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HALIFAX, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2018

Sixty-third General Assembly

Second Session

1:00 P.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Kevin Murphy

 

DEPUTY SPEAKERS

Ms. Suzanne Lohnes-Croft, Mr. Brendan Maguire

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. Just before we get on with the daily routine, I'll present the Speaker's Ruling on the point of privilege from last week.

SPEAKER'S RULING:

Changing the Mandate of the Public Accounts Committee (Pt. of privilege by Hon. C. d'Entremont [Hansard p.803, 09/03/18]) Not a point of privilege.

On September 26^th, the honourable Official Opposition House Leader rose on a point of privilege. He stated that the government majority on the Public Accounts Committee had passed a motion to fundamentally change and circumscribe the mandate of the Public Accounts Committee and that this was contrary to Rule 85 and the convention of this House respecting the requirement for a two-thirds majority to change the Rules, our Rules and Forms of Procedure.

There have been numerous rulings of previous Speakers holding that a breach of the Rules or usages of this House in committees cannot be raised by a member as a breach of privilege. Only in the most extreme and exceptional cases of a breach of privilege will a Speaker become involved in anything occurring in a committee without a report coming to the House from the committee. Otherwise, only a report from the committee itself can bring such an issue to this House. I refer the members to the extensive review of this principle set out in the ruling of Speaker Gosse delivered on November 8, 2012.

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Accordingly, there is no point of privilege.

While that disposes of the point raised by the honourable Official Opposition House Leader, I want to add a further comment because the objection was framed as a change to the House Rules having been made by a committee rather than by a two-thirds vote of the House itself; that is, the mandate of the Public Accounts Committee set out in Rule 60 had been changed. This was not the case. The motion that was passed by the committee reads:

"All agenda items for PAC be set through the Auditor General reports beginning with the May 29, 2018 performance report and future agenda sequences for scheduling to follow the order of chapters for each subsequent report tabled by the Auditor General with appropriate department witnesses."

This was simply a motion to establish the agenda items for the committee, within the mandate of the committee. It does remain open to the committee to adopt other agenda items in the future, and nothing precludes any member of that committee from proposing motions for other agenda items.

I have only addressed this because I wanted to bring clarity to the point that the Rules and Forms of Procedure have not been changed and that the Public Accounts Committee's mandate remains the same.

Also, just before we begin with the daily routine, on another matter, I'd like to bring to everybody's attention that on this date in 1758, some 260 years ago, the House of Assembly met for the first time in the courthouse at the corner of Argyle and Buckingham Streets in Halifax. In 1765, it moved to a building on the corner of Barrington and Sackville Streets, and then to rented quarters in the Cochrane Building on Hollis Street. After a succession of temporary accommodations, construction began on a permanent building in 1811 and the Legislature met for the first time on February 11, 1819, in this newly-completed Province House.

In a few short months, we will celebrate the 200^th anniversary of this fine edifice.

Province House is one of the most historic buildings in Canada and it's also considered to be the finest example of British Palladian architecture in the country. During the 175^th anniversary in 1994, Province House was commemorated as a National Historic Site in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, and was cited for both its architectural and historical significance.

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Province House holds an important place in our nation's history. It is the oldest legislative building in the country and a number of Canadian firsts have occurred within these walls. We were the first to achieve responsible government in the British overseas empire, and in 1835 Joseph Howe made his renowned speech before the Supreme Court in what is now the Legislative Library. His acquittal marked the beginnings of freedom of the press in Canada.

I'm pleased to advise this House that plans are well under way to observe the anniversary next year. This milestone occasion will be marked with a ceremony in the Assembly Chamber on February 11, 2019, and a program of public events and activities is being organized throughout the year. The Legislative Library is currently doing a 200-day countdown and is tweeting a fact a day about Province House leading up to our anniversary day. There are a number of citizenship ceremonies being planned along with a concert series in the Red Chamber. We will partner with Symphony Nova Scotia, and a new fanfare composition will premiere at their February 7^th concert. In July, the House of Assembly will host the 57^th Annual Canadian Regional Conference for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

[1:15 p.m.]

This is the House of the people and we encourage everyone to take part in the celebrations. The primary objective and incentive is to appropriately celebrate the bicentennial of the most important public building in Nova Scotia and to instill a sense of pride and citizenship in Nova Scotians and to encourage and increase visitation, especially during the summer months.

In light of this momentous occasion, we have developed a new logo and it is an honour to reveal it to the members today. I'm pleased to announce to the House that Etta Moffatt, an accomplished graphic designer with Communications Nova Scotia, has created the image. Unfortunately, Etta is unable to join us today, but I would ask that honourable members show their appreciation for her wonderful work.

The logo represents the building and its wealth of architecture and unique details. The circular window from the pediment on the west side of the building is where the logo draws its inspiration. It presents a pattern and shape that you will see throughout the House. The circular shape implies movement, openness, and unity. It is a symbol of eternity and celebrates the longevity of Province House. The window represents a place for looking inward and outward and it is a place to look and see a province that is moving in a positive direction and an opportunity to look in and see our impressive past.

The Caslon font was used in Joseph Howe's newspaper, the Novascotian, in the 1840s and the blue is based on an historic colour from that period. Great effort has been made in recent years to protect and maintain Province House as a symbolic home of all Nova Scotians. The anniversary will emphasize its role in the constitutional evolution of Canada, its rich history, unique architecture, and continuity as the seat of government and an important cultural asset to our province.

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Province House has been the scene for landmark moments in the life of the province. It is a place where all Nova Scotians are represented, and it is a place where we honour and recognize the outstanding citizens. It is the place where we recognize and welcome our distinguished guests. I encourage all members of this House to support the project with your participation at various events and to promote it amongst your constituencies. Thank you very much.

I would be remiss to offer a word of thanks to the managers of this House, Mike Laffin and Peter Theriault for all of their work. (Standing Ovation)

Mike and Peter put a lot of time and effort and clearly have a passion for this particular building and the institution that is Province House. We, as members, have the privilege of working with them every day and working in this building that they work so hard to maintain and to sustain for the next couple of hundred years. Thank you very much, Michael and Peter; we appreciate it.

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

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, I understand we can't appeal a decision of yourself on the issue that my colleague brought to the floor last week about Public Accounts Committee.

The question is Mr. Speaker « » : As a member of the Public Accounts Committee myself, it's very challenging to bring forward a report from the committee if the criticism, or the trouble the Opposition has, is with the majority of government members that make up that committee. How in the world are we supposed to bring a report to yourself when the government members will vote that down? It's a challenge to be on that committee and represent the best interest of Nova Scotians.

MR. SPEAKER « » : I'll take your point under advisement and I'll get back to you.

We'll now get on with the daily routine.

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

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

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

Bill No. 39 - Cemetery and Funeral Services Act and Embalmers and Funeral Directors Act.

Bill No. 49 - Gaming Control Act.

Bill No. 51 - Halifax Convention Centre Act.

Bill No. 55 - Region of Windsor and West Hants Municipality Act.

Bill No. 58 - Municipal Government Act and Halifax Regional Municipality Charter.

Bill No. 63 - Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Commission Act.

Bill No. 67 - Securities Act.

and the committee recommends these bills to the favourable consideration of the House, without amendment.

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

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

MR. SPEAKER « » : As Speaker of the House of Assembly and pursuant to Section 18 of the Auditor General Act, I am pleased to table the Report of the Auditor General, Financial, October 2018.

The report is tabled.

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

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

RESOLUTION NO. 317

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

Whereas October is Women's History Month in Canada, and this year's theme is Make an Impact, in honour of the women and girls who have made a lasting impact as pioneers in their fields; and

Whereas as business leaders, politicians, researchers, artists, activists and more, women have made Nova Scotia and Canada thriving and diverse and prosperous regions through their achievements and desire to make a difference; and

Whereas 2018 marks 100 years since the beginning of the right to vote for women in Nova Scotia and the right of women to run for elected office, momentous events that are important to our history and continue to shape our future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly recognize October as Women's History Month and honour the important and lasting impact of women making a difference across Nova Scotia.

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.

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MR. DELOREY « » : I'd like to draw the attention of members to the east gallery where I'd like to introduce two special guests from the IWK - Anne Yuill, the Interim Vice- President of Patient Care, and Michelle LeDrew, the Director of Women's and Newborn Health Program.

I'd like the House to join me in giving our guests a warm welcome, and extend our gratitude on behalf of all Nova Scotians. (Applause)

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

RESOLUTION NO. 318

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

Whereas Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI) is a global quality improvement program of UNICEF and the World Health Organization, which sets out standards so that parents are enabled and supported to meet infant feeding goals; and

Whereas BFI supports families to make informed decisions and benefit from evidence-based care such as skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth, keeping mums and babies together, and supplementing feedings when it is medically necessary, medically appropriate to do so; and

Whereas the IWK Health Centre received official BFI designation in mid-July 2018, the first health centre in the Maritimes to do so, and one of less than 20 hospitals in Canada to have this designation;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly acknowledge this as a monumental achievement for the IWK and Nova Scotia.

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 says Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

RESOLUTION NO. 319

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

Whereas October is Car Safety Month across Canada; and

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Whereas proper safety precautions, including routine maintenance and the installation of winter tires can help reduce accidents and save lives; and

Whereas the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal takes its mission to provide safe roads seriously;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize the importance of Car Safety Month in Canada and work to ensure a safe winter-driving season for all Nova Scotians.

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 Seniors.

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

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MR. GLAVINE « » : If each of these would rise when I introduce them; John Hamblin with Aging2.0 Startup Canada; Ian MacDonald, Seniors' Advisory Council; Betty MacDonald, Federation of Nova Scotia Municipalities; Bernard Conrad, Seniors' Advisory Council; Krista Connell, Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation; Marjorie Willison, Co-chair Advisory Committee; Bill Berryman, Seniors' Advisory Council; Michelle Langille, Seniors' Advisory Council; Peter Kerr and Ron Swan, both with Seniors' Advisory Council; and we have Deputy Minister d'Entremont and staff here as well.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 320

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

Whereas this week we recognize Seniors Week and the endless efforts of older Nova Scotians; and

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Whereas we commend these older Nova Scotians and their commitment to serving our communities as leaders, volunteers, and caregivers to others; and

Whereas we would like to acknowledge, value, promote, and support older Nova Scotians who contribute, preserve, and share a wealth of knowledge to their communities;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House acknowledge the commitment and dedication of Nova Scotia's older adults to ensure our province continues to thrive.

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 the Public Service Commission.

HON. TONY INCE « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to make an introduction; however, the people I would like to introduce are stuck downstairs due to capacity issues. I would like still to read the introduction, if I may.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to introduce three young workers: Kadeem Hinch, Curtis Whiley and Lewis Pope. They have all been doing some excellent work for the province and we thank them for choosing us as a place to build their careers. We hope our first career fair today attracts more younger workers like them to join the Public Service Commission.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 321

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

Whereas today the provincial government hosted the first ever career fair where the Public Service was showcased as an employer to university and community college students; and

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Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia is committed to attracting and retaining younger workers; and

Whereas the government is focused on hiring more young workers and students and has removed barriers like unnecessary experience requirements in job postings;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly recognize and commend the hard work and dedication, and to move on with all the work that the young people are doing and wish them all the best in participating in this event.

[1:30 p.m.]

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Justice.

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction before reading my resolution.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MR. FUREY « » : Thank you. I draw my colleagues' attention to the Speaker's Gallery, where we're joined today by a Ukrainian delegation who are on a mission to Canada to learn more about how our judicial system handles public communications. The delegation is made up of judge-speakers, court press secretaries, and representatives of justice sector institutions, as well as legal reporters.

I'd like to introduce our delegates: the honourable Maryna Shiliak, Chief Justice of the Economic Court of the Ivano-Frankivsk region; Oleksandr Stratiuk, prosecutor of the Ivano-Frankivsk region; Mariya Gavryliuk, deputy editor-in-chief of the KURS website; Nina Lvova, head of the legal department, regional branch of the Department of State Judicial Administration of the Odesa region; Olena Ovchinnikova, director of Odesa Media News Agency; Karyna Aslanian, communications advisor to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; and Nataliya Horodetsky, senior manager of international programs, Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs in Canada.

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They're joined today by Jennifer Stairs, our communications director with the executive office of the Nova Scotia Judiciary.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that members join me in giving them a warm welcome to this historic Chamber, to Nova Scotia, and to Canada. (Standing Ovation)

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

RESOLUTION NO. 322

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

Whereas the Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs Canada and the National Judicial Institute have collaborated over a number of years to bring this delegation from Ukraine to better understand and learn from Canada's approach to the public communications by the judiciary, the courts, and other institutions working in the legal system; and

Whereas Nova Scotia's courts are highly regarded for being open and transparent through collegial relationships, strong partnerships, and effective two-way communications with advocates, the media, and the public on justice-related matters; and

Whereas the Ukrainian delegation is seeking to develop effective communication processes and channels so that they may enhance legal awareness, establish a working relationship between judges and journalists, and improve public confidence in the judiciary and the Ukrainian courts;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate our friends from Ukraine and the Nova Scotia judiciary, led by Chief Justice Michael MacDonald, for their combined efforts to advance public education, strengthen the understanding of court decisions, and increase transparency of justice in their country.

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.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Agriculture.

RESOLUTION NO. 323

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

Whereas Mark Davies, a farmer in the Annapolis Valley, recently stepped down after serving more than a decade as chair of the Turkey Farmers of Canada; and

Whereas Mr. Davies specializes in raising turkeys and supporting the industry's effort to expand this market, with further processing as a key growth area; and

Whereas Mr. Davies has been active with provincial, national, and international bodies who recognize the strong contributions and development of Nova Scotia's agricultural community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Mark Davies on his success as a family farmer, a business and marketing innovator, and a leader in the agricultural community.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 77 - An Act to Amend Chapter 246 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Labour Standards Code, to Stimulate the Economy and Reduce Income Inequality. (Ms. T. Martin)

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

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MS. LENORE ZANN « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge that we are standing on the unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq people of Nova Scotia. In that spirit, I would like to table this bill.

Bill No. 78 - An Act to Implement the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. (Ms. L. Zann)

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 Pictou West.

WE WALK FOR WATER DAY: SAFE DRINKING WATER - THANKS

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, WE Walk for Water Day was held April 27^th at the deCoste Centre in Pictou. Students from local schools gathered together to participate in the rally, which coincides with others that take place across Canada, the United States, and Europe.

WE Walk for Water Day celebrates what these students have been doing - such as volunteering and fundraising - to deliver clean, safe, and accessible drinking water to those who go without it. There was also a water walk, which had students from each school carry water for a distance to demonstrate what people throughout the world face to have access to safe drinking water. It was truly a wonderful sight to see so many young people come together, bond, and educate each other on this important issue.

I want to extend a sincere thank you to all the organizers and participants in the WE Walk for Water Day activities.

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

MS. CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to make some introductions.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MS. CHENDER « » : On this very busy day in the House, I would like to draw the members' attention to the West Gallery, where it's my privilege to introduce some of the medalists of the Pan American Canoe Championships and Olympic Hopes regatta held on Lake Banook last month.

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I would ask each of the athletes to stand as I read their name and then accept the warm welcome of the House: Julia Lilley Osende; Geneva Bond; Jessica MacKay; Connor Fitzpatrick; Marlee MacIntosh, also the gold medalist at the recent World Marathon Games; Craig Johnson; Ava Carew; Ian Gaudet; Alex Canning; Lily Baert, Anna O'Brien; David Waters; Tyler Laidlaw, who I got to give a medal to; Kavita Thomas; and Claire Carruthers, along with coaches and parents and grandparents. Thank you so much for joining us in the House today. (Standing Ovation)

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

PANAM CANOE AND PARACANOE: ATHLS. ACCOMP. - CONGRATS.

MS. SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, last month, Dartmouth's Lake Banook played host to the 2018 Pan American Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe Championships. The event boasted over 350 athletes from more than 16 countries who competed in several canoe and kayak races.

I rise today to congratulate the athletes and the organizers on such a successful event. I am so pleased that so many of these fine and dedicated Dartmouth athletes representing several clubs, including Senobe, Maskwa, and Banook, are able to join us in the Legislature today. One does not get to such a level of sport without an immense amount of hard work, dedication, community and family support.

I ask all members of this House to join me once again in congratulating these amazing athletes and to wish them all the best in their future competitions.

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

MUBIRU, FREDERICK - RCMP CST.: CAREER ACCOMP. - COMMEND

MR. GORDON WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome Constable Frederick Mubiru to our area. As elsewhere in our province, we want people to make our communities their new home. They may arrive as strangers but quickly become our friends and part of our community.

Constable Mubiru grew up a long way from Digby, growing up in Uganda and arriving in Canada 10 years ago as a refugee. For Frederick, becoming a police officer was only a distant dream until he emigrated to Canada. Then he was determined to become an RCMP officer.

He returned to school, became an associate professor at his church, and organized an association to support youth and immigrants. He was accepted at the RCMP Academy and graduated at the top of his class, receiving the highest score in applied police service. He also became the first person of Ugandan descent to graduate from the academy.

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In addition to this education, Constable Mubiru brings to the area his unique perspective and enthusiasm for helping others. He exemplifies that when you have a positive attitude and you are willing to work for your goals, positive things will happen to you.

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

E. PASSAGE BUS. ASSOC.: NEW BOARD: CONGRATS.

MS. BARBARA ADAMS « » : Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize our Eastern Passage and Area Business Association. After holding their first Annual General Meeting in August 2018, our new board members are as follows: President Tamara Freeman; Vice-President Magali Gregoire; Treasurer Jody Wood Keizer; Secretary Magali Gregoire; Social Media Director Chris Peters; Ethics Chair Marilyn Martineau; and too many members to list.

I would like to congratulate Tamara Freeman and the entire Eastern Passage Business Association on such an outstanding first year. Our first annual Business Expo was held last season and it was a great success. Events such as these and the ones that require a lot of helping hands also bring together our non-profit and service-sector organizations, and we are uniting as a community.

The EPABA was formed to promote, grow, and support Eastern Passage and area businesses and we want to thank all the members of the group and wish them another year of success.

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

HON. LLOYD HINES « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MR. HINES « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd ask the members of the House to cast their gaze to the east gallery where we have some important members of the historic Sherbrooke Village joining us today. I'd ask that they stand as I read their names and accept the warm welcome of the House.

We have animator Lynn Hayne; animator Terri MacDonald - Terri, I might mention, is the current president of the Temperance Society of Historic Sherbrooke Village and is here on the spot prepared to accept pledges from all members on all sides of the House today - she's very serious about her mission in life; animator Anthony Huntley, the blacksmith at historic Sherbrooke Village; board members Clarence Humber and Neil Black; and the Executive Director of Historic Sherbrooke Village, and perhaps the best animator of all, Mr. Stephen Flemming.

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I'd ask the House to give them a warm welcome. (Applause)

[1:45 p.m.]

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

SHERBROOKE VILLAGE: EXCELLENCE AWARDS - CONGRATS.

HON. LLOYD HINES « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Lynn Hayne, Terri MacDonald, and Anthony Huntley. These fine folks are the recipients of the Sherbrook Village Restoration Commission Awards of Excellence for 2018.

These awards recognize excellence in leadership, profession, innovation, and creativity by the Sherbrooke Village staff. Lynn received the Innovation and Creativity Award of Excellence for developing and delivering new programs that significantly enhance the visitor experience. Terri received the Leadership Award of Excellence for her commitment to fostering quality work to a supportive team environment and demonstrating exemplary relationship building. Tony took home the Award of Excellence in Profession for motivating and inspiring others through his professionalism and his high skill level as the village blacksmith.

Mr. Speaker, I invite all members to join me in congratulating and thanking these three outstanding employees of historic Sherbrooke Village for their strong contribution to Nova Scotia tourism. Thank you.

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

THE LINCOLNS: COMEBACK PERF., THANKS

MR. LARRY HARRISON « » : Mr. Speaker, today, I want to pay homage to a band that was known throughout Colchester County and indeed the province throughout the 1960s. The Lincolns, a cover band like none other, dug deeper than the top 40 of the day into the very roots of rock music. Regular venues included Shortts Lake, Brule Beach, and the Legion in Truro. Rod Norrie, the only surviving member of the original four, and Frank MacKay, whose voice itself was legendary, are two of the nine former band members who will participate in final comeback performances.

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I ask all members to join me in thanking the members of the Lincolns, past and present, for the music they have shared with us for so long.

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

FONS & ECOJUSTICE: N. PULP PROJECT - TEAMWORK

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : Mr. Speaker, the Friends of the Northumberland Strait have recruited reinforcements to fight Northern Pulp Nova Scotia Corporation's plan to pump millions of litres of effluent into the Northumberland Strait. Lawyer James Gunvaldsen Klaassen of Ecojustice recently opened an Atlantic office. He and fellow Ecojustice lawyer, Sarah McDonald, will be providing legal support for the friends group. They believe there is a conflict of interest on the part of the Nova Scotia Government and that government is just too close to the Northern Pulp Nova Scotia Corporation project.

Ecojustice has five offices across Canada and use their years of knowledge to defend nature, combat climate change, and fight for a healthy environment, and that's why more and more Nova Scotians are joining the no-pipe movement.

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

MT. OLIVET CEMETERY: TITANIC TRIBUTE - REMEMBER

HON. LENA DIAB » : Mr. Speaker, on September 23^rd, I had the privilege to help pay tribute to some of our city's history at Mount Olivet Cemetery in my Armdale constituency. There, I was joined by Nova Scotians and people from across Canada and the globe, including Honorary Consuls of Lebanon from Alberta, Nova Scotia, and British Columbia, His Beatitude Cardinal Mar Béchara Boutros Raï from Lebanon, Bishop Paul-Marwan Tabet from Montreal, and many others, including the Titanic Society of Atlantic Canada, to plant a cedar tree, the well-known symbol of Lebanon, in commemoration of the souls of the Lebanese who perished with RMS Titanic in 1912.

I was touched to see our communities gathering to remember the victims of this historic event, and I hope the cedar tree and the plaque accompanying it will help illuminate our shared history for all those who wish to visit Mount Olivet Cemetery. Thank you.

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

BARCLAY, KAREN - CONSTIT. ASSIST. - BIRTHDAY WISHES

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MR. TORY RUSHTON « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my CA back home in Cumberland South. Ever since my election, she has guided me through her seasoned position through the ways and means of how to get here today so we could all stand here. As we all know, we all have CAs back home that guide us through, but today is a special day for Karen Barclay and I would like to recognize her and say happy birthday to Karen Barclay today. Thank you very much.

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

DICKISON, CHIP: RETIREMENT - BEST WISHES

MS. SUZANNE LOHNES-CROFT « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Chip Dickison of Mahone Bay on his recent retirement from the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association. Chip has been with the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association for the past 14 years and has made considerable contributions to the industry. He played an integral role in establishing the boatbuilder and marine service technician's trade and related apprenticeships. Tim Edwards, the executive director of the NSBA, presented Chip with a plaque commemorating his service and acknowledging his dedication to the boatbuilding industry.

Mr. Speaker, I would ask that you and all members of this House of Assembly please join me in congratulating Chip for his contributions to the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association over the past 14 years and congratulate him on his recent retirement.

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

SHJH: TERRY FOX RUN - THANKS

MR. BRAD JOHNS « » : Mr. Speaker, yesterday, Monday, October 1^st, Sackville Heights Junior High School once again participated in this year's annual Terry Fox Run. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, the incidence of cancer in Nova Scotian men is 8 per cent higher and in Nova Scotian women 4 per cent higher than the Canadian average. There isn't a single Nova Scotian who has not been touched by this disease.

I wanted to rise today to congratulate the staff and students who at present have raised over $1,000, and I know donations are still coming in for their efforts in helping to beat this terrible disease and for helping to keep Terry Fox's dream alive.

Mr. Speaker, once again I want to thank all those who participated in this worthwhile cause yesterday at Sackville Heights Junior High School.

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

[Page 1043]

RIDE FOR REFUGE: HUMAN TRAFFICKING FUNDRAISER - CONGRATS.

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : Mr. Speaker, over the weekend, I was pleased to take part in Truro's Ride for Refuge which highlighted sobering statistics and facts about human trafficking in Nova Scotia, and particularly in Truro. Signs were placed on fountains in Truro as well as a 10-kilometre span around, and the signs targeted human trafficking.

Ride for Refuge is a national fundraiser where participants have the choice to walk or bike to raise funds for the victims of human trafficking. It was noted by a number of women that this is another reason why Truro needs a SANE program very much, because human trafficking with girls needing help is becoming a huge deal in Truro.

All donations will go to the TREY, Trauma Recovery for Exploited Youth, an organization dedicated to helping and housing victims of human trafficking. Congratulations to the McLeods for running this important program.

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

HON. TONY INCE « » : I beg leave to make an introduction.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MR. INCE « » : As I've mentioned earlier, I have three young workers that are working with the Public Service and doing a great job. Kadeem Hinch, Curtis Whiley, and Lewis Pope - if all three of you could stand and receive the welcome from the House. (Applause)

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

GIANT STEPS CTR.: 1000 GRADUATES - CONGRATS.

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Giant Steps Children's Centre in Upper Tantallon. On June 19^th, Giant Steps Children's Centre reached a special milestone when Cooper Nicholas graduated as their 1,000^th student. The school, in partnership with parents, strives to create a warm, friendly, and respectful environment for children taking their first steps to gain some independence from their parents. Under the care of a supportive staff, children are introduced to an educational component that is the start of their academic journey.

The school graduates about 85 students every Spring and plays an important role for families in the community as they care and guide our children. I would like the members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly to join me in congratulating the wonderful success of this business and their 1,000^th student, Cooper Nicholas.

[Page 1044]

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

MAJ. BANTAM LUMBERJACKS: OPENER - BEST WISHES

MS. KIM MASLAND « » : Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, September 30^th, I had the opportunity to attend and drop the puck at centre ice for the home opener of the South Shore Major Bantam Lumberjacks, formerly known as the Western Hurricanes. This is the ninth season opener of major bantam hockey at our home, Queens Place Emera Centre.

The South Shore Lumberjacks major bantam program draws players from all along the South Shore, from Halifax to Yarmouth, and they have become the weekend entertainment for many fans. Coaches Shawn Woodworth, Adam Masland, Jeremy Kini, and Kegin Watt offer coaching at a competitive level, emphasizing education, skill development, and sportsmanship. Donna Coleman is always on hand as trainer, and Will and Austin Baker bring the game to another level with music and announcing.

I ask all members of this House to join me in wishing the South Shore Major Bantam Lumberjacks a great 2018-19 season. Go Jacks!

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

FEED N.S.: NEW FACILITY - BEST WISHES

HON. PATRICIA ARAB « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Feed Nova Scotia as it expands its headquarters to a new location in Burnside. Formerly located on the Bedford Highway for close to two decades, the organization was able to double the amount of food distributed to those in need.

Feed Nova Scotia saw a need for a larger space to provide not just non-perishable items but also fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, and other healthy products. In the last year alone, Feed Nova Scotia delivered two million kilograms of food, with 55 per cent being fresh produce. Each day the organization distributes roughly 10,000 kilograms of food; however, with this new facility, they will be able to increase their donations and therefore distribute even more.

We will greatly miss the staff and volunteers at Feed Nova Scotia but know that they will continue to do amazing things in their new home. I ask the members of this House to join me in wishing Feed Nova Scotia the best of luck in their new facility.

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

TREASURES ON THE WATERFRONT: NEW BUS. VENTURE - CONGRATS.

[Page 1045]

MR. EDDIE ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish Alex and Valerie Pendergast every success with their new adventure, Treasures on the Waterfront. The couple, who lived in Halifax and loved to shop at high-end consignment shops, decided to open their own shop on Commercial Street in North Sydney. The shop is solely focused on top brands that are not common in Cape Breton. In addition to women's clothing, shoes, and accessories, they plan to expand into children's and men's lines as well.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Pendergasts on their official opening and wish them many years of success.

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

COMM. WHEELS: COMM. TRANSPORTATION - CONGRATS.

MR. HUGH MACKAY « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the fine work done by Community Wheels, a barrier-free community-based transportation option for residents of the primarily rural area of the Municipality of Chester in Lunenburg County.

The service is available to all residents of the community who require transportation to, among other things, medical appointments, banking, grocery shopping, access to employment opportunities, recreation, and socialization. There is no charge, only a free will offering. Community Wheels also operates a charter service to earn additional revenue.

Funding from government transportation and accessibility programs to support projects like Community Wheels is essential in rural areas of Nova Scotia so that Nova Scotians can stay involved in and connected to their communities and good jobs.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly to join me in congratulating the excellent work being done by Community Wheels and to wish them well in their future endeavours.

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

MARSHALL, DIEGO: TRACK AND FIELD ATHL. - CONGRATS.

MS. ALANA PAON « » : Mr. Speaker, Diego Marshall of Bolodeg First Nation in Cape Breton-Richmond was named a team member of Team Nova Scotia-Nunavut and participated in the 2018 Royal Canadian Legion National Youth Track and Field Championships in Brandon, Manitoba, in August 2018.

Diego left for nationals on a high note, having already won gold medals in both high and long jump at the Atlantic Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Charlottetown in July 2018. Diego won a bronze medal for the U16 high jump during the competition.

[Page 1046]

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to extend my congratulations to Diego on his many accomplishments and to wish him good luck in future endeavours. Wela'lin.

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

LUNENBURG COM. CONSIGN.: COM. CONTRIB. - BEST WISHES

MS. SUZANNE LOHNES-CROFT « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cheryl Lamerson, who owns and operates Lunenburg Community Consignment.

Lunenburg Community Consignment is not your ordinary consignment store, as its profits go back to charities in the community. From each item sold, 50 per cent of the profits go to the consignor, 30 per cent towards the operating expenses, and the remaining 20 per cent goes to a charity. The store is run by volunteers who identify a charity they wish to support, and the money is given to the charity of choice based on how many hours a volunteer has worked.

Cheryl has always wanted to own an antique store and felt this was a great opportunity to sell gently used items and antiques while giving back to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I would ask that you and the members of this House of Assembly please join me in recognizing Cheryl for her contributions to the community and wish Lunenburg Community Consignment all the success in the future.

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

BEED, BURKE: LITTLE LEAGUE PITCHER - COMMEND

MS. ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Burke Beed of the Amherst Little League team Casey Concrete Mixers.

Burke pitched a no-hitter in the Amherst Little League Playoffs. He struck out 17 batters without giving up any hits or walks. Burke showed great skill in this tournament, and his hard work was a big help to his fellow teammates.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend Burke Beed and wish him success in his athletic career.

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

FORSYTHE, FIONA: PROJECT ARC - CONGRATS.

[Page 1047]

MS. RAFAH DICOSTANZO « » : Mr. Speaker, in Women's History Month, I would like to recognize a young woman from my riding who raises awareness about global causes.

Fiona Forsythe is a student at Fairview Junior High. She's a member of WE, an organization that empowers people by offering resources to help create positive social change in their community and around the world. Fiona has written over 30 letters for Amnesty International's Write for Rights campaign and works with Project ARC, a show put on by a youth cast to teach children about human rights violations around the world.

I ask that the members of the House of Assembly join me in celebrating Fiona's many contributions. She's an exemplary role model for all her peers.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Thank you very much.

[2:00 p.m.]

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS TO MINISTERS

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

GOV'T. (N.S.) - RGC: WITNESSES - COST

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. Yesterday three witnesses appeared before the Standing Committee on Law Amendments to support a government bill. What was unusual was that the trio came from out of province, from Ontario and British Columbia, and on the taxpayers' dime.

Jon Kelly, former CEO for the Responsible Gambling Council, CEO Jamie Wiebe and the council's ex-Director of Research and Development and Sue Birge, Director of Standards and Accreditation for the Council all travelled to Halifax for their 10-minute appearance before the committee and all at the invitation of this government and at the expense of hard-working Nova Scotians.

We'd like to know, Mr. Speaker « » : How much did it cost taxpayers to fly these three witnesses to Halifax to act as government cheerleaders?

HON. STEPHEN MCNEIL « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. She raises concerns that I have, too, with the Gaming Corporation, not the fact that they've gone out and looked for expert advice to bring together public policy, but the fact that when it comes to standing before a committee in this province, no one should be paid for that, she is absolutely right. There are hard-working Nova Scotians who continue day after day to come to support a piece of legislation or oppose it.

[Page 1048]

I want to assure the honourable member that when that was heard, the minister responsible - the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board - contacted her deputy. The word has gone to the Gaming Corporation that we expect them to find the cost of bringing them to this province from inside their operations, not impacting what impact it would have to the revenue of the people of Nova Scotia.

MS. MACFARLANE « » : I thank the Premier for his answer. However, at a time when there's not a doctor for 100,000 Nova Scotians, they are not happy that their hard-earned tax dollars have been used to pay witnesses at a committee to basically toe the Liberal Party line. This is the second standing committee in the past seven days that this government used in an unprecedented, disrespectful way. Opposition MLAs have lots of questions for witnesses at committee. Now we'll just have to ask the government who they paid to appear.

How often does the government pay the expenses of witnesses at committees or compensate them in some other way?

THE PREMIER « » : We do not, Mr. Speaker. I want to again say to the honourable member it was the Gaming Corporation that moved to make that happen. When it was brought to our attention, we immediately said it is unacceptable.

Again, as I said, there are many times hard-working Nova Scotians from across this province come to this House, go to Law Amendments Committee. I would say we are the only Canadian jurisdiction that actually still holds Law Amendments Committees. It is an important part of the public process, having them come in and express themselves. They do so at their own expense, and we expect witnesses who come in here who want to express their opinion in that form to cover their own expenses.

We've made it very clear to the Gaming Corporation that we expect them to find the cost inside of their own operation.

MS. MACFARLANE « » : Well, it's unfortunate that someone is not watching their department clearly. Some estimates put the cost of bringing the three witnesses to committee at about $7,500. All three of them could have made a written submission for free, like many others.

For some young people, Mr. Speaker, that's approaching the cost of a year at university. It wasn't very long ago that this government blocked Nova Scotians from speaking at Law Amendments Committee, so the Premier can say that people come and we're the only ones but, however, they blocked people from coming for Bill Nos. 148, 75 and 72.

[Page 1049]

I'd like to know: Will the Premier commit today to reimbursing the taxpayers for the travel costs of their witnesses and to end the practice of paying witnesses to come to Law Amendments Committee?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I apologize for answering the question, the first one she asked me. She continues to ask the same question. The reality of it is that I agree with her. I agree with the position that no one should be paid to go before that committee, nor do I believe the Gaming Corporation should have done that.

Mr. Speaker, it should have been very clear that these were consultants that the Gaming Corporation used around the public policy position. The reality of it is that when we heard that, the minister directed her deputy to go to the Gaming Corporation to tell them that funding needs to be found within inside that organization.

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

PREM. - MIN. WAGE INCREASE: NEED - ACKNOWLEDGE

MR. GARY BURRILL « » : Yesterday with a scheduled change in Saskatchewan, in Nova Scotia we became the lowest minimum wage jurisdiction in the country. There are now so many measures of consumer purchasing power where we're at the bottom, the worst consumer debt delinquency, the worst youth unemployment, the worst percentage of our population living on low income.

Effective economic growth cannot possibly be advanced with purchasing power at this level. Will the Premier acknowledge that it is now time for Nova Scotia to join progressive jurisdictions in the march toward a minimum wage of $15?

THE PREMIER « » : We continue to follow the practice of the former government when it came to its Minimum Wage Committee. We continue to make those increases. I also want to tell him that when we had an opportunity to provide the single largest tax cut in the history of our province, we did so on the basic personal exemptions so that would leave more money in the very pockets of the individuals to whom he is referring.

We continue to invest in rent supplements so we can afford affordable housing within our province and I want to update the honourable member that when they were in government, youth unemployment was about 19 per cent. It has continued to go down. It's around 16 per cent. It's still too high, but we're moving in the right direction. More young people are seeing a future for themselves in this province of ours.

MR. BURRILL « » : Mr. Speaker, it is inappropriate economics to compare the benefits of a $15 minimum wage to the benefits that come from what the Premier is speaking about in the tax credit change. It is to compare hundreds with thousands.

[Page 1050]

Yesterday was a big day on this front in Canada. Alberta moved to a $15 minimum wage and how did they do it? They did it over a three-year phase-in. During the three years while they moved to $15, what we did in Nova Scotia was fall to the basement on the minimum wage front with annual increases of 15 cents.

Will the Premier give consideration to the fact that we cannot be labour-market competitive in Nova Scotia as a 15-cent jurisdiction in a $15 world?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. I want again to remind him that they had an opportunity to make adjustments in the economic future of this province. I think Nova Scotians spoke loud and clear when they saw what happened to the economy of this province under an NDP Government.

I want to assure the honourable member we take this issue very seriously. I want also to remind him that our population is at an all-time high which means more people are moving into this province than leaving. I want to remind the honourable member under our leadership, we continue to see more young people stay in this province than go. Under their direction, young people were leaving this province. They are now staying, investing, building a future for themselves.

I want to remind the honourable member we just invested in a pre-Primary program that helps every socio-economic disadvantaged family to have their four-year-olds in school. That's an investment in the future of this province. We're going to continue to make public policy that makes sense to this province, not what makes sense for Alberta. We're going to continue driving the economy and provide hope for our citizens.

MR. BURRILL « » : October 1^st was also a big date on the calendar in that it marks the month in which we are going to come to the sixth year in which this government has been in power at which point, I would begin to think, the government would think more about the present and the future than the Premier's analysis of the now fairly distant past.

Look, an hour ago, there was a demonstration at the offices of the Minister of Labour and Advanced Education, following from a demonstration at Dalhousie University, for $15 an hour.

Speakers there talked about the scandalous fact that today our minimum wage is not worth as much - inflation-adjusted - as it was in 1977. I want to say it plainly and without malice that in my view the Premier is providing terrible leadership in allowing our province to have the lowest minimum wage in the entire country. I want to ask him if he will take advantage of the present moment to reverse this mistake in judgment?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I am taking by that question that the honourable member did not vote for me.

[Page 1051]

The fact of the matter is we laid a very different vision for this province. The fact of the matter is that under their leadership, we saw an out-migration of young people. Under our leadership, young people see a future for themselves here in this province.

I want to tell the honourable member following their leadership, population was stagnant. Under our leadership, the population is growing. I want to remind the honourable member that low-income families saw no hope of providing their four-year-olds with a pre-Primary program. Evidence-based, under our leadership, every socio-economic disadvantaged child deserves the same thing as those who are doing well.

I want to continue to remind the honourable member the economy of this province is booming. We are moving forward. People see hope. And no matter how much he wants to drag us into the past, we're looking to the future.

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

PREM. - PRIV. COMM'NER: OFFICER OF THE HOUSE - REJECTION

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : My question is for the Premier. We remain shocked and dismayed by the government's imposed limits on the Public Accounts Committee.

In reference to the Public Accounts Committee, the Premier has said to the media: the Auditor General has asked to have the committee focused on his audits. The Liberal majority on the Public Accounts Committee agreed.

The Privacy Commissioner has asked that she be made an independent officer of the House and be granted order-making authority, and the Liberal majority in this House rejects it.

Why does the Auditor General write a letter and have his requests fulfilled, but the Privacy Commissioner writes multiple reports and continues to be ignored?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I disagree with the premise of the question, first of all. The privacy officer has not been ignored. When she provides issues that are related, we pose those.

I also want to tell the honourable member that the Auditor General is independent from the government and makes reports. Public Accounts is there to go over those reports, to continue to make sure that the Opposition get to shine light on the issues - not that the government brings forward, but that the independent Auditor General brings forward.

At the same time, we created another committee on health. I've been in this House since 2003. No governing Party was willing to put the scrutiny of the largest department under the microscope. Our government has chosen to do that. That's being open and transparent.

[Page 1052]

MS. MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, let's face it. The inconsistency of this government doesn't stop here. In a commentary around his motion to strip decision-making from elected members, the member for Clare-Digby said: the change follows best practices that we have across Canada. It is a standard and a process that many other Public Accounts Committees follow.

In other Legislatures across Canada, including P.E.I., Quebec, and the House of Commons, the Privacy Commissioner is an officer of the House and has order-making authority. This government cites precedent to reduce accountability but ignores precedents when it comes time to increase it.

How does the Premier choose when to follow the iron-clad rule, or is it perhaps when it's only convenient for him?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm not sure that I've ever found the Auditor General convenient for a government of any stripe. The Auditor General is there to hold - we're giving the Auditor General an opportunity to be in this Chamber through the reports that he brings forward, to have the Opposition scrutinize those reports and go through them.

We've also laid out another committee that's dealing with the largest budget item in our province, which is the Department of Health and Wellness and a committee to deal with that.

Why is the honourable member opposed to giving the independent Auditor General more opportunity to go over the way this government is spending its tax dollars? At the same time, why is she opposed to us opening up the Department of Health and Wellness for more scrutiny?

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

FIN. & TREASURY BD. - GAMING CORP.: RULE CHANGE - QUESTIONABLE

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board. Yesterday evening, the government's amendment to the Gaming Control Act was before the Law Amendments Committee. Members of the committee were surprised, as was heard earlier, to learn that the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation paid more than $7,000 of public funds to fly three experts to Halifax to testify in favour of that bill. The Gaming Corporation stands to gain from relaxing the rules of the program that bans problem gamblers from the casino for life.

[Page 1053]

I'd like to ask the minister: Does the minister understand how this questionable use of public funds undermines trust in the Gaming Corporation?

HON. KAREN CASEY « » : Mr. Speaker, thank you to the member for the question. I believe the Premier has made it very clear that the decision to bring folks in from the Responsible Gaming Council was a decision of the Gaming Corporation. I believe the intent was honourable. I believe the intent was to make sure - because we had made reference to experts - that those people who were providing advice to the Gaming Corporation were able to be there to answer questions for the members or to provide more information. That was the intent. I believe it was honourable.

It was not the right thing to have those expenses covered by taxpayers in the province, and that will not happen.

MR. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, as was mentioned earlier, the committee does often receive written submissions.

Every year for the past 20 years, 1 per cent of revenue from VLTs in Nova Scotia, and a matching amount from the lottery sales and casino profits, has flowed into a fund held by the Gambling Awareness Foundation of Nova Scotia. These funds are meant to support community efforts to reduce the harmful effects of gambling, but $6 million is sitting unspent in the fund, and the government hasn't updated the five-year gaming strategy, which was last updated in 2011.

I would like to ask the minister: When will Nova Scotians see the direction the current government is going to take when dealing with problem gambling by updating the gaming strategy?

[2:15 p.m.]

MS. CASEY « » : The member has referenced the gaming strategy many times in the House. I believe 2005 was the first gaming strategy. In 2011, it was updated by the government of the day. We continue to follow that strategy, but as always, we are looking at ways that we can provide the best support for any Nova Scotian who may feel troubled through gambling.

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

PREM.: PAC COMMITTEE SCHEDULE - LESS ACCOUNTABILITY

[Page 1054]

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : My question is for the Premier. In 2017, the Public Accounts Committee met 20 times, which was an election year. In 2017, the Auditor General released 11 chapters.

Already in 2018, despite the best efforts of the government to take the summer off and wait for some meetings, the committee has met 20 times. So far, the Auditor General has released five chapters. The Liberal majority of the Public Accounts Committee has capped the number of meetings to the number of chapters.

Why has the government decided that Nova Scotians need half the accountability that they had before?

THE PREMIER « » : The reality of it is the Auditor General will continue to make reports available that we scrutinize by Public Accounts.

I want to also remind the honourable member that parts of those committees when they sat, those 20 days you were referring, were talking about the Department of Health and Wellness. Unlike governments before us, we have opened up another committee that will take all of those that were before Public Accounts in the Department of Health and Wellness and be scrutinized in the open way focused on the Department of Health and Wellness. That is being open and transparent.

MR. D'ENTREMONT « » : Of course, we look good for the proposal to come forward on having a health committee, but we haven't seen the full proposal or come out with the plans, so we don't know what it's going to be.

I guess the government thinks the committee does maybe just too much work. The Premier has said in the House that our Public Accounts Committee sits twice as many times as any other in the country, so I guess that's a good precedent.

But there is a way the Public Accounts Committee can keep its schedule, and that is to add more chapters of the Auditor General. Will the Premier commit to increasing funding to the Auditor General so he can provide more chapters and help restore the accountability that this government has removed?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I have more faith in the Auditor General than the honourable member. I believe the Auditor General will provide them with enough information to continue to be able to hold Public Accounts.

The reality of it is, they're continuing to do work. They're looking at different departments and different issues. Today there was a report put out. I look forward to it being analyzed in Public Accounts.

I want to remind the honourable member again that we are not afraid to have the Department of Health and Wellness reviewed in a public forum, in a committee, unlike when he was in power.

[Page 1055]

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

H&W - NSHA: SPENDING PRIORITIES - ADDRESS

MR. EDDIE ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. Last April, the Nova Scotia Health Authority decided to skip a rural doctors recruitment opportunity in Newfoundland. The NSHA decided to skip the event because it was too expensive.

Given how frugal the NSHA was about doctor recruiting trips, it was surprising to see in the Auditor General's report today that the NSHA spent almost $900 on a going away party and almost $8,500 on a Christmas party. My question to the minister: Will the minister admit that when it comes to taxpayer dollars, the NSHA has its priorities backwards?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : I appreciate the member bringing forward some information that came forward from the Auditor General's report. Mr. Speaker, when the NSHA became aware that the Auditor General highlighted the deficiencies in the controls of policies in place with respect to hospitality expenses, they took those recommendations to heart. They have made changes, and I believe they have recently had those policies updated and approved by the board to prevent that type of expense occurring that way again.

MR. ORRELL « » : It will be nice to see those policies put in place.

Mr. Speaker, upcoming in the next week or so, there's going to be another rally in New Waterford. The people of Cape Breton are getting tired of not hearing answers from the government about when the buildings are going to be built, how many beds are going to be in it, where they're going to be built, when the completion date is going to be, and what's going to happen to the institutions when they're done.

Again, I'm going to ask the Minister of Health and Wellness: Will he commit to coming to a rally in Cape Breton on October 14^th to hear what the people have to say and maybe give us an update on the questions that were asked in the Legislature? A simple yes or no will do.

MR. DELOREY « » : There are many questions in the statements from the member opposite. The answers to those questions about the bed structure within the facilities, the timelines of the building, all of that work is under way as part of the functional planning. We made it very clear in June when we made the announcement that that was the next step to be initiated. That work is under way to look at the process as well as the outcomes for the configuration of those resources to ensure the health care in those communities going forward.

[Page 1056]

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

H&W: MENTAL HEALTH SERV. - AVAILABILITY

MR. BRAD JOHNS « » : Mr. Speaker. my question today is to the Minister of Health and Wellness. Recently a number of people have approached me with concerns around mental health treatment in the community. The Cobequid Community Health Centre provides many services on a limited basis, with mental health being one of those. The concern seems to be based on the consistency of services in the role that the Cobequid Community Health Centre is being able to provide in services.

My question to the minister is: What mental health services are available to the residents of Sackville, Beaver Bank, Bedford, and surrounding areas of the Cobequid Community Health Centre?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the question. As the member may be aware, mental health is one of the key pillars for this government and, indeed, in my mandate.

We've been taking a number of steps to invest and expand community-based access. Many of those initiatives are targeted towards youth and are in partnership with our Department of Education and Early Childhood Development initiatives to expand access across the province and our community through our school systems, as well as other community-based systems like that modelled off the CaperBase.

As far as the specific list of resources at that specific site, I'd have to look up and get back to the member afterwards.

MR. JOHNS « » : I thank you, Mr. Minister. When people are in a health crisis, time becomes essential and to call the Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team, that can result in a wait. I know that the clinic hours at the Cobequid Community Health Centre for many of the services - I brought this up here in the House before - are between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and the ER is only open from 7:00 a.m. to midnight. It's not a 24-hour facility but mental health challenges can be at any time, night, day and don't fall between clinic hours.

Can the minister explain what happens to a mental health patient who is in crisis and the mental health clinic is either closed or closing when a patient presents himself/herself to the Cobequid Community Health Centre?

MR. DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, the member raises a very good point with respect to when and how a mental health crisis may strike. We - I believe collectively on all sides of this Legislature - recognize that mental health issues can impact anyone at any time. Indeed, for all Nova Scotians, when or if they are presenting a time of mental health crisis, there is a crisis line that they can contact to ensure that they get assessed and ensure that the appropriate resources in many cases can be dispatched to them to be evaluated and ensure they get to the appropriate care for their needs.

[Page 1057]

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

JUSTICE - SOLITARY CONFINE.: COURT CASE - UNADDRESSED

MS. CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Justice. For months now, I've been raising concerns about the use of solitary confinement in our provincial correctional facilities. Earlier in this sitting, I asked the minister if he had concerns about the province's vulnerability to a class-action lawsuit related to solitary confinement as we've seen in other provinces.

Well, an action was filed Monday alleging that the use of solitary confinement for consecutive periods exceeding 15 days constitutes cruel and unusual punishment in contravention of Section 12 of the Charter. Can the minister explain why this situation was not addressed before it had to be taken to the courts?

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for the question. My colleague would know that the courts are there to provide a legal analysis of concerns that are brought forward through our broad community. In this case, somebody has taken advantage of that process. We respect that process. The specifics of that case I'm not familiar with nor would I speak to in this Legislature.

MS. CHENDER « » : At issue in the class actions filed in both Ontario and Nova Scotia is the use of administrative segregation in which inmates are isolated either to ensure their own safety or that of others in the institution, which the minister has referenced several times in this House.

As I pointed out before, there are far more instances of administrative close confinement in our provincial system than any other reason. Close confinement must be a last resort, if it is used at all. If people in provincial correctional facilities are requesting to be placed in close confinement - solitary confinement - in a cell 23 hours a day to feel safe, then that points to a bigger problem.

Mr. Speaker, again I will ask: Will the minister commit today to a full, public review of close confinement in our provincial correctional facilities?

MR. FUREY « » : My colleague would know that the Ombudsman's Office has full access on a quarterly basis to our correctional facilities for the purposes of monitoring close confinement. We're working with the Human Rights Commission, Mr. Speaker, to have full access to the correctional facilities for purposes of evaluating and assessing individuals' human rights.

[Page 1058]

The Elizabeth Fry Society and many other agencies are within our facilities and within our institutions providing support to those who find themselves in those circumstances.

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

H&W: DARTMOUTH DOCTOR SHORTAGE - MINISTER'S PLAN

MR. TIM HALMAN « » : Mr. Speaker, my question through you is to the Minister of Health and Wellness. I often hear from my constituents about the doctor shortage that we're experiencing in Dartmouth. We learned over the summer that Dartmouth has been hard hit, seeing a 42.6 per cent rise in patients without a doctor from January 1^st to July 1^st.

Recent family residency seats were added throughout the province but Dartmouth, being in the Central Zone, did not receive any. I, along with my colleagues from Dartmouth North and Dartmouth South, have said many times that the shortage is only getting worse in Dartmouth.

My question is this, Mr. Speaker « » : With 40 per cent of the family doctors in Dartmouth expected to retire in the next five years, what is the minister's plan to help the residents of Dartmouth acquire a family doctor?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : I appreciate the member highlighting the expansion on the important program and the expansion of our family residency program and the role that plays in helping secure the training opportunities for future family physicians, as well as encouraging them to stay and continue to practise here in the province.

With respect to Dartmouth and, indeed, all of the province, Mr. Speaker, there are a number of recruitment initiatives under way from our expansion and changes to the way we work our incentive programs. We have a new program that the Department of Immigration, for an immigration stream to bring physicians into the province on an expedited basis.

Mr. Speaker, we've taken a number of steps forward and we look forward to seeing continued results and recruitment from those efforts.

MR. HALMAN « » : Mr. Speaker, the statistics show that the Central Zone is the hardest hit by the doctor shortage. At times, there is the perception that metro has all the doctors, but there are parts of HRM - Dartmouth specifically - that are hurting due to a lack of doctors. The Central Zone is currently maxed out on family residency seats at 17.

[Page 1059]

My question is this: What is being done to get the Central Zone patients a family doctor?

MR. DELOREY « » : The member makes a good point, that historically and for far too long the assumption was that the urban centres were not having problems recruiting and retaining physicians. Indeed, since the establishment of the 811 Need a Family Practice list, we have been able to identify where people have come forward to indicate their need, that they are looking for family practice care and coverage.

Through that information, Mr. Speaker, we are able to clearly show that the needs, as the member highlighted, in the central region also exist. Because of that we have changed our incentive programs. We've enabled the central region, the urban areas, to be eligible for those recruitment incentives, something that previously was eligible only in rural parts of the province.

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

H&W - IMGS: MORE PLACEMENTS - ADDRESS

MR. EDDIE ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, the Health and Wellness Minister likes to use the same old lines over and over on how wonderful the professionals in the medical field are doing. You know, I believe this to be true. We know they are doing a great job, but there just are not enough of them.

The government made a promise to Nova Scotians that they would have a family doctor, each and every Nova Scotian. The 100,000 who don't are left to fend for themselves because the government has become tone deaf to their concerns. We have Nova Scotia-born international graduates who participated and passed Canadian licence requirements, done their clinical placements but still can't get a residency here in Nova Scotia.

My question for the minister is: Would the minister agree that there will be a greater retention of Nova Scotia born IMGs if they were offered residencies at home as opposed to someone from away?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I believe I've explained the challenge with what can be perceived, perhaps, as a simple fix to change and provide dedicated residency seats to international medical graduates from our province. I've highlighted that our residency program is part of a national residency-matching process. Making those changes and becoming a bit protectionist and dedicated to our own residents runs the risk of other jurisdictions doing the same.

We do rely on physicians coming from other jurisdictions, particularly in very dedicated specialties where we may not have the capacity to provide the necessary training. Mr. Speaker, it's far more complex than the simple solution the member's suggesting.

[Page 1060]

[2:30 p.m.]

MR. ORRELL « » : I've risen in this House on countless occasions requesting the Minister of Health and Wellness attend a number of community health rallies that have taken place in my area. Each time, he has been a no-show due to scheduling conflicts. Instead of informing the House of his decision, he chose to tell the Cape Breton Post. The decisions the minister is making in his tower in Halifax are negatively impacting health outcomes for many Cape Bretoners and if he attended, he would hear this for himself.

The minister has been aware for the last two weeks of an upcoming health rally taking place on October 14^th. Mr. Speaker, I know I'm not the Cape Breton Post, but my question for the minister is: Will he stand up, give me a simple yes or no on if he will be attending, or do I have to read it in the paper again?

MR. DELOREY « » : As I've mentioned, I do disagree with the member's premise. I and this government take the health care concerns of Cape Bretoners and all Nova Scotians very seriously. That's why we're looking to the future to ensure that the care that Cape Bretoners and all Nova Scotians need are in place.

We're making the investments. We've taken the information and feedback from clinicians and others who recognize that we need to look forward. We need to invest in new infrastructure to provide the care in communities like the Cape Breton region. Those are the steps we're taking and that's the work that's going to continue for the health care needs of that community and all Nova Scotians.

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

TIR: COBEQUID PASS TOLLS - REMOVAL DATE

MS. ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Mr. Speaker, in 1996 the Liberal Government of the day created the only tolled section of the Trans Canada Highway. At the time, the people of Cumberland North, both individuals and businesses that export, were told when the bonds were paid, the tolls would come off.

I'd like to table a couple of documents from 2014 and 2015 that say the toll collection will cease upon complete payment of all costs and liabilities related to the facility, and the forecasted repayment date is 2019. The next year states the exact same thing, however last year it states the forecasted repayment date of costs and liabilities changed to 2026.

My question to the Minister of Transportation, Infrastructure and Renewal is: How does the date for repayment of the bonds and commitment for ceasing the collection of tolls increase by seven years and what type of creative accounting creates this?

[Page 1061]

HON. LLOYD HINES « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank the member opposite for the question because it gives me an opportunity to tell the people of Nova Scotia, and tell the members of this House, what a fabulous financial process was set up when the Highway 104 Western Alignment Corporation went ahead. It's in an excellent position financially.

As we indicated, we're looking at 2019-20 to review whether or not we can pay that bond off six or seven years earlier than what was originally anticipated. But the most important thing to remember about the Western Alignment Corporation and, known as the Cobequid Pass, is the over 40 lives that we can demonstrate were saved. Many of those are Nova Scotians.

MS. SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Just as a reminder, it was 2019 which is next year, not 2020, that the bonds were scheduled to be paid off. The Cobequid Pass is a cash cow for this government and it's on the backs of the people of Cumberland, on the backs of businesses taking their products to market, on the backs of seniors and families going to medical appointments at the IWK and the Infirmary. In 2017, the gross revenues were $22 million, realizing over $9 million a year in net revenues for the government. Much of this money is on the backs of the people of Cumberland.

My question to the minister: Will he commit to giving back 50 per cent of the net revenues to the people of Cumberland to help us with our health care services and economic development?

MR. HINES « » : I would remind the member that a similar question in the last session resulted in me tabling this report, which I'd like to table again, that clearly documents that by paying a $4 toll at the Cobequid Pass that everybody who takes it is saving money. That's the CAA report, and I'd like to table that, Mr. Speaker.

We have a commitment, Mr. Speaker, to review the toll situation in the 2019-20 fiscal year, which we intend to follow through on, with a view to removing the toll for Nova Scotia motorists.

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

ENVIRON.: N. PULP - CONFLICT OF INTEREST

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : My question today is for the Minister of Environment. The province has already paid $6 million to Northern Pulp for costs associated with designing the new effluent treatment system. The province could also end up on the hook to reimburse Northern Pulp's lost profits for any time the mill is shut down if the new treatment system is not ready on time. This could cost the province millions of dollars if the project isn't done as quickly and cheaply as possible, which makes one wonder if that is why the province has insisted on applying the quickest and cheapest regulatory requirements possible.

[Page 1062]

Can the minister understand why residents believe the province is in a conflict of interest?

HON. MARGARET MILLER » : I thank the honourable member for the question. As all members of this House know, the environment of Nova Scotia is my primary concern.

We haven't yet received an environmental assessment application from Northern Pulp. When that application does come in we'll put it through the very strictest process, including the consultation process, and make a decision based on the facts and science.

MS. ZANN « » : Mr. Speaker, the clock is ticking to 2020. Ecojustice is a legal organization with over two decades of experience in environmental law. They are responsible for dozens of significant court decisions, many of them precedent setting. They have looked at the Northern Pulp effluent plan and they believe there is a conflict of interest. They say a federal environmental assessment is necessary because the province has too much at stake, both financially and legally. If the process isn't fixed, they could challenge any decision in court.

Mr. Speaker, this government may be trying to dismiss concerns of citizens but it's clear that the fishers, environmentalists, and community members are not going to let them get away with it.

My question for the minister is this: Why doesn't she support a federal assessment and get this right, before the courts have to be brought into the question?

MS. MILLER « » : I'll thank the honourable member for that question again. It's very strict, the guidelines that we have with the Department of Environment. First of all, we have to receive an application, which we haven't received yet. We certainly can't push that process, it's up to Northern Pulp to provide that application. When that does come in, there are very strict guidelines as well as to what requires what kind of assessment, whether it is a Level 1 or a Level 2.

This, in all fact, is an effluent treatment plant and falls under the guidelines of Level 1.

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

PREM. – SUPPLY MANAGE. PROT.: GOV'T. (CDN.) - COMMUNICATE

[Page 1063]

MR. JOHN LOHR « » : My question is for the Premier. Recently people in my constituency have approached me with concerns about the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement or, previous to yesterday, the NAFTA. The Premier knows that supply management has been a critical factor in the success of Nova Scotia agriculture. In fact, all agricultural sectors have benefited from the stability that supply management has given our province. Now our dairy farmers, our chicken farmers, our egg farmers, and turkey farmers, have been hurt by this recent USMCA trade agreement.

My question for the Premier is: What has he done to communicate to the Liberal Government in Ottawa the critical need for the protection of supply management in Nova Scotia?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. I agree with the premise of this question in around the importance of supply management to our province and agricultural sector. He has highlighted the issues that have been raised, with the elimination yesterday of the Class 7 provision inside of the former agreement, it causes great concern to us.

We're continuing to work with our partners throughout the sector, both in all of the supply management commodities that he referred to, to figure out what the actual impact is on them, to ensure that we continue to make the case, as we will over the next 60 days, of the importance of that sector and this industry to the rural economy of our great province.

MR. LOHR « » : I thank the Premier for that answer, Mr. Speaker. We know that the federal government has promised compensation. The Premier is famous for his trade trips to China. However, maybe he should have taken trips to a little closer to home like Ottawa or Washington given the outcome of this trade agreement, or even now through Kings North and other parts of Nova Scotia to explain how this agreement will affect our farmers.

My question for the Premier is this: Will he postpone his trip or vacation to get away from us all to China and do his job instead and go to Ottawa and inform the federal government about the need to see our agriculture prosper and continue to grow instead of being stagnated by a new trade agreement?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, it's a very narrow view of the economy of our province that the honourable member is projecting, quite frankly. It is important that we continue to grow to make sure that we protect sectors inside of our province and we continue to open up markets.

I want to ensure the honourable member that many times I've spoken to the national government on issues related to this province as well as being in Washington. Part of the NAFTA yesterday was Clause 232 which will not impose tariffs on Michelin Tire which is creating jobs in the Annapolis Valley, which is in the honourable member's constituency. I was very proud to be part of that team that went down to articulate the important part of integration of their businesses all across North America.

[Page 1064]

I want to remind the honourable member we have the exclusion of the softwood lumber sector. We continue to make sure we do that, but we continue to work on the supply managed side to ensure that the agricultural sector which is vibrant in my part of this province, across the province. We continue to make a case to ensure that we continue that our voice is heard.

Again, I want to tell the honourable member we're working out with those individual sectors to ensure that we fully appreciate and understand the impact on them with the elimination of Class 7.

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

JUSTICE - MEP: AG RECOMMENDATIONS - UPDATE

MS. BARBARA ADAMS « » : Mr. Speaker, my question through you is to the Minister of Justice. Despite the changes to the Maintenance Enforcement Act in 2016, the May Auditor General Report on maintenance enforcement concluded that the program is not adequately monitoring or enforcing court orders. There is currently $60 million owed to recipients, both individuals and families, who rely on these payments. The Auditor General made six recommendations to improve the program.

Given that there are over 7,500 families suffering because of the outstanding child support payments to the tune of $60 million, will the minister update the House on how many of the six recommendations made by the Auditor General have been completed?

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for the question. The Maintenance Enforcement Program to my colleague's point has outstanding liabilities by those who have not paid. The figure itself, $60 million, there is about $15 million of that that is considered unenforceable because of the existing circumstances of those who are responsible to pay, both those who may be in custody and those who aren't financially able. Another $25 million of that is out of province.

We are working with our provincial colleagues quite literally across the country. What I will share with my colleague relative to the amount, we are down now to about $58 million as a result of changes that have been made. This is the lowest number that has accumulated over the past 30 years and is reflective of the good work that our people in Maintenance Enforcement are doing to drive these number down.

MS. ADAMS « » : With all due respect, to all of those parents out there who are without that income, it's cold comfort. The Ombudsman's report that came out for 2017-18 shows that the number of complaints for the Department of Justice has not improved over the last three years. The report highlighted that there are many complaints about the enforcement process itself. Constituents are calling my office telling me that they are desperate, and they end up on social assistance when they can't get money from the ex spouse when the ex spouse works under the table or they just flat out refuse to make the payments. Lawyers tell me that it is often too expensive to take an ex spouse back to court to get a revised maintenance payment especially if their income has changed.

[Page 1065]

So my question to the minister is: Can the minister explain what his department has done to recoup that $45 million and to improve the court's ability to impose penalties on those who fail to pay their child support payments?

[2:45 p.m.]

MR. FUREY « » : As I indicated to my colleague earlier, we are seeing the lowest number in outstanding balance that we have seen in the history of this program. That's reflective of all Parties in government. This is not something that was created yesterday. There is collective responsibility, but there is also great work being done by those within maintenance enforcement. In the previous budget, we added six additional FTEs in the facility in New Waterford to address some of the concerns that my colleague is speaking about.

Mr. Speaker, the Premier himself has elevated this to the Council of the Federation. This is a national issue. We are working with our provincial partners.

I want to make a commitment to my colleague: these are the priorities of this government. We will address the Maintenance Enforcement Program and we will continue to drive this balance down.

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

H&W - LONG-TERM CARE: SYSTEM TRANSPARENCY - LACK

MR. EDDIE ORRELL « » : My question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. The Ontario Government has a searchable database online to help families who are faced with having to place a loved one in a long-term care facility. The search tool contains information such as the home's name, address, average wait times, and the number of beds in the facility. It also makes public and transparent broad results of an annual inspection and the number of times an inspector finds something that has not met statutory requirements.

Will the minister agree that this level of openness and transparency shown by the Government of Ontario builds confidence in the long-term care system and increases the level of care?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Indeed, I do agree that we can do better here, Mr. Speaker. That's why we have committed to providing more information about long-term care inspections as well as complaint reviews to be published. That's on top of the work that's ongoing to disclose and post information relating to pressure injuries in our long-term care facilities.

[Page 1066]

These are steps that are under way, in addition to the work of the panel of experts that we've convened to review the quality of care in our long-term care facilities. We look forward to the information and recommendations coming forward by the end of November.

MR. ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, over the weekend, a CBC program called White Coat Black Art examined a recent inquiry into long-term care in Ontario. One advocate for the elderly pointed out that Ontario has the most robust system in Canada. She pointed out that Nova Scotia's long-term care system is not open. She said people must FOIPOP inspection reports, and even then, many pages are redacted. She called it a bit of a black hole.

My question is: Will the minister admit when our system makes national news for a lack of openness and transparency, it's time to make some needed changes?

MR. DELOREY « » : I have been open and transparent both in this Legislature and in public, Mr. Speaker, about our commitment to move forward with providing more information and details about our inspection reports, pressure injury rates, to make that information available online.

At the same time, we do have to respect in some instances - the fact of the matter is, we're dealing with people's personal health information. There are requirements to ensure that we do go through an appropriate process to protect that information before it is made public. That's the work that's ongoing. We're going to work within the rules to get us more information available to build confidence in the work that is ongoing in our long-term care system.

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

EECD - NORTH END JR. HIGH SCH.: SCH. OPTIONS COM.

- RECOMMENDATIONS

MS. LISA ROBERTS « » : My question is for the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. It has been two years since the Halifax Regional School Board voted, democratically and after open debate, to accept the recommendations of the school options committee to build a new north-end Halifax junior high. That recommendation was based on hundreds of hours of volunteer work and months of consultation.

My question to the minister is: What can he say to residents of Halifax Needham, who shaped the recommendations of the school options committee that were communicated to the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development two years ago?

[Page 1067]

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL » : Our province has engaged in the first long-term capital planning process that we've had in our history. This allows us to better prepare for the needs of communities and better communicate early on what our intentions are in each community. That process is informed by the priorities that do come from our regions, some of which were previously dictated by the former boards, some of which moving forward will be supported by the operational needs that are expressed through the executive leadership and their teams.

This is a five-year rolling plan. We do have $300 million budgeted right now to execute on 13 major projects, but every single year there will be additional projects added to that plan, and communities will be informed of those changes as they occur.

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, Public Bills for Third Reading.

PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING

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

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 27.

Bill No. 27 - Animal Protection Act.

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

HON. KEITH COLWELL « » : Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 27, an Act to Protect Animals and to Aid Animals in Distress, now be read for a third time and do pass.

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

MR. TORY RUSHTON « » : Mr. Speaker, I had the privilege to stand here last week and share some concerns regarding this bill from emails and phone calls that most of us have received on this side of the House. Of course, there are some good things in this bill - there's no doubt about that - but there is some grey area in this bill.

As I have stated in the past, we're not convinced that full consultation was done with all stakeholders. For example, the Canadian Kennel Club was very vocal to Law Amendments Committee and several emails throughout our constituencies, that they have not been consulted 100 per cent. Even more worrisome is the strong arm of the law that we're going to give officers of the SPCA. There's a lot of grey area in that. We've heard from owners of companion animals, agricultural families, and they still have concerns that this bill is not where it needs to sit. As I have stated, there are good things in this bill, very good things, but there are a lot of grey areas.

[Page 1068]

Driving here yesterday from home, a farmer shared a story. We all know that cats are dropped off at barns on a regular basis. If a neighbour complains about that barn having 30 or 40 or an abundance of cats, and the SPCA shows up at their house, does that give legal meaning that they are the owner or custodian of those cats? There's a question there. Does the SPCA have powers to go and seek into their barns, creating an issue with bio-cross contamination in the barns. Does it give them entitlement to inspect agricultural animals rather than just companion animals? There are many questions here that lay unanswered.

Our caucus feels that with companion animals, yes, they may have some answers, but how much power is the SPCA actually going to receive in this? How much power will inspectors from the Department of Environment and the SPCA coexist with this bill? I'm just asking government to step back a little bit on this. Go back to the stakeholders and speak a little bit further. Get more consultation and answer some of those questions in the grey areas. That's the very least we can ask for our farmers and our companion animal owners.

Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I'd like to make the following motion: I move that Bill No. 27 be not now read a third time but that it be read a third time this day six months hence.

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

MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the motion put forward by my colleague. I can think of a time when I was campaigning - I remember coming to a house, knocking on the door, and there was a nice little black lab there. I remember the owner of the house using his cane to hit the dog to bat it back into the house and get it out of the way and I thought how awful what I had just witnessed was. When you're in the middle of a campaign, it's very busy, and I remember feeling bad that I didn't report that right away to the SPCA because by the time I did report it, it was too late.

Mr. Speaker, I think about that little dog when I'm rising to speak on this bill today and I know the government is trying to put forward a bill that is designed to protect animals. I think that is something all of us in this House want to be doing. How we treat animals, I think, is a reflection of how we treat our own fellow human beings. I think about this bill, and what will its effect be? Will there be unintended consequences?

That's why we've put forward this hoist motion. Put it aside for six months. Do some more consultation. There have been a number of animal lovers out there who have come forward with concerns. They have raised their concerns, and they don't feel they have been consulted. Maybe it's worth getting this right, taking the time to ensure that concerns like that are addressed.

[Page 1069]

I think about an organization in my own constituency. When I was listening to my colleague speak, I was thinking about the Inverness Raceway, home to many, many cats. Once again, unfortunately, it's a favourite place for people to drop off their cats. You see them there on any given Wednesday night or Sunday afternoon. They certainly do a job on the rodents, but it's not something that the executive of the board of the raceway can really be held responsible for. I'm just worried, with the passage of this bill, that there could be unintended consequences for them.

That is why I have risen to speak today. I know the impact of animals out there, and how things can get out of hand quickly. I remember visiting one SPCA in part of the province one time where I learned that two cats, if they go on to reproduce, can produce up to 10 million other cats in their lifetimes - which is an astonishing number, but once the family tree gets out there and starts expanding upon itself, it becomes immense.

Mr. Speaker, I know the government has good intentions with this bill. We just feel, based on the feedback that we have received, that it's time to hit the pause button and do some more consultation to make sure that people out there are supportive of what is happening.

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

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : Mr. Speaker, while we very much support animal protection and animal welfare, upon further thought about this bill, we feel that it was rushed through and needs more consultation. We're happy to support the motion to hold this bill off for another six months.

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

MS. BARBARA ADAMS « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm honoured today to speak to Bill No. 27, an Act to Protect Animals and to Aid Animals in Distress. I want to read a quote from Gandhi . . . .

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. Is the honourable member speaking to the amendment? You have to speak to the hoist motion.

The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage has the floor.

MS. ADAMS « » : There is a quote by Gandhi that I want to read. It says, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." We understand that this bill is going to change how those in Nova Scotia are allowed to treat their animals.

[Page 1070]

When I ran into the Minister of Agriculture in Eastern Passage on the weekend, we had an opportunity to talk, and I thank him for that opportunity. He did go over with me something that I wasn't as aware of as I should have been, in that this is not a series of amendments. This is doing away with one Act and completely replacing it with another.

It's a very long bill. It's very difficult. I spent all weekend going through the old Act versus the new bill, trying to figure out what wording had been changed, what paragraphs had been left out. It's not an easy process to go through, so I can understand why I've gotten so many emails from people who have picked out certain parts of the bill - and in fairness to the minister, in some cases, they're upset about something that was in the old Act, but they didn't realize that. They're just reading the Act for the first time and thinking, this is new. You can use force to go into a home - they're thinking that that's new.

I think the onus is on us as a government to not have those misperceptions out there. If we want the people in this province to trust us, ramming something through quickly without listening to what they're saying and addressing their fears is what we do with children. We say, don't worry, it'll be okay. But all of those emails and phone calls are saying, we're not okay with it right now. It's not okay the way it is, and we want it to be better, and the best that it can be.

[3:00 p.m.]

One of the biggest concerns we had sent to us was that people are afraid that the SPCA isn't going to need sufficient evidence in order to take action. Well, that's a reasonable fear if it has ever happened to anybody in this province. The government has not reassured people to the extent that it should, so taking six more months will help us get it right and we'll be able to reassure people that those powers are not going to be used excessively.

This Bill No. 27 outlaws cosmetic procedures such as declawing of cats, tail docking, and ear cropping. I will be honest, we always had cats and they were always declawed. My father insisted that if my mother was going to allow them in the house that they had better not be picking apart her furniture.

When I brought it up with my veterinarian years ago they very bluntly said that's like amputating the tips of your fingers. I'm like okay, I'll just buy inexpensive furniture and I'll let the cats claw it, and I won't worry about it - but somebody had to explain that to me.

The veterinarians in this province have been speaking out more what it is that they believe is humane treatment for our pets. This Bill No. 27 does toughen the rules around pet ownership in Nova Scotia and I know that a warrant would still be needed to enter someone's home but not necessarily the barn, so the farmers are very concerned and they want more consultation and more time.

[Page 1071]

There's an awful lot of people who don't like the change from owner to custodian because they probably don't understand the intent of the government, which is for those cases when you show up at a barn or a home where an animal is being abused and no one will admit that they own the animal, so changing it for that reason makes sense. But the public doesn't understand that yet. Giving us six months more to help explain that to people will go a long way to helping government earn the trust of Nova Scotians.

So, who doesn't want our animals to be protected, and who wouldn't applaud legislation that reduces cruelty to animals and one that holds abusers accountable? We are a pet-loving province, and there isn't anybody who wouldn't agree that we want our pets, our farm animals, and those animals that are for sale to be free from undue stress, torture, and mutilation.

This issue, despite the government's best efforts, has divided Nova Scotians unlike any I have ever seen. The passion that we all feel for our pets is powerful and unwavering, second only to what we feel for our children. Sadly, this is a case where there is no middle ground in some cases.

For those who are 100 per cent in favour of this bill, they want us to vote yes and get it over with. But there are almost an equal number of people in my constituency and around the province who are afraid that the changes proposed will lead to economic instability and punitive nature for some of the dog breeders. There are those who are afraid of the excessive powers. If the government is sure that that's not going to happen, then what would the harm be in taking another six months to educate the province? (Interruption)

I just heard a member saying that that would be six months more of abuse, but these are Nova Scotians who own their pets, who love their pets, and we're talking about a small majority of people out there who are abusing their animals. We don't want to overreact by giving excessive power to the SPCA or other organizations without consulting with the farmers, the animal lovers who own pets, and breeders.

So, what are we supposed to do, as politicians, when half of those who voted for us want the bill passed and the other half don't? Well you take your time, as I did over this weekend and over the past talking with our Party. We listened during Law Amendments Committee, we re-read what they said in Law Amendments Committee, as I did, and all of the emails that I got.

An article by Jean Laroche on September 17^th said that these are just a fraction of the concerns that they heard and certainly they are a fraction of the concerns that our caucus has heard. I am assuming that all of us would have gotten the same set of emails.

[Page 1072]

So, what would happen after Law Amendments Committee when people come and pour their hearts out for both sides of the issue? One would hope that something, anything that was said during Law Amendments Committee would sway the government in some way or would change the government's mind. If historically people come to Law Amendments Committee and pour out their hearts and travel from across this province, or perhaps get flown in from out West, if they pour out their heart and soul and nothing changes afterwards, then what is the point of Law Amendments? If we are the only ones who are still doing it, well, thank God for us, but if you're not going to amend anything, it's a show.

So I want us and this government to prove that we are a government, as a whole - all three Parties - are willing to listen and then respond.

I find it so sad and disheartening that all of these caring pet owners and farmers and breeders came all the way to Province House to share their thoughts and yet there was not a single amendment brought forward, suggesting that no one was heard.

This process failure annoys my constituents as much as some of the content of the bill, because they are left with a sick feeling and negative belief, which we don't really want to reinforce, but we're doing that. The belief is that it doesn't matter who gets consulted and it doesn't matter what the public says or how loud they say it or how many say it. This government is going to do what it wants, anyway.

This suggests an arrogance. Not my words. It suggests an arrogance that is easily similar to what happened with the Education Bill and when the Glaze report was brought in and we rammed through all of the recommendations without consulting with - well, not we. Good point - the government did; the government rammed through all of the recommendations without consulting with the teachers, and the parents and the students and the principals.

The following Law Amendments Committee member, Ben Jessome, announced that they were going to put the bill up - sorry.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. I'd like to remind the honourable member not to refer to other members of this House by their proper names.

The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage.

MS. ADAMS « » : My apologies, Mr. Speaker, for using a name inappropriately.

One of our wonderful members from the Opposition who was a part of the Law Amendments Committee said they were going to put this on ice, but then we brought it forth without further amendments.

[Page 1073]

What we don't understand is why we are not listening to what people are saying. There are the farmers who are concerned about the biohazards of someone coming on to their farms and going into the barns. I spoke with a farmer on the weekend who said: I have 30 employees. There are only six of my own employees who are allowed into the barn because they are the ones who are trained to make sure that there are no illnesses or diseases brought in or spread out. So they have concerns that they are not comfortable with, yet.

We have to ask, what about all of the other things that people are sending emails about? Did the government respond? One of the complaints I had from my constituents is: I emailed the government, I didn't hear anything back. They didn't have the ability to come to Law Amendments Committee, but they are suspicious that even if they had come, nothing would have changed.

Because this bill has been in existence for years, my colleagues have already said that holding off another six months would allow everybody to come closer together. We won't agree on everything. Certainly not, but what we do have a mission to do is to increase the public's trust in us.

We are asking this government to take six months, just to the next sitting of the Legislature. We are putting a whole bunch of other things on hold until then, so one more wouldn't matter. But it might go a long way to allowing those who didn't have a voice to be heard.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I ask for this government to agree to the hoist and to hold this for another six months.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for Bill No. 27 to be hoisted for six months. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

I hear several Noes.

The motion is defeated.

The honourable member for Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River.

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : I am pleased to rise today to speak to Bill No. 27, the Animal Protection Act, for third reading.

As I mentioned earlier, we are very much in support of animal protection and animal welfare. However, upon further reading of the bill and listening to many of the stakeholders who came to Law Amendments Committee, it is our determination that the bill was rushed through and needs more consultation with all stakeholders. Even the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture, who government say they consulted, actually came to Law Amendments and said that further consultation is necessary.

[Page 1074]

I'm also the Critic for Agriculture, so this concerns me greatly. The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture speaks for farmers right across the province and has been doing so since 1895. It represents over 2,400 farm businesses in 13 regions and in 29 commodity sectors. Ignoring the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture is ignoring farmers.

Farmers are such an important part of Nova Scotia. They put food on our tables. They contribute to our health and to food security. Agriculture is responsible for over 7,000 full-time jobs in the province and, along with fishers and foresters and filmmakers, they are the lifeblood of our rural communities and our businesses. Farmers should not be ignored, but this government is beginning to show a pattern of rushing changes without consulting all stakeholders. We've seen this a lot recently and, in fact, over the past five years. In this case, it's the dog breeders and farmers who are being ignored.

We thought the Liberal Party had really listened to the concerns that were brought to Law Amendments Committee when they agreed to send it back to the department for revision, but then they brought it back a week later with absolutely no changes and no further consultation. This is not okay. It makes it clear that they have no real intention whatsoever of listening. It was just a tactic and, as we have seen lately, this tactic is being used over and over and over again, even including paying people to come and speak to bills which the Liberals themselves want to see passed. It's very disappointing and it does not speak to the government's commitment to promoting animal welfare.

It's a disservice to all of the good that is in this bill that the Liberals are not prepared to work with all the stakeholders to fix what is bad in the bill and what is not working. The bill doesn't adequately consider the biosecurity risk involved in inspectors crossing from one farm to get to another. The National Farm Animal Care Council Codes of Practice referenced in the bill does not provide codes for all animals and breeds, so there are gaps that need to be covered.

The lack of clarity between companion animals and working farm animals potentially creates confusing overlap between Nova Scotia Environment inspectors and SPCA inspectors which will result in added red tape for farmers. There are concerns about the lack of oversight, accountability, and qualifications for inspectors. The Canadian Kennel Club says it first heard of the proposed changes on September 13^th when the rest of the public did, and we heard overwhelmingly at Law Amendments Committee that many impacted people feel blindsided.

Many of these people are in fact my constituents and many others in the rural districts of Nova Scotia. Cape Breton is one of them. Breeding businesses will be significantly impacted and, given how ambiguous much of the bill is, it's still unclear to what extent they will be impacted and how much time they will have to adjust. I'm being told this is going to affect their pocketbooks and their homes and the love that they feel for the animals as well.

[Page 1075]

Over the summer, the Department of Environment tried to make changes to how they provide inspection to abattoirs without checking with the people who are actually on the ground doing the work. Meat inspection is an important part of our health and safety regulations but it needs to be done in a way that works with small farmers so that regulation doesn't favour bigger agri-businesses and push small farmers out of business.

[3:15 p.m.]

The Department of Environment ignored that. They were focused on saving the department a little bit of money by reducing their staffing costs associated with meat inspection. They wanted to make meat inspectors available only after 8:00 a.m., much later than some small abattoirs begin their practice, and they wanted all slaughter to be scheduled two weeks in advance, without understanding the realities of how small meat farmers serve their local customers.

The Department of Environment was prioritizing small savings over the negative impacts on small abattoirs and small farms. That decision would have cost the rural economy much more than any money the department could hope to save. Thankfully, farmers worked hard and worked together to push back and make themselves heard, so the department had to slow down these changes and eventually agreed to work with farmers.

The bill before us is another example of this government dismissing farmers' concerns, and dog breeders' concerns as well. Well, Nova Scotians deserve better than that. Aspects of the bill are vague, which is causing uncertainty and confusion about how it will be enforced and precisely what will and will not be allowed. Ambiguous laws do not make good laws. The intent of this bill would be better served if the government would consult with all stakeholders, not just some, and do the work needed to make the law clear. Thank you.

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

MS. ALANA PAON « » : Mr. Speaker, it's my pleasure to stand up today to speak on the repeal and replacement of the Animal Protection Act. It's extremely important that we, as a civilized society, and we here in Nova Scotia, do everything we can to protect the welfare of companion animals, as well as farm animals.

I, for one, am a farmer, and have been a farmer for the last 10 years of my life. I don't come from a farming background and I don't come from a farming family. However, I do come from a family of animal lovers. My dad would have been the kind of guy who would have put a spider outdoors, if he saw one inside.

[Page 1076]

It's extremely important to understand that many people in Nova Scotia, whether they are farmers for generations or they are people who have just enjoyed having what we now call companion animals, domesticated animals, in their homes - there are a lot of good people in this province who have these animals in their homes and on their properties and take excellent care of them.

Unfortunately, we also have those folks who we need to be writing these laws for. It's unfortunate that we even have to think about people who would be putting animals at risk, but obviously it's important that laws - good laws, well-researched laws, and those that receive the proper consultation - are put forward in order to make certain that we have the best legislation, to be able to make 100 per cent certain that we have the most up-to-date and the best standard for humane treatment and the welfare of animals in this province.

I'm not sure how many people in this House have ever been on a farm or lived on a farm or owned a farm, for that matter. It's quite an intense profession to be involved in. It's specifically extremely intense when you have the care of so many animals on your property. I take it, and I know that many farmers take it, very seriously.

I have seen myself in a barn in the middle of the night, three or four times a night, trying to keep an animal alive. It is the most horrible experience for me, even after 10 years of farming, to see a small little lamb or a ewe or a ram - and just a couple of years ago, my donkey unfortunately passed away quite suddenly on the farm. It's absolutely heartbreaking to see when these things happen to animals, and specifically on a farm, it's extremely difficult for those who own agricultural - and we call them agricultural businesses, but everyone knows that those who farm are often people who have to like the lifestyle as well. You don't make a whole bunch of money as a small and medium-sized farmer in this day and age in Nova Scotia, which I certainly hope that we can turn that around.

As far as Bill No. 27, I think one of the things I find most egregious of this whole experience - in watching this Legislation go through - is very similar to what we saw during the Law Amendments process with the Education Act. Law Amendments Committee, as one of my colleagues has mentioned here in the House earlier, is part of the process in which the public can come forward to this House, to our government, and to the members that sit in the Opposition as well, and put forward their concerns as what they see as red flags or perhaps areas that need a little bit more research and a bit more consultation. None of us are perfect in this House, perhaps something that we just did not see within the legislation in the first place.

When people come to Law Amendments Committee, that's part of their democratic process. It is part of our democracy to be able to allow people to come forward, and give them enough time to do so. They should have enough notice. They should have the ability to be able to come and put forward their concerns to governments and Opposition - in this case it's government that's tabling this bill - and make certain that their concerns are heard and at least given some sort of credence to be able to make changes within a bill. That's the whole point of Law Amendments Committee in the first place.

[Page 1077]

However, I really do think that we're starting to forget that. Law Amendments Committee is not just some part of the parliamentary system that we go through very quickly and assume that nobody's going to take anyone's concerns very seriously in there, anyway. Why bother going through the process at all if none of the amendments are actually going to be taken seriously or are going to make their way into legislation that affects every single Nova Scotian across this province?

The Federation of Agriculture presented, and thank goodness that they did, it was good to see them there at Law Amendments Committee - I was present as well watching the proceedings. Both they and the Canadian Kennel Club made some suggestions about their concerns and about how quickly the turnaround time was happening without further consultations being done before this bill goes through.

I want to protect animals as much as anyone in this province. I absolutely love every single animal that is on my farm. I try to take the best care possible, as I know most farmers in Nova Scotia do as far as the animals that are on their farm, whether they're there for companionship or they're there as part of a flock or livestock. But I never want to see - whether it's this bill or any other bill - bad laws go through on the books in this province. I feel more and more as time goes by, we're just trying to like push legislation through just to make sure we can get something checked off and get onto the next thing.

If there are these many people, and I truly have received hundreds of emails from folks who are concerned about the legislation that is about to go through this House, there's a serious problem with the legislation. Surely not all of these people can be coming forward with concerns and that these concerns have no merit. Mr. Speaker, with that said, I will say that from an agricultural perspective, I have some major concerns, and I've heard from other farmers as well who have major concerns, there was a lack of consultation from the agricultural community.

I know, for one, I have a closed flock farm. For those people in the House who don't understand what that is, and many people in poultry and other sectors of agriculture have very similar things, it has taken me years and years to be able to make certain that my flock is disease free. It has been very expensive to be able to get to that standard on a farm, as I know it is for so many other folks. It's really important that we adhere to biohazard standards on a farm.

If somebody is crossing my farmland or farmland, in particular, without a farmer noticing it and not knowing that that person is going to be crossing land, an inspector or an animal control officer, it puts that farm at risk from a biohazard perspective. This is directly in the legislation that we're putting forward, that an inspector can actually cross land without having to let the landowner know. I think the first thing that I saw that was really worrisome in here is actually being able to enter someone's property - enter a barn, enter a field, enter anything - with just probable cause.

[Page 1078]

Mr. Speaker, I would echo the other voices within this Legislature today, at least on the Opposition side, that I truly believe that we need to give this legislation more time. As much as we do have to protect animals within this province, there is currently legislation in place. It may not be the best that it can be, but I think it's our responsibility that instead of putting forth something that perhaps has holes or some red flags in it that we really need to take account of, we should be putting forward with 100 per cent certainty that we are putting together and putting forth the best bill possible to be able to make certain that we protect not only the animals in this province but also the good people who own them or are custodians of them.

MR. SPEAKER « » : If I recognize the minister it will be to close the debate.

The honourable Minister of Agriculture.

HON. KEITH COLWELL « » : I've been listening very intently to the Opposition as they have brought some concerns forward. Those have been listened to and will be followed through on. I want to clarify a few things.

First of all, the Federation of Agriculture - there's a feeling here that they weren't consulted. They were in August. We have documentation of who our staff met with at that time and went through this bill in detail.

The minor changes - basically no changes for farms. Inspectors through Environment can go on a farm anytime they want. That has always been the case. It has been the case since the early 1990s, and it will continue to be. As far as any procedures, agriculture in the province is exempt from the things that are similar to what the SPCA would enforce, such as tail docking and other things.

As far as the Department of Agriculture is concerned and as far as the agriculture industry is concerned, there is no change. There is no change in the Act. People have been out there telling everybody there is a change in the Act and now you can go on property. You could always go on property, always. If you're going to go into someone's home, you need a warrant. You absolutely have to have a warrant. That is no change since the mid-1990s. I want to make that very, very clear.

Bio-security, we will always be respecting it on farms. We're very concerned about that and always will be. The Department of Environment inspectors are trained for that.

Economic benefits for some - this Act is about ensuring our animals are protected. (Applause) When someone puts economic benefit against the welfare of our animals - and I'm an animal lover. I've got a black lab at home that's so spoiled - part of the family, actually, is the best way to put it. All of my pets have always been the same way, and they always will be. I was born on a farm, and I've seen all the activities on the farm, and the farm activities have changed over the years, and been very, very well.

[Page 1079]

When we talk more about farms, there's never been mentioned here - nobody has talked about it - we're actively trying to grow Nova Scotia's economy. One of the places we're trying to actively grow it is in agriculture. As we go through these proceedings and talk about all this stuff, we're trying to put out animals on the marketplace that have been well treated, all kinds of humane activities around the animals to make sure that indeed our animals are well protected, they are safe, and are looked after well.

[3:30 p.m.]

I can tell you, we are watched internationally, absolutely internationally, at what goes on. That's a question that comes up at a meeting - how do you treat your animals for animal welfare? If we can't say we've got some of the toughest rules in the world, they'll say too bad, we're not interested in buying your products, even though that may be the case.

I'll give you one example in the fisheries, which also applies to agriculture - I was sitting in a room with a senior executive of a major company in China and he asked me what the price of lobsters was today. I had no idea. The gentleman sitting beside me with his computer gave me the exact price. He said, what day in the last five years do you want to know what the price of lobsters at the wharf was in Nova Scotia? You give me the date and I'll tell you. We're being watched all the time by our customers.

If we put economic benefit for a few people who are cropping tails and doing other things on companion animals and, indeed, we look at this and say for economic benefit, you talk about economic benefit, economic benefits to the farmers so we can get a higher price for their product.

When I became Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister and using that as an example again, lobster was selling for $3 a pound; now lobsters are selling anywhere from $6 to $15 a pound. Thanks to the marketing that was done to get them to the marketplace, that has made the difference - and the quality systems we've put in place. So, as you talk about this and we talk about these things and you go through and see what is happening, really this bill has not changed a whole lot. You've got to do the research on the bill, you've got to do research on the previous bills to see what the wording is.

Again, for farms, there's no change, there's no change at all, but there have been people out there telling the farmers that that's indeed the case. That is inaccurate information being provided to people.

[Page 1080]

As we look at this bill, and this bill was consulted on, this bill came at suggestions of the animal rights groups, and we talked to people who know the industry. One comparison was used to cutting your finger off as to declawing a cat. What's the difference in that to taking their tail off? What's the difference?

I heard through the grapevine and it was just hearsay, but it's hearsay, that some of the people who are involved in this tail-cropping activity were sedating animals to do it. Well to my knowledge, only a veterinarian can do that. So, you want to make sure you have your facts right and watch who you are talking to. Anyone who is looking after animals properly in the Province of Nova Scotia will be not affected in any way in this bill, nobody will be. The few people - and I stress a very, very few people - who are not treating their animals properly will be affected, and should be affected. They should be charged and they should go through the whole system to make sure that our animals are protected.

I don't think there's one person in this room who would say we don't want to protect our animals and make sure we're looking after their welfare. We have to do that through laws; we have to do that through regulations.

This is an effort to do that and bring it forward. One of the main things that really this bill actually talks about is making the appeal hearings public. Previously they were all closed doors, so if the SPCA or the Department of Environment comes with some really gruesome pictures of animals that have been abused - and they come forward, don't kid yourselves that they don't, I've seen some of them and it's horrible - if that is public, I'm going to think twice about going to this open forum and talking about the animals that I've abused and want to appeal it and get the people who are causing the problem to stop.

With the previous Act we put forward on animal rights, it really has worked. There were some loopholes in the system that people got through. This is going to close up those loopholes and make it better for companion animals in the province.

Mr. Speaker, with those few words I'd move third reading of Bill No. 27, the Animal Protection Act.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 27. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

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.

[Page 1081]

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 32.

Bill No. 32 - Body Armour Control Act.

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

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 32, the Body Armour Control Act, be read a third time.

This legislation is intended to better protect the safety of police and the public in this province. Halifax Regional Police Superintendent Brenda Young addressed the Law Amendments Committee and spoke from experience on the risks associated with the use of unauthorized body armour. She told us that members of organized crime, specifically outlaw motorcycle gangs, use body armour or bullet- and stab-proof vests to protect themselves in violent confrontations with police and with each other, and that the use of body armour makes them more brazen in the way they commit their crimes.

This clearly paints a picture of the elevated risk posed to police, other peace officers, and the public at large. This is troubling. The fact is that body armour is more readily available than it was intended to be, yet without this legislation, there is no authority to seize the armour.

The intent of this legislation is to improve public safety and the safety of peace officers. I recognize that protective gear is used for certain activities, including some sports. This will not change. These uses are not affected by this legislation. There is protective sports equipment, and then there is body armour. This Act is very specific to body armour or bullet- and stab-proof vests. This legislation ensures that only those who legitimately need body armour due to the nature of their occupation or employment can use it. This includes police officers, sheriffs, corrections officers, special constables, provincial civil constables, conservation officers, bylaw enforcement officers, security guards, paramedics, and others.

There are mechanisms built into this legislation to expand the list of occupations that can possess body armour if necessary. The legislation allows for those in other occupations to be added through regulations.

We heard concerns about bailiffs during Law Amendments Committee. The fact is that bailiffs who are serving civil processes can be included by applying for provincial civil constable appointment or status under the Police Services Act. This would allow them to possess body armour in the course of their duties and employment.

Adopting this legislation is the responsible thing to do. It's just one more tool we can use to make our streets and communities safer. We've heard from the law enforcement community, a request specifically from the president - past-president now - of the Nova Scotia Chiefs of Police Association. We've heard from individual police officers.

[Page 1082]

We believe this is a sound, reasonable next-step piece of legislation to provide enhanced safety to our law enforcement community and the public at large.

With those comments, I look forward to the comments of my colleagues.

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

MS. ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to bring attention that I have had a few constituents come to me with concerns. They are sport shooters, and they want to be able to wear body armour. I know our Leader spoke to that at second reading, but I just wanted to emphasize and make those comments again - for safety reasons. Thank you.

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

MS. CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, we agree that this government does go some way to protecting public safety. We support the bill.

As to the presenter about bailiffs, the presenter in Law Amendments Committee was in fact a provincial civil constable, but I think he was making a point about his staff. Now, presumably most of them could also apply for that designation, but he did mention his office staff and the danger of working in that particular area. So as at second reading, I would just urge the minister and the government to perhaps look at a bailiffs bill or adding some of those folks through the regulations, just to ensure everyone's safety in this regard.

The only other comment we'll make is that there are those people who do own body armour that will be made illegal by the passage of this legislation, and some presumably not for a nefarious purpose, but because it was available and they purchased it. We'd urge the government to give them time to turn it over and to ensure that we do some good public education so that we can make sure that this law is coming into force smoothly.

With those few comments, I'll take my seat.

MR. SPEAKER « » : If I recognize the minister it will be to close the debate.

The honourable Minister of Justice.

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I do appreciate the comments from my colleagues. One of the elements built into the legislation is a waiver, so it extends police the opportunity to utilize discretion and in the early stages, not so much an amnesty program as built into the legislation the ability to take possession of that for the very purposes my colleague has identified.

[Page 1083]

With those few comments, I rise to close debate on Bill No. 32.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 32. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

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 « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 38.

Bill No. 38 - Residential Tenancies Act.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Service Nova Scotia.

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 38 be now read for a third time and do pass.

Mr. Speaker, our goal is to make the Act more inclusive, accessible, and balanced for both tenants and landlords. The amendments are largely based on consultations with both tenants and landlord groups. The feedback helped inform our changes here today. Clear information and common understanding of the Act will benefit both landlords and tenants. Clarifying terms such as tenant, and providing additional methods to serve documents such as electronically, will help achieve these goals.

In addition, the following amendments will improve clarity and consistency in the Act and increase efficiency and balance for the parties involved. They reduce the time for landlords to inventory and store abandoned property from 60 days to 30 days. Currently, home buyers who do not wish to be landlords may only make an application to evict the tenant after a home is purchased and in their possession. The changes will allow the seller to initiate the eviction upon proof of sale, allow tenants to give notice to change their yearly tenancy to month-to-month instead of asking for a landlord's permission, provide landlords with entry times to show an apartment to a prospective tenant or purchaser when there is a fixed-term lease in place, and terminate a lease the next month after a single tenant dies to eliminate unnecessary financial hardship for the family of the deceased.

Mr. Speaker, I'm proud of the direction we're taking with these amendments, and with those short remarks, I look forward to the comments opposite.

[Page 1084]

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

MS. LISA ROBERTS « » : Mr. Speaker, we are pleased - with apologies to my colleague - that the government seems to have done some consultation with stakeholders in the development of this bill. The Residential Tenancies Act is one of the Acts in Nova Scotia that really affects people in their daily lives and it's important that we do work to ensure that it works for Nova Scotians and that people are able to interact with the Residential Tenancies Board in a way that is practical and reasonable for them.

[3:45 p.m.]

In my comments, I simply wanted to make the point that it's particularly important that the Act adequately protect Nova Scotians living in low income and those who may find themselves in precarious housing situations. Unfortunately, the government has not yet brought forward anything in this session to help with the affordability of rental housing or to deal with significant increases in rent that are occurring, particularly in the capital region of Halifax. In the municipality which I represent and which about half the population of Nova Scotia now lives in, almost half of renter households are already spending more than 30 per cent of their income on shelter.

We haven't seen real significant investment in non-market housing in many years. There have been some promises made at the federal level in terms of the National Housing Strategy; provincially that has mostly translated into rent supplements, which structurally in the marketplace of housing don't address the long-term affordability of rental housing. For that, we would need to have an increase in non-market housing, so that would include investment in additional public housing but also expansion of rent co-ops, potential development of land trusts.

There are innovative proposals and innovative groups working towards more non-market housing, but the provincial government has, I'd say, been slow to follow that lead and certainly has not been leading.

Again, it's encouraging that the government seems to have done some consultation with stakeholders in the development of this bill, and I guess my ask would be for additional work to proceed on this file.

MR. SPEAKER « » : If I recognize the minister it will be to close the debate.

The honourable Minister of Service Nova Scotia.

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I do thank the member opposite for her comments. Certainly, with respect to this issue it is one of those overarching issues with 300,000 total renters in the province. The relationship between landlords and tenants is a significant one and I think it's incumbent on the government to strike that balance.

[Page 1085]

Really with this legislation, as always, there's more to do, but with respect with this, in the consultation groups there were 14 issues identified. Nine were agreed in lockstep on both sides, tenants and landlords. There were two, namely the piece around inventory and the eviction upon proof of sale, whereby we had enough information to sort of make those changes and enshrine them in legislation. There were three other issues that were sort of long-term issues that, really, we didn't think we had enough agreement upon and certainly weren't ready to move those forward.

So, of the total 14 issues, some of the issues around rent control just weren't something brought up through those consultations. We certainly willing to work with both sides of this discussion, and we always have been.

One of the most encouraging pieces for both the tenant groups and for the landlord representatives was that this is an ongoing discussion. This is a step in the right direction. There is always more to do and the advocates on both sides are certainly eager to get in with the next round of consultations and make sure that we're reflecting the needs and establishing that fairness and balance on both sides.

Certainly, it has been a great process. I do appreciate the very important input that the consultations brought forward, the tremendous work that the Department of Service Nova Scotia did in making sure we were reflecting the needs and wishes and concerns of both sides, and we'll certainly look to do more of that in the future.

Again, I do thank the member and, with that, I'd like to close third reading debate on Bill No. 38, the Residential Tenancies Act.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 38. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

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 « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 42.

Bill No. 42 - Vital Statistics Act.

[Page 1086]

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Service Nova Scotia.

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 42 be now read a third time and do pass.

After extensive consultation with the 2SLGBTIQ+ community, the following amendments were made to the Vital Statistics Act. X will be added as an option for gender identity in the sex indicator field on the Nova Scotia birth certificate for anyone who doesn't identify exclusively as male or female. You will also now be able to obtain a birth certificate that does not display the sex field or indicator, and there will still be the option for male and female on the certificate. The fee to change the sex indicator on the birth certificate will be waived at the same time these changes come into effect.

In addition, we are removing the requirement for anyone 16 years of age or older to get a statement from a professional to change their sex indicator on their birth certificate, and we are providing an opportunity for Nova Scotia residents born outside the province to apply for a change of sex indicator.

Mr. Speaker, I'm very proud to say that Nova Scotia is the first province in Canada to offer all these services. It is a tremendous accomplishment and honour and one that I am so pleased to say has been receiving tremendously positive and widespread support here in Nova Scotia.

Other amendments to the Vital Statistics Act include giving all parents the same rights to register the birth of their child with the surname of their choice and providing Nova Scotians with the most secure and cost-effective access to online birth, marriage and death certificates by creating the ability to restrict third-party vendors selling these services online.

Mr. Speaker, I believe and we all believe that what we're doing here is the right step in a good direction for our province. With those short remarks, I will turn the floor over to my colleagues opposite.

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

MS. SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak on this bill today in third reading.

I want to echo the comments I've already made in second reading about this. These are very important changes for the people the changes affect directly, as well as all of Nova Scotia. I believe that, as a province, we need to move forward and to an understanding of gender as a non-binary or as a fluid thing. This will help. It sends a message that we are respecting individuals' gender identities and we recognize that we are moving away - and we should move away - from understanding gender as a binary to a more fluid understanding of gender and gender identity.

[Page 1087]

I want to tell a quick story. The minister alluded to the fact that now the bill, when it's passed, will allow anyone to choose the surnames of their children. Well, I think I broke the law already because I chose the surnames of my children and I gave them their father's name. I think that was really not allowed under the Act, but no one questioned me, so I just did it. Now, I'm happy my family will be in line with the laws. I'm not going to go to jail over that. (Laughter)

I also wanted to tall a story about when I was pregnant with my first child. This is kind of a funny story that we think about now. It actually speaks to this bill. When we went for one of our ultrasounds, the technician wanted to know if we wanted to know the sex of our child. Of course, at that time, the technician used the word gender.

My partner and I understood that we couldn't know the gender of our child because the gender of our child will be told to us by that child when she is ready and, in fact, she might not be a she when she tells us.

We didn't want to know if we were having a male or female baby. The technician went ahead with the ultrasound and at the end the woman said to us, "Well, just so you know, her gender is normal." I took a pause and I was like, "Um, do you mean one or the other?" She said, "Yes, the gender is normal," and I was like, "Great, that's great to know."

We thought it was very funny because we knew that what she meant was the sex of the baby - the baby was one sex. It had the anatomical parts of one sex or the other. We didn't know which one. We knew that the gender would be normal, because everyone's gender is normal, in my opinion, but we didn't know how our child would identify to us when that child was ready.

After that, my good friends would put their heads to my belly and go, "Your gender is normal" whispering it to my child. I think that she is ready to enter this new world where our province is leading in this understanding that gender is non-binary or gender can be fluid.

I also want to say that I look forward to the fact that many of my constituents will be able to access identification now that is appropriate for them and their wish to identify their gender identity or sex. I'm really happy that we're about to pass this legislation. Thank you very much.

MR. SPEAKER « » : If I recognize the minister it will be to close the debate.

The honourable Minister of Service Nova Scotia.

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I do want to thank the member for Dartmouth North for her comments. Our gender is normal: I think that pretty much sums it up.

[Page 1088]

That's where we are this day and age, and I think that's a pretty profound way to bring in the final comments around legislation like this. Lots of this is about the outdated terminology and language, but most of it is about just recognizing that people are people, and we've wasted too much time looking at differences in a negative way. These are easy things for governments to do. I'm encouraged by this, and I look forward to more of this as time goes on. With that, we'll close debate on Bill No. 42.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 42. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

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 « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 44.

Bill No. 44 - Change of Name Act.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Service Nova Scotia.

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : I move that Bill No. 44, to amend the Change of Name Act, be now read a third time and do pass.

The amendment we are making will reduce the residency period for a person not born in Nova Scotia to seek a legal change of name. We are going from one year to three months. Mr. Speaker, because a change of name sometimes accompanies or follows the change of sex indicator, it is important that residency requirements for both applications are aligned. This will make it easier for applicants who seek both changes as well as for those just seeking a legal change of name. That pretty much sums it up.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 44. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

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.

[Page 1089]

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 45.

Bill No. 45 - Senior Citizens' Property Tax Rebate Act.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Service Nova Scotia.

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 45, An Act Respecting Property Tax Rebates to Senior Citizens, be now read for a third time and do pass.

Simply put, this will help some low-income seniors in Nova Scotia. The property tax rebate program provides eligible homeowners with a 50 per cent rebate on actual residential municipal property taxes paid during the previous tax year to a maximum of $800.

The amendments I brought forward will extend the eligibility criteria for the property tax rebate for seniors program to allow a rebate to be issued when the Nova Scotia senior moves out of their primary residence but has paid the previous year's municipal taxes. The change in eligibility criteria could allow up to 150 additional Nova Scotia senior households qualify for a rebate.

With that, I'll pass the floor over to my colleagues opposite.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 45. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

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 « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 48.

Bill No. 48 - An Act to Amend Various Statutes Administered by Service Nova Scotia.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Service Nova Scotia.

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 48 be read for a third time and do pass.

The amendments being made to various Service Nova Scotia Acts will streamline processes and clarify and strengthen language and the purpose of the law. It will also support our work to modernize legislation and streamline those regulations to support government's commitment to making programs and services more accessible and more efficient for Nova Scotians.

[Page 1090]

Regarding the Marriage Act, the deputy registrar general will now have increased enforcement responsibility to terminate a cleric's and a religious body's regulation to solemnize marriages if they are not adhering to their own requirements. These could include stated beliefs, who can conduct marriage services, the marriage rites to be followed, or failing to comply with the Act.

We are also amending various Service Nova Scotia Acts, which include updating and harmonizing limitation periods at three years to make the Collections Agencies Act, Consumer Creditors Conduct Act, Consumer Protection Act, Consumer Reporting Act, Direct Sellers Regulation Act, and the Mortgage Regulation Act consistent. This means if someone is in violation of the Act you have three years to charge that person. Updating and correcting language in the Consumer Protection Act, Petroleum Products Pricing Act, and the Consumer Reporting Act - for example, gender terms like his and workmanlike will be removed and also correcting typographical errors in the Direct Sellers' Regulation Act.

[4:00 p.m.]

We will also be clarifying and enhancing regulatory and regulation-making authority in the Consumer Protection Act and the Consumer Reporting Act. This includes allowing the registrar to set new application form requirements and, finally, updating and repealing reference to courts and programs that no longer exist in the Money-Lenders Act and the Unconscionable Transactions Relief Act. This includes removing references to county court and the appeal division.

Mr. Speaker, it's simply important that our laws reflect today's society and these amendments do just that. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 48. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

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 « » : Before we discuss tomorrow's House business, Mr. Speaker, I would like to request a quick recess for the House Leaders to discuss some of the mechanics around the agenda for tomorrow.

[Page 1091]

MR. SPEAKER « » : The House will now recess for a few minutes.

[4:02 p.m. The House recessed.]

[4:16 p.m. The House reconvened.]

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

MR. KEITH IRVING » : Mr. Speaker, that concludes government business for today. I move that the House do now rise to meet again tomorrow, Wednesday, October 3^rd, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Following daily routine and Question Period, of course it is Opposition Day so I will now turn it over to the Official Opposition House Leader for the business for tomorrow.

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

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : Mr. Speaker, thanks to the Deputy Government House Leader. Tomorrow after the daily routine and Question Period, we'll be calling Bill No. 47, which is the Cancer Survivors Day Act and also Bill No. 71, the Pressure Sore Accountability Act.

I move that we do now rise to meet again tomorrow between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for the House to adjourn to meet again tomorrow, Wednesday, October 3^rd, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

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

The motion is carried.

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

[The House rose at 4:17 p.m.]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

[Page 1092]

RESOLUTION NO. 324

By: Mr. Gordon Wilson « » (Clare-Digby)

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

Whereas on July 5, 2018, Innovacorp announced the winners of the Spark Innovation Challenge, a province-wide competition for early stage technology companies; and

Whereas Oakland Crane & Inspection Services from Church Point was chosen as one of the five winners in the Spark West region which includes Lunenburg, Queens, Shelburne, Yarmouth, Digby, Annapolis, Kings, and Hants counties; and

Whereas Oakland Crane & Inspection Services won the competition with the assisted lifting device for lobster trap handling aboard fishing vessels;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Gary LeBlanc and Vince Stuart at Oakland Crane & Inspection Services in winning the Spark Innovation Challenge and wish them continued growth in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 325

By: Mr. Gordon Wilson « » (Clare-Digby)

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

Whereas on July 5, 2018, Innovacorp announced the winners of the Spark Innovation Challenge, a province-wide competition for early stage technology companies; and

Whereas Shawn Adams, owner of Tactical Acuity, was chosen as one of the five winners in the Spark West region which includes Lunenburg, Queens, Shelburne, Yarmouth, Digby, Annapolis, Kings, and Hants counties; and

Whereas Shawn Adams won the competition with his technology to track, position, and map soldiers in the battlefield;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Shawn Adams of Tactical Acuity in winning the Spark Innovation Challenge and wish him continued growth in the future.

[Page 1093]

RESOLUTION NO. 326

By: Hon. Iain Rankin « » (Lands and Forestry)

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

Whereas Jerry Walsh of Hubley, a local artisan who has been operating his own business creating distinctive art pieces that can be used to decorate homes both inside and outside; and

Whereas the material used to create this special art work is sourced from recycled grey old wood and driftwood with paints and metal for accents; and

Whereas Mr. Walsh has been commissioned by political dignitaries in Ottawa to create unique and specialized pieces of art work that now sit on a window sill overlooking the Parliament Buildings;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating Jerry on his success.

RESOLUTION NO. 327

By: Hon. Kelly Regan « » (Community Services)

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

Whereas the Bedford Volunteer Reception annually recognizes the exceptional work of people who volunteer with organizations that serve the Bedford area; and

Whereas in May the reception recognized John Smith, who has been volunteering with Bedford Days for three years, bringing creative marketing ideas, knowledge, and expertise to the committee; and

Whereas John is a partner at Stir Creative, an award-winning company focused on creativity and brand problem solving;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank John Smith for bringing his professional skills and knowledge to the committee that organizes Bedford's premiere annual celebration.

[Page 1094]

RESOLUTION NO. 328

By: Hon. Kelly Regan « » (Community Services)

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

Whereas the Bedford Volunteer Reception annually recognizes the exceptional work of people who volunteer with organizations that serve the Bedford area; and

Whereas Marc Butler has been volunteering as a coach since he was 16 years old, most recently with the Bedford Soccer Association where he has served as vice- president of the local association as well as technical director and on four committees - technical, marketing, nominations, and sponsorship; and

Whereas Marc is a reliable volunteer who focuses on the needs of the children playing soccer and the greater community - for example, helping to ensure local fields have defibrillators in case of a cardiac episode, or volunteering with the Team Broken Earth, which has been sending teams of health care professionals to help the citizens of Haiti since the devastating earthquake there in 2010;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House commend Marc Butler on being such a reliable, thoughtful volunteer and thank him for his efforts.

RESOLUTION NO. 329

By: Hon. Kelly Regan « » (Community Services)

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

Whereas the Bedford Volunteer Reception annually recognizes the exceptional work of people who volunteer with organizations that serve the Bedford area; and

Whereas, in May, the reception recognized Eleanor MacLeod for her volunteer work with the Bedford Horticultural Society, where she helps out wherever and whenever there is a need - she sees something that needs to be done and she steps up; and

Whereas Eleanor has served as treasurer for the society and she's not afraid to roll up her sleeves for its many events from the Christmas dinner to the society's annual plant sale, and she also volunteers with her church, where she organized a fundraising catering business with two other volunteers;

[Page 1095]

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House thank Eleanor MacLeod for her devotion to the Bedford Horticultural Society and many other worthy causes, and commend her for her can-do attitude.

RESOLUTION NO. 330

By: Hon. Chuck Porter « » (Municipal Affairs)

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

Whereas if he's not playing or practising, he's watching baseball on TV; and

Whereas at 16, baseball has been Layton Cuvilier's life since he was four years old, and he has developed an incredibly strong baseball IQ; and

Whereas Layton has played in four national tournaments and helped his provincial U17 bring home bronze medals;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Layton Cuvilier on his dedication to the sport of baseball.

RESOLUTION NO. 331

By: Hon. Chuck Porter « » (Municipal Affairs)

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

Whereas Jake MacDougall is among our province's growing number of young people helping to redefine farming and agriculture; and

Whereas at MacDougall Meadows farm in Centre Burlington, all the garden work is done with horses, causing far less soil compaction than heavy machinery, which in turn benefits the soil and the crops in the long run; and

Whereas Jake wants people to know what they're eating and how it was grown and produced;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Jake MacDougall on his passion for promoting and supporting the 'eat local' movement.

RESOLUTION NO. 332

[Page 1096]

By: Hon. Chuck Porter « » (Municipal Affairs)

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

Whereas when Jill Barker saw a need for an affordable horse show, she created her own; and

Whereas as the owner of Horses at Work ring and stable in Sweets Corner, she hosts four competitions each year; and

Whereas not only is it part of the provincial circuit, it's also about developing the next generation of riders;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Jill Barker for finding her niche and filling it successfully.

RESOLUTION NO. 333

By: Hon. Chuck Porter « » (Municipal Affairs)

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

Whereas Marina Crowell decided to go competitive after five years of participating in pony rides and other equestrian activities; and

Whereas she received a fourth and second place in the jumping categories at the Horses at Work competition; and

Whereas the 15-year-old has found a family and busyness in the barn and is looking forward to the next competition;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Marina Crowell for her hard work and dedication to equestrian sport.

RESOLUTION NO. 334

By: Hon. Chuck Porter « » (Municipal Affairs)

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

Whereas visitors to Oulton's Meats and Martock Glen Farm & Agrizoo are encouraged to tour the property and explore the acres of domesticated and exotic animals on site before stopping by the meat shop to pick up some freshly cut meat; and

[Page 1097]

Whereas Mike and Diane Oulton started the farm in 1963 and taught their children at a young age about farming, husbandry, and good stewardship of the land; and

Whereas sons Wayne and Victor Oulton have proudly continued the tradition with their own children;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Oulton family for carrying on the tradition of farming while finding their own niche that makes them so successful.

RESOLUTION NO. 335

By: Hon. Chuck Porter « » (Municipal Affairs)

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

Whereas when a respected and well-known educator retires; usually life becomes a bit more mundane, but it seems someone forgot to tell David Carmichael; and

Whereas David retired from teaching biology in 1993, after 30 years, and during those years, he was also a councillor and deputy mayor with the Town of Windsor; and

Whereas he has been travelling around the globe photographing landscapes and nature in many exotic locales, along with being in demand in the world of figure skating as a specialist photographer;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate David Carmichael on his years as an educator, councillor, photographer, and as he says, "retired and gone to Heaven."

RESOLUTION NO. 336

By: Hon. Chuck Porter « » (Municipal Affairs)

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

Whereas in 2014, Paul Morton revived the once-popular Hantsport Winter Carnival and the event continues to gain momentum; and

[Page 1098]

Whereas families enjoyed laser tag, chocolate bar bingo, fireworks, a bonfire, and an igloo made with ice blocks frozen in community members' freezers; and

Whereas the outpouring of support from the community, particularly the volunteers, contributed to a positive and well-attended festival that families look forward to each year;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Paul Morton and all the volunteers who help with this community event.

RESOLUTION NO. 337

By: Hon. Chuck Porter « » (Municipal Affairs)

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

Whereas a trio of Hantsport Shamrocks baseball team players, Adam Crocker, Mitchell Brown, and Brett King, are showing off their skills as part of the Nova Scotia U13 baseball team; and

Whereas the three 13-year-olds are playing together at the provincial level for the first time this season and they are proud to bring along some Shamrock green to add to the provincial blue and white; and

Whereas the Hantsport Shamrocks' coach has said that with a small-town team of 11 kids, three of them making it to a provincial team is a real honour;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Adam, Mitchell, and Brett on this big steppingstone as they are now on the radar for future provincial teams.

RESOLUTION NO. 338

By: Hon. Chuck Porter « » (Municipal Affairs)

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

Whereas the 14^th annual Windsor Kids Triathlon is looking ahead to next year after another successful event in August; and

Whereas approximately 80 racers, aged three to 16, made their way around town on foot and on bike, including a swim at the Hants Aquatic Centre; and

[Page 1099]

Whereas for Kevin Walsh, the triathlon is a way to get young people enthusiastic about fitness at a young age, which may instill a lifetime of making fitness part of their routine;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Kevin Walsh and the 30-plus volunteers who helped organize the Windsor Kids Triathlon, which continues to encourage physical activity in today's youth.

RESOLUTION NO. 339

By: Hon. Chuck Porter « » (Municipal Affairs)

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

Whereas the 5^th annual Hantsport Music Festival has continued to be a successful event that donates all profits back into the community; and

Whereas with the support of the community and dozens of sponsors, the grand total raised over the last five years has exceeded $132,000; and

Whereas with this year's event being so successful, the planning of next year's event is well underway;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the many volunteers and sponsors who have made the Hantsport Music Festival such a great success.

RESOLUTION NO. 340

By: Hon. Chuck Porter « » (Municipal Affairs)

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

Whereas Cheryl Barker is the organizer of the Windsor-Falmouth Ovarian Cancer Walk of Hope; and

Whereas this is her ninth year participating in the walk, although she tried to spread the word a year before by passing out information cards about ovarian cancer; and

Whereas Cheryl's primary goal when she started the walk was to educate the people of Hants County about ovarian cancer and its risks;

[Page 1100]

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Cheryl Barker on being an advocate for ovarian cancer education.

RESOLUTION NO. 341

By: Hon. Chuck Porter « » (Municipal Affairs)

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

Whereas one of the issues Nova Scotia is facing is the shrinking number of farmers; and

Whereas the Manning Family Farm Market closed its doors to allow owners Dean and Catherine Manning to focus on growing their crops, and they're now selling their produce and beef at the Avon Community Farmers' Market; and

Whereas they have found their specific market and niche, especially now that people are more conscious about where their food comes from and how it's grown;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Dean and Catherine Manning for their continued dedication to farming in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 342

By: Hon. Chuck Porter « » (Hants West)

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

Whereas a new golf course has opened in Windsor - the kind that's for those armed with frisbee-like discs; and

Whereas the Clifton Estate Disc Golf course opened on the grounds of the historic Haliburton House Museum property and is the tenth and newest course in the province; and

Whereas disc golfers, armed with a satchel carrying flying discs of varying sizes, compete to see who can finish the course under par;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Tony Gallant, Tony Wood, and Adrienne Wood for helping to bring disc golf to Windsor.

[Page 1101]

RESOLUTION NO. 343

By: Hon. Chuck Porter « » (Hants West)

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

Whereas Hantsport Memorial Community Centre is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the maintenance and provision of facilities for recreational, cultural, athletic, and educational purposes; and

Whereas HMCC was founded in 1948 in memory of Hantsport's WWII veterans by providing recreational, social, and educational facilities in Hantsport; and

Whereas August marked the 70^th anniversary of the Hantsport Memorial Community Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Hantsport Memorial Community Centre on 70 years of service to the community of Hantsport.

RESOLUTION NO. 344

By: Ms. Kim Masland « » (Queens-Shelburne)

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

Whereas I celebrate the creation and adoption of a Public Art Policy for the Town of Shelburne; and

Whereas this aims to showcase local artists and create vibrant public spaces throughout the town for the enjoyment of both residents and visitors alike; and

Whereas initiatives like this add to the identity and quality of the town, building community pride and enhancing the cultural reputation of the place;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly offer congratulations to the Council of the Town of Shelburne and all the artists who have worked to make this policy a reality.

RESOLUTION NO. 345

[Page 1102]

By: Ms. Kim Masland « » (Queens-Shelburne)

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

Whereas I celebrate the life of Gerald Melvin Herbert who, sadly, passed away two years ago at the age of 82 years; and

Whereas the Black Loyalist Centre in Birchtown held a celebration of "Manny" Herbert's life on September 1, 2018; and

Whereas "Manny" Herbert was a quiet man but always happy, a well-known self-taught fiddle player with a collection of 18 fiddles, and also a craftsman who skillfully created oxen ware - a dying art;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly offer congratulations to the Black Loyalist Centre in Birchtown for keeping alive the memory of this special man, Gerald Melvin Herbert - the last of the generation of Herberts who were Black Loyalists, and still very much missed by the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 346

By: Ms. Kim Masland « » (Queens-Shelburne)

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

Whereas I celebrate the career of Corporal Garth Stevenson, who retired at the end of August 2018 after 28 years' service with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police; and

Whereas Garth has the fairly unique distinction of serving his whole career on the South Shore of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas he specialized as a traffic analyst as well as being a trained police motorcyclist and a supervisor, and spent a number of years on the RCMP Dive Team;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly offer congratulations to Corporal Garth Stevenson on his retirement from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, wish him a long and happy retirement, and thank him for all he has done to serve and protect Canadians over the years.

RESOLUTION NO. 347

[Page 1103]

By: Ms. Kim Masland « » (Queens-Shelburne)

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

Whereas I celebrate the 235^th Anniversary of the Black Loyalist Landing in Shelburne County, which took place between July 14 and 15, 2018, at the Black Loyalist Centre in Birchtown; and

Whereas this event also celebrated the lifelong work for social justice in Nova Scotia by the late Reverend Dr. William Oliver and his wife, Dr. Pearleen Oliver; and

Whereas their son, Dr. Les Oliver, was presented with a plaque in recognition of his parents' outstanding achievements as activists, community and religious leaders, impacting so many lives;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly offer congratulations to the Black Cultural Centre of Nova Scotia on this 235^th Anniversary of the Black Loyalist Landing in Shelburne County and for celebrating the accomplishments of the Black community in Nova Scotia as a whole.

RESOLUTION NO. 348

By: Ms. Kim Masland « » (Queens-Shelburne)

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

Whereas I celebrate the achievements of Taylor Goodick from Welshtown in Shelburne County, who was one of 38 athletes on the Nova Scotia/Nunavut Legion Team that competed for the Athletics Nova Scotia Team at the Royal Canadian Legion National Youth and Track Championships in Brandon, Manitoba, this summer; and

Whereas Taylor should be proud of being one of two per event that are selected for the provincial team and for his work ethic in training hard for his sport; and

Whereas Taylor threw 53.35 metres in the javelin and placed sixth nationally;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly offer congratulations to Taylor Goodick for his achievements representing Nova Scotia in the javelin at the Royal Canadian Legion National Youth and Track Championships and wish him well as he trains throughout the winter with the aim of beating the provincial record for senior school javelin.

[Page 1104]

RESOLUTION NO. 349

By: Ms. Kim Masland « » (Queens-Shelburne)

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

Whereas I celebrate the 6^th Shelburne Kayak Festival, which was held between August 17 and 19, 2018, centred around The Islands Provincial Park: and

Whereas the newly-formed Shelburne Kayak Festival Society did a splendid job of organizing this event, which included clinics, guided tours for paddlers of all ages and abilities, plus a meet-and-greet barbecue, a treasure hunt and a poker rally; and

Whereas this event appeals to beginners and experienced kayakers, enabling them to increase their skill levels in a safe environment while having fun, meeting new people and enjoying the beauty of the third best natural harbour in the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly offer congratulations to the organizers, volunteers and community partners who hosted a very successful Shelburne Kayak Festival 2018.

RESOLUTION NO. 350

By: Ms. Kim Masland « » (Queens-Shelburne)

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

Whereas I celebrate the 35^th Anniversary of Shelburne Founders' Days held between July 20 and 22 this year; and

Whereas the town was positively bustling with activity all weekend long with heritage demonstrations, walking tours, pirates, Shelburne longboat races, magic shows, the 18^th Century Loyalist encampment, fireworks, the parade of lights, music, a CrossFit Fun Run, washer toss tournament and more; and

Whereas a great deal of time and effort goes into planning, organizing and holding an event of this magnitude;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly offer congratulations to the organizers of Founders' Days, the Town of Shelburne and all the volunteers who work so hard to put on a really spectacular weekend of events which is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

[Page 1105]

RESOLUTION NO. 351

By: Ms. Kim Masland « » (Queens-Shelburne)

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

Whereas I celebrate the creation of a beautiful display of outdoor sculptures inspired by the sea, called Sea-spired at White Point Beach Resort, taking place in this their 90^th Anniversary year; and

Whereas this display was the inspiration of staff member Cathie Pincombe, who reached out to the artists and curated the exhibits; and

Whereas this exhibition includes 35 sculptures by 19 artists doted around the property, creating a three-kilometre walk for those looking to explore them all;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly offer congratulations to everyone involved with the exhibition and the running of White Point Beach Resort on the special place they have created which continues to grow and evolve with every passing year.

RESOLUTION NO. 352

By: Ms. Kim Masland « » (Queens-Shelburne)

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

Whereas I celebrate the Queens Walks series held throughout the summer by the Region of Queens Municipality and their Physical Activity Coordinator, Norm Amirault, funded by a Walkable Communities Grant from the Heart and Stroke Foundation; and

Whereas each of the six walks was in a different scenic location or trail in Queens and was hosted by a local dignitary, providing an informal opportunity to get some gentle exercise and chat at the same time; and

Whereas I had the opportunity of hosting the Walk in Port Medway and found the experience to be thoroughly worthwhile and inspirational;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly offer congratulations to Norm Amirault and the Region of Queens Municipality for showcasing our beautiful trails and communities, providing an opportunity for fresh air, invigorating conversations and exercise.

[Page 1106]

RESOLUTION NO. 353

By: Ms. Kim Masland « » (Queens-Shelburne)

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

Whereas I celebrate the installation of a new state-of-the-art X-ray machine at Queens General Hospital in Liverpool; and

This will provide a better patient experience, improved image quality, and a safer, more efficient workspace for their staff; and

Whereas the foundation has been supporting Queens General Hospital and community projects in Queens County since 1988, enabling our health care providers to continue to give exemplary care to all the people served by the hospital;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly offer congratulations to the Queens General Hospital Foundation and their local community donors for their generosity in fundraising and providing this much-improved X-ray machine in our hospital.

RESOLUTION NO. 354

By: Ms. Kim Masland « » (Queens-Shelburne)

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

Whereas I celebrate the creation of the Queens Museum of Justice in Liverpool, which took over the decommissioned Liverpool Court House in February 2017; and

Whereas this rare Greek revival-style building, built in 1854, will be maintained as such an important part of the county's history and part of the Queens County Museum Complex;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly offer congratulations to the Queens County Museum and their Justice Museum Committee for their foresight and hard work in retaining this beautiful building, making it a vibrant attraction for everyone to enjoy.

[Page 1107]

RESOLUTION NO. 355

By: Ms. Kim Masland « » (Queens-Shelburne)

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

Whereas on May 2, 2018, between 800 and 900 passengers and crew disembarked from the cruise ship Marina to enjoy the community of Shelburne and take excursions along the South Shore; and

Whereas I would like to congratulate the Town of Shelburne and all the business and community groups that worked so hard in planning and preparing for the visit; and

Whereas this is truly a great example of how a small community can work together and take their tourism offering to the next level;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating the Town of Shelburne and all involved in being such great ambassadors.

RESOLUTION NO. 356

By: Ms. Kim Masland « » (Queens-Shelburne)

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

Whereas I congratulate Queens County Community Radio on their new documentary series exploring past and present First Nations culture on the South Shore; and

Whereas Mi'kmaq Voices was a five-part weekly series which started in April 2018, where hosts Nick Moase and Liverpool Regional High Grade 11 student Kinsey Francis invited guests to share their stories on a particular issue from Mi'kmaq culture; and

Whereas some were challenging to recount, but they were interesting and informative;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly offer congratulations to QCCR, Nick, and Kinsey for rising to the challenge and facilitating the telling of an important part of South Shore culture.

RESOLUTION NO. 357

[Page 1108]

By: Ms. Kim Masland « » (Queens-Shelburne)

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

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

Whereas it was once said that a marriage is the celebration of love, trust, and partnership; and

Whereas on August 18, 2018, a very special occasion took place when Tristan Fancy and Sarah Haughn of Italy Cross celebrated their wedding;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Tristan and Sarah on their marriage and wish them a lifetime of health and happiness.

RESOLUTION NO. 358

By: Ms. Kim Masland « » (Queens-Shelburne)

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

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

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

Whereas on September 28, 2018, a very special occasion took place when Frederick and Donna Holborn of Liverpool celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary;

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

RESOLUTION NO. 359

[Page 1109]

By: Ms. Kim Masland « » (Queens-Shelburne)

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

Whereas I celebrate the achievements of the Spectacle Island Light Society; and

Whereas the members of this not-for-profit group have worked diligently for a number of years to gain ownership of this island lighthouse in Port Mouton Bay, carrying out essential maintenance, clearing pathways and making it more accessible to the public; and

Whereas the Spectacle Island Lighthouse has been designated a Provincial Heritage Property on September 11, 2018;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly offer congratulations to the Spectacle Light Society on receiving this designation for the lighthouse and for all that they are doing to preserve this beacon of maritime heritage.

RESOLUTION NO. 360

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Finance and Treasury Board)

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

Whereas Shannon Benoit, a resident of Valley, Colchester North, and co-owner of CrossFit Bluenose in Bible Hill, decided to take up the sport of Olympic weightlifting in February 2018; and

Whereas Shannon journeyed to Gaspe, Quebec to participate in the Canadian and Pro-Am masters Olympic weightlifting championships having never competed at that level; and

Whereas she surpassed her goals by setting new national and Pan-Am records in the 63 kg class for female lifters between the ages of 40 and 44 and established new marks in the snatch (65 kg), clean and jerk (82 kg) and total (147 kg);

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Shannon Benoit for achieving her goals, crediting her training partners Josee Gallant and John Hunka, her husband and three children.

RESOLUTION NO. 361

[Page 1110]

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Finance and Treasury Board)

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

Whereas Heather Dyke, from Valley, Colchester North, a member of CrossFit Hubtown, began Olympic weightlifting two years ago under the guidance of coach Amanda Thompson; and

Whereas Heather recently represented Nova Scotia at the Canadian masters championship in Gaspe, Quebec where she established new national records in the snatch (71 kg), clean and jerk (93 kg) and total (164 kg); and

Whereas she was the gold medal winner for athletes between the ages of 30 and 34;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Heather Dyke for her gold medal and for her strength, her explosive power, and her good work ethic.

RESOLUTION NO. 362

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Finance and Treasury Board)

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

Whereas Tim Macumber from Valley, Colchester North, has won gold at the junior men's Canadian championship in 1992 and again in 1996 at the senior men's national tournament, as well as three silver medals and a bronze at the national senior level; and

Whereas a pitcher and first baseman, Macumber was chosen for the senior men's Canadian championship all-star team in 1995, 2000 and 2005; and

Whereas Tim also very successfully represented his country internationally, playing for Canada in 2202, 2003, 2005 and 2006;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate this outstanding athlete for being named to Softball Nova Scotia's Hall of Fame in July 2018.

RESOLUTION NO. 363

[Page 1111]

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Finance and Treasury Board)

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

Whereas wanting to give people the "Alberta ranch experience" here in Nova Scotia, Ashley and Ryan A'Court, owners of Kinship Farms in Manganese Mines, Colchester North, began offering trail rides, overnight adventures, riding lessons, children's programs and overnight kids' camps during the summer; and

Whereas these overnight adventures involve riding to a cabin on this 80-plus acre farm, enjoying snacks and sleeping next to the area where the horses are stabled, a real cowboy or cowgirl experience; and

Whereas Ashley has six very even-tempered horses, most are Appaloosas, that she uses on the trails and younger horses on the farm that could become trail mounts in the future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Ashley and Ryan for providing this new outdoor experience and whish them the best for the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 364

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Finance and Treasury Board)

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

Whereas from August 1^st to 4^th, 79 junior members from most provinces in Canada, along with 97 Limousin cattle, participated in the Canadian Junior Limousin Impact Show at Balamore Farm located in Great Village, Colchester North; and

Whereas large tents were erected at Balamore Farms to host the juniors, as well as the 300 people involved or watching the four days of fun, competition, showmanship and Nova Scotia hospitality; and

Whereas the juniors learned about life on the east coast, they went clam digging, watched the fishermen gather their catch from a weir, picked strawberries, as well as enjoyed competitions in photography, judging, oral marketing and fitting a heifer in 20 minutes;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Joe and Carolyn Cooper, owners of Balamore Farm, who worked hard to ensure the success of the show, especially the amount of time necessary to organize and plan such a special event.

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