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HALIFAX, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 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. We'll begin the daily routine.

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

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

HON. TONY INCE « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table a report, entitled Moving Toward Equity: Employment Equity and Diversity in the Nova Scotia Public Service, 2017-2018, in both French and English.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The report is tabled.

The honourable Minister of Health and Wellness.

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table a report, entitled Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act (IPTA), Annual Report, 2017-2018.

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MR. SPEAKER « » : The report is tabled.

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

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

HON. TONY INCE « » : Mr. Speaker, may I please make an introduction?

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MR. INCE « » : If the members could pay attention, in the East Gallery joining us today are employees from the Public Service Commission who are working tirelessly and working hard to move towards equity in the Public Service Commission.

Please stand as I read your name: Jude Gerrard, who is the co-chair of the L'nu Employee Network; Grace Campbell, member of the L'nu Employee Network; Lorraine Glendenning, co-chair of the Diversity Conference and member of the Immigrant Newcomer Network; Hema Chopra, Diversity Round Table; Tabinda Sheikh, co-chair of the Immigrant Newcomer Network; Jennifer Parker, co-chair of the Diversity Conference and member of GoverNEXT; Meghan Murphy, co-chair of the Disability Network; Anne MacRae, member of the Disability Network; April Howe, Executive Director of People and Culture; Anne-Marie DeLorey, Director, Respectful Workplace and Corporate Diversity; Danielle Elias, Senior Consultant, Diversity and Inclusion; and Rebecca Thomas, Senior Consultant, Diversity and Inclusion.

I would ask the House to please welcome all of them. (Standing Ovation)

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

RESOLUTION NO. 492

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

Whereas the Government of Nova Scotia is committed to becoming a diverse and inclusive workforce that respects and reflects the people we serve and to creating a workplace culture where all employees feel safe, welcome, and included; and

Whereas to realize the commitment, government is implementing a diversity inclusion strategy that guides coordinated efforts across all departments and reports annually on its progress and activities under this strategy; and

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Whereas in 2017-18, the Moving Toward Equity report tabled earlier highlights government's many accomplishments over the last year in equity employment, diversity, and inclusion, while at the same time recognizing that we all have a lot more to do to reduce those barriers to equity;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly please recognize and thank the government Diversity Round Table, employee networks, and all employees for their hard work and commitment to creating diversity and an equitable, inclusive workplace 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 Agriculture.

RESOLUTION NO. 493

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

Whereas in 2018, the Lieutenant Governor's Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines recognizes the exceptional quality of locally sourced and produced wines and honours the dedication and craft of the province's wine industry; and

Whereas the Winery Association of Nova Scotia and Taste of Nova Scotia members submitted commercially available grape wines with 100 per cent Nova Scotia content to an independent panel of experts; and

Whereas Blomidon Estate Winery launched Blanc de Blancs 2019, which was recognized as one of the best wines;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Blomidon Estate Winery of Canning for their outstanding contribution to the Nova Scotia wine industry.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Agriculture.

RESOLUTION NO. 494

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

Whereas the Gaspereau River fishery has an historical, social, cultural, and economic impact on the Annapolis Valley; and

Whereas the Gaspereau River supports a vibrant fishery for many fishermen who supply quality gaspereaux for both local and international markets; and

Whereas generations of families have fished the Gaspereau River including Medford (Mickey) Coldwell, who is dedicated to ensuring the Gaspereau River fishery will be there for future generations;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize Medford (Mickey) Coldwell as well as the Gaspereau Fishermen's Association for all their hard work, dedication, and commitment to the Gaspereau River and its future.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

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The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage.

RESOLUTION NO. 495

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

Whereas October is Mi'kmaq History Month, an opportunity for Nova Scotians to increase their awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of Mi'kmaq culture, history, language, and heritage; and

Whereas one of the themes of the Culture Action Plan is to promote Nova Scotia's Mi'kmaq culture and we are taking action through the plan to do more to acknowledge, protect, and embrace the significance of our province's Mi'kmaq culture, its history, language, and heritage; and

Whereas every October events and activities take place across our province to celebrate and showcase Mi'kmaq culture and heritage;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly and all Nova Scotians recognize Mi'kmaq History Month in our province.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Health and Wellness.

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

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to draw the attention of members to the East Gallery where I'd like to introduce a special guest. Darrell Johnston, Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, is here with us today, and I ask the House to join me in giving him a warm welcome. (Applause)

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[3:15 p.m.]

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

RESOLUTION NO. 496

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

Whereas mental health is an issue that is important to all of us and touches the lives of many Nova Scotians; and

Whereas we are always looking for ways to improve how mental health care is delivered and accessed in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas this week is Mental Illness Awareness Week, a time to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental illness;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize October 1-7 as Mental Illness Awareness Week and do what they can to reduce stigma around mental illness.

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 Agriculture.

RESOLUTION NO. 497

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

Whereas the 2018 Lieutenant Governors Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines recognizes exceptional quality of locally-sourced and produced wines and honours the dedication and craft of the province's wine industry; and

Whereas the Winery Association of Nova Scotia and Taste of Nova Scotia members submit commercially available wines with 100 per cent Nova Scotia content to an independent panel of experts; and

Whereas Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards' Ancienne Chardonnay 2015 and Blanc de Blanc Extra Brut 2013 were recognized as two of the best wines;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards of Wolfville for their outstanding contribution to Nova Scotia's wine industry.

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

NOTICES OF MOTION

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

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

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MR. FUREY « » : I draw my colleagues' attention to the East Gallery today where we're joined by Mariah Kelley, an amazing young woman and youth leader. She's joined today by her mother, Deanne Oickle-Conrad. I ask my colleagues to bring them a warm greeting to the House. (Applause)

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

KELLEY, MARIAH: ATHL. & DANCE ACHIEVEMTS. - LDRSHIP.

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize Mariah Kelley, a member of the Bridgewater Barracudas Swim Club. At the 2018 Nova Scotia Summer Swimming Provincial Championships, Mariah shared the high-point female award after claiming seven gold medals, five individual and two team medals.

Mariah, a junior coach with the Barracudas, also won the female Cuda of the Year award, which is bestowed upon a swimmer who instills the characteristics of hard work and determination as well as the mentorship of other swimmers. Mariah finished her 12-year Cuda career with a total of 38 swim medals.

Mariah is a full-time business administration student at the Nova Scotia Community College, Ivany Campus, and she's also enrolled as a dance student at the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts in preparation for the dance teacher diploma program she will enter next Fall. She's also a dance teacher with Plan A Dance Centre in Bridgewater where she previously danced competitively.

I'd like the members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly to join me in congratulating Mariah Kelley, a remarkable young woman who is a recognized youth leader and successful competitor and athlete.

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

LAVOIE, CHRISTOPHER: ACADEMIC ADVANCEMT. - RECOG.

MS. BARBARA ADAMS « » : Mr. Speaker, today I would like to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of Mr. Christopher Lavoie who went to St. Mary's University for his undergraduate degree and then onto Dalhousie University for his postgraduate training.

This dedicated young man has worked 14-hour days for 8 years to reach his dream of having his PhD in chemistry. Not only did he published 10 research studies in that period of time, he also created a chemical process that Dalhousie University has patented and subsequently sold. Chris Lavoie has received numerous national science and engineering research council awards, and for all of his hard work he has been selected to do his post-doctoral fellowship in Pasadena, California in January at Caltech.

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I've had the privilege of watching this young man grow from a sweet little boy into this amazing young man, and I will miss my son Chris dearly when he starts this new chapter of his life. I ask all members of the Legislature to join me in congratulating my son Christopher Lavoie for receiving his PhD in chemistry from Dalhousie University. (Applause)

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

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : I beg leave to make an introduction.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MS. ZANN « » : In the West Gallery, I would like to draw your attention to four incredible women who are advocates for women's issues and for women's safety and protection in this province.

We have Cheyenne Jones, a community advocate and volunteer for TREY. Thank you for standing. We have Jeanne Sarson and Linda Macdonald from Persons Against Non-State Torture, and we have Bernadette MacDonald from End the War on Women Collective. Let's give them a round of applause. (Applause)

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

HUMAN TRAFFICKING: BUYERS - PROSECUTE

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : A recent Chronicle Herald article reported that Halifax has 4.7 incidents of human trafficking per 100,000 people, versus the much lower rate across Canada of 0.94.

Predominantly young girls and women are lured into this exploitation by organized crime, leading to prostitution and drug addiction. The severity of the violence that they endure can, shockingly, even include torture. I have recently learned that even men of high status in the province are often buyers, including male lawyers, police officers, judges, and sometimes politicians.

According to Cheyenne Jones, a survivor, human trafficking is the fastest-growing criminal activity in today's world. The buyers keep traffickers in business. It's the buyers that fuel the market. In order to stop human trafficking, which reportedly targets girls as young as 13 in Halifax, the only solution is to focus on finding and prosecuting the buyers.

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

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MS. BARBARA ADAMS « » : Mr. Speaker, in all my excitement, I would like to make an introduction.

I would like to draw everyone's attention to the West Gallery, to the boy shaking his head no there. I would like to introduce everyone to my son Christopher Lavoie, who is shortly going to be known as Dr. Lavoie. (Applause) I want to be the first person to make that known in the Legislature.

I just wanted to say to every member of the Legislature, you made me very happy yesterday and, by extension, my son. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

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

COME HOME E. HANTS: VISION TO REALITY - THANKS

HON. MARGARET MILLER « » : I rise full of community spirit and excitement as I share the success story of Tide Fest. Tide Fest is East Hants' weekend-long homecoming celebration. This yearly event at the East Hants Sportsplex offers fun for the whole family, such as ball hockey, washer toss tournaments, cultural fair, music festival, local vendor alley, and more. Tide Fest embodies our community culture and shows off the ranging talent that we have to offer.

On top of promoting local, Tide Fest also supports local. The proceeds from the first two years of the event have brought in nearly $50,000 in revenue, all of which has been put back into community organizations like the East Hants Sports Heritage Society, the Caring and Sharing Food Bank, Hants North Baseball Association, and the Enfield Rugby Club.

I would ask all members of the House to join me in recognizing and thanking founder Kody Blois and the Come Home East Hants Association. Their vision, turned reality, has truly brought something special to our community. Next year's event is July 12 to 14, 2019.

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

HEIGHTON, PATTY: INTL. PRES., REBEKAH ASSEMBLIES - CONGRATS.

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, I stand to recognize the achievement of Patty Heighton, who was recently appointed as the international president of North America for the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies.

Patty, a resident of Lyons Brook, is one of the youngest presidents for the order and has contributed 25 years of service with the Princess Rebekah Lodge in Pictou. She is also the first Nova Scotian to be appointed as an international president. With her new year-long commitment, she will visit lodges all over the world to present medals and other designations to fellow members.

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Our communities need lifelong volunteers like Patty to contribute for the betterment of all and we are so very proud in Pictou West of her accomplishments and the recognition of her selfless service.

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

FAM. & FOOD CTRS.: COM. IMPACT - RECOG.

MS. SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre and the Dartmouth Family Centre held their annual report to the community this week and I was happy to attend to listen to the many people talk about the impact both centres make on many in our community.

One of the highlights of the night was the honouring of staff members from both centres who marked notable years of service. I am happy to acknowledge them here.

Being honoured for five years of service is Nicole Fiander; for 10 years of service or more are Andrea Cole, Kelly Edwards, Alana Sampson and Tammy Shields; and for 15 years or more are Natasha Horne, Deborah Dickey, Maryann Borg, Sonja Bellefontaine and Caralee McDaniel.

Another highlight of the night was joining my community in singing Kool and the Gang's Celebration under the tutelage of the Big Sing's George Woodhouse. I'm sorry I can't regale you with my contribution to the song, but I do want to give a big "yahoo" to all of the staff at both the food centre and the family centre for their expertise and dedication to the people of Dartmouth North.

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

ADLER, NOAH: WORLD SAILING COMP. - CONGRATS.

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : I would like to recognize Noah Adler from Prospect. Noah Adler is a member of the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron's Opti Race team. Noah was introduced to sailing at an early age by his family. He ventured on overnight trips in the Chesapeake Bay with his grandfather and was introduced to bareboating, further enhancing his skills of operating a boat and assuming the role of captain.

Noah joined the RNSYS Opti Race team is 2015, representing Canada at the Optimist World Championships in 2017 in Pattaya, Thailand. This summer, Noah captured the first title of the season, winning the Under-16 Provincial championships as well as claiming the title for the Optimist championship. In his free time, Noah enjoys snowboarding, playing the saxophone, and is a member of his school's track-and-field team.

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Noah is honoured to be representing Canada at this year's world championships in Cyprus. I would like the members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly to join me in congratulating Noah on his many achievements and wish him well in the future.

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

DART. LIONS: COMMUNITY-WIDE SUPPORT - RECOG.

MR. TIM HALMAN « » : I rise today to recognize the outstanding work of the Dartmouth Lions. Their dedication to Dartmouth and its residents reminds us of how valuable and important volunteers are to our province. The Lions support our youth through development and awareness programs, bursary breakfast programs and contests. Along with offering support to our youth in Dartmouth, the Lions support our parents and seniors through eye care examinations and glasses, school supplies, personal needs and care.

Mr. Speaker, the Lions are involved in so many events in Dartmouth that you wonder how they do it. From sponsoring the 18 Dartmouth Lions Air Cadet Squadron to volunteering at the Terry Fox Run to assisting at blood donor clinics to helping with breakfast programs and organizing highway and community cleanups, the Lions are there to strengthen and support Dartmouth.

I ask all members of the House to recognize the great work of the Dartmouth Lions and to acknowledge that volunteers in all service clubs are the heart and soul of the constituencies we have the honour of representing.

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

RADIO DAY: HEALTH CARE FUNDRAISING - RECOG.

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation and all the partners that are involved with Radio Day in Cape Breton.

Each Fall, the community comes together in partnership with the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation to raise important money to support local health care. This year, Radio Day is today. Today, Cape Bretoners are raising very important money for cancer care so families can stay closer to home to receive that treatment and be closer to their loved ones.

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I rise in my place today to recognize the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation, all the partners involved and all Cape Bretoners who are contributing to make sure that our families can stay close to home to receive the treatment they need.

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

DAL. AGRIC. CAMPUS: ISAP - RECOG.

MR. LARRY HARRISON « » : Important dialogues concerning truth and reconciliation are taking place across Canada and I rise to commend the Dalhousie Agricultural Campus and Art Stevens, manager of Indigenous Students, for support to these students from both campus and curriculum perspectives.

The Indigenous Student Access Pathway is designed to deliver a one-year program to First Nations, Metis, and Inuit students who would benefit from dedicated support while transitioning to a university environment.

ISAP provides tools for navigating a culturally supportive post-secondary experience. This support includes installation of the Mi'kmaq Grand Council flag, renaming of River Road to reflect the Mi'kmaq language, a mural in the Student Learning Commons, smudging rooms and more. Self-identified Indigenous enrolment is rising, but we know we can do more, although we have come far.

[1:30 p.m.]

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

LANE, RYAN - GARDENER: MSVU COM. GARDEN - THANKS

HON. PATRICIA ARAB « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ryan Lane, the outgoing community gardener at Mount Saint Vincent University. Ryan has been working at the community garden for two and a half years while completing his degree in applied human nutrition.

During his time at the Mount he excelled academically, allowing him to secure an internship at the Mount this month. Upon completing his degree, Ryan will become a registered dietitian.

The garden began in 2009 from the proposal of another nutrition student at the Mount. Since then the garden has expanded, allowing there to be a beehive included in the area. The urban garden in the heart of the campus has become a popular attraction for many of the students at the Mount.

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Ryan's role included recruiting volunteers to assist in the maintenance of the garden, as well as distributing the food produced in the garden at a low cost to students. Ryan is highly intelligent, personable and often uses the knowledge from his degree to help him in the success of running the garden and he will be greatly missed by everyone at the Mount.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that the members of this House join me in thanking Ryan Lane for his dedication to the community garden and wishing him the best of luck in his future endeavours.

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

VICKERS, HARRY: COM. SERV. - THANKS

MR. EDDIE ORRELL « » : I rise today to recognize a Sydney Mines resident and former Police Chief, Harry Vickers. After his retirement, Harry decided that the philosophy of living his best life was to enjoy a healthy, productive and meaningful life and to tend to one's mind, body, and soul.

As an angling enthusiast, he helped create the Cape Breton Anglers Association and 40 years later, at the age of 80, he is president of that association. When not fishing, Harry can be found walking daily or making wine, tending to his garden or taking part in the Cape Breton Regional Police Retirement Association activities.

I'd like to take this opportunity to salute Harry Vickers as he continues to serve his community through his very busy life.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, there is a lot of chatter in the Chamber right now. I'd ask the people to keep it down, please.

The honourable member for Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank.

MACDONALD-MILES, SARAH: TEEN ENTREPRENEUR - CONGRATS.

MR. BILL HORNE « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize Sarah MacDonald-Miles, a Grade 10 student at Lockview High in Fall River. Sarah is running her own business that spreads the love to many area charities through Links of Love and Share the Warmth. She is helping charities such as Brunswick Street Mission, SPCA, Feed Nova Scotia, and Home Bridge Youth, just to name a few.

Mr. Speaker, Sarah is a lifelong member of the ME to WE empowerment group. Sarah is combining her passions of running her own business and helping others less fortunate, whether it is collecting gently used winter clothing and accessories and distributing them to the local shelters or selling bracelets, making a difference one link at a time. Sarah is definitely making a difference.

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I ask all members of the House of Assembly to congratulate and wish Sarah the best of luck with her programs and thanks to her for supporting those in need.

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

HAPPY WHEELERS CLUB: INCREASING MOBILITY - RECOG.

MS. KIM MASLAND « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Happy Wheelers Club from Queens Manor in Liverpool. Twice a month from May until Fall, this lively group of volunteers can be seen pushing smiling residents in wheelchairs around the streets of Liverpool. They stop off at points of interest and have an ice cream along the way.

The club was the brainchild of local resident Sue Higgins. On June 23^rd, the group was honoured to be Parade Marshal in the Lions Grand Street Parade as part of Privateer Days.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Queens Manor and all the volunteers for this initiative which gives less mobile residents a taste of life around our town.

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

MACISAAC, KEENAN: MEMORIAL CUP, HOCKEY - CONGRATS.

MR. BEN JESSOME « » : Mr. Speaker, I'll recognize Keenan MacIsaac of Hammonds Plains today. He is a member of the Acadie-Bathurst Titan who won the 2018 Memorial Cup. Keenan grew up in Hammonds Plains and played his hockey in the Bedford area. He played for Team Nova Scotia for several years, and he also played his final year of high school with Rothesay Netherwood before joining the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with Chicoutimi.\

Keenan was traded last summer to the Acadie-Bathurst Titan where he is said to play the type of game coaches really rely on. He's a smooth skater and great defensively. Bathurst head coach Mario Pouliot was impressed with MacIsaac and indicated he was a player he came to rely on, especially in the final, where he played extremely well and helped Bathurst win the championship.

I ask all members of the House of Assembly to join me in congratulating Keenan MacIsaac of Hammonds Plains on winning the 2018 Memorial Cup.

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

MS. ALANA PAON « » : Mr. Speaker, may I make an introduction?

MR. SPEAKER « » : You may.

MS. PAON « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to introduce my cousins Sheila Maguire and Blair Richards, who are with us today in the West Gallery. In particular, they're here accompanying their mother, my great-auntie Bernice Richards. Today is a very special day - and yesterday, of course, passing our cancer bill - it was a special day for that as well.

My auntie is a six-time cancer survivor. Today is her 94^th birthday, and she is here to celebrate it with us. I want to wish her a happy birthday. (Standing Ovation)

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

RICHARDS, BERNICE: 94^th BIRTHDAY - BEST WISHES

MS. ALANA PAON « » : Mr. Speaker, my great-aunt Bernice Richards was born in River Bourgeois, Richmond County, on October 4, 1924, and went on to devote her life to being in service to others and a beacon to charity, to many in her community, and to her family. My aunt is a dynamic storyteller, an extraordinary networker, and a mother of seven children. She has a dynamic wit and a positive outlook on life. But above all, she is a champion for those less fortunate.

Bernice worked for the Salvation Army from 1972 to 1990 and was instrumental in fundraising millions of dollars to assist with major renovations to the Grace Maternity Hospital, which in 1996 merged to become the IWK Grace Hospital for Women, Children and Families, and is now the IWK Health Centre.

She has been a member of the Children of Mary Sodality at St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica since 1950, where she worshipped and served since this day in 1940 on her 16^th birthday. With a household of nine, there was still always room for the family and friends who needed safe shelter at the Richards home on Tobin Street.

I would like to thank my great-aunt, Bernice Richards, for continuing to be an impeccable role model, for her extensive service to families in need, and for always proving that the actions of one incredible, compassionate woman can have a long-lasting impact for generations to come.

Happy 94^th birthday, Aunt Bernice. (Applause)

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MR. SPEAKER « » : Happy 94^th birthday.

The honourable member for Chester-St. Margaret's.

OLSEN, MATT: BUS. VENTURE - CONGRATS.

MR. HUGH MACKAY « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Matt Olsen of Head of St. Margarets Bay in beautiful Chester-St. Margaret's. Matt is a fourth-year business student at Acadia University who this past year identified a market niche for a small business idea.

Although we love our Canada geese, we don't necessarily love the two to four pounds of waste they produce daily and often leave on our properties. Matt is now marketing Away With Geese, which does not endanger the geese but is effective at clearing them from a three-acre area. The solar-powered device does not harm the geese and is especially useful for open public spaces. It has proved to be particularly effective at the Chester Golf Course this past year.

Mr. Speaker, I invite the members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly to join me in congratulating Matt Olsen on the operation of a successful small business, Olsen's Property Maintenance, and to wish him well in his future endeavours.

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

N.S. DAIRY FARMERS: TRADE AGREEMENTS - EFFECTS

MS. ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Mr. Speaker, today I'd like to recognize Dairy Farmers of Nova Scotia. There are 210 dairy farms across our province. Dairy farmers milk their cows twice a day, every day of the year. They are hard-working and provide our communities with a healthy, local, sustainable supply of milk.

Unfortunately, Prime Minister Trudeau has negotiated away part of the market share of our dairy farmers, both here in Nova Scotia and across the country, through the European Union Trans-Pacific Partnership and, just recently, with the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada deal.

I know there is great fear for the future of this industry, and today I want to assure the dairy farmers here in Nova Scotia that they have my utmost respect and dedication to their industry.

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

BAILEY, RACHEL - MAYOR: CAN. 55+ ATHL. - CONGRATS.

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MS. SUZANNE LOHNES-CROFT « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Town of Lunenburg's Mayor Rachel Bailey, who competed in the 2018 55+ Games held in Saint John, New Brunswick in August. The Canada 55+ Games promote mental, spiritual, and physical well-being among Canadians 55 years of age and older. Having turned 55 last year, Mayor Bailey seized the opportunity to compete in track and field and excelled at her events. Mayor Bailey finished first in the women's 55+ 400- and 1,500-metre runs and second in the 50-metre and 100-metre dashes.

Mr. Speaker, I would ask that you and the members of this House of Assembly please join me in congratulating Mayor Rachel Bailey on her accomplishments at the 2018 Canada 55+ Games.

MR. CHAIRMAN: The honourable member for Pictou West.

LIGHT THE NIGHT: COM. FUNDRAISING - CONGRATS.

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to stand and congratulate Pictou's first Light the Night Walk which successfully raised $37,772 in support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. Volunteers, supporters, and those who walked in the memory of somebody close lined the Jitney Trail, with sneakers laced, in Pictou.

The funds raised will be awarded as research grants to increase our knowledge of blood-based cancers and will be used to provide patient education and other support services. This event coincided with walks throughout the nation with over 35,000 Canadians taking part. It was an incredible evening with our community coming together in a message of positivity and remembrance.

I know that this event will continue to be a successful event going into the future and I was proud to take part.

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

MS. RAFAH DICOSTANZO « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to make an introduction. We have with us today Aseel Mohammed Ali, who immigrated to Canada four years ago. Aseel is from Iraq, but has also lived in Syria prior to coming here. I will read my member's statement. Welcome to the House. (Applause)

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

MOHAMMED ALI, ASEEL: COM. SERV. - COMMEND

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MS. RAFAH DICOSTANZO « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a bright young woman from my riding who gives back through volunteerism. Aseel Mohammed Ali and her family left war-torn Iraq in 2006. They lived eight years in Syria before immigrating to Canada in 2014. I am happy to say that they are calling Halifax their home.

Aseel volunteers with the Al-Rasoul Islamic Society where she designs and teaches religious studies to children ages 7 to 13. She co-organized the Shokran Canada event with the Dalhousie Syrian Student Society to raise funds for the Children's Wish Foundation. Aseel has also volunteered at several community events, including the Blue Nose Marathon, Parade of Lights, and Light the Night. Last but not least, this past August, Aseel organized the Iraq Culture Booth at the first annual Mosaic Festival.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that the members of this House join me in applauding Aseel for her countless hours of volunteer work. She is an exceptional role model for all women in her community.

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

ALAN HALL MEM. BALL TOURN.: 20^th YR. - CONGRATS.

HON. ALFIE MACLEOD « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the recent 20^th Annual Alan Hall Memorial Ball Tournament which was held at the Catalone ball field. Most of the players at this tournament have been playing for 25-plus years. This year Bryden Burke's team from Louisbourg was victorious, beating Marion Bridge in the championship game.

Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to congratulate and thank the umpires, spectators, and volunteers who work tirelessly every year to make the Alan Hall Memorial Ball Tournament such a great weekend event that families and community look forward to.

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

YARMOUTH: COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM - CONGRATS.

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Communities in Bloom is a Canadian non-profit organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility through community involvement. Communities in Bloom Yarmouth recently competed at the Communities in Bloom national/international symposium in Alberta where Yarmouth had its highest ever placement in the circle of excellence, receiving five blooms, a silver, and was also awarded an outstanding achievement in the Urban Forestry Tree Inventory Category.

I ask this House to join me in congratulating Communities in Bloom Yarmouth on this impressive accomplishment and thanking its hard-working volunteers for dedicating their time and energy to making our community such a better place to live.

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[1:45 p.m.]

MR. CHAIRMAN: The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage.

PASSAGE PLAYERS SOC.: COM. THEATRE - RECOG.

MS. BARBARA ADAMS « » : Today I would like to acknowledge my community's theatre group, the Passage Players Society. This not-for-profit society began with a small group of residents in 2015, and quickly grew to a membership of 55 before the first year was through.

The Passage Players has held many shows including dinner theatres. Currently, our Passage Players is preparing Lawlor: The Real Treasure Island, written by William Mitchell and produced by former MLA Becky Kent. This pirate play involves community members - including myself - young and old, and promises to be wildly hilarious and successful.

I ask all members of the Nova Scotia Legislature to join me in recognizing the Passage Players Society for its hard work and dedication to its community with bringing the fine arts out to Eastern Passage.

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

DART. N. BOYS/GIRLS CLUB: LONG-SERVING VOLS. - THANKS

MS. SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and celebrate three very important people in the community that is the Dartmouth North Boys and Girls Club.

Dale Thomas has just marked his 30^th anniversary at the club. He has served as a mentor and role model to countless children, and many consider him "the father of the club." He keeps the club clean and has safely transported generations of Dartmouth North kids as the bus driver.

No one knows the history of Dartmouth North club and the neighbourhood quite like Lillian Munroe. For 31 years, Lillian has selflessly served in the pre-school, after- school, and early-morning programs, and she coordinates many of the club's special events, including the upcoming Walk Against Violence.

Also, for 31 years, Sylvia Andrews has served families of the club and literally served them as a cook, as a breakfast program coordinator, and in the lunch programs. She now works in the early-morning program. If there's a special project involving nutrition, Sylvia is there.

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The Dartmouth North Boys and Girls Club is a very special and important place for the children in our community, and it's wonderful that generations of families have grown up with Dale, Sylvia, and Lillian. I ask the House to join me in thanking them for their service to the families of Dartmouth North.

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

SELIG, DAVID: VOL. AWARD - THANKS

HON. KELLY REGAN « » : Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, the Bedford Volunteer Awards honoured David Selig for his extensive efforts on behalf of the Fort Sackville Foundation at Scott Manor House.

Dave began his volunteer work at the Manor House in 2004 as part of a team that completed several major renovation projects. For the past few years, Dave has been in charge of the yearly maintenance of the Manor House, and as you can imagine, that's no small task in an historic home. In 2015, Dave oversaw construction of a new garage and was onsite pretty much every day during that project.

Dave also works with the outside organizations that use the house, and he's the main point of contact with the City of Halifax, which actually owns the manor. He deals with HRM on everything from inspections to repairs. Dave serves on the board of directors, where his advice and input are valued.

He has also been involved in many other organizations: the Bedford Fire Department, Brookside Cemetery Corporation, and Bedford United Church. He also steps up to drive people to appointments and delivers Christmas goodies.

Dave is a treasured member of our community, and I want to thank him for his patient, good-natured leadership.

MR. SPEAKER « » : I would like to bring to the members' attention again that there's a lot of chatter going on. I ask that we keep the chatter down while the members do their statements.

The honourable member for Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley.

MEISTER, BRENDON/LOMOND, JASMINE: BUS. VENTURE - CONGRATS.

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MR. LARRY HARRISON « » : Many rural young people growing up on family farms develop skills in business, organization, discipline, and time management during their childhood and youth. Two step-siblings from North Alton, Brendon Meister and Jasmine Lomond, have taken this a step further by starting a family business that, for Meister, is life-changing.

Meister suffered an accidental drug overdose two-and-a-half years ago, and there have been some lasting results. Their joint business venture, Maritime Treasure Goat Therapy, has provided Meister with a sense of purpose and responsibility. He has gradually taken on full management of the livestock. Lomond, who has a degree in chemistry from Acadia University, produces soaps, bath bombs, and sugar scrubs.

I wish to congratulate this young couple for their ability to turn a tragedy into a livelihood.

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

SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS: SANE - REQUESTED

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : I have been contacted lately by a number of women telling me their stories of sexual assault, some in regions of the province where they have managed to obtain the services of a sexual assault nurse examiner, and some from Colchester County where they were unable to receive the same treatment.

One woman in her forties tells me that walking into the hospital was one of the hardest things she had ever done. She also tells me that the person who attacked her wears a uniform, so when she saw the hospital security, she stood frozen in fear. The only way she could convey why she was there was to type "I need a SANE nurse" in her phone and show it to the triage nurse. She said that when the SANE nurses arrived, she was treated with utter respect. She said that because of this, it was able to help her to make a statement.

Mr. Speaker, providing a SANE to our hospital in Truro would only cost $98,000 for the year - surely this is money well-spent by the province. Again, I request that this government provide a SANE for Colchester County.

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

CAMERON, BILLY: COM. SERV. AWARDS - RECOG.

HON. KAREN CASEY « » : Mr. Speaker, 85-year-old Billy Cameron from Tatamagouche, Colchester North, joined the Canadian military when he was 17, fought in the Korean War, and in 1955, joined the Royal Canadian Legion. For 60-plus years, he's been an active member. He's well known for the countless hours he has volunteered, not only at the Legion but at numerous community events.

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A life member of Branch 64, Cameron has served as president of the branch and as a member of the executive, of which he is now an honorary member. He is a member of the nominating committee, the Remembrance Day Committee, and serves as a liaison for Air Cadet Squadron 596.

In June, Cameron was presented with the 60-year pin, as well as the Governor General of Canada Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers. The medal recognizes volunteer achievements of Canadians in a range of fields. When presenting the prestigious award, the President of Branch 64 Royal Canadian Legion said of Cameron, "committed his life to his country, his province, and his community."

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

HOSP. HUSTLE: COM. FUNDRAISER - CONGRATS.

MS. KIM MASLAND « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 2018 Hospital Hustle Committee, organizers of an annual fundraiser for Queens General Hospital in Liverpool, comprised of sales tables, silent auctions, bouncy castles and edible treats and hosted by the Liverpool Curling Club.

Their vision this year was to make this a true community event, giving many other community organizations the opportunity to be involved. With a goal to raise $25,000 to buy an electrosurgical generator to support the endoscopic program, in the process they managed to raise the amazing sum of $28,500.

Congratulations to co-chairs Dennis and Kelly Oxner and to everyone involved, including the community, without whom none of this would be possible.

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

EASTERN N.S. EXHIBITION: HERITAGE & AGRIC. - CELEBRATE

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, 2018 marked the 155^th Eastern Nova Scotia Exhibition in Antigonish. It's an annual tradition for many families in the region - a kind of unofficial wrap-up to the summer. The five-day event kicks off with 4-H Day, an important youth component that sees 4-H participants who are involved in everything from showing livestock to completing projects in woodworking, sewing, et cetera.

Over the five days, there's a jam-packed agenda with many demonstrations, shows, competitions, and entertainment. There's certainly something for people of all ages and it is an opportunity for our community to celebrate not only our heritage, but to support those currently in the agriculture industry. This year's exhibition had more than 12,000 people through the gates of the exhibition grounds, and the highlight for many was the Saturday night concert with Ashley MacIsaac.

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I'd like to congratulate the organizers of the Eastern Nova Scotia Exhibition on another successful year, and thank them for their dedication to our local agricultural community.

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

SIMMS, HELEN: ACCESSIBILITY FUNDRAISING - THANKS

MS. ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : I would like to recognize Helen Simms of the Cumberland Transit Authority. Through her dedication to her community, Helen was able to raise funds of over $200,000 for the program to buy new vehicles for their clients. The funds were made available through Nova Scotia's Accessible Transportation Assistance Program.

Helen knows the importance of accessibility to her clients and our community, and I would like to thank her for being a voice and an aid to members of the county.

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

KILLEN, REILEY: CITIZENSHIP CONGRESS - CONGRATS.

MR. GORDON WILSON « » : For the last 46 years, 4-H Nova Scotia has chosen youth to participate at the annual Citizenship Congress in Ottawa. The participants, including Reiley Killen of Digby County, have a great opportunity to learn about their country, its history, and its government.

The six days are packed with activities, including tours of Ottawa landmarks, debates, workshops, round tables, and dropping in at Question Period. Reiley's debate, which was focusing on the importance that young people be involved in public service, was held at the Senate Chamber.

One of the high points for Reiley was going to the Citizenship Ceremony for 30 immigrants and meeting our newest Canadian citizens. It was while watching the new Canadians say the Oath of Citizenship, and talking to them afterwards, that the young people realized how badly people want to move here and call Canada their home.

I congratulate Reiley on being chosen for this very special congress. He has always been an active member of our community, including being a member of the 4-H for years, and a member of the Plympton-Gilbert's Cove Fire Department.

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

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HON. KELLY REGAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct the honourable members' attention in the Chamber to the east gallery where we are joined today by Stephen Moore. Some of the members of this House would remember Stephen, which may be why they're booing, I don't know. But they will remember Stephen, who worked with us at the Liberal caucus office and in the Premier's Office, and we'd like to welcome him to the Chamber today. (Applause)

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

LAWLESS, PENNY/PAULEY, GERALDINE:

CONSTITUENCY STAFF - THANKS

MR. HUGH MACKAY « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate a very important component of each of our constituency offices. Those are our hard-working and often underappreciated constituency staff. In my case, that includes my constituency assistant, the indominable Penny Lawless, and my constituency relations manager, the invincible Geraldine Pauley.

I note that recently here in the House that the member for Lunenburg has acknowledged her staff, Ruth and Sherry, who were here in the office yesterday, and I believe the member for Cumberland South recognized his staff. Mr. Speaker, I ask the members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly to join me in thanking all of our invaluable constituency staff.

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

POTTER, BARRY & SANDI: COM. SERV. - THANKS

HON. LLOYD HINES « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a wonderful retired couple, Barry and Sandi Potter from Halfway Cove in Guysborough County. Barry is a volunteer board member for the Guysborough County Adult Learning Association where he exceeds expectations by participating in all promotional functions, assisting with policy development, providing countless hours of technology support, and even transportation for clients. Sandi is a very popular vendor at the Guysborough Community Market where she sells her beautiful handmade greeting cards and delicious selection of homemade preserves. Patrons of the market look forward to her warm personality as much as her crafts.

Barry and Sandi Potter are adored by their fellow community members, and today I thank them for their volunteerism, community spirit, and wish them many more happy and healthy retirement years to come.

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

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ANDERSON, VENA/BUFFETT, ANDREW:

TAKE YOUR MLA TO WORK DAY - THANKS

HON. LENA METLEGE DIAB: Mr. Speaker, last week, I was lucky to participate in the second Take Your MLA to Work Day with the pharmacy team in my constituency at Crowell's Pharmacy on Herring Cove Road. It was a great visit with friendly staff and patients. I observed first-hand the pharmacy's methadone services, preparation of compliance packaging, the coagulation pilot project for patients on Warfarin that they're undertaking with Doctors Nova Scotia, and so much more.

Thank you to Pharmacist Vena Anderson, Director of Pharmacy and Medical Operations Andrew Buffett, and the entire pharmacy team. I ask all members of the House to join me in thanking them for providing excellent clinical care and providing access to health care.

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

SHIMON, MATTHEW: CAN.'S SMARTEST PERS. - CONGRATS.

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Matthew Shimon, a 12-year-old Grade 7 student, who has been selected to star on Canada's Smartest Person Junior, which airs on CBC in November. He's an exceptional student of the French immersion program at Whitney Pier Memorial Middle School. Matthew's philosophy is that being kind and helping people is a good trait of being really smart. If you know things and are kind in giving helpful advice, that's what he calls really smart.

Our community is very proud of him, and I wish Matthew all the best as he competes on Canada's Smartest Person Junior in November on CBC.

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

WYATT, ISABEL: 100^th BIRTHDAY - BEST WISHES

MR. BILL HORNE « » : Mr. Speaker, a wonderful birthday party was held on September 16^th for Isabel Wyatt's 100^th birthday. Isabel is very involved in the community. A long-time resident of Fall River, Isabel has seen many changes, notably the growth of the Fall River/Windsor Junction community. The centenarian spoke of being one of the first people who led a march to the Legislature to see that the province pave the gravel road in Fall River in 1960.

On the day of her birthday celebration, the streets were lined with cars and there was a line outside waiting to greet Isabel. When asked what was her key for reaching 100, smiling, she answered: "A glass of whiskey every day." I will say Isabel is active, healthy, and physically fit.

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I ask the members of the House of Assembly and the Legislature to congratulate Isabel on her 100^th birthday.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The time allotted for Statements by Members has expired.

[2:00 p.m.]

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS TO MINISTERS

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

PREM.: FOIPOP REQUESTS - DISCLOSURE

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. Last week during Right to Know Week, a lecture was given by senior investigator at the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner. It included a statistic that I found rather staggering.

In 2017, the Province of Nova Scotia received 2,285 information requests. That's an average of almost nine requests every business day. The senior investigator compared that with Switzerland where they had only 551 requests in 2017 and Switzerland has eight times more population than that of Nova Scotia. The senior investigator's conclusion is, if people have free access to information, they don't make 2,285 requests.

Will the Premier please acknowledge that Nova Scotia guards too much information unnecessarily?

HON. STEPHEN MCNEIL » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. She would also realize that the numbers she has been putting out there I hope that senior person from the information office recognized that 82 per cent of the requests that come are filled within 30 days. That's the highest it has ever been.

We're going to continue to improve that and continue to make sure that those Nova Scotians who ask for information, what we can give them, we'll give them.

MS. MACFARLANE « » : The point is that they shouldn't be asking in the first place.

So the senior investigator continues to say that here in Nova Scotia 14 per cent of requests result in full disclosure; in Switzerland that number is 55 per cent. It further underscores just how reluctant this government is to share information with its citizens, and it speaks to the paradigm, the default position, for information. Here, Mr. Speaker, the default is to hide until you are forced to reveal.

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Will the Premier commit to changing the philosophy of his government to one where the default is to disclose, unless it is absolutely necessary to withhold?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, as the honourable member would know, the FOIPOP officers throughout the department respond to the requests that continue to come in. She would also know that open data we put out there so that Nova Scotians are using that data to create opportunity for themselves and businesses. She would also know that we put up a website so when a request comes in, not only do we send that information out to the person who asked for it, we actually put it live.

We're continuing to make sure that we continue to open up this province. I want to remind the honourable member again that 82 per cent of those are done within 30 days. That's the highest number this province has seen.

MS. MACFARLANE « » : From what we hear from Nova Scotians, that's information that is not relevant to them.

I know this government likes to brag about everything the Premier just said and it's easy to achieve when you don't take the time to give the applicants the information they ask for. Again, from the senior investigator, Nova Scotia responds to applicants with - and I quote - "no record return 33 per cent of the time." That means that one in three questions get nothing in response and, as we all know in this House, most days that's zero in 15.

Will the Premier admit that these statistics indicate an unacceptable level of secrecy from this government?

THE PREMIER « » : What it indicates, Mr. Speaker, is that when the honourable member and her Party go on fishing trips looking for information that the government doesn't have any information related to, they don't give it to them. Would they prefer that we made something up? That's what former governments used to do.

This government is open and transparent and we'll continue to be open and transparent.

Let me be clear about something. I've been in this House since 2003 and every Party that sat on this side of the House has been asked to put together a health committee so that we could scrutinize the largest budget item in this province. That Party said no. We're open and transparent, giving them the opportunity to scrutinize the largest budget item here.

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On top of that, Mr. Speaker, we're allowing the Auditor General, the independent Auditor General, to have his place here and hopefully the Opposition will take their duty seriously and show up next time . . . . (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please.

The honourable Leader of the New Democratic Party.

PREM. - QEII PROJECT: P3 MODEL - REASONS

MR. GARY BURRILL « » : Today we learned that the new hospital will be built using a design-build-finance-maintain P3 model. The evidence against the use of this model is so overwhelming. The schools the government built on this model cost the public $228 million to buy back. In Ontario . . . . (Interruption)

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The honourable Leader of the New Democratic Party has the floor.

MR. BURRILL « » : In Ontario, the Royal Ottawa Hospital cost an extra $88 million to build using a P3. The Brampton Civic cost $200 million more to build on this model.

In the face of all the evidence that's available, why in the world has the Premier decided to rely on private companies to design, build, finance, and maintain the QEII?

THE PREMIER « » : We compared what it would be if we continued to do the traditional build against what it is on a P3 project. The reports that the honourable member referenced have been looked through by Deloitte. Mr. Speaker, they continue to bring back a recommendation as to what would be the best value for the taxpayers of this province and ensure that we can do it as quickly as possible. We have accepted that.

Portions of this are related to the current footprint, the activity that would take place inside of those particular footprints. For example, the Halifax Infirmary (HI) site on the third and fifth floors will be done in a traditional build. All of the new build on that particular footprint in Clayton Park will be done through a P3 model.

We're looking forward to ensuring that that project goes down the road so that Nova Scotians get the health care infrastructure they deserve. It has gone through successive political Parties that did not have the courage to stand up and answer the call and ensure our citizens and our families had state-of-the-art facilities.

MR. BURRILL « » : Mr. Speaker, the Premier can remonstrate about this until the cows come home twice. It does not change the fact that internationally there is great concern and criticism about the use of this model in projects, especially of the hospital sort, because in these models the government loses control over the design. Under this model, the successful proponent is in control of the design, which will therefore not be in the hands of the people who know Nova Scotia health care best.

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Why would the Premier adopt a model for redeveloping the QEII that will limit our control of the project's design?

THE PREMIER « » : That's exactly why we're doing the P3 model, Mr. Speaker. It is actually our health care providers who will help us put the design together. When we hand that design over to the P3 proponent, we expect them to deliver on the amount they have delivered to us.

The honourable member hits an important point. Capital projects built under successive governments, under every political Party in this province, have not come in on time or on budget. All the honourable member needs to do is go look at the Truro Hospital, Mr. Speaker, which the Progressive Conservative Party said they could build for $92 million. By the time they were done, it was double.

MR. BURRILL « » : There is a body of national evidence about this. DBFM P3 hospital projects, the Premier will know, have been significantly troubled in B.C. and have been very troubled in Ontario.

One of the serious problems with them is that on this model of hospital construction, the government loses the ability to adjust to health care changes in the future. Over that period of 30 years as health care changes, it will be so much . . . . (Interruption)

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The honourable Leader of the New Democratic Party has the floor.

MR. BURRILL « » : It will be so much more difficult for us to adapt the model that is built for us because we won't own the infrastructure. Mr. Speaker, nobody thinks health care in Nova Scotia over the next 20, 25, or 30 years is going to be the same as it is today.

Why would the Premier lock us into a hospital redevelopment model that's going to tie our hands when it comes to making future health care changes?

THE PREMIER « » : I wish the NDP Premier, who had an opportunity, had actually listened to the honourable member because he's absolutely right. Health care is changing across our province. Why does he want to be stuck in the past when it comes to our infrastructure? Our infrastructure needs to be modernized. It needs to reflect the reality of today and the next 50 years. That's why health care providers stood with us today talking about this important investment.

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A "game changer" was said by Dr. Bethune, Mr. Speaker. It was Dr. Bethune and the people down at the Dickson Centre who said we need to put cancer care on this particular site because it matters to patients and who will talk about the future. That's exactly why we have adopted this model. It's exactly why we're going to continue this approach.

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

PREM. - APPT. ADV. COMM. (CHIEF JUDGE):

INDEPENDENCE - RECOGNIZE

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : My question is for the Premier. Judicial independence is one of the pillars of our justice system and our democracy. The concept says that our courts should not be subject to improper influence from other branches of government or from private or partisan interests. I don't think it's difficult to understand why it is crucial that this separation exists. Those who interpret the laws ought to be clearly separate from those who write the laws.

Will the Premier recognize the work and independence of the chief judge appointment advisory committee?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm not sure which appointment she's referring to, but the judiciary is independent from government. They continue to make recommendations that we move forward. We're going to continue to make sure that we work with them as a separation - I'm very proud that the Provincial and Family Courts now reflect Nova Scotia more than ever before: gender parity, minority representation, the first Indigenous judge, the first member of the LGBTQ community as a member of that body.

We're going to continue to work with them to ensure that they keep their independence and that they actually reflect the population at large.

MS. MACFARLANE « » : Well, I understand that Mr. J. Michael MacDonald, Chief Justice of Nova Scotia, recently resigned as chair of the chief judge appointment advisory committee, and I understand that his resignation came in the form of a letter.

Will the Premier table the resignation of Chief Justice MacDonald today and tell the House the reasons for his resignation?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I don't believe the letter was sent to me, but I'll check to find out if it was. I'd be happy to share it with you and to tell you that we're very pleased that Family Court Judge Pam Williams is continuing to stay in her role as Chief Judge. We're looking forward to continuing to work with her.

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I want to tell you that it has been under her leadership and that of Judge Halfpenny-MacQuarrie that we opened the Gladue Court in Cape Breton. We're continuing to ensure her leadership. We're going to continue to work with her. She's sitting on the board around restorative justice for the Home for Colored Children.

Those are the kinds of things that we need to continue to make sure that we work with our judiciary, so that more Nova Scotians see themselves reflected in these institutions.

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

H&W - AMB. OFFLOAD TIMES: PROV. STANDARDS - TIMELINE

MS. TAMMY MARTIN « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. Ambulance offload times at our regional hospitals are rising. In fact, not one of our regional hospitals met the offload standard of 20 minutes 90 per cent of the time this year. At times, paramedics are backed up for hours waiting to transfer patients into the care of the hospital.

Can the minister tell us when regional hospitals will be meeting these provincial standards?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the question. Indeed, work is and has been ongoing to investigate and identify means to improve the offload process and to improve the ambulance offload times and address this very concern.

In the past I've mentioned to the members here the successful work that's been done at Dartmouth General to improve these offload times. Despite an increase of about 22 per cent in emergency visits by ambulances, at that site they maintained or possibly even slightly improved their offload performance in the last year, based upon those changes.

MS. MARTIN « » : Mr. Speaker, in its last evaluation of the Nova Scotia Health Authority, Accreditation Canada noted that serious issues with patient flow, including the presence of alternate-level-of-care patients in hospital beds, were contributing to emergency department bottlenecks. In a news article today, an NSHA staff person confirms that this issue is a direct result of the number of people waiting in hospital beds for long-term care placements. I'll table that.

Can the minister confirm that he will open new long-term care beds to address this problem?

MR. DELOREY « » : Indeed, it's recognized that this is a complex problem. We see the effects through the emergency departments, and with these offload times for the paramedics who are looking to have their patients transitioned directly into the hospital.

[Page 1285]

Our hospital and health care system is an integrated system, and each part depends on the others. What I can tell the member is that over the past number of years, we've reduced the number of people waiting in the hospital for long-term care. We've reduced the amount of time that those people who are waiting in the hospital for long-term care are waiting. We've already announced that we're going to be adding additional long-term care beds in the Cape Breton region.

[2:15 p.m.]

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

JUSTICE - JUUL VAPING PRODUCT: SOLD IN N.S. - CONFIRM

MR. LARRY HARRISON « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Justice. I don't know how people think up this stuff, but they do. There's a new vaping product out called Juul and it's started to be sold now in Canada in September and I'll table that information. Smoking Juul has become a fad in the US and, of course, they're calling this now an epidemic by the health care officials.

The Juul is a USB-stick size, which contains the equivalent nicotine of 20 cigarettes, and can be easily consumed in a day. Will the minister confirm whether or not that's even being sold now in Nova Scotia?

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I thought my colleague was talking about the question that they had presented for him. (Laughter) I'm not familiar with the product that my colleague references, but if he's prepared to share that information with me I'll certainly look into that for him.

MR. HARRISON « » : No, it's just the stuff that people create. I don't know how they do it.

Juul pods allow for a faster and smoother absorption of nicotine, so you can have a much higher concentration of it and not feel that burning effect in the throat. It has rainbow-coloured lights and comes in flavours like cotton candy and peanut butter and jam. It's particularly appealing to young people.

Mr. Speaker, as you can imagine, the Canadian Cancer Society is against this product. Will Nova Scotia be a leader and use regulation to ensure safe levels of nicotine, should this product come to Nova Scotia for consumption?

MR. FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I wasn't sure if my colleague was talking about Christmas or the usual activities in a daycare in the morning.

[Page 1286]

On a serious note, it's important we recognize the point my colleague is making that high levels of consumption of nicotine could be harmful. I'll certainly take whatever information my colleague has and, working with the Minister of Health and Wellness, determine the substance to this particular issue, and if it is even available here in Nova Scotia.

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

H&W - LIVE DONOR KIDNEY TRANSPLANTS: WAIT-LIST - STATUS

HON. ALFIE MACLEOD « » : Mr. Speaker, my question through you is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. On September 26, I asked the minister about a woman whose kidney was a match with her brother. Despite this, she was worried that her brother would die while waiting for the transplant.

Since then, another desperate family has come forward. Heather Joe MacDonald is a match and willing to donate her kidney to her dad, Sidney Joe, but they are anxiously waiting to hear when the operation will occur. My question again to the minister is: Will the minister tell us how long the wait-list is for live-donor kidney transplants.

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I think it's safe to say no member of this Legislature can truly appreciate the significance of the situation that the member has brought forward here unless they're going through a situation like that. I can't say for sure how long the individuals may be expected to wait.

As I looked into this the last time the member raised this question. You always explain that there are a lot of variables that come into play for both the prospective donor as well as the prospective recipient. There are various clinical parameters, their health and wellness, and so on. There are a lot of variables that can affect how long someone may be waiting to complete that surgery.

MR. MACLEOD « » : Mr. Speaker, I appreciate what the minister said and there's no question that there are variables that take place, but the people that I had talked about before were waiting almost two years. Heather Joe MacDonald says there hasn't been any communication from the Health Authority about her dad's kidney transplant since July. That's a long time to wait. It's a long time to wonder and it's a long time to worry. It's a terrifying waiting game where her dad's life weighs in the balance.

The question for the minister is: Will he concede that the NSHA should communicate more frequently and openly with families like Heather Joe MacDonald when it's about a transplant and a life-threatening situation.

MR. DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, on two fronts, I'd like to respond to the member's inquiry. On the first - the specific instance - I would ask that the member provide the information that he has so that I can follow up on the specific case situation.

[Page 1287]

Then more broadly, with respect to the communication and the flow of communication, what that process is for all Nova Scotians that may be in a similar situation to ensure the communication is more efficient, more effective. I will certainly endeavour to look into that which would be more of the systems side of this particular situation.

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

H&W - NEW WATERFORD RALLY: MINISTER ATTEND - YES OR NO

MR. EDDIE ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, members on this side of the House have repeatedly asked the Minister of Health and Wellness to attend rallies during this session, but so far none of us have been successful in enticing him to join us. The minister misjudges us if he thinks stonewalling us will get us to stop asking. Nova Scotians want their voices to be heard. They're afraid and they want the Minister of Health and Wellness to hear what they have to say.

So I'll ask one more time: Will the Minister of Health and Wellness come to Cape Breton on October 14^th to attend a rally in New Waterford? I think I've heard every answer so far in this Legislature except yes or no.

MR. DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the member raising and bringing to the floor of the Legislature the concerns of his constituents with respect to the future of health care services in his community, and indeed the broader Cape Breton region. In fact, we share those concerns. We recognize and heard the concerns from Cape Bretoners about the delivery of health care and the frequent closures of emergency rooms.

We went out with our partners, the Nova Scotia Health Authority, and inspected and evaluated the infrastructure that's currently in place. I determined that some of that infrastructure is past its useful life, Mr. Speaker, for future expansion of health care services. That's why we made the decision to invest in new primary health care services and expansions at Glace Bay and Cape Breton.

MR. ORRELL « » : I guess I hadn't heard them all. That was another new one today. I understand the minister's a busy man. Maybe October 14^th doesn't work for him. But there must be a day soon that he can take a few hours to hear from Cape Bretoners. All the minister has to do is name the date and the time, and we'll make a meeting happen for him.

Will the minister commit today to arranging a date and a time to meet with Cape Bretoners or will he finally admit that he just doesn't want to hear from them?

MR. DELOREY « » : I believe I may have mentioned this previously, contrary to statements made by members opposite, with respect to the announcement that was made in Cape Breton back in June. I did meet with people from Cape Breton - I met with physicians, I met with municipal and First Nations representatives to hear from them, even on the afternoon of the announcement. Every meeting that I take isn't always in front of cameras.

[Page 1288]

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

H&W - NEW FLU VACCINE: NO FULL COVERAGE - EXPLAIN

MS. TAMMY MARTIN « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minster of Health and Wellness - and just to follow up, I don't know one person from my community that was at any of those meetings to discuss.

Last May, the Department of Health and Wellness announced it would fund a new high-dose flu vaccine to protect seniors from the virus and reduce hospitalizations. While the standard flu vaccine is available to all Nova Scotians, this new formula will only be covered for people living in long-term care facilities. Can the minister explain why no other groups were considered for this coverage?

MR. DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the member bringing this question forward. It's a great opportunity to remind all members and all Nova Scotians of the importance and the value of getting vaccinated for flu season.

What the member has brought forward is the high-dose flu vaccine, a stronger version. This particular version of the vaccine has been identified for particularly vulnerable populations. The most vulnerable population in Nova Scotia, after reviewing this last year, is our seniors in long-term care facilities, vulnerable in part based upon their age and suppressed immune systems, but also living in a facility with many other individuals. That's why that was the population that was targeted for this expansion.

MS. MARTIN « » : Funny enough, though, not all seniors who are living in long-term care facilities are the only ones who require it. In fact, this government's focus is on home care and keeping seniors in their homes longer, which we're reminded of daily. I am confused as to why the department hasn't considered to defray the costs for those seniors with compromised immune systems to improve the vaccine.

Mr. Speaker, will the minister commit to covering Fluzone for everyone over the age of 65 with a serious immune condition?

MR. DELOREY « » : This is a relatively new vaccine. It is the first time that we are rolling it out in our province. We will continue to monitor the effects that this new vaccine has on, again, what has been identified as the most likely or most vulnerable population, that would be those living within long-term care facilities.

[Page 1289]

It's not just about the age and suppressed immune systems in that environment but, indeed, also the fact that they are living in an environment in close proximity, Mr. Speaker, so it's a combination of factors that led to us choosing this particular population. We will evaluate and see how the vaccine performs and consider any potential future expansions after we see the results.

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

H&W - PHYSICIAN CONTRACTS: MASTER AGREEMENT - ADHERE

MR. KEITH BAIN « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Health and Wellness. In a major loss to Baddeck and surrounding areas, Dr. Emily Beaton informed Victoria County Memorial Hospital of her decision to leave just after two years. I'll table that. Citing issues with her contract and an unstable work environment, she will now take her talents to Prince Edward Island.

We've heard similar stories with two doctors leaving Digby because they weren't receiving what was promised by the Nova Scotia Health Authority. Perhaps the Nova Scotia Health Authority could have taken Dr. Beaton out to dinner to discuss her situation, instead of looking out for themselves.

Mr. Speaker, my question to the minister is: To avoid any future confusion over contracts, why does the minister not stick to the master agreement that was agreed to by Doctors Nova Scotia when issuing contracts to potential recruits?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the member's question. I think in his preamble he forgot to mention the new physician who started work in his community, a physician who was one of the first to come through our immigration stream, in partnership. I think that's important for the member to let his community know about the success of these programs and initiatives that have taken place.

With respect, Mr. Speaker, the contract, he is confusing two different sets of contracts. There's a master agreement which sets out the compensation framework for physicians but indeed, individual physicians - as independent businesses, they enter into individual contracts on top of the master agreement.

MR. BAIN « » : Mr. Speaker, make no mistake, Nova Scotia has a doctor shortage and Baddeck still is one doctor short. Nova Scotians can take little comfort that in the last few weeks, there have been two high level departures from the recruitment department at the Nova Scotia Health Authority.

The Nova Scotia Health Authority can promote our surf, lobster and coastlines on their website all they want, but the reality is that when you are working over 100 hours a week, there's not much time to take in those activities. P.E.I. is similar in that they can offer surf, lobster and coastlines, but they also pay $100,000 more to their doctors, according to Doctors Nova Scotia.

[Page 1290]

My question to the minister: How does he expect to compete and recruit more doctors to Nova Scotia when doctors can work less, make more money, and have a better quality of life just a few hours away?

MR. DELOREY « » : With all due respect, I think my colleague, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, would agree that the lobster in Nova Scotia is far superior to that that they could find in P.E.I.

Mr. Speaker, with respect to the compensation side of things, the data that has been cited and used is a couple of years old, coming from a CIHI report, that doesn't take into account the nearly $40 million that we invested in improving the compensation available for family physicians providing comprehensive family care to Nova Scotians. That data is a bit out-of-date for the member.

[2:30 p.m.]

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

H&W: TRAVEL TIMES, DIALYSIS BETTER ACCESS NEEDED

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : Mr. Speaker, I've risen on this topic a number of times in the past, and that's kidney disease and access to treatment. There's a group in Barrington Passage that has been looking for a satellite hemodialysis unit in that community. Right now, the closest option is for them to drive 54 minutes to Yarmouth or more than an hour away, to Liverpool. If the space isn't available in Yarmouth, that drive gets even longer.

There are 14 people in Shelburne County right now having to travel to service in Yarmouth. So my question to the Minister of Health and Wellness: Can he commit to creating a satellite haemodialysis unit in Barrington Passage for patients in that area?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : I do recognize the member's concern. As he noted, he has brought it to the floor, I believe even some correspondence that we have shared on behalf of his constituents.

I really don't think I can fully appreciate, nor can any of us unless you know someone who goes through dialysis treatment. It takes a significant amount of time, even if it is located nearby, because you're actually in a chair for I believe somewhere in the vicinity of four hours a day to receive treatment. Mr. Speaker, at this time, we're not in a position to expand to that community.

[Page 1291]

What the member should know, and all members know, is that we have been investing. We're expanding in a number of communities. There are expansions under way. We need to get those across the line to improve and reduce the transportation time for people receiving care. I think it's over 40 seats that we're adding to the system across the province.

MR. D'ENTREMONT « » : There are 14 people in Shelburne County alone who have to travel to Yarmouth County in order to receive that service. There's a pocket of people who need the service of full dialysis rather than home dialysis, so they can't really transfer in. Mr. Speaker, I can say that the Yarmouth service is actually almost to capacity, so some serious decisions are going to have to be made.

A friend of mine, Artie Smith, who lives in Woods Harbour, is getting to the end of his rope. He says he can't function because of the time it takes out of his day and out of his week in order to do it.

That need continues as our population ages and the instances of other comorbidities keep rising. Can the minister outline what needs or conditions are required for a community to receive consideration for a satellite haemodialysis unit?

MR. DELOREY « » : Part of the review, rather than on individual community advocacy or individual one-off situations, actually decisions have been made in a broader review of the system. We identified, I believe, six sites getting additional seats, either new or expansion of dialysis, that we have announced over the last couple of years. Work is well under way on many of these. Others are at different stages of design.

In combination, I believe it's somewhere over 40 additional seats added to the province for dialysis patients. That's going to reduce the travel time for many and reduce the pressure on some other communities and existing sites. Mr. Speaker, we need to get those rolled out and then re-evaluate our overall dialysis system.

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

H&W: MyHealthNS - ACCESS

MR. BRAD JOHNS « » : My question also is for the Minister of Health and Wellness today. On September 21^st, the House heard me talk about Mr. Reg Edwards - I did submit a form on his behalf as well - and the difficulties that Mr. Edwards is having accessing medical attention. At that time, the minister responded that day by saying for individuals like the constituent referenced, who may have trouble travelling outside of their home environment, our physicians can now provide care through phone communication through the MyHealthNS website, a secure portal to provide that service.

[Page 1292]

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Edwards is a senior who isn't really up on the technologies - he doesn't have a computer or a smart phone, so he can't access MyHealthNS. Does the minister have a solution for patients with serious health concerns who are orphaned by lack of doctors and, similar to Mr. Edwards, do not have reasonable access to MyHealthNS?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Just to clarify my previous remarks, the compensation opportunities and the changes that we made in the agreement with Doctors Nova Scotia last March, about eight months ago now I guess, was not for smart phone access to provide care but, indeed, traditional telephone. Really, it's in that non-face-to-face space. So traditional telephone consults can take place as well as communication through the MyHealthNS.

MR. JOHNS « » : Yes, thank you, minister. As Mr. Edwards' medication currently needs to be refilled - it needs to be refilled regularly. He did have the pharmacist extend his prescription for the 30 days they were allowed to do, but this is just really pushing the problem down the road for Mr. Edwards. Many seniors, like Mr. Edwards, are finding after years of contributing into this province that they now need the help of the provincial medical system the most and they don't have access to it. Mr. Minister, could you please tell Mr. Edwards and others like him how to get proper services they deserve instead of waiting on an 811 system?

MR. DELOREY « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and, indeed, the province continues with its investments to improve access to primary care for all Nova Scotians including the member's constituents, but all Nova Scotians. We recognize and have heard from front-line health care providers that our health care systems are shifting and the way that individuals provide the best care is in a collaborative environment. We are supporting and investing in collaborative practices. Indeed in January, when the Nova Scotia Health Authority put out a request for submissions and proposals to work in or expand collaborative practices, they had over 100 submissions by over 400 physicians. That represents about ?. (Interruption)

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

MR. DELOREY « » : So, the interest of our front-line health care providers and this type of service being provided is better service, Mr. Speaker, expanded service. It's helpful in our recruitment and retention of physicians and other front-line health care workers, and that's what we're doing.

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

ENVIRON. - GOV'T. OPERATIONS: SINGLE-USE PLASTICS - REDUCE

[Page 1293]

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Environment. A recent study suggests that in 30 years we could have more plastics in our ocean than fish. We're a fishing and coastal province. We're on the front lines of this issue. We should be taking leadership on it. The federal government has committed to changing its own procurement practices to make sure 75 per cent of all its plastics are being reused and recycled. We should be doing the same thing here and using our government purchasing power to lead the change. My question for the minister: Will she commit today to set strong targets for reducing single-use plastics in our government operations.

HON. MARGARET MILLER « » : I thank the honourable member for this question. It certainly has been topical. We've been talking about it a lot the last few days. Single-use plastics are a problem. We all know that. They're in our waterways. They need to be dealt with and Nova Scotians have been using innovative ways to not use the single-use plastics. We all have a role to play with this whether it's using reusable bags or coming out with other innovation to use plastic. I recently heard about an entrepreneur in the local area who was making furniture out of plastics. I think we have a lot of ways to be able to reuse or not use it, and I think Nova Scotians are playing their part in this.

MS. ZANN « » : Well, I have to agree with the minister. Yes, Nova Scotians have been using innovative ways, but what about the government? Residents in Lunenburg have formed Plastic Free Lunenburg. They're working with businesses and consumers to reduce the use of single-use plastics. Businesses like the Savvy Sailor Café and the Point General have already made big changes. They are an example to us but, as experts point out, we could be implementing policies for extended producer responsibility. We already have it for electronics. It's very simple. If you profit from manufacturing it, then you need to be responsible for recycling it. How hard can it be?

My question for the minister is this: When can we expect to see leadership from her government by way of policies that will tackle single-use plastics in this province?

MS. MILLER « » : I thank the member for that other question. Certainly, we know that this is a problem. We know what's going and I think it's becoming less and less. People are more responsible. They are recycling. They're actively recycling, and I'm happy to report that none of the recycled plastic that is collected in Nova Scotia has ever gone into a Nova Scotia landfill. It is being sold and being dealt with.

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

TIR: MIRA GUT BRIDGE - UPDATE

HON. ALFIE MACLEOD « » : Mr. Speaker, my question through you is to the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of having the company of the minister as we toured the wonderful constituency of Sydney River-Mira-Louisbourg. During that tour, of course, the minister was able to see first-hand some of the challenges that the residents of that community face.

[Page 1294]

With the implementation and planning for the five-year plan coming up, and the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board is always telling us about the surpluses he is able to maintain, I'm wondering if the minister could give me an update on where we are with the Mira Gut bridge?

HON. LLOYD HINES « » : I thank the member opposite for the question. I'd also like to extend my thanks to the great people of Gabarus for accepting one of the pilot projects for our off-road vehicle program which is turning out to be very well-received.

The Mira bridge is in design and we're very close to finishing the design and putting it out for tender.

MR. MACLEOD « » : I really appreciate that answer and I want to clarify that, of course, the pilot project that we got in Gabarus was actually meant to be in the Mira Gut area but there's no bridge for them to go across. Mr. Speaker, that being said, the people of Gabarus were very happy to have the pilot project, the only Tory constituency to get one anywhere in the Province of Nova Scotia, and that has been pointed out by my colleagues on many occasions.

The real question, Mr. Speaker, at this point in time, and it's one that I've asked since I've been coming to this House is the New Boston Road. The residents of the New Boston Road over the course of the last little while have indeed seen some pavement on the end of the highway where there is a huge hill and there is some traffic concerns for students and travelling by bus. They are telling me that if they had just 0.4 more kilometres that they would be very happy for this year.

I'm just wondering if the minister would have some consideration - because I did take him on that road as well - on the New Boston Road, 0.4 kilometres, for pavement.

THE PREMIER « » : I want to thank the honourable member for the question, Mr. Speaker. I want to assure him that even though he could not get Premier MacDonald to pay attention to this road, I will take this under advisement and go talk to the minister.

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

ENVIRON. - CARTERS BEACH: PERM. INFRASTRUCTURE - TIMELINE

MS. KIM MASLAND « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Environment. This past summer we saw many days with large numbers of people again visit Carters Beach because of its natural beauty and the power of social media. When a large number of people arrive at the same time without proper parking, washroom and refuse facilities, it creates a problem for everyone.

[Page 1295]

Last week I inquired about the minister's department's infrastructure plans for one of the province's most spectacular beaches. I tabled a photo to show how ineffective the pack in/pack out program was and was told by the Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage that it takes a while to educate people on the program.

My question to the minister is: Can she please tell this House when Carters Beach will have the permanent infrastructure required, like other beaches in this province?

HON. MARGARET MILLER « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm very happy to report that I, too, was one of the people who went to Carters Beach this summer. I have to agree that it is a beautiful beach, I was absolutely blown away by the beauty and also by the cleanliness.

That day I had visited about six or eight beaches in the area, all of them were pack in/pack out programs. I think I saw one piece of litter in all those beaches that day.

There are port-a-pot toilets on the site. There are not garbage cans on the site and to date, we're not going to be putting garbage cans in. They aren't really effective. People empty their garbage in it, the birds get in it, they go. The pack in/pack out is working for Nova Scotians.

MS. MASLAND « » : Well sadly, Mr. Speaker, the residents who live on that road wouldn't agree with that statement. For nearby residents the government's inaction has led to many headaches over the last few years as they struggle to retrieve their mail, get out of their driveways and even keep their properties clean.

When I raised the issue last week, the Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage suggested that people park and walk from Summerville Beach Provincial Park to Carters and that people are taking shorter walks on the beach and not spending the entire day.

Mr. Speaker, I couldn't disagree more. This beach has become a destination and it would be quite a hike from Summerville Beach Park to Carters, especially for many seniors - it is a 10-kilometre walk.

We need to strike the right balance between residents, beachgoers, and protecting the ecosystem of the area. My question to the minister is: Will she commit to working with the region of Queens to address the serious parking and safety concerns of my constituents?

MS. MILLER « » : I thank the honourable member for that question. She absolutely has a point. We noted, too, that day, it was very hard to get in and very hard to get out for emergency vehicles.

In theory, it's nice to say we need to protect our dunes, and we do. Absolutely, they have to be identified and protected. We have to make sure that there isn't any garbage, that people do pack in and out. We have to make sure that there are washroom facilities so people aren't using the dunes, and the parking is a problem. We have to make sure emergency vehicles can get in there.

[Page 1296]

I absolutely will meet with the people of the area and try to come to some solution.

[2:45 p.m.]

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

COM. SERV. - HOUSING N.S.: ANN. INCOME - POLICIES UPDATE

MR. TIM HALMAN « » : My question is for the Minister of Community Services. This summer, I had a constituent who had applied for a grant through Housing Nova Scotia. When they calculated his annual income, he was confused because Housing Nova Scotia includes the caregiver benefit as income, but the Department of Health and Wellness does not.

The inconsistencies in policies prevent some Nova Scotians from getting the help they need. To be clear, I'm asking about policy, not the Housing client.

My question for the minister is: Will Housing Nova Scotia update its policies so they align with those of the Department of Health and Wellness in calculating annual income?

HON. KELLY REGAN « » : I thank the honourable member for the question. In fact, this is an issue that we have been looking at. I don't know whether it will be aligned with the Department of Health and Wellness or if it will be aligned with the Department of Community Services, but we are looking to make sure that there is consistency across the programs that we deliver.

MR. HALMAN « » : The government has indicated that it wants to encourage Nova Scotians to stay in their homes as long as possible. Grants through Housing Nova Scotia are meant to help people on a fixed income provide necessary updates to their homes. Unfortunately, different policies from department to department have left many confused and frustrated.

Again, not speaking to a specific case but the policy framework, my question is: Are regular reviews being conducted at Community Services to ensure that these sorts of policy discrepancies don't impact the living conditions of applicants?

MS. REGAN « » : I don't know whether they have been done in the past, but I can tell you that we do them now.

[Page 1297]

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

E&M - CAPPING STACK: AVAILABILITY - CONCERNS ADDR.

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : My question is for the Minister of Energy and Mines. Earlier this week, a new poll came out that showed Nova Scotians are split around the drilling BP does off our coast: 54 per cent oppose it; 46 per cent support it. But there's one thing that both sides agree with: 90 per cent of those interviewed said that capping stacks should be in hand within about a 24-hour period.

Mr. Speaker, that kind of consensus should send a message to the government. Our coastal communities, our fishing industries, our tourism industry, and our marine environment deserve protection.

I would like to ask the minister: What is the minister and government doing to address the concerns that many Nova Scotians have when it comes to the availability of a capping stack?

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : I'd like to thank the member for the question. I agree that we have industries that have coexisted for generations. We have a very thriving fishing industry and, as well, we receive billions in royalties through our offshore to support schools and services that we provide.

We have a Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board that is the oversight. It is the regulator. I have full confidence in its ability to do that work, and we will continue to work with them closely as we continue to promote both our fishing industry as well as our offshore exploration.

MR. DAVID WILSON « » : The Town of Mahone Bay, the Town of Lunenburg, and the Municipality of Shelburne all have written to the federal minister about concerns with the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board and around the process of approval. They want stricter regulations, so I'd like to ask the minister: What is the minister doing to ensure the federal government hears the concerns of towns like Mahone Bay, Lunenburg, and others about their coastal fishing industries?

MR. MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Again, I have great faith in the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board and the regulatory role that it plays. We keep a very close relationship with all our communities across the province. I've had the opportunity in my previous role to go down and visit those municipalities and hear those concerns and conversations. I believe that for generations our industries . . . .

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

[Page 1298]

The honourable Minister of Environment.

HON. MARGARET MILLER « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MS. MILLER « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to draw the House's attention to the East Gallery where we're joined by two members from MADD Canada. I would like to introduce Susan MacAskill, the Chapter Services Manager for the Atlantic Region, and Anissa Aldridge-MacLeod, a member of our National Board of Directors who resides here in Halifax. They've been instrumental in working with our Nova Scotia Government on the Cannabis Act and now on the Traffic Safety Act, and they're helping us save lives. I'd like to welcome them to the House. (Applause)

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 Second Reading.

PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING

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

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 80

Bill No. 80 - Traffic Safety Act.

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

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

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MR. HINES « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Joining us today in the east gallery are many of the important stakeholders who have been with us for quite a long time and have informed us on the reshaping of this important piece of legislation. As I call you out, if you would stand and accept the warm welcome of the House.

Members of the Road Safety Advisory Committee: Nova Scotia Chiefs of Police Association, HRM Superintendent Don MacLean; Insurance Bureau of Canada, Amanda Dean and Erin Norwood; the Halifax Cycling Coalition, Sarah Manchon; the Ecology Action Centre, Kelsey Lane; the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Jordi Morgan and Amber Ruddy; the Nova Scotia Auto Recyclers Association, Andrew MacDonald; the Nova Scotia Automobile Dealers Association, John Sutherland and Reya Boland; Child Safety Link, a division of the IWK, Sandra Newton; MADD Atlantic, Susan MacAskill and Anissa MacLeod, who get introduced twice today; and staff from the Superintendent of Insurance, Jennifer Calder and Angela.

[Page 1299]

We have some TIR staff here: Paul Arsenault, Kevin Mitchell, Royden Trainor, and Kory Harrington. I really want to publicly express my thanks to them for putting a lot of work into this legislation. My apologies if I missed someone. (Applause)

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

HON. LLOYD HINES « » : Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 80, the Traffic Safety Act, be read for a second time.

Today I am pleased to rise in the House to speak about the new Traffic Safety Act being proposed to replace the outdated Motor Vehicle Act. The new, modern Traffic Safety Act will help make the province's roads and highways much safer. Before I begin my remarks, I would like to thank, in particular, the Opposition Parties' critics for meeting with department staff over the summer to discuss the new Traffic Safety Act. The spirit of co-operation reflects the importance of the new Act and the role this legislation has on the lives of all Nova Scotians.

This proposed legislation will ensure that government can quickly respond to changing technologies and future road safety needs. As you know, our Motor Vehicle Act has not been rewritten since the early 1920s and has been amended numerous times since, resulting in an Act that is unclear, inconsistent, and not flexible. Since the last major revision in 1989, the Motor Vehicle Act has been amended 49 times. I'm going to ask the House to amend it for a fiftieth and final time, hopefully, later on.

The TSA is designed as a framework Act that sets broad policy and regulatory authority to address the more technical and day-to-day issues that arise in the administration of road safety in the province. The TSA will be much leaner than the current MVA. That reflects moving technical detail to regulation, which allows more flexibility and responsiveness to emerging issues.

The new Act will govern and regulate the registration and identification of motor vehicles and the use of provincial highways and roads. This includes drivers' licences, the registration and inspection of vehicles, traffic laws, and equipment standards.

Significant initiatives that I would like to highlight in the new Act include defining vulnerable road users and imposing stiffer fines on drivers who injure them. The bill introduces the term "vulnerable road user" to better establish the relationship between motor vehicles and other road users.

[Page 1300]

A "vulnerable road user" is a cyclist, a pedestrian, or an individual on a highway without the benefit of a protective frame or roll bar, such as a motorcyclist or someone who is engaged in construction, maintenance, repair, or similar functions while on that part of the highway; a peace officer during a traffic stop or at a collision scene; a fire official or emergency response worker assisting at a motor vehicle crash; the driver of an authorized slow-moving vehicle; or any other user as prescribed by the regulations.

By defining "vulnerable road user," we can increase the penalties and provisions against drivers who injure them. The new Act will double the fines and add a licence-suspension provision. This has also recently been done in Ontario and Quebec.

We want to clarify the term "distracted driving." The bill introduces the requirement for a person to drive "with due care and attention and with reasonable consideration for other traffic on the highway." This replaces the current MVA section requiring a person to drive a vehicle "in a careful and prudent manner."

The Act will prohibit the use of hand-held communications or entertainment devices or any device prescribed by regulation. The term "use" will be defined as using any application or function of the device, handling the device, or looking at a hand-held device that is not mounted or hands-free.

The Act will prohibit using a GPS unless the device has been pre-programmed or being used hands-free.

The Act will expand the prohibition of a television screen visible to the driver to include any display screen visible to the driver. Notable exceptions include the use of GPS, collision-avoidance systems, or "an instrument, gauge or system being used to provide information to the driver regarding the status of equipment or systems of the vehicle." It is proposed that devices that distract from driving be broadened to include not only drivers of vehicles but operators of all conveyances, including cyclists.

Managing the advancement of autonomous vehicles - another important new part of our legislation, which is now certainly part of our lexicon in Nova Scotia. Autonomous vehicles are being widely researched and tested throughout the world. Most motor vehicles manufactured today have autonomous features, with a small number of vehicles that can self-drive in some circumstances. The TSA states that regardless of the level of autonomous features, licensed drivers must be in the driver's seat and always operate the vehicle with due care and control.

An important change is the enabling of municipalities to make bylaws regarding noise, including mufflers. The new Act will enable municipalities to pass their own bylaws regarding noise. Through motor vehicle inspections, the province will require proper working mufflers, but this change will enable municipalities to take instantaneous action instead of waiting for an inspection.

[Page 1301]

Unlike the Motor Vehicle Act, the new bill consolidates and reorganizes the regulations that support the Act. It moves the technical details from the Act to the regulations, with a mix of Governor in Council and ministerial authority. This means that some regulations will require Cabinet approval, while others require the approval of the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

We anticipate that the new Act and its regulations will be implemented about two years after the passage of the bill. In tandem with the regulatory framework that will follow the passage of the new Act, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal and the Department of Internal Services are planning a new data system to serve the Registry of Motor Vehicles. The new Act can't be implemented until that new system is in place and work on the new regulations is totally completed. The new Act reflects significant stakeholder engagement with 31 groups, 23 partners. Many of them are here today including Bicycle Nova Scotia, Insurance Bureau of Canada, Road Safety Advisory Committee, Nova Scotia Chiefs of Police Association, and Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities.

[3:00 p.m.]

Mr. Speaker, we also reached out to Nova Scotians and received comments from 865 people who offered 2,292 various recommendations. We will continue to reach out to stakeholders and partners as we work to develop the regulations that will accompany the Act. We have a lot of valuable insights through the consultation with the people who use the system in Nova Scotia.

Our staff also reached out to both Opposition caucuses. I was pleased that during her reply to the Speech from the Throne, interim Progressive Conservative Leader Karla MacFarlane thanked us for the session with her caucus. Their . . . .

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. I'd like to remind the honourable minister not to refer to other members with their proper name.

The honourable Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

MR. HINES « » : Yes, I really want to express my thanks to the Official Opposition and to the Leader because their input was greatly appreciated.

As you are aware, I will also be introducing two amendments to the existing Motor Vehicle Act to address pressing issues of drug-impaired driving and the use of facial recognition technology as part of a driver's licence and photo identification card issuance. The need to amend the Motor Vehicle Act for the fiftieth time since 1989 tells you everything you need to know about why we want to adapt the new, more flexible approach to dealing with emerging issues offered by the Traffic Safety Act.

[Page 1302]

Thank you for your time today and I look forward to hearing from my colleagues.

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

HON. ALFIE MACLEOD « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the minister for his words. I, too, would like to congratulate and thank those in the gallery that have been part of putting together this immense piece of legislation. I really want to point out Mr. Paul Arsenault, who I think has been the glue that has sort of kept this process together. As we talked yesterday when we were doing the technical briefing, he had mentioned that this process has been ongoing for about 10 years and it had been in under the Progressive Conservative Government, the New Democratic Government, and now the Liberal Government. It has truly been a long-time project and I know that Paul is sort of sticking around to make sure that he gets to the end. I think we owe him and all the people who have been involved a round of applause and thanks.

One of the interesting things yesterday is when we did have the technical briefing it was said to us that it was, as I said earlier, a 10-year project, and it is a massive piece of legislation. I think it's probably the biggest piece of legislation, the largest bill that I've ever seen in my time here in the House of Assembly at 124 pages, and it is time. There is no question. It was time for changes. I think the minister was telling us stories about when it was first implemented and how we remember that. But on a very serious note, there have been so many changes in what has taken place in the modes of transportation over the years. Any bill that needs 50 amendments, I think it is time to make it newer and clearer and more modern so that people can understand what it is we're trying to do.

You know, our Act was probably one of the oldest ones in the country and certainly one of the oldest Acts that was here in the Province of Nova Scotia. I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, that it's not an easy task meeting with all these different groups trying to find a common ground. I mean, in our conversations yesterday there was even some talk about what the definition of a motorcycle is now, because there have been so many changes with things like slingshots and spyders and trikes and all of those things that go with it. By removing some of those definitions right out of the legislation and put them in regulation, it will mean people can meet the requirements and what needs to be done on that. I think that's probably a very good thing.

The fact is there are so many changes being made, and one of the things that happens is that the minister has more responsibility when it comes to writing of regulations.

I know that those who sit in the seat of a minister get good advice from their staff but it is still a large responsibility on their shoulders when it comes to helping build and write the regulations. I think for that reason we need to be sure that the scrutiny we give this bill is one that will make sure that people have looked at every possible situation.

[Page 1303]

It is a very complex bill. Even in the technical briefing I really never had a chance to go through it in the hour that we had. I didn't have a chance to go through everything because as I say, it is a technical bill and we had a lot of questions from both Opposition Parties and it is why we believe we need to be very careful as we proceed forward with this bill.

I know, Mr. Speaker, that the definitions alone fill 12 pages in this piece of legislation. That's a lot of definitions. The interpretations sometimes of definitions can be quite tricky because what I think a definition means and what somebody else thinks it means, so when they are doing their definitions they had to be very careful to try to make sure they were definitions that people could understand and were willing to get good explanation on.

Mr. Speaker, the average Nova Scotians, the people who are going to be protected by this law, will not have the luxury of reviewing the bill the way that we will, but that's why we're here. All 51 of us were given the responsibility to come here to make sure that the legislation that is passed by this House is legislation that meets the needs and meets the concerns of the people of the Province of Nova Scotia. So, as we're going through this and moving forward, I think, Minister, it is important that we give it the amount of time it needs so that people can understand and reach out and ask.

I know, as you mentioned in your preamble, that there have been a number of groups that had input and some stakeholders but 800 people in a province the size of Nova Scotia is not a fair representation, I don't think.

The other thing is, now that people are aware that the bill is here, there may be other people reaching out to try and have some input. That's why our Law Amendments process is so important and so much needed in a situation like this.

Mr. Speaker, as we move forward with this piece of legislation, as we send it to Law Amendments Committee, there are many things that I hope people will bring forward. I think that the very fact this bill has taken 10 years to put together tells me, and I hope tells Nova Scotians, that the intent of this bill is to make sure that we get it right, that it matches modern times.

I think it's also fair to say there is never a bill that's perfect. We can never, ever pass a piece of legislation in this House, regardless of who puts it forward, that is going to be perfect. That's why it's so important that we listen to the public and get their input and make sure we have heard what is going on and what the concerns are of the people so that when it is implemented, people will feel they are getting a fair shake and that it is a piece of legislation that indeed helps move the community forward.

[Page 1304]

Mr. Speaker, I have a couple of things that I've heard from my constituents. Probably this is one of the times I'll have an opportunity to speak to them. One of the biggest ones is that definition of motorcycles: how do we register a trike, how do we register a slingshot and how do we register a Spyder, because they just don't match up to the definition?

As we move forward we'll be looking forward to seeing this piece of legislation go to Law Amendments Committee. hear from the general public. I look forward to the input from there and as we move forward I'm sure there will be more questions put forward. I look forward to working as a unit in this province to try to get the best piece of legislation that we can.

MR. SPEAKER « » : I would just like to remind the honourable member and all members of the Assembly here to keep your comments directed through the Chair and not directly through members opposite.

The honourable member for Dartmouth North.

MS. SUSAN LEBLANC « » : I'm very pleased to be able to rise today and speak briefly on this bill, Bill No. 80, the long-awaited Traffic Safety Act. I'm joining my colleagues, the minister and my colleague from the Official Opposition, in acknowledging the great and immense work that has been put into this bill by so many people, so many government employees, but also the groups that were consulted.

I'm very pleased that we can thank them here on the floor. In particular, I want to thank Paul Arsenault and Royden Trainor, who did reach out to myself and our caucus to sit down with us and listen to what we had to say on this bill and the things we were hoping for on this bill. It was really, really important.

By the sounds of it, I think they did incorporate some of our ideas into what this mammoth bill is. In particular, I'm very, very pleased to see this new term introduced, the term "vulnerable road user." Many times in Budget Estimates, I have asked the minister about what changes were in the works to further protect cyclists and to enhance the ability for cyclists to not only be safe on the road, but to be able to travel further and better in the province and in the city in particular. I'm really happy to see this term "vulnerable road user" incorporated.

I actually am really happy to see that it advances protections for vulnerable road users. I think it will send a message to motorists, of which I am one, that we need to make sure that the roads are for many, many different types of users.

As my colleague the member for Sydney River-Mira-Louisbourg said, it's a giant bill. We know this, and we want to make sure it's given the due process and the time it needs to be looked through, so that's what we're going to spend the next several days doing. Happy Thanksgiving. Just kidding.

[Page 1305]

We look forward to hearing from people in Law Amendments about it. I look forward to speaking more about it in third reading. I will close my comments for now.

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

The honourable Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

HON. LLOYD HINES « » : I thank my colleagues opposite for their informed comments and valuable input. Certainly, shaping the regulations, which is the next gargantuan task ahead of us, we'll continue to solicit their input, genuinely solicit their input and also the input from our stakeholders as we move forward.

Under the streets of Halifax, if you dig down a little bit, you will find the rails from the streetcars that were here. I think the last streetcar left Halifax in 1949. This piece of legislation is bridging that gap between streetcars and autonomous cars, which are now on the streets of Halifax. The comments about how timely it is for us to update this piece of legislation are very much appreciated. I sincerely believe that this has to be something that the entirety of the House embraces and has an opportunity to have input in because it is going to equip us to move into the new phase of transportation.

Just behind the autonomous cars are flying cars. They're not too far away. Actually, they're available in the world currently. Stay tuned for that chapter.

Having said that, Mr. Speaker, I move to close debate on Bill No. 80.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 80. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

Ordered that the bill be referred to the Committee on Law Amendments.

The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. KEITH IRVING » : Mr. Speaker, will you please call Bill No. 79.

Bill No. 79 - Motor Vehicle Act.

[Page 1306]

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

HON. LLOYD HINES « » : Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 79, an Act to Amend the Motor Vehicle Act, be read for a second time.

As you are aware, Mr. Speaker, I am introducing two amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act to address the pressing issues of drug-impaired driving and the use of facial-recognition technology as part of drivers' licences and photo identification - that is, ID card issuance. While both topics will be addressed in the new Traffic Safety Act, we are bringing these amendments to the MVA forward because it will take more than a year at least, and maybe two, before the Traffic Safety Act is proclaimed.

The proposed amendment on drug-impaired driving would better align with the language used in the Criminal Code to form the grounds to demand tests to apply a provincial driving suspension. A section is also being added to clarify which administrative sanctions can and cannot be combined and applied for the same incident.

The proposed amendment on facial recognition will provide the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal - and by extension, the Registry of Motor Vehicles - with explicit authority to use facial-recognition technology as part of the driver's licence and photo identification card issuance. It would restrict the use of facial-recognition technology to only verify identity in the issuance of a driver's licence or photo ID. It would prohibit it for use for anything else.

Government is confident it already has the legal authority to use facial recognition for the new driver's licence and photo ID, but is absolutely interested in ensuring that by enshrining legal authority in amendments to the current Motor Vehicle Act to remove any possible uncertainty.

I want to assure Nova Scotians that this facial-recognition information is secure, Mr. Speaker. The image is uploaded to a secure service behind the government firewall for storage and use. The biometric template created using the photo image is sent to our provider, Gemalto, and stored on their server. Again, this template is secured and used only for the purposes of our driver's licence and provincial identity card. It is not provided to anyone else and is not used for any other purpose.

Again, Mr. Speaker, the primary goal of the new driver's licence and the use of facial-recognition technology is to protect Nova Scotians against identity theft and fraud. This allows us to keep pace with the latest security and technology advances and brings us in line with the rest of the country.

These two amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act come as we also discuss a new modern Traffic Safety Act that will help make the province's roads and highways safer. That the Motor Vehicle Act amendments are necessary only reinforces the need for the passage of the new Traffic Safety Act, which could deal with such changes to regulation.

[Page 1307]

Thank you for your time today and I look forward to hearing from my colleagues.

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

HON. ALFIE MACLEOD « » : Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to say a few words on Bill No. 79, amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act.

It is no secret that from the very beginning we here in the PC caucus had concerns that this government was not ready for the October 17^th legislation regarding cannabis. We've had concerns about how it will be retailed, we've had concerns about the public awareness campaign, we've had concerns about the increased policing-call costs for municipalities, and we have been concerned about enforcement.

Let me begin by saying we support effective enforcement under the Cannabis Control Act. Nobody wants people who are impaired by cannabis to get behind the wheel.

This bill amends sections of Bill No. 108 that have yet to be proclaimed. In addition, parts of those unproclaimed sections are broad, with regulation-making requirements, and we have no idea where that is. Mr. Speaker, it begs the question, is this government truly ready for legalization, which is only 13 days away?

We have a few other concerns about this bill, as we have mentioned in Question Period. I know the minister has addressed some of this, but again, we would like to dig a little deeper about the assurances that the private information gathered by facial recognition - that the software is secure. As I say, I do realize that the minister had noted that in his opening remarks. We wonder who the registrar will be allowed to share this information with under this legislation.

These are just some of the questions that I hope the minister will be able to answer as we move forward in the discussion on this debate. We look forward to this bill going to Law Amendments, so we hear from the public so that we can have their input. After all, this is the people's House, and this legislation affects the lives of the people of Nova Scotia.

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

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

MS. SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak on Bill No. 79, the Motor Vehicle Act. I just want to briefly say a couple of things. Number one is, obviously, we're glad that these updates are being made to bring our legislation into line with the federal Criminal Code.

[Page 1308]

I will say that I get a little antsy around the idea of facial recognition software, especially as - from my first reading of this - a lot of the decisions around that would be in regulations. I think that we have to be super careful with that kind of technology, especially considering that we know that right now that technology does not serve people who are not Caucasian very well. We have some questions around that, and we want to make sure that non-Caucasian people are protected through the use of this software.

I'm just going to register that concern. Other than that, I look forward to hearing from people at Law Amendments Committee and looking forward to debating this in third reading.

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

The honourable Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

HON. LLOYD HINES « » : Once again, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues for their thoughtful input. I also look forward to the discussions in the Law Amendments Committee. I move to close debate.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 79. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

Ordered that this bill be referred to the Committee on Law Amendments.

The honourable Government House Leader.

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

MR. SPEAKER « » : The House will now recess for a few minutes while it resolves itself into the Committee of the Whole House on Bills.

[3:34 p.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Bills with Deputy Speaker Mr. Brendan Maguire in the Chair.]

[4:05 p.m. CWH on Bills rose and the House reconvened. Mr. Speaker, Hon. Kevin Murphy, resumed the Chair.]

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

[Page 1309]

THE CLERK » : That the Committee of the Whole House on Bills has met and considered the following bills:

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.

without amendments; and

Bill No. 67 - Securities Act.

with certain amendments, and the chairman has been instructed to recommend these bills to the favourable consideration of the House.

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

The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. KEITH IRVING « » : Mr. Speaker, that concludes the government's business for today. I move that the House do now rise to meet again tomorrow, Friday, October 5^th, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Following the daily routine and Question Period, business will include Committee of the Whole House on Bills to consider Bill Nos. 29 and 39. As well, we will have third reading of Bill Nos. 49, 51, 55, 58, 63, and 67.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for the House to rise to meet again tomorrow October 5^th, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The House stands adjourned until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.

[The House rose at 4:06 p.m.]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

[Page 1310]

RESOLUTION NO. 498

By: Hon. Kevin Murphy « » (The Speaker)

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

Whereas Vincent Peters is a resident of Porters Lake and a dedicated long-time employee of the Porters Lake Atlantic Superstore who will be celebrating his 11^th year of employment this November; and

Whereas Vincent always has a smile and is eager to assist customers; and

Whereas Vincent consistently proves the importance of being the best person he can be everyday and sets a fine example for all of us to follow;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Vincent for being a dedicated employee and for the kindness he shows to all the customers and his fellow employees at the Porters Lake Superstore.

RESOLUTION NO. 499

By: Hon. Kevin Murphy « » (The Speaker)

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

Whereas Kathy Stevens is a long-time resident of Porters Lake, Nova Scotia and a valued employee of the Porters Lake Superstore; and

Whereas Kathy organized the first annual Porters Lake Antique Car Show in support of the President's Choice Children's Charities; and

Whereas 162 antique cars and hundreds of people gathered to support this unique community event, raising over $2,000 for the charity;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly thank and congratulate Kathy Stevens for her hard work and commitment to making a difference in our community.