneurs like Tammy moving to Nova Scotia to start businesses and contribute to the vitality of our communities. I invite all members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly to join me in wishing Tammy and The Real Scoop team the very best with this exciting new venture.

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

JOHNSON, BRUCE: COM. LEADERSHIP - THANKS

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Bruce Johnson is a pharmacist and partner at PharmaChoice City Drug in Yarmouth. He made history over 40 years ago as the first Nova Scotian of African descent to graduate from pharmacy school in the province, paving the way for others to follow in his footsteps.

Bruce is an active member of our community who helped establish the Black Employment Resource Centre in Yarmouth 20 years ago. He is also very active with the Black Business Initiative, serving on its youth board and establishing Business is Jammin', which promotes entrepreneurship and encourages youth to cultivate the skills and confidence to discover their inner entrepreneur.

Bruce visits with youth in our local schools to encourage and remind them to reach their fullest potential. He is a basketball coach and active volunteer and fundraiser for the Yarmouth Boys and Girls Club.

I would like to ask this House to join me in recognizing Yarmouth's Bruce Johnson for being a true leader in his profession, and in thanking him for sharing the priceless gift of both his wisdom and time with our community.

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

ULCH, CAROLYN: COM. SERV. - THANKS

HON. KELLY REGAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to tell you a bit about a woman who is heavily involved in our community.

Carolyn Ulch has been a member of, and volunteer with, the Bedford Lawn Bowls for 13 years. She stepped up to be the club's director, vice-president, president, past-president, and treasurer. She served as an umpire at the national championships in 2016, and she coordinates and trains coaches for Lawn Bowls Nova Scotia.

Carolyn is enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and well-organized. She sets high standards for herself and you can always depend on her. In her spare time, Carolyn also volunteers as a math tutor.

It's no surprise that Carolyn was honoured with an HRM Volunteer Award in 2008. In 2016, she was named the Bedford Lawn Bowls Volunteer of the Year and Lawn Bowls Nova Scotia Volunteer of the Year. In 2017, she was honoured at the Bedford Volunteer Awards, and she has recently been honoured by the Sackville Seniors Council, and Recreation Nova Scotia.

I would like to thank Carolyn Ulch for her many years of volunteering. Mr. Speaker, all of us are grateful for her service.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Thank you very much for those Statements by Members.

We'll now move to Oral Questions Put by Members to Ministers.

[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. - DOCTOR SHORTAGE: COMMITMENT - ACTION

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MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : In January 2015, the Amherst News ran the following headline: "Three new family doctors have joined the medical staff at the All Saints Collaborative Emergency Centre in Springhill." Sadly, this week residents learned that Doctor Zaremba will be leaving her Springhill practice in June.

Dr. Zaremba completed her residency at Dalhousie University and is a graduate of Queen Elizabeth High School in Halifax. She received a Bachelor of Science, neuroscience, actually, at Dalhousie University prior to her decision to enter the field of medicine.

Will the Premier explain to the residents of Springhill, who need a family doctor now, what to expect now that Dr. Zaremba is leaving?

THE PREMIER » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. As I've said to the honourable member many times, we're moving to collaborative care practices across the province. Our health care teams are telling us it is what they want to be able to practise in. We've been able to attract 100 new physicians who are in communities across the province.

We know there's more work to do. It's why we continue to work with Doctors Nova Scotia and our health care teams to ensure that we provide a myriad of options for all of those health care practitioners who want to practise in this province.

MS. MACFARLANE « » : I realize we are transitioning, but people need doctors now. Dr. Zaremba is not the first of the trio announced in January 2015 to leave. Last month Dr. Farangi left her practice in Springhill as well. She came to the area under the CAPP program, having received her Doctor of Medicine degree from the Iran University of Medical Sciences, and worked in Montreal and New Jersey.

The government's website though is advertising for only one physician for the community of Springhill. Has the Premier given up on replacing the two departing doctors in Springhill?

THE PREMIER « » : No.

MS. MACFARLANE « » : Well it looks like it, it seems that way. Mr. Speaker, there's not only a doctor shortage in Springhill, there is a doctor shortage all across Nova Scotia. People are going without primary care and that's a dangerous and frightening thing. Too many Nova Scotians are frustrated and afraid.

I feel that the Premier and his government are insulating themselves from this crisis. I don't have a doctor, my children don't have a doctor, and obviously we are just a few of the 100,000 in this province.

[Page 3732]

I want to know, will the Premier tell this House today exactly what he is going to do to honour his commitment of a doctor for every Nova Scotian?

THE PREMIER « » : I want to thank the honourable member for the question. Again I want to lay out to her the plan of collaborative care across the province, continue to work with so many health care teams. We have attracted 100 new physicians.

What we have noticed, Mr. Speaker, that physicians want to practise differently than they have in the past. Unfortunately for successive decades, previous governments ignored the fact of the issue. Doctors will tell you that themselves.

We now know we have to put together a model that reflects the reality of today. We'll continue to work with them to make sure we provide them the environment in this province that they want to practise in. We're looking forward to continuing to build on the great work that the previous Minister of Health and Wellness was able to accomplish and the current Minister of Health and Wellness has been able to do.

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

PREM.: $15/HR. MIN. WAGE - COMPELLING CASE

MR. GARY BURRILL « » : Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, Chester area entrepreneur Tim Moore announced his plans to increase wages for employees at Oceanstone Seaside Resort, Moore Executive Suites, and Premier Self Storage. He went on to say that a $15 minimum wage, in his view, is way overdue and that it is hard for someone to survive on less than $15 an hour. I'll table this.

Mr. Speaker, I want to ask the Premier, will he acknowledge - as so many people in business across our country are doing - that there is a real and compelling case for the macro economic benefits of a $15 minimum wage?

THE PREMIER « » : I want to thank the honourable member for the question. I want to thank Mr. Moore and all those Nova Scotians who are out there working and putting their own capital on the line and providing economic opportunities, continuing to drive economic growth in our province, continuing to see us, when you look in the federation, as a positive place to invest and continue to see good hope for this province.

As the honourable member is talking about the minimum wage, every employer in this province has the right, and many do, to pay whatever they believe the going rate is for the particular position they are paying. What we have said for those in this province who are being paid minimum wage, we believe the best way to ensure that they have continued buying power is to adjust the basic personal exemption inside our province. If you look at the adjustments we've made, the largest single tax cut in the history of our province has gone to low-income Nova Scotians.

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It's why we continue to make sure affordable housing is in place and why we're going to continue to make sure that rent supplements are there, to make sure those vulnerable Nova Scotians who require our support are getting it.

MR. BURRILL « » : Mr. Speaker, in Port Williams, Ross Patterson and his wife, Erin, own a restaurant called The Noodle Guy. They have 12 people working there, eight of them full time. The base pay at The Noodle Guy is $15, and Mr. Patterson attributes much of his success in this business to this policy.

In a recent interview, which I'll table, he said, "If you take the attitude that when you pay people property (sic) they'll find a solution to help us be profitable, it's way better than saying 'we can't do it.'"

Mr. Speaker, can the Premier not see how, as Ross Patterson demonstrates, a $15 minimum wage can be a very important part of a successful business model in small business?

THE PREMIER « » : Many entrepreneurs across this province are making decisions based on their own economic model about how they drive the economic opportunity for themselves, the community, and the people who work for them.

Again, I want to thank all of them for the tremendous work and the amount of confidence they have been showing in the last three years inside of our government, inside of this province. Without their support, we would not have been able to reverse the trend of out-migration of young people. Without their support, we would not see the young people getting hope of creating new opportunity in this province. Without their support, we would not see the optimism in putting capital back into our economy to grow good jobs and economic opportunity.

What we've said when it comes to minimum wage, Mr. Speaker - we gradually increased that in every one of our sessions in this province, using the formula by the NDP. On top of that, we've adjusted the basic personal exemption so that the lowest-income people in our province get the best and biggest bang for their buck and we'll be giving them more buying power.

MR. BURRILL « » : Thank you. Mr. Speaker, yesterday in the House, the Premier continued to speak on the basis of his contention that substantial increases in the minimum wage result in reduced hours for workers in minimum-wage settings. But Dalhousie's Karen Foster, the Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Rural Futures for Atlantic Canada, told Nova Scotia media this week that this claim has - and I'll table this - no credible evidence behind it and no basis in fact.

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Mr. Speaker, I want to ask the Premier, is he impervious to this rising chorus of business and professional voices that find his arguments against a $15 minimum wage to be somewhat empty?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the comments from the honourable member. I listen to all Nova Scotians. That is one of the challenges of the Premier « » : you've got to make sure that you hear every voice inside our province to ensure that you strike the right balance when you are providing a public policy.

It's why we continue to have these tough conversations with the labour movement. We need to be able to ensure that we can spread all of the wealth across the province and that every Nova Scotian has an opportunity. It's why we continue to make strategic investments and grow good opportunities, and it's why, when we had an opportunity to put ourselves in good fiscal health, the largest single tax cut in the history of the province was focused to low-income Nova Scotians. It's why we have been able to get ourselves in good fiscal health.

We brought in probably one of the most progressive social policies in our province's history by the pre-Primary program that the honourable member voted against, which ensures that, regardless of the socioeconomic circumstances you are born into in this province, if you are a four-year-old who wants to go to school and learn and work hard with the professionals that we're putting in front of them, your opportunities will be endless in this province.

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

H&W - CBRM (N. SYD.): MARCH OF CONCERN - MIN. ATTEND

MR. EDDIE ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Health and Wellness. The people in the CBRM area are seriously concerned that what little health care they have is eroding away. Many are without a family doctor, and in an emergency they must first consult with the newspaper to figure out which emergency room is open and where to go. People are desperate for some assurances that services will continue.

On April 28^th at noon there will be a march on Commercial Street in North Sydney to demonstrate the concern the community has about the future of health care and the services in the area.

My question to the Minister of Health and Wellness is, will the minister agree to come to North Sydney on the 28^th to meet with the community and tell them their services will be preserved?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Indeed Mr. Speaker, we continue to provide health care services to Nova Scotians across the province with our partners, the Nova Scotia Health Authority and the IWK, as well as other partners providing front-line care. We also work with those partners to continue recruitment efforts to strengthen our primary care access by expanding access to family physicians, and also with other health care providers like nurses, nurse practitioners, family practice nurses, social workers, and other health care providers working together as teams to enhance access to primary care in all of our communities.

[Page 3735]

MR. ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, it's great that he's willing to work with the health care workers and the partners. Is he willing to work with our community to keep our services there?

The people are worried. They live through rotating ER closures, year-long wait-lists for mental health services, a dwindling roster of family doctors, and a continued decline in specialty services.

They shouldn't have to march to get the attention of the minister, but that's what it's coming to Mr. Speaker. The least the minister can do is come and meet with them, work with them, and give them some assurance.

My question is, does the minister understand that his absence from this event will be taken as confirmation that more services will be removed from Cape Breton?

MR. DELOREY « » : I believe that if you look at the work that has been done, Mr. Speaker, including the successes that we have had, if you look at the progress we have had on recruiting primary care access, the area of the province that's actually seen the most success has actually been in Cape Breton (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please.

The honourable Minister of Health and Wellness has the floor.

MR. DELOREY « » : My colleague, the Minister of Municipal Affair, recently wrote an op-ed for his community in Sydney which showed that the most recent data we have tracking people looking for a family physician, family practice access (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. If I have to call order again, we'll be escalating things to the next level.

The honourable Minister of Health and Wellness has the floor.

MR. DELOREY « » : Actually, we have seen the most increase of people coming off the 811 Need a Family Practice List. So we are investing, and we are improving in the area.

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

[Page 3736]

INT. SERV. - HEALTH SYS. RECORDS: UNAVAILABLE - CONCERN

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Internal Services. The purpose of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act is to ensure public bodies are fully accountable to the public by giving them the right to access records.

Our office filed a request for information from the Nova Scotia Health Authority and was told the records that were held by the regional health authorities before amalgamations were no longer available. Essentially, the records available to the public and to other bodies only go back to April 1, 2015.

Mr. Speaker, is the minister concerned about the accountability of our health care system if we can no longer access these public records?

HON. PATRICIA ARAB « » : I would like to thank the member for the question. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank the members of our FOIPOP Office, who work tirelessly day in and day out to make sure not only that our private information is protected but also that our public are given access to government records and government documents. They work with any requesters to help find the information that they're looking for. They're always willing to find new and better ways to make sure that this information is accessible and is easily gained by whoever is requesting it.

MR. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, you can't erase public records and say, you can no longer gain access to it because of a government decision to amalgamate district health authorities.

This possible loss of records is one of many concerns about this government's hasty approach to eliminating the regional school boards for example. Each school board, Mr. Speaker, held records about staffing and class sizes among many other things, which are extremely important and which the public and other bodies deserve to know if they want to ask questions about it. I worry that when our office files requests in the future, not only for health records but also those of the school board, we will not be able to gain access to them before April 1, 2018, for the school boards for example.

What steps did the minister take to make sure records were not lost in the transition from the elected school boards to the regional education centres?

MS. ARAB « » : I really want to emphasize for the member how important openness and transparency is to this government. We have started with the open data portal that went live last year, where all government records and statuses are kept and are open to the public without having to going through FOIPOP. They are there, and they are accessible to anyone in the public.

[Page 3737]

We take the issue of freedom of information extremely seriously. Our office, which administers this Act, takes it extremely seriously. We will work with anyone who has a request to make sure that the information they are looking for is given to them.

[10:15 a.m.]

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

H&W - FAMILY PHYSICIANS: WAIT-LIST (CBRM) - INFO. TABLE

MR. EDDIE ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, the biggest concern in the minds of people in the CBRM - the Sydney area, as it was so-called in the op-ed piece from the Minister of Municipal Affairs - is that the Minister of Health and Wellness is concerned that there are 83 people without a family doctor.

Now, Mr. Speaker, the Sydney area in my books is CBRM - North Sydney, New Waterford, Glace Bay, Sydney, and surrounding areas. If he thinks that I believe there are 83 people on that list and that's all who need a family doctor, he's fooling himself.

Will the minister table the amount of people on that list and where they are from in Cape Breton, in CBRM?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I don't believe I need to table that information. I believe it's available on the 811 website. If he wants me to table it, I would be happy to do so, but I do believe that it is also available on the website.

MR. ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, there will people marching on April 28^th in the streets of North Sydney over health care concerns in the CBRM. I challenge the minister, I request the minister, to show up at that meeting and tell this to the people of North Sydney to set their mind at ease, and that the health care is in good shape in Cape Breton Island and there is no crisis.

Will the minister attend this meeting on the 28^th of April, yes or no?

MR. DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I've highlighted the progress and the work we are making to improve access to primary care and health care services across the province - in Cape Breton and across the province. We'll continue to do that work with our partners in the Nova Scotia Health Authority and the IWK. Thank you.

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

H&W - MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS: LACK OF - EXPLAIN

[Page 3738]

MS. KIM MASLAND « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Health and Wellness. Recently, one of my constituents came to me with a very upsetting story of trying to find help for her son. This young man from Shelburne has been suffering for three years with anxiety and depression issues. He reached a crisis point last week, and his mother was told that the doctor on duty at Roseway Hospital could see him that afternoon.

This woman's son, whose eyes were swollen red from crying, didn't move past triage. They ended up waiting almost six hours in the waiting room before this desperate young man gave up and asked his mother if they could just go home. There was a doctor on duty that day but my constituent later found out that he was only seeing patients for follow-up appointments.

Does the minister think it's appropriate to have patients in mental health crises sit all day without being told there is no chance they will be seen by a mental health professional?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, of course we would expect that within our health care services - I can't speak specifically about the individual case the member has brought forward - but we'd certainly expect our health care professionals to work with all people, whatever their health care needs, whether it's mental health, whether it's trauma or other health conditions they are showing up with for emergency care, to be triaged and treated appropriately by the professional health care clinicians at the front line.

MS. MASLAND « » : Mr. Speaker, no matter how many times this minister stands up and recites the paltry efforts of his government, I can assure him that it is not making a difference for Nova Scotians in need, especially this young man. This young man was in crisis on a hospital property. Even after he was triaged, no one at Roseway advised him that the hospital did not have the resources for mental health crises that afternoon.

I want the minister to put himself in the shoes of this young man, reaching out at his absolute lowest point, only to find an indifferent system that has been neglected and mismanaged.

My question to the minister is, will the minister admit that the lack of mental health triage protocol is a glaring, sad example of this government's failure to maintain mental health supports?

MR. DELOREY « » : I sincerely thank the member for raising this question in the Legislature today. We all recognize the growing importance of addressing mental health services for people across this province, young and old, and those in between. That's why the efforts that are ongoing include establishing a central intake process to ensure standardization so that all Nova Scotians, regardless of where they are at, are being treated and triaged and provided the care and services and support in the same way, Mr. Speaker.

[Page 3739]

That's the work that's ongoing. We've recognized these types of challenges - they've existed, Mr. Speaker, for a number of years. But we are working with our partners to make those improvements, and that central intake system should address the types of situations the member has brought forward today.

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

H&W - COBEQUID HEALTH CTR.: QEII REDEV. PLAN - NO MENTION

MR. BRAD JOHNS « » : Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, Health and Wellness, and the Nova Scotia Health Authority announced tenders worth $5.1 million for expansions and renovations at the Dartmouth General. That's great news for the people of Dartmouth and it dovetails on the changes of the Halifax Infirmary, Hants Community Hospital, and the Bayers Lake Community Outpatients Centre.

The areas missing though, from the plan, are the growing suburban communities of Sackville, Beaver Bank, Hammonds Plains, Bedford, and Lucasville, which are all caught in no man's land among these facilities.

Will the Minister of Health and Wellness please explain why the Cobequid Community Health Centre is not mentioned in the QEII Redevelopment Plan?

MR. DELOREY « » : The QEII Redevelopment Plan, as the members would know, is quite extensive and ongoing. Rather than waiting for all steps to be brought together in one piece, we recognize that there are opportunities to do segments of the work in steps, and that's what's been ongoing, Mr. Speaker. As the member cited, we've seen work done in many communities outside of the core on the peninsula - in Dartmouth and Hants, and other parts of the province.

So, that work is ongoing and it's just as each step goes along, we'll be making those announcements.

MR. JOHNS « » : The Cobequid Community Health Centre is a modern facility with great potential, however the minister and partner groups continue to fail to meet the needs of the people of the Sackville area, to evaluate their future needs. We certainly want to see what segments of Cobequid Health are coming forward for us. A part-time health care facility just is not adequate to support these growing populations.

So, my question through you to the minister would be, will the minister commit coming out to my constituency to meet with the residents of Sackville, Beaver Bank, Lucasville, Fall River, Bedford, and the surrounding areas, to make sure that the future health care needs can be met in their home community?

[Page 3740]

MR. DELOREY « » : The work that we do, Mr. Speaker, across the province is look at the needs of all Nova Scotians. We're working with our partners at the Nova Scotia Health Authority to evaluate and identify exactly where the services are required, where are the opportunities for expanding services and leveraging the strengths of areas that are already providing exceptional services. That's the work that's ongoing and, again, we're doing that for all communities across this province.

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

PREM. - SMILING GOAT: WAGE DISPUTE - INTERVENE

MS. TAMMY MARTIN « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to direct this question to the Premier.

Mr. Speaker, the baristas at the Smiling Goat aren't smiling. They've been picketing and protesting for the past few weeks to draw attention to the fact that their employer owes them thousands of dollars in wages. In fact, they were out again this morning raising awareness about the wage theft they are experiencing.

Does the Premier believe that the employees should have to march and picket in the streets in order to receive their paycheques?

THE PREMIER « » : No.

MS. MARTIN « » : Thank you, Mr. Premier.

It has been months now and the situation still isn't resolved. Earlier this week the workers at the Smiling Goat filed an unfair labour practice complaint against their employee after a fellow employee was fired in connection with the worker's unionization efforts.

Mr. Speaker, will the Premier commit to personally intervening in this case to ensure that the Smiling Goat baristas are paid what they are owed?

THE PREMIER « » : I want to thank the honourable member for the question. She, in her answer, alluded to the process that is ongoing, Mr. Speaker. I encourage any Nova Scotian, quite frankly, who feels they're not being treated appropriately, to use the structure in place to ensure that both parties are heard, both sides are heard and then a resolution can be brought forward.

I, like all Nova Scotians, want to ensure that when you go to work and put in an honest day's work, you get paid for the income that you were promised, and all Nova Scotians deserve to have that, as these workers do as well.

[Page 3741]

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

H&W: LONG-TERM CARE BEDS: NEED - ACKNOWLEDGE

MS. BARBARA ADAMS « » : Mr. Speaker, my question through you is to the Minister of Health and Wellness.

In this year's budget, there was a statement, on Page 6, that said "Nova Scotians want to live at home for as long as possible. That is why, since coming to office, we have continued to increase funding for home care service . . ." What is left unsaid is that we have not increased funding for long-term care.

I have a constituent who is on the home care wait-list. He is also a veteran. This gentleman fell about three weeks ago and broke his ankle. He already and multiple other health issues. Since then this man has been in and out of the ER and doctors' offices four times in the past week alone. He is very clear that he does not want to stay home and he is on the list.

Can the minister admit that not everybody wants to stay home and not everybody should be staying at home?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, indeed we recognize that not at all times can Nova Scotians stay at home. What we've said very clearly is that our approach is in recognizing that Nova Scotians want to stay at home as long as possible. Of course situations change and one's care needs change and as they increase, of course that when people move forward into the long-term care system.

MS. ADAMS « » : Mr. Speaker, this man is already on the long-term care wait-list and this number of falls did not change his status one iota because there are too many people in the wait-list.

One in five seniors who falls and breaks a hip will die from the complications within the first year. Unfortunately despite all efforts from the government and the Nova Scotia Health Authority and all other agencies, the rate of falls in seniors has not changed in the last 10 years. Staying at home may be the worst option for some seniors, an option that can endanger their lives.

Until such time as there are sufficient home care and health care services in the home, will the minister admit that long-term care beds are needed in this province to reduce suffering and to save lives of Nova Scotians?

MR. DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, indeed one of the reasons we continue to invest so heavily in home care is to make sure the services are available for Nova Scotia in communities across this province, so we are continuing that work while at the same time our changes and focus on the long-term care system has seen a reduction in wait times, has seen a reduction in the number of people waiting, whether they are waiting in hospital or at home for long-term care. We've reduced that length of time that they have to wait and the number of people who are waiting. That's progress, Mr. Speaker.

[Page 3742]

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

TIR - NEW MINAS REPAVING: ON SCHEDULE - REASSURE

MR. JOHN LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. On March 22^nd TIR issued a tender for a project in Kings County, repaving through New Minas. Residents had been waiting several years for this announcement. However, a week later this tender was cancelled, stating it would be retendered at later date.

When the residents of Kings South and Kings North raised the issue on social media the project was retendered with an additional 1.3 kilometres added.

Mr. Speaker, people have been stopped in New Minas by the RCMP for dangerous driving as they dodged the potholes on Commercial Street. In fact the rumour locally is that one person actually got a ticket for that.

My question, will the minister reassure residents of Kings South and Kings North that this project will go ahead this season without further delays in tendering or completion?

HON. LLOYD HINES « » : Thank you very much for the question. The good news story here is that the actual project was changed in scope to expand the amount of work that was going to be done. That required, in all fairness, for us to retender so that all the people who were doing this had a chance at the new scope. It was beyond what we could entertain without going back to retender. So the original project has been expanded by I believe 1.7 kilometres. It was retendered yesterday, Mr. Speaker.

MR. LOHR « » : I'd like to thank the minister for that answer.

Mr. Speaker, part of this tendered area is the intersection of Highway No. 358 and Trunk 1 in Greenwich, Exit 11. This intersection has been the scene of many accidents and these accidents seem to be the result of poor design in the intersection. Transport trucks that have come off Highway No. 101 and want to turn onto Trunk 1 don't have enough room to actually make the corner to go into New Minas. Cars that are coming from New Minas and want to turn north to go into Kings North on Highway No. 358 have poor visibility of oncoming traffic because the left-turning lane coming from Wolfville is really too tight to the intersection.

[Page 3743]

My question for the minister is, can the minister tell me if the safety of this intersection at Greenwich of Trunk 1 and Highway No. 358 will be reviewed and improved as part of this project?

[10:30 a.m.]

MR. HINES « » : I can assure the member and the members of the public that safety is of highest consideration. Where opportunities exist in current contracts to improve safety, those opportunities are taken.

I would just like to say that, through the constant intervention of the member for Kings South over this project and that intersection, the department is very aware of the process there and in particular in expanding the scope of this contract.

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

TIR - NORTHERN REGION: BUDGET CUT - EXPLAIN

MR. TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, my colleague from Kings North said a person got a ticket for stopping for a pothole. I would like to confirm to the House, that was not the member for Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley. (Laughter)

I was surprised to learn in Budget Estimates yesterday that the TIR budget for the northern region was cut by $1.2 million. This is while other regions saw increases in their funding. The northern region, which includes Pictou County, struggled to keep up with required road maintenance under its budget last year. This year, they'll have to make do with less.

I would like to ask the minister, can he explain why the northern region had its budget cut while other regions have seen an increase in their budgets?

HON. LLOYD HINES « » : As we explained yesterday to the member, a discrepancy in the winter budget has resulted in a change in the numbers between the various regions. That discrepancy affected the northern region significantly.

The reality is that the department allocates the funds on the basis of the kilometrage in the area. In the instance of the western region versus the northern region, the western region has a lot more kilometres.

MR. HOUSTON « » : The minister did say it had something to do with the discrepancy in the winter budget, but there are no fewer kilometres in the northern region this year than there were last year. Presumably there are no more kilometres in the western region this year than there were last year, so I am at odds to figure out what the situation is.

[Page 3744]

The residents of the northern region pay their fuel taxes. They pay to register their vehicles. They dodge potholes just like the rest of us. They inch out onto major roads so they can see around the brush that's overgrown on the sides to see if they can safely enter the road. All of these things are happening all over the province. Why is the budget for the northern region being reduced? It's a simple question. To say that we're maybe expecting a mild winter is not a good answer.

I ask the minister, what is the very real impact of the budget cut on the northern region? How will the operators in the northern region absorb the cut in their budget? What is the real impact?

MR. HINES « » : I have explained that the majority of the change is attributable to the change in the winter budget.

Let me just say, Mr. Speaker, that in this budget, this government has increased the RIM budget by $1 million. That will provide more money for the northern region. We have added $2 million in brush cutting across the province, some of which will accumulate to the northern region.

The money that this government is spending in all the regions across the province for maintenance work and to improve our roads, including the gravel program, which is extensively going to impact the northern region, is a tribute to our commitment to roads in this province.

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

H&W - DARTMOUTH: COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE TEAMS - DETAILS

MS. CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, a few weeks ago, the minister announced that two collaborative family practice teams would be coming to Dartmouth and another would be expanding. This is good news for Dartmouth where 40 per cent of our family doctors will retire within five years.

I'm worried though that these investments won't be enough to deal with the acute need in my community, which I certainly see every day in my office. Can the minister tell the House exactly how many Dartmouth residents these collaborative practice teams will take off the waiting list?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : I don't have the numbers for those specific sites with me. What I can assure the member is that any time you're bringing new primary care providers - be they physicians, nurse practitioners, family practice nurses - to the front lines, to our communities, they're seeing patients. They're making sure that Nova Scotians - in this case, her residents in Dartmouth - are seeing the right health care provider for their primary health care needs.

[Page 3745]

MS. CHENDER « » : In Dartmouth alone, 7,834 people are on the waiting list for a family doctor. From January 1^st to March 1^st, 2,280 people in the central zone added their names to the waiting list. That doesn't take in those who have gotten on the list yet.

According to the NSHA, there are also currently 35 family physician vacancies in the central zone. Dartmouth is headed for primary care chaos. Can the minister tell me when Dartmouth residents can expect family physician vacancies to be filled in our community?

MR. DELOREY « » : Efforts for recruiting physicians and other primary care health providers in Dartmouth and across the province are obviously ongoing, Mr. Speaker, and will continue until the needs are met.

In addition to that, this government has taken steps to work with our partners at Doctors Nova Scotia to identify new funding formulas and programs to incentivize physicians to address these needs, to address and take on more patients within their practice. These are all steps that are going to positively affect all Nova Scotians finding primary care services in their communities.

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

MUN. AFFS.: SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE - ASSISTANCE

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Municipal Affairs.

In 1982, the Province of Nova Scotia assumed the care and control of all school infrastructure throughout the province as a result of the Walker Commission report. Here we are, 35 years later, having the facilities returned to communities without consideration of the burden they might place on limited municipal budgets.

My question to the minister is, what process does the minister use to assist struggling municipalities when faced with such unfortunate circumstances?

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Mr. Speaker, I had multiple conversations with municipalities when I was on tour about this question. Some of the municipalities have been very innovative with those facilities. Some of them have been transferred over to the private sector, which they've turned into various living accommodations for residents in the area.

Specific to some of the communities in Cape Breton, they've used them for more community centres in the areas that they represent. We're always open to suggestions and support that we can provide to municipalities with these pieces of infrastructure and any other municipal infrastructure that they have.

[Page 3746]

MS. MACFARLANE « » : We know that many school boards have determined that many schools are no longer of use, and in the case of the Town of Pictou, we are now facing the critical decision of whether to demolish or repurpose Pictou Academy.

I know the government has entered into negotiations with the Municipality of Annapolis County to transform a former school in Bridgetown - perhaps actually the Premier's constituency - so I'm just wondering if perhaps the minister would agree to actually meet myself, the mayor, and the councillors of Pictou to help determine what would be the best future of our historic Pictou Academy, the first educational school in Nova Scotia?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd be happy to respond. She referenced my constituency and the school in Bridgetown, which seems to get lots of attention. I really appreciate the fact that people have paid attention.

The reality of it is that the new school that is built next to the existing school is in the same property. The athletic fields are part of that. The current school structure actually belongs to the Province of Nova Scotia. As we were developing that project on a go-forward basis with the community, we need that piece of land.

What I will tell the honourable member - I've said this many times to all municipal leaders - is that we're prepared to have a conversation about absorbing all of the school properties that they have - providing we get them all, not just the ones that they believe have no value.

The fact of the matter is, we'll work with them, as we worked with community organizations, to repurpose these schools. We will continue to do so. I want to assure the honourable member that the good member for Sydney-Whitney Pier, the Minister of Municipal Affairs, would be happy to sit down with any municipality to continue that conversation.

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

BUS - WOODS HBR.: CELL SERVICE - PLANS

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : My question is to the Minister of Business. We've heard many questions in this house about areas in Cape Breton that lack sufficient or reliable cellphone service. I'd like to note that this is more than a regional problem. Other regions in this province lack cellphone service as well, and one of those communities is Woods Harbour in Shelburne County in my constituency.

[Page 3747]

They had it, actually, but something happened and now most of that service is gone - they repointed the towers, or whatever the excuses from the cellphone companies are.

My question is, can the Minister of Business tell this House if there are any plans or anywhere to influence these mobile companies to bring cell service to Woods Harbour and other communities that are now underserviced by them?

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN » : The reality is that we can't force, or in any way impose upon, private sector operators to take on projects, take on services that result in, again, the technical term is market failure, but really that there is no way to have profit after the investment is made. That obviously falls to the government and that's why we're so proud of the efforts we've made. We know there is that gap.

The broadband $120 million - an historic investment in the province, historic investment in the country really with respect to what we're doing to connect Nova Scotians. Very historic.

This provides us with a tremendous opportunity to add to the infrastructure that includes cellphones, so when we're talking about broadband towers - the pipeline, the infrastructure that we need - this will be the conversation that we can have with municipal partners and communities, to add cellphone coverage to that.

MR. D'ENTREMONT « » : Here is the frustrating part about this issue in Woods Harbour - it really doesn't revolve around the equipment available. The equipment is actually there. Someone in their infinite wisdom decided that they would point the towers in different directions. It used to be pointed this way - it's now pointed out to the ocean for the fishing industry, which from a safety standpoint makes sense, but they cut loose a community that used to have it.

Millions of dollars of lobster are sold from Woods Harbour on a regular basis - I would say especially during the month of December. Millions of dollars of lobster are sold from there and that business is done on cellphones. The world does their business on cellphones today. With no access, from a business standpoint - kids even are finding themselves having to talk to their parents because they can't use their cellphones either. (Laughter)

Mr. Speaker, is there a strategy to fill gaps in coverage and bring cellphone service to all parts of Nova Scotia so they can do business to the world?

MR. MACLELLAN « » : Yes, this government - and all governments, all representatives - want to make sure we do whatever we can to avoid human beings having conversations with each other, so we are committed to that. (Laughter)

[Page 3748]

In all reality, this is a great opportunity for us. The member talked about cellphone coverage and the lobster industry and seafood, which is now our number one export for the province. This speaks to our economy. It speaks to our safety.

Again, this is the opportunity for Nova Scotians to have the discussion about Internet connectivity and Internet service, along with cellphones, and having that connected as well. So whether it's infrastructure or the programming in place, the broadband investment we made - a very historic broadband investment - will make sure that we get closer to that finish line.

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

TIR - CHIGNECTO ISTHMUS: PROTECTION - ADDRESS

MS. ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Mr. Speaker, the Mayor of Amherst has taken a real leadership role in addressing the problems of climate change leading to rising sea levels, especially the related potential threats to Amherst and the fertile marshlands on the Chignecto Isthmus.

The crumbling dikes along the Tantramar Marshes need to be repaired or replaced. They protect both the Trans Canada Highway and the CN Rail line. Our mayor is working with neighboring governments in New Brunswick - at both municipal and federal levels.

Can the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal share with us here in the Legislature what his department is currently doing to address this serious threat to local infrastructure?

HON. LLOYD HINES « » : I really appreciate the question from the member opposite. It gives me a chance to stand up and talk about what a wonderful province we live in in Nova Scotia, which is virtually an island, with the exception of that connection to the North American mainland, which is the Chignecto Isthmus, and how important that is to Nova Scotia and how the Tantramar - which is a French Acadian term that describes our heritage in this province - and how those industrious Acadians built those dikes to hold back the ocean to create that fertile land that she talks about. It's very important to our economy and to our province. It is just an outstanding example of the various levels of government working together.

MS. SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : I love the history about Cumberland County - keep sharing, that's great. However, back to the topic. The local municipal leaders are very concerned. I would like to table a document they're quoting, "The extent of damage of a major flood event on the isthmus will ripple across Canada, hugely effect (sic) our two provinces, and will be devastating to local governments at both ends of the Tantramar Marsh."

[Page 3749]

[10:45 a.m.]

In 2016, a study of this topic by Natural Resources Canada, estimates that a flood will interrupt road and rail activity here causing over $50 million a day in lost commerce. The report also examined adaptation options and found the most cost-effective measure was to shorten and re-engineer the dykes with specific intention to protect priority infrastructure.

My question to the Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister is, when can we expect this important work to begin?

MR. HINES « » : Along with the history and beauty of that area, it is also a very important commercial artery for all of Nova Scotia and beyond Nova Scotia, and into Newfoundland and Labrador.

I'm happy to tell the House and tell the member that over the past, almost a year, we've struck a committee which involves the local municipalities, involves the federal government and our department, and we're currently working on that. We have the application, we're waiting to hear from a major review between the parties to determine what the status is, work out what the best solutions are - we hope to have that started this year.

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

COM. SERV. - SM. OPTIONS HOMES: COMMITMENTS - CLARIFY

MS. SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Community Services. The government has made a commitment to helping people with disabilities transition from larger residential facilities into smaller community-based option homes, but progress has been slow.

The budget promises eight small options homes this year, last year the budget promised four new homes in 2017-18, and a Liberal platform promise was made that four more would be developed this year.

Mr. Speaker, can the minister clarify if four new homes were opened in 2017-18 as promised and, specifically, how many small options homes will be open this year?

HON. KELLY REGAN « » : Indeed, Mr. Speaker, this was an issue. When we came to office, we noticed that people were not moving out into the community. We knew that there had been a dearth of small options homes built over the last number of years. We made that commitment. Planning for those four began last year, we expect them to roll out this year, so the four are part of the eight.

[Page 3750]

MS. LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, the Community Homes Action Group has expressed deep disappointment with the very slow progress of this government. They have expressed these concerns through two province-wide surveys and two failing report cards on the progress of transformation.

While it's encouraging to see the money budgeted for community living options, it's simply not enough. Waiting lists have grown in the past year to 1,341, and this includes 443 individuals who are currently receiving no services. At the government's current pace, it will take 50 years just to place people who are already on the waiting list.

Mr. Speaker, how long does the minister plan to take to address the wait-list for people in need of small options homes?

MS. REGAN « » : I want to thank the honourable member and let her know that unlike past governments, we're actually dealing with that particular wait-list, Mr. Speaker.

I do want to assure her we are taking this matter very seriously; she will see an RFP going out very soon.

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

PREM.: LOBBYIST REGISTRATION - TRANSPARENCY

MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. When the past Prime Minister Chrétien was visiting a couple of weeks back, can the Premier tell us, when Mr. Chrétien met with him, if he took any golf balls out of his briefcase?

THE PREMIER « » : No.

MR. MACMASTER « » : Well, Mr. Speaker, how will we ever know? (Interruptions)

Well, that's what I'm highlighting here, Mr. Speaker, transparency, and the importance of having lobbyists who are meeting the province to register. So, does the Premier have any comments on that?

THE PREMIER « » : I really appreciate the comment, Mr. Speaker, it gives me an opportunity to thank all those Nova Scotians who showed confidence in our government by re-electing us after we continued to provide them good government, open government - a government that was upfront with them, took on the tough conversations with all Nova Scotians, and were direct and honest with them. It was something new for them and they rewarded us for it.

[Page 3751]

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

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

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

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

GOVERNMENT MOTIONS

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

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

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is carried.

The House will now recess for a couple of minutes while it resolves itself into a Committee of the Whole on Supply.

[10:59 a.m. The House resolved itself into a CW on Supply with Deputy Speaker Mr. Chuck Porter in the Chair.]

[3:11 p.m. CW on Supply rose and the House reconvened. Mr. Speaker, Hon. Kevin Murphy, resumed the Chair.]

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

THE CLERK » : That the Committee of the Whole on Supply has met and has come to agreement on 50 Estimate resolutions, including votes on business plans and on capital. The Chairman has been instructed to recommend these Estimates to the favourable consideration of the House, each without amendment.

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

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

The motion is carried.

[Page 3752]

The honourable Government House Leader.

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

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 120 - Entitled an Act to Provide for Defraying Certain Charges and Expenses of the Public Service of the Province. (Hon. Karen Casey)

[PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING]

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

HON. KAREN CASEY « » : Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 120 be now read for a second time.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 120.

There has been a call for a recorded vote. We will ring the bells until the Whips are satisfied.

[3:13 p.m.]

[The Division bells were rung.]

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. Are the Whips satisfied?

The Whips are satisfied.

The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 120. There will be a recorded vote and I will remind all members when your name is called, please stand tall and state a clear "yea" or "nay." The Clerks will now proceed with the recorded vote on Bill No. 120.

[The Clerk calls the roll.]

[3:18 p.m.]

[Page 3753]

YEAS	NAYS
Mr. Churchill	Mr. MacMaster
Mr. Furey	Mr. MacLeod
Ms. Regan	Mr. Bain
Mr. MacLellan	Ms. MacFarlane
Mr. McNeil	Mr. d'Entremont
Ms. Casey	Mr. David Wilson
Mr. Glavine	Mr. Burrill
Mr. Delorey	Ms. Zann
Mr. Colwell	Ms. Roberts
Ms. Miller	Ms. LeBlanc
Mr. Porter	Ms. Martin
Mr. Gordon Wilson	Ms. Chender
Mr. Hines	Ms. Smith-McCrossin
Ms. Diab	Mr. Houston
Mr. Ince	Mr. Orrell
Mr. Rankin	Ms. Adams
Mr. Mombourquette	Mr. Lohr
Ms. Arab	Mr. Johns
Mr. Horne	Ms. Masland
Mr. Maguire	Mr. Halman
Mr. MacKay	Mr. Harrison
Mr. Jessome
Ms. Lohnes-Croft
Ms. DiCostanzo
Mr. Irving

THE CLERK « » : For, 25. Against, 21.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is carried.

[PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING]

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

HON. KAREN CASEY « » : Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 120, the Appropriations Act, 2018, be now read a third time and do pass.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 120.

There has been a call for a recorded vote.

We will ring the bells until the Whips are satisfied.

[Page 3754]

[3:20 p.m.]

[The Division bells were rung.]

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order please.

We will get ready to conduct the recorded vote on Bill No. 120. I will remind all members to please stay silent while the Clerks record your vote and when your name is called, stand tall and state a simple yea or nay.

[The Clerk calls the roll.]

[4:19 p.m.]

YEAS	NAYS
Mr. Churchill	Mr. MacMaster
Mr. Furey	Mr. MacLeod
Ms. Regan	Mr. Bain
Mr. MacLellan	Ms. MacFarlane
Mr. McNeil	Mr. d'Entremont
Ms. Casey	Mr. David Wilson
Mr. Glavine	Mr. Burrill
Mr. Delorey	Ms. Zann
Mr. Colwell	Ms. Roberts
Ms. Miller	Ms. Martin
Mr. Kousoulis	Ms. Chender
Mr. Porter	Ms. Smith-McCrossin
Mr. Gordon Wilson	Mr. Houston
Mr. Hines	Mr. Orrell
Ms. Diab	Ms. Adams
Mr. Ince	Mr. Lohr
Mr. Rankin	Mr. Johns
Mr. Mombourquette	Ms. Masland
Ms. Arab	Mr. Halman
Mr. Horne	Mr. Harrison
Mr. Maguire
Mr. MacKay
Mr. Jessome
Ms. Lohnes-Croft
Ms. DiCostanzo
Mr. Irving

THE CLERK « » : For, 26. Against, 20.

[Page 3755]

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is carried.

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

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : That concludes the government business for today.

I move that the House do now rise, to meet again Tuesday, April 10, 2018, between 1:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Following the daily routine and Question Period, we will move to second reading for Bill Nos. 114, 116, and 118. With time permitting, we'll move into Committee of the Whole House on Bills to consider several bills.

I would like to add that on Monday, April 9^th, at 3:30 p.m., the Committee on Law Amendments will meet as well.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for the House to rise to meet again on Tuesday, April 10^th, between the hours of 1:00 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.

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

[The House rose at 4:23 p.m.]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

[Page 3756]

RESOLUTION NO. 1162

By: Mr. John Lohr « » (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Valley Cheer Athletic teams Mini Braves, Youth Titanium, Junior Steel, Senior Bulletproof, and IO Strike Force recently competed in the CheerExpo Nationals in Halifax on March 25, 2018; and

Whereas all five teams did extremely well, including a national championship and special awards; and

Whereas training for cheer requires teamwork, commitment, and dedication;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in offering sincere thanks to coaches Megan Shepherd and Kaija Cashin-Brown for all the hard work they put into these teams.

RESOLUTION NO. 1163

By: Mr. John Lohr « » (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Valley Cheer Athletic team Youth Titanium, recently competed in the CheerExpo Nationals in Halifax on March 25, 2018; and

Whereas Youth Titanium finished first, being the 2018 Canadian National Cheer champions; and

Whereas training for cheer requires teamwork, commitment, and dedication;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in offering sincere thanks to dedication and commitment to coaches Megan Shepherd and Kaija Cashin-Brown for all the hard work they put in and team member Addy Rogers for her dedication and commitment to the team.

RESOLUTION NO. 1164

[Page 3757]

By: Mr. John Lohr « » (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Valley Cheer Athletic team Youth Titanium recently competed in the CheerExpo Nationals in Halifax on March 25, 2018; and

Whereas Youth Titanium finished first, being the 2018 Canadian National Cheer champions; and

Whereas training for cheer requires teamwork, commitment, and dedication;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in offering sincere thanks to coaches Megan Shepherd and Kaija Cashin-Brown for all the hard work they put in and team member Ainsley Downey for her dedication and commitment to the team.

RESOLUTION NO. 1165

By: Mr. John Lohr « » (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Valley Cheer Athletic team Youth Titanium recently competed in the CheerExpo Nationals in Halifax on March 25, 2018; and

Whereas Youth Titanium finished first, being the 2018 Canadian National Cheer champions; and

Whereas training for cheer requires teamwork, commitment, and dedication;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in offering sincere thanks to coaches Megan Shepherd and Kaija Cashin-Brown for all the hard work they put in and team member Emma Porter for her dedication and commitment to the team.

RESOLUTION NO. 1166

[Page 3758]

By: Mr. John Lohr « » (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Valley Cheer Athletic team Youth Titanium recently competed in the CheerExpo Nationals in Halifax on March 25, 2018; and

Whereas Youth Titanium finished first, being the 2018 Canadian National Cheer champions; and

Whereas training for cheer requires teamwork, commitment, and dedication;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in offering sincere thanks to coaches Megan Shepard and Kaija Cashin-Brown for all the hard work they put in and team member Irelyn Coade for her dedication and commitment to the team.

RESOLUTION NO. 1167

By: Mr. John Lohr « » (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Valley Cheer Athletic team Youth Titanium recently competed in the CheerExpo Nationals in Halifax on March 25, 2018; and

Whereas Youth Titanium finished first, being the 2018 Canadian National Cheer champions; and

Whereas training for cheer requires teamwork, commitment, and dedication;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in offering sincere thanks to coaches Megan Shepard and Kaija Cashin-Brown for all the hard work they put in and team member Kaidince Moraze-Poirier for her dedication and commitment to the team.

RESOLUTION NO. 1168

[Page 3759]

By: Mr. John Lohr « » (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Valley Cheer Athletic team Youth Titanium recently competed in the CheerExpo Nationals in Halifax on March 25, 2018; and

Whereas Youth Titanium finished first, being the 2018 Canadian National Cheer champions; and

Whereas training for cheer requires teamwork, commitment, and dedication;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in offering sincere thanks to coaches Megan Shepherd and Kaija Cashin-Brown for all the hard work they put in and team member Kailey Arenburg for her dedication and commitment to the team.

RESOLUTION NO. 1169

By: Mr. John Lohr « » (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Valley Cheer Athletic team Youth Titanium recently competed in the CheerExpo Nationals in Halifax on March 25, 2018; and

Whereas Youth Titanium finished first, being the 2018 Canadian National Cheer champions; and

Whereas training for cheer requires teamwork, commitment, and dedication;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in offering sincere thanks to coaches Megan Shepherd and Kaija Cashin-Brown for all the hard work they put in and team member Kaylee Campbell for her dedication and commitment to the team.

RESOLUTION NO. 1170

[Page 3760]

By: Mr. John Lohr « » (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Valley Cheer Athletic team, Youth Titanium, recently competed in the CheerExpo Nationals in Halifax on March 25, 2018; and

Whereas Youth Titanium finished first, being the 2018 Canadian National Cheer champions; and

Whereas training for Cheer requires teamwork, commitment, and dedication;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in offering sincere thanks to coaches Megan Shepard and Kaija Cashin-Brown for all the hard work they put in, and team member Layla Alders for her dedication and commitment to the team.

RESOLUTION NO. 1171

By: Mr. John Lohr « » (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Valley Cheer Athletic team, Youth Titanium, recently competed in the CheerExpo Nationals in Halifax on March 25, 2018; and

Whereas Youth Titanium finished first, being the 2018 Canadian National Cheer champions; and

Whereas training for Cheer requires teamwork, commitment, and dedication;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in offering sincere thanks to coaches Megan Shepard and Kaija Cashin-Brown for all the hard work they put in, and team member Madeline Lambert for her dedication and commitment to the team.

RESOLUTION NO. 1172

[Page 3761]

By: Mr. John Lohr « » (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Valley Cheer Athletic team, Youth Titanium, recently competed in the CheerExpo Nationals in Halifax on March 25, 2018; and

Whereas Youth Titanium finished first, being the 2018 Canadian National Cheer champions; and

Whereas training for Cheer requires teamwork, commitment, and dedication;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in offering sincere thanks to coaches Megan Shepard and Kaija Cashin-Brown for all the hard work they put in, and team member Mallory Connors for her dedication and commitment to the team.

RESOLUTION NO. 1173

By: Mr. John Lohr « » (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Valley Cheer Athletic team, Youth Titanium, recently competed in the CheerExpo Nationals in Halifax on March 25, 2018; and

Whereas Youth Titanium finished first, being the 2018 Canadian National Cheer champions; and

Whereas training for Cheer requires teamwork, commitment, and dedication;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in offering sincere thanks to coaches Megan Shepard and Kaija Cashin-Brown for all the hard work they put in, and team member Priscilla Barkhouse for her dedication and commitment to the team.

RESOLUTION NO. 1174

[Page 3762]

By: Mr. John Lohr « » (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Valley Cheer Athletic team, IO Strike Force, recently competed in the CheerExpo Nationals in Halifax on March 25, 2018; and

Whereas IO Strike Force finished second in their division; and

Whereas training for Cheer requires teamwork, commitment, and dedication;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in offering sincere thanks to coaches Megan Shepard and Kaija Cashin-Brown for all the hard work they put in, and team member A. J. Wilson for his dedication and commitment to the team.

RESOLUTION NO. 1175

By: Mr. John Lohr « » (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Valley Cheer Athletic team, IO Strike Force, recently competed in the CheerExpo Nationals in Halifax on March 25, 2018; and

Whereas IO Strike Force finished second in their division; and

Whereas training for Cheer requires teamwork, commitment, and dedication;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in offering sincere thanks to coaches Megan Shepard and Kaija Cashin-Brown for all the hard work they put in, and team member Brit Levy for her dedication and commitment to the team.

RESOLUTION NO. 1176

By: Mr. John Lohr « » (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Valley Cheer Athletic team, IO Strike Force, recently competed in the CheerExpo Nationals in Halifax on March 25, 2018; and

[Page 3763]

Whereas IO Strike Force finished second in their division; and

Whereas training for Cheer requires teamwork, commitment, and dedication;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in offering sincere thanks to coaches Megan Shepard and Kaija Cashin-Brown for all the hard work they put in, and team member Clarie Donnelly for her dedication and commitment to the team.

RESOLUTION NO. 1177

By: Mr. John Lohr « » (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Valley Cheer Athletic team, IO Strike Force, recently competed in the CheerExpo Nationals in Halifax on March 25, 2018; and

Whereas IO Strike Force finished second in their division; and

Whereas training for Cheer requires teamwork, commitment, and dedication;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in offering sincere thanks to coaches Megan Shepard and Kaija Cashin-Brown for all the hard work they put in, and team member Elizabeth Morton for her dedication and commitment to the team.

RESOLUTION NO. 1178

By: Mr. John Lohr « » (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Valley Cheer Athletic team IO Strike Force recently competed in the CheerExpo Nationals in Halifax on March 25, 2018; and

Whereas IO Strike Force finished second in their division; and

Whereas training for cheer requires teamwork, commitment, and dedication;

[Page 3764]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in offering sincere thanks to coaches Megan Shepard and Kaija Cashin-Brown for all the hard work they put in, and team member Emma Taylor for her dedication and commitment to the team.

RESOLUTION NO. 1179

By: Mr. John Lohr « » (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Valley Cheer Athletic team IO Strike Force recently competed in the CheerExpo Nationals in Halifax on March 25, 2018; and

Whereas IO Strike Force finished second in their division; and

Whereas training for cheer requires teamwork, commitment, and dedication;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in offering sincere thanks to coaches Megan Shepard and Kaija Cashin-Brown for all the hard work they put in, and team member Julia Cotton for her dedication and commitment to the team.

RESOLUTION NO. 1180

By: Mr. John Lohr « » (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Valley Cheer Athletic team IO Strike Force recently competed in the CheerExpo Nationals in Halifax on March 25, 2018; and

Whereas IO Strike Force finished second in their division; and

Whereas training for cheer requires teamwork, commitment, and dedication;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in offering sincere thanks to coaches Megan Shepard and Kaija Cashin-Brown for all the hard work they put in, and team member Kaylee Keddy for her dedication and commitment to the team.

RESOLUTION NO. 1181

[Page 3765]

By: Mr. John Lohr « » (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Valley Cheer Athletic team IO Strike Force recently competed in the CheerExpo Nationals in Halifax on March 25, 2018; and

Whereas IO Strike Force finished second in their division; and

Whereas training for cheer requires teamwork, commitment, and dedication;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in offering sincere thanks to coaches Megan Shepard and Kaija Cashin-Brown for all the hard work they put in, and team member Kelsey Keddy for her dedication and commitment to the team.

RESOLUTION NO. 1182

By: Mr. John Lohr « » (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Valley Cheer Athletic team IO Strike Force recently competed in the CheerExpo Nationals in Halifax on March 25, 2018; and

Whereas IO Strike Force finished second in their division; and

Whereas training for cheer requires teamwork, commitment, and dedication;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in offering sincere thanks to coaches Megan Shepard and Kaija Cashin-Brown for all the hard work they put in, and team member Lillian Thomas for her dedication and commitment to the team.

RESOLUTION NO. 1183

By: Mr. John Lohr « » (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Valley Cheer Athletic team IO Strike Force recently competed in the CheerExpo Nationals in Halifax on March 25, 2018; and

[Page 3766]

Whereas IO Strike Force finished second in their division; and

Whereas training for cheer requires teamwork, commitment, and dedication;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in offering sincere thanks to coaches Megan Shepard and Kaija Cashin-Brown for all the hard work they put in, and team member Mullen Bona for her dedication and commitment to the team.

RESOLUTION NO. 1184

By: Mr. John Lohr « » (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Valley Cheer Athletic team IO Strike Force recently competed in the CheerExpo Nationals in Halifax on March 25, 2018; and

Whereas IO Strike Force finished second in their division; and

Whereas training for cheer requires teamwork, commitment, and dedication;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in offering sincere thanks to coaches Megan Shepard and Kaija Cashin-Brown for all the hard work they put in, and team member Owen Donnelly for his dedication and commitment to the team.

RESOLUTION NO. 1185

By: Mr. John Lohr « » (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Valley Cheer Athletic team IO Strike Force recently competed in the CheerExpo Nationals in Halifax on March 25, 2018; and

Whereas IO Strike Force finished second in their division; and

Whereas training for cheer requires teamwork, commitment, and dedication;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in offering sincere thanks to coaches Megan Shepard and Kaija Cashin-Brown for all the hard work they put in, and team member Sophie Keddy for her dedication and commitment to the team.

[Page 3767]

RESOLUTION NO. 1186

By: Hon. Randy Delorey « » (Health and Wellness)

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

Whereas the Antigonish Junior X-Men had a successful season, winning the Basketball Nova Scotia U-12 Division 2 Championship; and

Whereas Arend Wasserman had a great performance for his team; and

Whereas the Junior X-Men finished the season with an impressive 18-7 record, including victories over Division 1, 2, and 3 teams from across the province;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Arend, his coaches, and fellow teammates for being the Basketball Nova Scotia U-12 Division 2 Champions.

RESOLUTION NO. 1187

By: Hon. Randy Delorey « » (Health and Wellness)

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

Whereas the Antigonish Junior X-Men had a successful season, winning the Basketball Nova Scotia U-12 Division 2 Championship; and

Whereas Jason Theriault was their coach; and

Whereas the Junior X-Men finished the season with an impressive 18-7 record, including victories over Division 1, 2, and 3 teams from across the province;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Jason and his team for being the Basketball Nova Scotia U-12 Division 2 Champions.

RESOLUTION NO. 1188

[Page 3768]

By: Hon. Randy Delorey « » (Health and Wellness)

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

Whereas the Antigonish Junior X-Men had a successful season, winning the Basketball Nova Scotia U-12 Division 2 Championship; and

Whereas Reed Sullivan had a great performance for his team; and

Whereas the Junior X-Men finished the season with an impressive 18-7 record, including victories over Division 1, 2, and 3 teams from across the province;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Reed, his coaches, and fellow teammates for being the Basketball Nova Scotia U-12 Division 2 Champions.

RESOLUTION NO. 1189

By: Hon. Randy Delorey « » (Health and Wellness)

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

Whereas the Antigonish Junior X-Men had a successful season, winning the Basketball Nova Scotia U-12 Division 2 Championship; and

Whereas Dominic Laviolette was their coach; and

Whereas the Junior X-Men finished the season with an impressive 18-7 record, including victories over Division 1, 2, and 3 teams from across the province;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Dominic and his team for being the Basketball Nova Scotia U-12 Division 2 Champions.

RESOLUTION NO. 1190

By: Hon. Randy Delorey « » (Health and Wellness)

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

Whereas the Antigonish Junior X-Men had a successful season, winning the Basketball Nova Scotia U-12 Division 2 Championship; and

[Page 3769]

Whereas Sawyer Glencross had a great performance for his team; and

Whereas the Junior X-Men finished the season with an impressive 18-7 record, including victories over Division 1, 2, and 3 teams from across the province;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Sawyer, his coaches, and fellow teammates for being the Basketball Nova Scotia U-12 Division 2 Champions.

RESOLUTION NO. 1191

By: Hon. Randy Delorey « » (Health and Wellness)

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

Whereas the Antigonish Junior X-Men had a successful season, winning the Basketball Nova Scotia U-12 Division 2 Championship; and

Whereas Jordan Dayman had a great performance for his team and was earned tournament MVP; and

Whereas the Junior X-Men finished the season with an impressive 18-7 record, including victories over Division 1, 2, and 3 teams from across the province;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Jordan, his coaches, and fellow teammates for being the Basketball Nova Scotia U-12 Division 2 Champions.

RESOLUTION NO. 1192

By: Hon. Randy Delorey « » (Health and Wellness)

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

Whereas the Antigonish Junior X-Men had a successful season, winning the Basketball Nova Scotia U-12 Division 2 Championship; and

Whereas Colin Boyd had a great performance for his team; and

Whereas the Junior X-Men finished the season with an impressive 18-7 record, including victories over Division 1, 2, and 3 teams from across the province;

[Page 3770]

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Colin, his coaches, and fellow teammates for being the Basketball Nova Scotia U-12 Division 2 Champions.

RESOLUTION NO. 1193

By: Hon. Randy Delorey « » (Health and Wellness)

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

Whereas the Antigonish Junior X-Men had a successful season, winning the Basketball Nova Scotia U-12 Division 2 Championship; and

Whereas Rory Walker had a great performance for his team and was named to the all-star squad; and

Whereas the Junior X-Men finished the season with an impressive 18-7 record, including victories over Division 1, 2, and 3 teams from across the province;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Rory, his coaches, and fellow teammates for being the Basketball Nova Scotia U-12 Division 2 Champions.

RESOLUTION NO. 1194

By: Hon. Randy Delorey « » (Health and Wellness)

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

Whereas the Antigonish Junior X-Men had a successful season, winning the Basketball Nova Scotia U-12 Division 2 Championship; and

Whereas Nima Nanji had a great performance for his team; and

Whereas the Junior X-Men finished the season with an impressive 18-7 record, including victories over Division 1, 2, and 3 teams from across the province;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Nima, his coaches, and fellow teammates for being the Basketball Nova Scotia U-12 Division 2 Champions.

[Page 3771]

RESOLUTION NO. 1195

By: Hon. Randy Delorey « » (Health and Wellness)

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

Whereas the Antigonish Junior X-Men had a successful season, winning the Basketball Nova Scotia U-12 Division 2 Championship; and

Whereas Angus MacDonald had a great performance for his team; and

Whereas the Junior X-Men finished the season with an impressive 18-7 record, including victories over Division 1, 2, and 3 teams from across the province;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Angus, his coaches, and fellow teammates for being the Basketball Nova Scotia U-12 Division 2 Champions.

RESOLUTION NO. 1196

By: Hon. Randy Delorey « » (Health and Wellness)

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

Whereas the Antigonish Junior X-Men had a successful season, winning the Basketball Nova Scotia U-12 Division 2 Championship; and

Whereas Darius Churchill had a great performance for his team; and

Whereas the Junior X-Men finished the season with an impressive 18-7 record, including victories over Division 1, 2, and 3 teams from across the province;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Darius, his coaches, and fellow teammates for being the Basketball Nova Scotia U-12 Division 2 Champions.

RESOLUTION NO. 1197

[Page 3772]

By: Hon. Randy Delorey « » (Health and Wellness)

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

Whereas the Antigonish Junior X-Men had a successful season, winning the Basketball Nova Scotia U-12 Division 2 Championship; and

Whereas Lucas MacDonald had a great performance for his team; and

Whereas the Junior X-Men finished the season with an impressive 18-7 record, including victories over Division 1, 2, and 3 teams from across the province;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Lucas, his coaches, and fellow teammates for being the Basketball Nova Scotia U-12 Division 2 Champions.

RESOLUTION NO. 1198

By: Hon. Randy Delorey « » (Health and Wellness)

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

Whereas the Antigonish Junior X-Men had a successful season, winning the Basketball Nova Scotia U-12 Division 2 Championship; and

Whereas Conlan MacKenzie had a great performance for his team; and

Whereas the Junior X-Men finished the season with an impressive 18-7 record, including victories over Division 1, 2, and 3 teams from across the province;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Conlan, his coaches, and fellow teammates for being the Basketball Nova Scotia U-12 Division 2 Champions.

RESOLUTION NO. 1199

By: Hon. Iain Rankin « » (Environment)

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

Whereas the residents of Kingsmere Court in Timberlea have come together for over 20 years to celebrate a wide variety of holidays and events; and

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Whereas, when unable to get a Christmas tree out of a mound of snow four years ago, resident Carmel MacIsaac turned it into an Olympic tree, sparking the community tradition of homemade medals being placed on the tree every few days of the Winter Olympics to celebrate Canada's success; and

Whereas the tradition was shared this year with Yerin Jung, an exchange student from South Korea living in the area, giving her an excellent Canadian experience;

Therefore be it resolved that all the members of this House of Assembly join me in applauding the residents of Kingsmere Court for their Canadian spirit.

RESOLUTION NO. 1200

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 Kim and Rick Clark are active residents of Porters Lake, Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Kim and Rick have shown concern for our local environment, particularly in the areas of litter and illegal dumping along the greater Eastern Shore; and

Whereas Kim and Rick have shown great leadership by organizing community meetings to raise awareness on the issue of littering and illegal dumping and rallying communities to organize local cleanup efforts;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Kim and Rick Clark for their leadership and efforts in making the Eastern Shore a cleaner and better place to live, work, and play.