[Page 1311]

HALIFAX, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2018

Sixty-third General Assembly

Second Session

9:00 A.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 Health and Wellness.

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

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MR. DELOREY « » : I'd like to draw the members' attention to the East Gallery where I'd like to introduce two special guests from the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation. With us are Marli MacNeil, the Executive Director of Innovation and Collaboration, and Emily Faulkner, the Communications Officer. I ask my colleagues in the House to give them a warm welcome. (Applause)

[Page 1312]

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

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table a report entitled the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation 2017-18 Annual Report, A Solid Foundation.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The report is tabled.

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

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

HON. KEITH COLWELL « » : Mr. Speaker, before I do that, I'd like to make an introduction if I could.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MR. COLWELL « » : In the East Gallery, we have two very prominent business people in the community, and I would like to introduce them. They are Stewart Creaser and Lorraine Vassalo - and I hope I pronounced her name right - if you both will stand. They are the owners of Avondale Sky Winery. (Applause) They are setting a new standard for wines in the world.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 500

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 recognized the exceptional quality of locally sourced and produced wines and honours the dedication and craftsmanship of Nova Scotia's wine industry; and

Whereas Avondale Sky Winery, located on the Avondale Peninsula, owned and operated by Stewart Creaser and Lorraine Vassalo, is the recipient of the 2018 Lieutenant Governor's Award for one of the best wines, for their Martock 2014; and

Whereas Avondale Sky Winery has also won other awards, including the 2018 Atlantic Canadian Wines Award for the Best of Class White Single Varietal, Hybrid for their 2017 Avondale Sky Muscat, and the 2018 Atlantic Canada Wine Awards for the Best of Class Dessert Wine for NV Martock Late Harvest Vidal;

[Page 1313]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Avondale Sky Winery of Newport Landing, and Stewart Creaser and Lorraine Vassalo, for their outstanding contributions to the Nova Scotia 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.

The honourable Minister of Agriculture.

RESOLUTION NO. 501

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

Whereas Grand Pré Wines is owned and operated by Hanspeter Stutz, a former banking executive of Switzerland who moved his family to Grand Pré to follow his dream of operating a winery in the Annapolis Valley; and

Whereas Grand Pré Wines, one of the oldest farm wineries in Atlantic Canada, has received several awards, including their third Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for their wine list at Le Caveau, the 2018 Atlantic Canadian Wine Awards, the Best of Class Tidal Bay - 2017 Tidal Bay, and the Best of Class Single Red Hybrid - 2015 Vintner's Reserve Millot; and

Whereas Mr. Stutz was instrumental in the development of the Magic Winery Bus, a one-of-a-kind, hop-on/hop-off guided tour of four local wineries in beautiful Annapolis Valley that has become a popular attraction for thousands of tourists and locals alike;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Grand Pré Wines and Hanspeter Stutz at Grand Pré Wines on their world-class winery and their many awards, and thank them for their outstanding contributions to Nova Scotia's wine industry.

[Page 1314]

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage.

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, may I make an introduction?

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MR. GLAVINE « » : In the East Gallery this morning, is Alex Morrison, Vice-President of the Library Boards Association of Nova Scotia, and his wife Elizabeth McMichael. If they would rise and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)

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

RESOLUTION NO. 502

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

Whereas the month of October is recognized as National Library Month; and

Whereas libraries are local centres for information, literacy development, and a welcoming place for all Nova Scotians where a diverse range of knowledge and information is made available and cultural awareness engagement is promoted; and

Whereas libraries across Nova Scotia provide these important services to their communities, a service that helps build stronger, more vibrant communities and that the Government of Nova Scotia values, supports, and continues to invest in;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in recognizing the month of October as Library Month across Nova Scotia.

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

[Page 1315]

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage.

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, if I could make a further introduction, please.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MR. GLAVINE « » : Thank you. In the West Gallery this morning, joining us today are very special guests, the people behind the Mobile Food Market which serves communities here in the Halifax Regional Municipality, if they could rise as I introduce them: Aimee Gasparetto, Holly Gillis - oh, they moved over to the West Gallery, they're right in front of me now - Kelly Poirier, and Julia Kemp who is manager of the Mobile Food Market. They have been instrumental in a very important service to our communities. Let's give them the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)

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

RESOLUTION NO. 503

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

Whereas the Mobile Food Market is a valuable service that brings affordable and healthy food, including fresh fruit and vegetables, directly to Nova Scotians in seven communities in the Halifax Regional Municipality; and

Whereas it is an innovative model that in addition to connecting people with affordable and fresh food in their communities is also helping to strengthen communities by bringing people, seniors, newcomers, families, and others together to meet and build new friendships and connections; and

Whereas the Mobile Food Market is a joint project made possible by the leadership of United Way Halifax, the Halifax Regional Municipality, the Nova Scotia Health Authority, Partners for Care, the Ecology Action Centre, and the Atlantic Superstore;

[Page 1316]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House join me in recognizing the leadership and outstanding work of all those involved with the Mobile Food Market and congratulate them on the success of bringing this important service to more communities in Nova Scotia and for their role in helping to strengthen our province's communities.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development.

[9:15 a.m.]

RESOLUTION NO. 504

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

Whereas October 5^th marks World Teachers' Day which recognizes the hard work and dedication that teachers demonstrate when educating students; and

Whereas the theme of this year's World Teachers' Day recognizes teachers as the heartbeat of public education; and

Whereas in Nova Scotia, we have more than 9,000 teachers who support more than 100,000 students each year;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Legislature recognize today, October 5^th, as World Teachers' Day and also recognize the commitment and important work that teachers in Nova Scotia provide our students each and every day.

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

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

[Page 1317]

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Health and Wellness.

RESOLUTION NO. 505

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

Whereas Dr. Daniel McNeely is a Halifax-based neurosurgeon at the IWK Health Centre; and

Whereas recently, before conducting neurosurgery on an eight-year-old patient, Dr. Daniel McNeely was asked by the patient to help patch up his teddy bear; and

Whereas Dr. McNeely took the time to bring the young patient's teddy bear into the operating room where he stitched the bear up, providing his patient with kindness and comfort;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Dr. McNeely for going above and beyond in his role as a neurosurgeon and for demonstrating how small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Justice.

RESOLUTION NO. 506

[Page 1318]

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

Whereas the Nova Scotia Department of Justice, the Nova Scotia judiciary, and our many justice partners continue to work closely together to provide greater access to justice for all Nova Scotians; and

Whereas the establishment of free legal clinics in Halifax in 2015, Sydney in 2017, and now Yarmouth this past summer, provide support and legal advice at no cost to individuals representing themselves on civil law matters and most family law appeals in the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal; and

Whereas this very valuable service is made possible because of the support and enthusiasm of volunteer lawyers in our communities;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House join me in congratulating the province's newest free legal clinic in Yarmouth on their official opening in July and thank the Yarmouth area law firms of d'Entremont & Boudreau, Lynette Muise Law, Inc., Pink Star Barro, Leblanc Law, Inc., Nickerson Jacquard Fraser, Donald Harding, Q.C., Hood Fraser D'Entremont, and Nova Scotia Legal Aid for devoting significant hours to support 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 Health and Wellness.

RESOLUTION NO. 507

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

Whereas there are 70 million people across the world living with cerebral palsy, a complex disability that affects movement; and

[Page 1319]

Whereas every case of cerebral palsy is unique to the individual; and

Whereas October 6^th is World Cerebral Palsy Day, a time to celebrate the important contributions that people with cerebral palsy make in our communities and our province;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize October 6^th as World Cerebral Palsy Day.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 81 - Entitled an Act to Prohibit Certain Public-Private Partnerships (Mr. Gary Burrill)

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

NOTICES OF MOTION

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

GREEN HILL: HISTORY KIOSK - THANKS

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, I stand to recognize the patience, perseverance and diligent work that was performed over six years by the volunteer committee that researched the rich history of Alma, Green Hill and Sylvester area. This local historical information which was collected was recently unveiled as a new kiosk in the community of Green Hill. Many locals also came forward with artifacts, stories and folklore that will now be passed along to visitors and the younger generations to enjoy.

The panel includes information regarding the grist mill and axe factory once located in the area, along with much more interesting facts. I am so appreciative of those who have donated their time and effort to complete the research and create this beautiful and informative kiosk. Our history will not be forgotten.

[Page 1320]

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

WORLD TEACHERS' DAY: SHAPING THE FUTURE - HONOUR

MS. CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate World Teachers' Day. I am here in no small part because of the teachers I had along the way.

Mrs. Ohm who taught me how to write numbers, I still remember her showing me the year was changing from 1979 to 1980; Mr. Visser, the kind principal who let me eat lunch in his office most days in Grade 4, the worst year of my social life; Mrs. Boyle, who cared enough to call my parents in the middle of my Grade 10 year to tell them that I had missed a couple of classes and that I probably shouldn't skip school if I wanted to keep going; Mr. Abbot, my cranky and brilliant Grade 12 political science teacher and RAF veteran who occasionally yelled at us in Swahili, but always took seriously his tasks to train a group of politically literate and curious teenagers; Mrs. Stulac, Mrs. Campbell, Mrs. Desmond and all of the teachers under whose care and guidance I place my own children each morning.

Teaching is truly a noble profession and today, and every day, I am honoured to express my gratitude and support for teachers - the ones who brought me here, the ones who are nurturing my children now and all of the others who quite literally have the future in their hands.

MR. SPEAKER « » : I would just like to remind all of the members, once again, the time limit for member statements is one minute as per the clock on the wall.

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

BAYRIDES: COM. TRANS. - WELL DONE

MR. HUGH MACKAY « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the fine work being done by BayRides, an accessible, affordable, community-based, door-to-door transportation option for residents of St. Margarets Bay. BayRides serves residents from West Dover to Hubbards. It also provides services into Halifax for medical appointments.

Peter Delefes, my good friend and a former member of this House, is the newly elected president of BayRides. Peter says BayRides is very fortunate to have a team of dedicated volunteer drivers to drive its small fleet of vehicles which makes the program possible to operate.

Residents may book 24 hours in advance and, depending on the distance involved, may pay a modest fee. However, through the Community Transportation Assistance Program and Accessible Transportation Assistance Program, the provincial government is helping to ensure Nova Scotians have access to reliable transportation options in areas not served by municipal transportation.

[Page 1321]

Mr. Speaker, I ask the members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly to join me in congratulating the excellent work done by BayRides and to wish it well in future endeavours.

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

COLE HBR. PARKS & TRAILS ASSOC.: COM. VOLS. - DEDICATION

MS. BARBARA ADAMS « » : Today, Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the Cole Harbour Parks and Trails Association. The association's board of directors is chaired by Michael McFadden. The trails included in this association are the Cole Harbour Heritage Park Trails, the Salt Marsh Trail, the Shearwater Flyer Trail, the Bissett Trail, and the Forest Hills Trail.

As you can imagine, the countless amount of volunteer hours grows each year with the increase in trail users each day. In July 2017, there were more than 4,000 visitors to the Salt Marsh trails alone. The number of volunteer hours for the 2017 year was over 2,000.

I ask all members of the Nova Scotia Legislature to join me in thanking Michael McFadden and all of the volunteers of the Cole Harbour Parks and Trails Association for their hard work and dedication to our community.

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

HS DRAMA TEACHERS: DRAMA FEST. - THANKS

MS. SUSAN LEBLANC « » : On this World Teachers' Day, I want to celebrate a special kind of teacher, the high school drama teacher and, in particular, I want to recognize all those drama teachers who have ever taken their students to the Nova Scotia High School Drama Festival.

For 10 years, I was co-producer of the drama festival which takes place annually at Dalhousie University. Students from all over the province descend upon Dal to take workshops, showcase productions they worked on at their schools, and they have an amazing time connecting with fellow drama students. It's a weekend full of creativity and fun and utterly devoid of sleep.

The teachers who bring their kids to this festival are dedicated special people. They work hard on their student productions, they do an endless amount of organizing; and at the festival they make sure the productions get up and running, they kid wrangle, and then they take their own professional development workshops and connect with other teachers on best practices and drama education.

[Page 1322]

I want to honour the people I met during those years. Stan Christie, Millie Hunt, Aren Morris, Natalie MacIsaac, Chris Lugar, Ron Leitold, Glenda McCabe, David Zinck, Rob Wigle, Melanie Kennedy, Jonathan Church, Jonathan Grady, Joanne Cantwell, Lorraine Cantwell, Steve Coats, Jennifer Deslauriers, Rob Lutz, and many, many more.

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

MINICIELLO, ROBERT - TEACHER, RETD.:

INSPIRING STUDENTS - THANKS

MR. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : On this World Teachers' Day, I'd like to give a thank you, a shout out to Mr. Minichiello, an English teacher at Herring Cove Junior High for almost 40 years - actually I think Mini got 40 years, so he's recently retired. Mr. Minichiello, or Mini, as we all knew him, was known for his sense of humour and helping people out, but he was also known for giving graph paper. So if you were bad in his class, you had to put your initials in each square of the graph paper. I am proud to say that in Grade 9, I had three full booklets of graph paper done and it's something Mr. Minichiello has never forgotten. So, Mini, thank you for all you did for every single student and I hope you are enjoying your retirement.

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

WORLD TEACHERS' DAY: POSITIVE IMPACT - RECOG.

MR. TIM HALMAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize World Teachers' Day. There is not a person in this Legislature who hasn't been impacted by a great teacher. They are often the unsung heroes of our communities.

Nova Scotia is lucky to have thousands of teachers who are dedicated to their craft and focused on maximizing learning in and out of the classroom. Nova Scotia teachers are innovative. They are compassionate, hard-working, and they are professional. They are there for our students day in and day out and go above and beyond the call of duty.

On this World Teachers' Day I ask all Nova Scotians to pause and reflect on the positive impact teachers have had on our youth and I ask all members of this House to recognize the critical role teachers play in building the future of Nova Scotia.

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

TEACHING TEAMS: INVEST IN STUDENTS - DEDICATION

[Page 1323]

MS. LISA ROBERTS « » : Mr. Speaker, on this World Teachers' Day, I want to express my appreciation for the teaching teams at St. Joseph's-Alexander McKay, Joseph Howe, St. Stephen's, St. Catherine's, and Highland Park Junior High who I know are using all of their energy and intelligence and heart to nurture and instruct the children in their care.

I was honoured to attend several school closing ceremonies in June, and I had the chance to witness the very intricate organizing effort led by teachers that went into marking the right of passage of students finishing Grade 6 or Grade 9.

I remember in my own life the crucial role of teachers in noticing my potential and encouraging me to develop it and I am truly grateful to know that many young citizens of Halifax Needham are receiving a similar gift today.

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

RAYMOND, CURTIS: ADVEN. IN CITIZEN. PROG. - CONGRATS.

MS. SUZANNE LOHNES-CROFT « » : I had no marks on any graph paper. I rise today to congratulate Curtis Raymond of Mahone Bay for being chosen to attend the Rotary Adventure in Citizenship program in Ottawa.

This program offers students from all across Canada the opportunity to gather in Ottawa to experience tours, lectures, discussions, and social events designed to enhance their understanding and appreciation of Canadian citizenship.

Curtis applied for this program through the Rotary Club of Bridgewater and District. As part of the application process, Curtis prepared a video entitled, A Day in My Life as a Canadian. He was also required to submit references and wrote an essay addressing the question, What does Canadian citizenship mean to me?

Curtis said that the highlight of his trip was the tour of the parliamentary buildings and sitting in the members' seats.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and all members of this House of Assembly please join me in congratulating Curtis Raymond on being selected to experience the Rotary Adventure and Citizenship program in Ottawa.

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

COLCHESTER ROYALS: GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP - COMMEND

[Page 1324]

MR. LARRY HARRISON « » : Mr. Speaker, when it comes to sports, winning is not necessarily all that counts, as the Colchester Royals prove.

This team made it to the Canadian Championships in Napanee, Ontario last month, with grand hopes of bringing home a medal after narrow misses in the past two years.

Unfortunately, after four days, the medal once more eluded the team. However, their sportsmanship, competitiveness, and determination to try again remains. The team tweeted from Napanee on August 18^th that their loss had been tough, but they wished all the remaining teams good luck.

Mr. Speaker, this display of good sportsmanship makes our community as proud as any medal would.

[9:30 a.m.]

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

LEBLANC, DAVID - TEACHER: LEADERSHIP - COMMEND

MS. SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, as today is World Teachers' Day, I want to pay tribute to one of my heroes and one of the best teachers I know, David Leblanc.

As a child, I looked up to my big brother for many reasons - from his awesome Cub Car racing skills to his abilities with both air guitar and drums, to his dedication to teaching me lyrics of his favourite '80s rock songs.

As a teacher for 26 years, he got his bachelor's degree in French from SMU, his teaching degree from the Teachers College, and his master's degree from Acadia. He started teaching at Sir Robert Borden doing what most would consider the unthinkable - teaching French to junior high kids. From there, he moved to Brookside Junior High where then-vice principal Bill Estabrooks took a leave of absence to run for provincial office - the rest of that story is history. He was a VP at many junior highs and now is principal at Gorsebrook.

David has always been a teacher first. The respect and kindness with which he treats all of his students and staff is inspiring, and his positive leadership is palpable. In spite of this government's best efforts as changes go forward in our education system, he will continue to practise instructional leadership and not management of the schools he finds himself in.

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

BARNABLE, KEELEY: INCLUSIVE PROM - COMMEND

[Page 1325]

MS. RAFAH DICOSTANZO « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize an exceptional young leader from my riding who helped to make prom affordable and inclusive for students at Halifax West High School.

Keeley Barnable was the executive liaison to the prom committee during the 2017-18 school year. Throughout the year, Keeley organized a variety of fundraisers to help reduce the cost of prom. Most notably, she organized a prom expo where students could purchase second-hand prom dresses at a discount price.

Her efforts helped to dramatically reduce the cost of prom for students who might not otherwise have the means to attend. I ask that the House of Assembly join me in commending Keeley for her work to make prom an inclusive experience for students at Halifax West. I wish her the best of luck in her future endeavours.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order. There is a lot of chatter in the Chamber. I realize it's Friday and everybody is excited for the end of the week, but I just ask that . . . (Interruption). I will give you all graph paper if you continue, so let's keep the chatter to a dull roar.

The honourable member for Lunenburg West.

SPECIAL OLYMPIANS: ATHLS. & COACHES - CONGRATS.

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, Special Olympians from across Canada came to Antigonish last summer to compete in the 2018 Canada Summer Games.

Nine athletes from the Lunenburg/Queens region took part in this national event, bringing home 14 medals. Two athletes and two coaches were from Bridgewater. Jennifer McIntosh won bronze in the 200-metre and silver in the 400-metre, and Krista Stockman placed fourth in golf. Kody Latta and Jim Stockman were selected as coaches for Team Nova Scotia.

These games served as a qualifying event for the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games that will take place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, next April. It was recently announced that Krista Stockman and her coach Jim Stockman have been selected to represent Canada.

I request the members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly to join me in congratulating Jennifer, Krista, Kody and Jim, and all the athletes of Special Olympics Lunenburg/Queens for the success at the recent Summer Games.

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

SACKVILLE HTS. SCH.: HOLIDAY MARKET - BEST WISHES

[Page 1326]

MR. BRAD JOHNS « » : Mr. Speaker, on December 1^st, the Sackville Heights Elementary School will be holding its 4^th annual holiday market. Last year, a total of 60 vendors, including artists, handcrafters and businesses all participated in the event.

Mr. Speaker, 100 per cent of the money raised from this event goes back to the school to help fund the arts, cultural, and science events throughout the year. In addition, it will also allow guest speakers and bus trips.

I rise today to thank both Sarah Case, as well as Becky Forrest, along with all the other volunteers at the Sackville Heights Elementary School for all their hard work in organizing this and many other events throughout the year, and wish them great success in this upcoming endeavour.

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

WORLD TEACHERS' DAY: BUILDING CHAR. - THANKS

MS. TAMMY MARTIN « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate World Teachers' Day. Thank you to the teachers I had who guided me, taught me, and tried to keep me in line. I know you find that hard to believe.

I've had a moment or two where I had to kneel in front of the class or actually be put out of the class because I talked just a little too much. Sadly, my uncle taught at the same school and walked a lot faster than me, and made it home first and always told on me. So, by the time I got home, I was in quite a bit of trouble.

But thank you to those teachers for keeping me in line because I am where I am today because of those teachers. Thank you to all of the teachers across this province for teaching, caring and a lot of the times providing for the children day to day.

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

AYLESFORD LIONS - RED CROSS SWIM PROG. - CONGRATS.

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the successes of the Aylesford and District Lions Red Cross Swim program, located at the Klahanie Kampground pool in Aylesford, the program has had an incredible impact with over 2,800 registrants learning lifesaving skills since its inception.

Following a cooperative model, the program is subsidized by the Aylesford Lions Club to keep registration fees affordable for families. The pool onsite was also built through the Lions' fundraising efforts and they continue to cover the maintenance costs associated with the upkeep.

[Page 1327]

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Province of Nova Scotia, I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to the Aylesford Lions Club and the Klahanie Kampground on their partnership and continued success with the Red Cross Learn to Swim program and wish them all the best for another successful season in 2019.

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

RIVERSIDE SCH.: STUDENT FUNDRAISERS - THANKS

HON. ALFIE MACLEOD « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge students and staff of Riverside School in Albert Bridge who have had a very busy September. Riverside School welcomed 214 students this year and they raised over $500 for the Terry Fox Foundation, where the students walked or ran in the bus loop to raise this money.

Students also brought in donations to Loaves and Fishes in Sydney where they were made aware that there was a shortage of fresh vegetables and canned goods. Riverside students also participated at the Mira Ferry Fair, helping out with several of the events during the day.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all members of the House to thank the students at Riverside School and the staff for all the efforts they have made in this community and all the surrounding areas to make it such a great place to grow up.

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

NORTH END DENTAL CLINIC: AFFORDABLE CARE - CONGRATS.

MS. LISA ROBERTS « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the North End Community Health Centre's addition of a dental clinic. The dental clinic is a response to the needs of our community where affordable dental services are required and often inaccessible. Many residents of Nova Scotia are unable to afford dental services, often ignoring their dental and therefore overall health care because of the barrier of cost. The North End Community Health Centre is an exception and a leader in offering care to those who are unable to afford it.

This year, the dental clinic will be expanding its services to address the needs of youth, through a partnership with SchoolsPlus that will allow students to access these vital services.

I rise to congratulate the North End Community Health Centre for its continued effort to improve the lives of Halifax Needham residents with a complete, collaborative approach to dental, mental, and physical health.

[Page 1328]

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

TRACADIE VOL. FIRE DEPT.: 50 YRS. OF SERV. - CONGRATS.

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, the Tracadie and District Volunteer Fire Department is celebrating its Golden Anniversary this year. That's 50 years of providing community service and over the course of those 50 years there are five founding members of the department who are still active. Those members are John Delorey, Myles Somers, Charles Punch, Ralph Mattie, and John Mattie who is also the department's current chief.

The department celebrated this special milestone with an open house on August 5^th, followed by a breakfast the following morning, when these five founding firefighters were named life members of the department.

Mr. Speaker, after 50 years of being a volunteer firefighter, these five men deserve special thanks for their dedication and service to their community.

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

LIVERPOOL PRIVATEERS: 5TH HOME OPENER - BEST WISHES

MS. KIM MASLAND « » : Mr. Speaker, the Liverpool Privateers host their 5^th home opener on Saturday, October 6^th, at 7:00 p.m. at Queens Place Emera Centre. The Privateers have won the hearts of Queens County with their entertaining brand of hockey. This year's home opener celebrations will include some of the fans' favourites from the past and a surprise recognition to one of their dedicated volunteers.

Over the past four years, the Privateer awesome fans have proven to be not only the biggest crowd, but the loudest crowd in the league, with fans packing the rink every Saturday night.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all members of this House to join me in wishing the Liverpool Privateers a great season and thank all their volunteers who work so hard to make sure we can enjoy this level of hockey right on our Queens Emera pond.

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

SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS: SANE TO COME - THANKS

[Page 1329]

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : After hearing from women who experienced sexual assault only to leave the Truro hospital and RCMP more traumatized than they were before because there were no SANE services available, I've stood on this floor of this House countless times now throughout this Legislative session requesting a SANE program for our hospital in Truro.

Now, according to a letter received yesterday by one of these survivors, a constituent, the Minister of Health and Wellness says that Truro will be getting a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. I'm very pleased about this, and I'd like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the minister and thank him. (Applause) Also, thank you to the women who came forward for helping to achieve this.

The letter is light on details, and no timeline is put in place. I have to say that I'm glad the minister has taken it seriously, but until we have a date for SANE services to begin in Truro, I and the women of Colchester will not rest.

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

MACLEOD, JAMIE: SPORTS RECORD SETTER - CONGRATS.

HON. MARGARET MILLER « » : Breaking one school record in any sport is an impressive feather in your cap, Mr. Speaker, but when an individual shatters four records in four different events, we're talking about a superstar athlete.

I'd like to introduce the House to Jamie MacLeod, a member of the Hants East Rural High girls soccer team, holding the top score title and voted rookie of the year. Her speed served her on the soccer field and also on the track, where her 4x400 team picked up a regional win and advanced to the provincials. She picked up a silver in the 100m, and when she was clocked at a time of 1.02 minutes in the 400m at the district level, she broke her fourth school record.

Jamie was named as a finalist in the 14-and-under female East Hants sports awards, and justifiably so. Please join me in offering our congratulations to Jamie MacLeod for her determination and athletic accomplishments, and offer her all the best in her future endeavours.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Before we move on, I'd like to thank the member for Sackville-Cobequid for the gift of the graph paper. I assure you, I still know how to fill it out. (Laughter)

The honourable member for Northside-Westmount.

MACLEAN, GREGOR: NTL. HONOUR - CONGRATS.

[Page 1330]

MR. EDDIE ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gregor MacLean, a reservist from Sydney Mines in the Cape Breton Highlanders.

Gregor was chosen to stand watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the National War Memorial in Ottawa. The remains in the tomb are those of an unknown Canadian soldier and represent approximately 116,000 Canadians who gave their lives for their country.

As a sentry, the biggest duty is to be the voice of the dead and tell people why the memorial is there. I would like to take this opportunity to salute Gregor MacLean and congratulate him on being given the honour of serving at such a prestigious location in our country.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island.

DAUGHTER, ALEXANDRA: BIRTHDAY WISHES

HON. LABI KOUSOULIS « » : Mr. Speaker, it would give me great pleasure to rise and wish my baby girl Alexandra a happy birthday. Giving her lots of love, and lots of love to my beautiful wife Jill, and to our new baby girl Olympia. (Applause)

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

SRCE & NAUTICAL INSTIT.: DEDICATED TEACHERS - RECOG.

MS. ALANA PAON « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge all teachers in the Strait Regional Centre for Education and the Nautical Institute in Port Hawkesbury. Quality teaching is the number-one factor in student success, and for that reason, we need to celebrate our teachers and the work they do daily to care for and support youth, and prepare them for tomorrow's society.

Whether you live in a rural community or urban centre, are a child in a secondary or post-secondary school, or have small class sizes or large, everyone can point to at least one teacher who has left a positive impact on their lives.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that the House join me in celebrating teachers across Nova Scotia on this World Teachers' Day.

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

LA GUILDE ACADIENNE DE CLARE: QUILT EXHIBITION - RECOG.

[Page 1331]

MR. GORDON WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, again, this July I made my way to the Sacre-Coeur Church in Saulnierville to La Guilde Acadienne de Clare's quilt exposition, this time accompanied by my mother and a couple of her friends. This marks the 14^th year the guild has displayed their quilts in the church. It included over 200 quilts. Most were projects completed by members of the guild, but there were a few family treasures passed down to their current owners.

As the group did in previous years, the guild made a special quilt for this year's exhibition: a quilt for the 250^th anniversary of Clare. Each member contributed a square to the project, the square representing some aspect of our community or its history. The quilt was the centrepiece of this year's exhibition.

The very popular exhibition is also a fundraiser for the church where the quilts are displayed - an acknowledgement by the guild to the church for letting them meet in the parish centre hall. The guild continues to promote the art of quilting and produces projects that will be admired for generations, as well as giving back to the community's church.

[9:45 a.m.]

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

MEISNER, ROBERT: DEATH OF - TRIBUTE

MS. ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Mr. Speaker, today I would like to remember one of my constituents, Robert Meisner of Amherst. He recently passed away on August 28^th of this year.

Robert was frequently in my office to often share inside knowledge and offer encouragement to my staff and me.

Robert was an entrepreneur and worked in the woods for most of his life. I was very sad to learn of his passing, but happy to know he passed away where he was mostly at peace, and that was in the woods. He will be missed in our community by many.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all MLAs to join me today in remembering Mr. Robert Meisner.

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

WORLD TEACHERS' DAY: WINTER OF DISCONTENT - ENGAGEMENT

[Page 1332]

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : Today on World Teachers' Day, I just want to acknowledge all the wonderful teachers who came out and had their voices heard during last winter, their winter of discontent, when they came out in droves to the Legislature right across the province in snowstorms, holding picket signs, telling the government what they felt about how they were being treated. Many of these teachers were younger teachers who had never been politically active in their lives.

I have to say that what happened because of that, even though in the end they did not receive the treatment or the result that they had intended and hoped for, I believe these people have now been politicized. They realize how important it is to pay attention to politics and to see who is actually in government, who is going to have their backs when they need it. We here in the NDP caucus appreciate every single one of them and will always have their backs.

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

THANKSGIVING: BLESSINGS OF THE YR. - APPRECIATE

HON. LENA METLEGE DIAB: Mr. Speaker, today I rise to give thanks and celebrate the blessings of the past year. I wish all my colleagues in the House, my constituents, and all Nova Scotians a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Take time this weekend to mark the occasion with extended family and neighbours to break bread together, to reflect upon our blessings, and the people in our lives, and those whose memories we cherish.

We are so lucky to have families that love us, communities that support us, and a province and country that has room in its heart for us all.

Let's toast to the good in our lives and always be conscious of what we can do to lift up those less fortunate than ourselves. I wish all a Happy Thanksgiving. Je souhaite à tous un très heureuse Action de Grâce.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Well said.

The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage.

FISHERMAN'S COVE DEV. ASSOC.: GOLF FUNDRAISER - RECOG.

MS. BARBARA ADAMS « » : Mr. Speaker, today I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Fisherman's Cove Development Association for its continued support of our community.

On September 17^th, the association held its annual fantastic golf fundraiser at the Hartlen Point Forces Golf Club. Most recently, the association hosted a Meet Your Farmer public event on Saturday, September 29^th. This event included entertainment for the entire family, starting with a free breakfast, informative vendors, and a whole bunch of animals, including a milking cow.

[Page 1333]

As we look forward to future events, we thank you for being an interactive and valuable part of this community.

I ask all members of this House to join me in acknowledging the Fisherman's Cove Development Association for all its hard work and continued dedication.

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

SCOVIL, ROBERT - PHYSICIAN: COM. CARE - DEDICATION

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the outstanding medical service that Dr. Robert Scovil has provided to the Timberlea and surrounding communities over many years.

Dr. Scovil is a knowledgeable, experienced physician who regularly extends himself above and beyond reasonable measures of patient care. He is an attentive and perceptive listener, his patients appreciate the personal matter-of-fact way he describes complex medical conditions in plain English, and he provides encouraging and motivating advice.

Dr. Scovil finds the time to visit his patients in the hospital, even after he has referred them to specialists and they are under the specialists' care. He even stops in to visit the family members of his patients who are in the hospital.

Dr. Scovil personally returns calls for urgent matters and makes house calls on his way home after a long day's work when aging patients or parents with sick kids have no transportation to come to his office. It is no wonder why a new doctor, as well as a new nurse practitioner, has recently decided to work alongside Dr. Scovil.

Please join me in welcoming the addition of primary health care providers in Timberlea and express our gratitude to Dr. Scovil for his service.

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

WOOLFITT, WAYNE: COM. SERV. - THANKS

[Page 1334]

MR. LARRY HARRISON « » : Mr. Speaker, the Terry Fox Run has taken place in many communities already, and I'm sure all members did what they could to support the event in their communities.

I would like to briefly talk about a man in our own constituency, Wayne Woolfitt, who over the past 11 years has raised over $50,000 for cancer research. Receiving the CTV Volunteer of the Week tribute on Live at 5 in 2014, he has been a phenomenal support to the Brookfield area Terry Fox Committee, and has continued this year.

I wish to express my thanks to Mr. Woolfitt and all the volunteers like him who give so selflessly of their time and energy.

Mr. Speaker, I wish everyone a very meaningful Thanksgiving with their family and friends.

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

KENNEDY, STEPHANIE: DEDICATED TEACHER - RECOG.

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : On this World Teachers' Day, I rise to recognize my wife Stephanie Kennedy and all the teachers in the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Centre for Education. Each and every day they work extremely hard to support youth in our community. Not only are they doing that work in the classroom, but they are also role models in the community in various organizations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in my place to recognize my wife Stephanie for the work she does and all of her colleagues for supporting students at home and in the community.

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

QUEENS CO. TRANSIT: COM. TRANS. - THANKS

MS. KIM MASLAND « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate members of Queens County Transit who have recently launched a transportation system in Queens to assist senior and low-income residents with door-to-door transportation to appointments, shopping, and educational and recreational activities, thereby improving access to essential services and reducing loneliness and isolation.

Mr. Speaker, the committed volunteers of Queens County Transit Society are to be congratulated on successfully bringing this transportation project into reality. We thank them for their hard work and diligence, and for bringing much-needed services and support to enable residents to lead healthy, happy, and fulfilling lives.

MR. SPEAKER « » : I just want to remind people that there is some chatter going on in the Chamber and it's getting hard to hear members, so I ask that we keep it to a dull roar. Thank you.

[Page 1335]

The honourable member for Fairview-Clayton Park.

WORLD TEACHERS' DAY: SHAPING HS STUDENTS - THANKS

HON. PATRICIA ARAB « » : Mr. Speaker, on this World Teachers' Day, I'd like to take less than a minute to reflect on all of the amazing teachers that I have had, the opportunity to learn from, work with, and consider friends throughout the years.

In particular, I would like to mention teachers I had in high school who really shaped the person that I have become: Mr. Church, my high school English Grade 11 teacher, who challenged me to disagree with his positions and that it was okay to have a different opinion as long as I could argue it positively; and Margaret Young, who was the director of our high school musicals, who unfortunately passed away in my Grade 12 year, who always taught me and all of the kids that she came across to take risks, to be leaders, and to always have faith in themselves.

On this World Teachers' Day, I'd like to thank all of the teachers, but in particular Mr. Church and Ms. Young.

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

CLAIRESTONE INN: NEW BUS. VENTURE - BEST WISHES

MS. ALANA PAON « » : Mr. Speaker, the former L'Auberge Acadienne Inn in Arichat has been given a new lease on life and has been renamed the Clairestone Inn. The Clairestone Inn is a unique hotel/motel offering the best in French Acadian and Cape Breton hospitality, with the bonus of a spectacular view of Chedabucto Bay.

The 17-unit Clairestone was purchased by former Arichat resident Shauna Landry, who felt it was an opportune time to return to her roots, having lived in Halifax for the past number of years. The inn was opened in June and is expected to contribute to the economic growth of our region.

Mr. Speaker, Ms. Landry is making her mark on the community and I wish her every success in her new business venture.

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

MR. KEITH IRVING « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

[Page 1336]

MR. IRVING « » : I would draw the attention of the House to the East Gallery where we are joined today by Professor Chad Warren and Dr. Inna Viriasova, two professors from the Political Science Department. They are joined here by a group of students from Acadia University who are joining us here this morning to see democracy in action in this beautiful Legislature that we call home.

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

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

SMILE PROG.: ACADIA U. VOL. ENDEAVOUR - THANKS

MR. KEITH IRVING « » : Mr. Speaker, it's a great accomplishment when volunteers visibly improve the lives of hundreds of people. Developed in 1982, the SMILE Program at Acadia University in Wolfville has achieved this consistently for 35 years. SMILE is an innovative volunteer-driven program that provides persons with disabilities a unique physical activity experience. Programming is delivered four times per week over the course of 16 weeks.

In 2017, more than 280 participants, ages 3 to 53, were enrolled in SMILE with over 400 student volunteers from diverse university departments engaged in program delivery. Dr. Roxanne Seaman has led the program for the last 16 years with exceptional commitment to excellence. Her leadership has guided hundreds of under-graduate student volunteers each year.

I invite all members to join me today in recognizing Dr. Roxanne Seaman and the hundreds of Acadia student volunteers that allow this wonderful program to thrive in Wolfville.

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

JUDIQUE VOL. FIRE DEPT.: 50 YRS. OF SERV. - THANKS

MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, this weekend the Judique Volunteer Fire Department will be celebrating their 50^th anniversary. Let us thank all of the members past and present for their generosity and love of neighbour.

The many hours of training, the acceptance of entering risky situations and encountering personal harm, the openness to see and experience things they would not want to see or feel - all to help others in their time of need.

Congratulations to the Judique Volunteer Fire Department on 50 years of service. We here in the Nova Scotia Legislature thank you and share our applause. (Applause)

[Page 1337]

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

WORLD TEACHERS' DAY: STUDENT ADVANCEMT. - THANKS

MR. HUGH MACKAY « » : Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to join so many of my colleagues in this House in acknowledging and thanking the thousands of dedicated teachers across Nova Scotia. Starting with Mrs. George, my Grade 1 teacher at the Guysborough Academy, I benefited from the mentoring and teaching by an amazing group of teachers, ending with Mr. Rose, my history teacher at Prince Andrew High School in Dartmouth.

Prince Andrew High School is a school noted for sending many alumni to government, including Mayor Mike Savage of HRM and Dartmouth-Cole Harbour Member of Parliament Darren Fisher. Of course, Prince Andrew High School has also provided a distinguished former teacher, our member for Dartmouth East.

I ask the members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly to join me in thanking our dedicated teachers past and present for their commitment to advancing the cause of education for our youth in Nova Scotia.

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

MS. KIM MASLAND « » : Mr. Speaker, if I could bring the members' attention to the West Gallery, I would like to welcome Kenny Edwards to the Legislature today. Kenny is from Bridgewater and has been a denturist in Bridgewater for quite some time. Actually, the first time I was ever in the Legislature as a student, Kenny was up here representing the denturists of Nova Scotia. If I could ask the members to give Kenny the warm welcome of the House today. (Applause)

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

MS. ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Mr. Speaker, may I make an introduction?

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MS. SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : I would like to welcome Veer Ghandi here with us today. He is a student from Dalhousie University and is originally from Tanzania. I would like to welcome him here to the House today. (Applause)

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

[Page 1338]

WORLD TEACHERS' DAY: EDUC. BACKBONE - THANKS

MS. ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Mr. Speaker, today I would also like to honour World Teachers' Day. Teachers are the backbone of our education system and our education system is our economy of tomorrow.

Today I would like to honour a few special teachers in my life: my Uncle Cecil Smith, who is retired after teaching his whole career in Oxford and also did a lot of consulting in vocational training; and my friend, Mr. Scott Armstrong, who is an award-winning Ph.D. scholar. Scott is a former Member of Parliament and is currently principal in our school system.

I would also like to honour my dear friends, Kathy and Steve Wells. Kathy is an amazing, top-notch, dedicated school principal at Cumberland North Academy in Brookdale. Her husband is also an amazing school administrator at Cyrus Eaton Elementary School in Pugwash.

Today I ask my colleagues here in the House to honour all teachers on this World Teachers' Day.

MOTHER - TEACHER: INFLUENCING LIVES - RECOG.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Just before we go on to Question Period, I would like to acknowledge my own teacher on World Teachers' Day. My mother taught in the Dartmouth school system in the 1960s and certainly was a big influence on me. (Applause)

[10:00 a.m.]

ORDERS OF THE DAY

Oral Questions Put by Members to Ministers

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

PREM. - COL. E. HANTS HEALTH CTR.: COMMUNICATION -

SLOW RESPONSE

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. We started this session talking about the terrible circumstances of a young survivor of sexual assault who did not receive service at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre. The facility actually lacked a full-time SANE nurse who would have been trained to help this young woman.

On November 1, 2017, the Antigonish Women's Resource Centre and Sexual Assault Services Association sent a letter requesting their services be extended to cover the Colchester East Hants Health Centre. I can table that letter. The response to the letter didn't occur until last month. Can the Premier explain why it took 10 months for his government to follow up on this letter?

[Page 1339]

HON. STEPHEN MCNEIL » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. I want to assure her, as has been the custom across this province, we'll continue to ensure roll out of the same program in communities across the province.

The particular hospital she refers to, the women's centre from Antigonish and Truro, met with the Deputy Premier. They've also been in contact with the Minister of Health and Wellness. We're looking forward to continuing to work with them so that that program will be rolled out not only in that community, but will continue to roll out across the province.

MS. MACFARLANE « » : According to the letter, the Colchester and Cumberland region has demonstrated a need for a SANE program citing over 70,000 people. A proposal was costed out by the Antigonish Women's Resource Centre in consultation with Central Nova Women's Resource Centre, Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Colchester Sexual Assault Centre, Truro Police Service, Colchester District RCMP, Department of Justice Victim Services, and the total cost of this program is $93,000 - within an overall Health and Wellness budget of over, what, $4 billion.

Almost a year later, a couple of awful stories, and a community outcry, the government has finally decided the area needs a SANE nurse. I'd like to know what changed to force this government to finally do the right things?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to tell the honourable member we committed to this program rolling out across the province. She would know there are communities that currently have a SANE nurse that's working in that community. She would also know that we have opportunities and, more recently within Yarmouth, it was announced, there's a position in the Valley that we continue to work with, and she would know it would take a period of time to train for that specialty.

I want to assure the honourable member those community organizations that have reached out to our government continue to receive an open door. We'll continue to work with them to provide this service across the province. Again, I want to reiterate that the Deputy Premier has met with this organization. She has met with the Minister of Health and Wellness. The Minister of Health and Wellness has also met with these organizations. We'll continue to make sure that we provide this service in communities across our province.

MS. MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, I appreciate what the Premier is saying but it is about time and how long it takes. Two years ago, this government promised a SANE nurse for Cape Breton. That was an announcement the government has failed to fulfill after two years. Now, amidst community outcry, this government has promised a much-needed SANE nurse for Colchester, which is fabulous and it's great they're making this announcement.

[Page 1340]

Can the minister tell the House how long will it take to train and fill the SANE nurse position in Colchester County?

THE PREMIER « » : Are you asking me or the minister? Oh, thanks. Mr. Speaker, we'll continue to make sure, we'll continue to roll out this program across the province. I believe she referred to Cape Breton; that position has been filled, it's my understanding. We can do one in Yarmouth. There's one in Yarmouth. We'll continue to roll out to make sure that we provide this service to women . . . . (Interruption)

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

THE PREMIER « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to assure all those residents of Truro that the Deputy Premier is speaking very loud and clear for those women across that region. We will make sure that they have that service.

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

PREM: LIB. PARTY - LEARN FROM MISTAKES

MR. GARY BURRILL « » : Twenty-one years ago, a Liberal Government stood where this government stands now and proudly announced a new, mega infrastructure project by which all new schools would be built on a P3 model, and every argument we're familiar with was brought forward, including the argument that it was going to be more cost effective.

Two years later, the government commissioned a study to look at the construction program and that study found no evidence of any economic advantage at all. When it came time to pay the piper 20 years later, we had to pay $228 million in order to buy our own schools back.

I want to ask the Premier « » : Does the Liberal Party not learn from its own mistakes?

THE PREMIER « » : I want to take this opportunity to thank all of those health care professionals who have been excited for the last 24 hours about the announcement moving forward. I want to tell the honourable member this is a generational opportunity we have to reshape the delivery model of delivering health care in our Capital region and, quite frankly, across our province. We're very proud of the work that has taken place in the traditional build in the Dartmouth General Hospital. We'll continue to see that work, hopefully, to be finished and open next year. We're seeing the work that's happening around the hospice where communities have rallied in support of building that. We're doing work at the third- and fifth-floor sites of the Halifax Infirmary site.

[Page 1341]

But we know, there is a much bigger project that's required. We've reached out to the private sector. We've gone out to Deloitte who has overlaid both the traditional build or a P3 model. We believe the P3 model is the appropriate way for us to continue to move forward to ensure that Nova Scotians get the health care they deserve.

MR. BURRILL « » : We know now how this is going to go. Companies and firms and consortiums are going to line up to submit proposals for this contract. One of them is going to be selected and then, on the day that selection is announced, there is going to be great rejoicing in the halls of that firm because there is a lot of money to be made on a $2 billion project. That's money that could have been used for nursing homes, for nurses, for CCAs, for doctors, for paramedics.

How can the Premier possibly argue that the P3 approach is more cost-effective when a P3 project, unlike a traditional delivery mode, must always, by definition, make room for the profit of the proponent?

THE PREMIER « » : The fact of the matter is, this province has never embarked on this ambitious of an agenda when it comes to transforming Atlantic Canada's regional hospital. To make it plain and simple, we need to ensure that we have the expertise to ensure we can deliver this project.

I also want to remind the honourable member that he continues to talk about the traditional builds. Look at the Truro hospital. A Conservative Government announced it was going to cost $90 million to build. It was $180 million before we were finished. So they talk about cost overruns, but what the P3 model will give us is certainty. We will continue to make sure - and at the end of that 30 years we will own that building and it will be in the same shape that it was the day we opened it.

MR. BURRILL « » : Back at that time, 21 years ago, when the Liberal Government entered into its P3 school experiment, the decision was justified on the basis of a consultant's report. The government of that time had enough respect for the public that it brought that report and tabled it before the House. The government now tells the people that there is a consultant's report that establishes that the P3 model is a more cost-effective way to go. The only thing is that no one is allowed, in fact, to see it.

Mr. Speaker, if the Premier indeed has evidence that contradicts our experience in Nova Scotia of the last 21 years, will he have enough respect for the members of the public in Nova Scotia to produce it?

THE PREMIER « » : We will be happy to show that document after we go through the process of negotiating a contract. It would be inappropriate for us to lay what we believe the cost of that out to the private sector individuals who will work to our number as opposed to giving us what is the appropriate number to build that hospital.

[Page 1342]

No wonder when that Party was in power they drove this province into fiscal disaster, Mr. Speaker. We're gong to continue to build our province forward with financial help, and we're going to ensure that we build the appropriate infrastructure in the appropriate way so that Nova Scotians get the infrastructure they deserve.

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

JUSTICE - CJAAC: RESIGNATION - TABLE LTR.

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : My question is for the Minister of Justice. Yesterday, the Premier committed to tabling a letter from Chief Justice MacDonald resigning as chair of the Chief Judge Appointment Advisory Committee. For the benefit of all members, the Chief Judge Appointment Advisory Committee is made up of lawyers, judges and members of the public.

As that letter was not tabled, I believe it must not have come to the Premier's Office. Did the Minister of Justice receive a letter from Chief Justice MacDonald resigning as chair and, if he did, will he table it?

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I did in fact receive correspondence from the Chief Justice of the Nova Scotia Supreme Court. The Chief Justice clearly labelled that document as confidential and I respect the piece of correspondence that Chief Justice MacDonald authored. I don't believe that it would be appropriate to breach that confidence and respect.

MS. MACFARLANE « » : I want to thank the minister for his comments, but it seems to me that the Chief Justice resigning as chairman of this important committee is very unusual and there seems to be some secrecy around it. I'm sure that the Attorney General of the province who oversees the legal services in Nova Scotia would investigate why the Chief Justice would take such an unusual step that we've not normally seen.

I appreciate confidentiality, as you indicated, but I think that Nova Scotians deserve to know why, so I'm wondering, again, if you will table the letter that you received.

MR. FUREY « » : I think it's appropriate to recognize and acknowledge the leadership of Chief Justice MacDonald and the role that the judiciary are playing in today's society, much different than 25 or 30 years ago when I was first exposed to the system. The correspondence that Chief Justice MacDonald has authored was labelled confidential. That piece of correspondence is protected under the FOIPOP Act Section 4(2)(c) and (d) I believe. I have to respect the desire of the Chief Justice when he labelled that document confidential.

[Page 1343]

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

PREM. - HOSP. REDEV.: NURSING HOME BEDS - INADEQUATE

MR. GARY BURRILL « » : Yesterday during the update on the QEII, government representatives said that the plan for the new hospital includes 36 additional in-patient beds. A person might fairly wonder if the need for these beds stems from the fact that 20 per cent of our hospital beds are filled with people waiting for places in nursing homes. We also know that a nursing home bed costs only about $250 a day in comparison with a hospital bed costing around $1,300.

In the midst of all this redevelopment, what does the Premier say to all those who must continue to live in hospitals because the government has failed to open an adequate number of nursing home beds across the province?

THE PREMIER « » : I want to thank the honourable member for the question. As he would know, the announcement yesterday is bringing together two health care facilities on the peninsula to ensure that we modernize that infrastructure. There are a number of those beds that will be there associated with the capacity to do more work. There's also an expansion in and around that facility and around making sure we take advantage of new technologies that will be there. Dr. Bethune called it a "game changer" when it came to cancer care in this province.

It's a positive announcement and we'll continue to work with our partners in the private sector to ensure we provide long-term care beds across the province.

MR. BURRILL « » : There is so much evidence that our hospital's emergency rooms around the province are being backed up by the high proportion of people there in the category of alternate level of care. Just yesterday, the Health Authority Chief Nursing Officer said that the Valley Regional is challenged by the volume of people waiting in hospital for long-term care placement there: 22 of their 138 beds are occupied by people in the long-term care placement process.

I want to ask the Premier « » : When can we expect to see a program of nursing home construction adequate to move the province's seniors out of hospitals into appropriate care?

THE PREMIER « » : I'm wondering if he believes that we should allow the private sector to continue to invest in long-term care beds; he's opposed to it in primary care. The fact of the matter is we've announced an additional 100 long-term care beds in Cape Breton in the redevelopment that'll take place - that's doubling what's currently there. I think it's 50 that'll be added to that. We know there's some other need in that particular region, and we're looking at what the best option is for that.

[Page 1344]

As we look around the province, we're looking at capacity within our current systems and ways we can expand some of those footprints or as another way to provide the care. On top of that, we're hearing from families across this province who want to continue to remain in their home as long as possible. We're making investments in adapting homes for care at the same time we're ensuring we invest in home care so that we continue to meet the wishes and needs of our citizens.

[10:15 a.m.]

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

PREM. - YOUTH SEC.: DISAPPEARANCE - EXPLAIN

MS. ALANA PAON « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier in his role as Minister responsible for Youth. In Question Period the Premier often references statistics having to do with young people in our province. However, there is one that he never seems to include. The Premier never mentions that this government has allowed the Youth Secretariat to virtually disappear over his mandate. There is no record of this important body, in fact, since 2014-15.

Why has the Minister responsible for the Youth Secretariat failed to staff and empower this important advisory body for so many years?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. It's an important question as we continue to make sure that youth see themselves in this great province. We continue to see youth unemployment decline. We continue to see more young people choose to live and work in this province. We continue to reach out to those youth who have gone beyond our borders, to find out how we can support them to being them back home. We're continuing to work with them.

As far as the Youth Secretariat goes, we're continuing to find new avenues and new ways to ensure that young people's voices are being heard inside this government and in the province.

MS. PAON « » : Mr. Speaker, in my duties as a member of the Human Resources Committee, I've learned that the Youth Advisory Council was discontinued by this government four years ago and replaced with the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development's Advisory Committee on Student Issues.

Under the terms of reference for the Committee on Student Issues, 12 to 15 youth are supposed to be appointed by the minister and yet there is no record of anyone ever being appointed in the last four years. Included in the terms of reference is a requirement that the committee be comprised of at least one African Nova Scotian youth, one Mi'kmaq youth, and one youth with a disability.

[Page 1345]

Is the minister not aware that he has failed to fulfill his responsibility to appoint young people to the Minister's Advisory Committee on Student Issues?

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Just to clarify, that Student Advisory Committee has been appointed. I met with them at the end of the last school year and we actually have a meeting that's being scheduled for this Fall.

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

TIR - CUMB. CO.: LR. PORTER RD. PAVING - ASSURANCES

MR. TORY RUSHTON « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. On Tuesday, a tender went out to pave the Lower Porter Road. I will table that. This road is used to detour those people who would normally use the bridge on Trunk 2 that was removed this past summer.

Residents in this area welcome the paving job and thank the minister for that, but they are worried that this is a long-term fix to replace the bridge.

Can the minister reassure the people of Cumberland County that the paving of Lower Porter Road is necessary maintenance to build up to the new bridge and not a long-term fix for this roundabout?

HON. LLOYD HINES » : I thank the member opposite for the question. I would say that prior to the advent of the member into the Legislature, we spent a lot of time talking about the road in question. There was a tremendous amount of requests that came in to do something about that road.

The department responded. It is doing what should be done because that road is important, too, after the bridge is being replaced.

MR. RUSHTON « » : I thank the minister for the response. He has recognized that this is an important venture.

The Rainbow Bridge was closed last winter and removed this past summer. The bridge is a vital link for Cumberland County that allows safe traffic and efficient passage from Amherst to the majority of Cumberland South.

Earlier in this session I did question what was posed about the progress and specific design and timing of the new bridge. With next year's budget's workings beginning, can the minister update the House on the amount of money that is being set aside for this Rainbow Bridge and will it be completed in the 2019-20 construction season?

[Page 1346]

MR. HINES « » : I thank the member opposite for the question. The department has the care and control for over 4,200 bridge structures in the province. Annually, because of the aging of the infrastructures, many of them come forward for replacement. In this particular instance, this bridge is just about ready to come out of the design process.

I don't have the amount that it might cost at this point in time, but it certainly is a priority for the department.

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

SNS: IFTA PAYMENTS - ONLINE ACCESS

MR. LARRY HARRISON « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Service Nova Scotia. Service Nova Scotia currently offers many of the services online, such as vital statistics, motor vehicle, many business-related services. Payments to the International Fuel Tax Agreement Unit (IFTA) of Service Nova Scotia, however, requires payment via cheque or credit card information sent by fax.

A constituent operating a transport company does not use a fax machine or cheques for her business and therefore struggles each quarter to make her payments. My question to the minister is: Will the minister look into having payments made to IFTA updated to include online payments?

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN » : Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the question. It is an important one and it's one that is really about the inner workings of government, and every government across the country is dealing with the same thing, although not as aggressively as Nova Scotia is.

Access Nova Scotia is the face of our government really, and it is the touch point for many Nova Scotians. Yet, as my colleague who is now the Minister of Justice says, it's a digital age and we operate an analog government, and that's where we're at. It's hard to fathom that we cannot accept payments online by way of any of the online e-commerce mechanisms and we are resorting to cheques and cash, in some cases.

We have committed to a digital transformation that will be an incredibly large investment on behalf of Nova Scotians that will completely transform all of our registries in all of Access Nova Scotia. We will get there soon.

MR. HARRISON « » : I know this kind of an issue seems minor in the grand scheme of things, but a lot of the concerns that come through my office have to do with people just trying to manoeuvre through the system. I know the minister has been looking at reducing the red tape and making this province more business-friendly.

[Page 1347]

My question to the minister is: Can the minister update this House on whether there are other business transactions that do require faxes and cheques as opposed to modern, online transactions?

MR. MACLELLAN « » : The answer is yes. With the four registries, including Land Registry, Vital Statistics, Joint Stocks, all our birth certificates and all of the functions and services that are offered by Access Nova Scotia vis-à-vis the Service Nova Scotia programs, there still are antiquated mechanisms whereby a digital payment is not possible.

Again, that is something that is at the forefront of our planning for the digital government and the digital transformation. Again, it will be tens of millions of dollars to implement and it will take a number of years to design.

I know that the member would field this from his constituents. The Land Registry system is one example that is extremely antiquated. We have to make government more accessible by online means and we are certainly endeavouring to do that.

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

PREM.: COB. COM. HEALTH CTR. - EXPANSION

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. In the Spring of 2017, the government announced it had paid $7.5 million for 15 acres of land in Bayers Lake Park for a site of a new outpatient centre. The government paid more than 10 times the assessed value at that time. Meanwhile the government already owned the land around the Cobequid Community Health Centre.

My question to the Premier is: Can the Premier explain why his government thought it was in the public interest to overpay for a piece of private land rather than expanding the Cobequid Community Health Centre?

THE PREMIER « » : First of all, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. The piece of property that we bought in Bayers Lake is one that would be completely pad-ready. All the services provided, the roads added to it are all the things that would allow us to start building on it.

To his point for his constituents, the Cobequid Community Health Centre was part of the conversation when we looked at the redevelopment of delivering health services in the Capital region. The reality of it is that with the population growth we've seen in and around the Clayton Park and the Timberlea-Prospect areas, it was deemed it would be more appropriate to spread those services out and provide some of those in that particular community where we have seen a tremendous growth in residential communities.

[Page 1348]

MR. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, the interesting thing, some 17 years ago the former government, the Progressive Conservative Government, was looking at replacing the Cobequid Community Health Centre. They were in the same position.

They were looking at trying to move that and buy a piece of land, but they realized if they own land, it was probably most appropriate to keep as much money as possible delivering front-line health care. The Cobequid Community Health Centre was meant to be built on to, upwards, and there is access to the highways all around. It's an amazing facility.

My question to the Premier « » : Will he ensure that, with the $2 billion-plus being potentially spent for the redevelopment of the QEII, that the Cobequid Community Health Centre has a fair shake and we see improved access to care there as we move forward?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, we're very proud of the work that our health care providers are doing at the Cobequid Centre to provide services to those of us who live outside of HRM. My family has gone into that particular facility. We continue to enhance the work that is there - grateful for the community that continues to embrace the Cobequid Centre.

When we looked at the overall footprint though about delivering health care across the province and this opportunity that we had before us, it was continuing to look at what the Cobequid Centre had, looking at what's happening on the Dartmouth side in Dartmouth General. At the same time, when we saw traffic patterns and the growth of residential populations, it made more sense that we continue to ensure that the Cobequid Centre will be there for generations to come and we continue to improve services at the facility.

At the same time, we build this primary care outpatient clinic where we see that growth and the Highway No. 103 is coming in. We're seeing a tremendous growth in the people who are moving into Halifax.

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

TIR - N. CUMB. MEM. HOSP.: CONSTRUCTION PLANS - UPDATE

MS. ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Mr. Speaker, last April 2017, the people of Pugwash were happy to host the Premier in our community. He made an announcement that the local hospital would be replaced.

With the local mining industry, agricultural industry and the seasonal population growth that triples, there certainly is a need for a new facility that includes diagnostic imaging, lab services, urgent care services, and observation beds. Would the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal be willing to update the construction plans today for the North Cumberland Memorial Hospital, and also ensure that there is a public update for the community?

[Page 1349]

HON. LLOYD HINES « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank the member opposite for the question. I will undertake to bring you some current information on that project.

MS. SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Thank you. Of course, the people of Pugwash and area are worried that they may have fallen prey to politics. A new facility has been promised, often strategically, right before elections on a few occasions, but they have yet to see a new hospital.

Will the Minister of Health and Wellness guarantee the people of Pugwash and area that the latest announcement was more than an empty election promise and that we will see ground-breaking soon, and not just before the next provincial election?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. I was actually in that community making that announcement and will continue to keep our commitments to that particular community as we will to the entire region of Cumberland.

I had the good fortune of entering the health care system this summer through the hospital in Cumberland. The service that I received in that facility was top-notch - unlike the honourable member who held a political rally on the front lawn of that and the only way you could actually get to speak at that is if you had a Tory card membership. The fact of the matter is, we're working with the people of that community to continue to ensure that they get the health care services that they deserve.

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

PREM. - NORTH. PULP: EFFLUENT TREATMENT - TIMELINE

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. Everyone in Nova Scotia now knows that the installation of a new effluent treatment facility for Northern Pulp waste should have been a Class 2, not a Class 1. However, the cleanup of those exact same toxins in Boat Harbour will require a Class 2.

Even with only a Class 1 assessment, we are still behind the eight-ball because there has yet to be an application filed by Northern Pulp. Pictou Harbour freezes in the winter. Sometimes the ice doesn't go away until May. That limits the number of days that workers can install the pipe. By what date does the Premier believe Northern Pulp must commence the installation of a pipe into the Northumberland Strait in order to meet the 2020 deadline of the closure of Boat Harbour?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. Our government made a commitment to the First Nations community that we would keep our commitment of cleaning up Boat Harbour. We will keep that timeline.

[Page 1350]

Quite frankly, Boat Harbour has been sited next to the Aboriginal community for no other reason than it was next to an Aboriginal community that had been ignored by successive governments. We are not going to allow that to continue to happen. We're going to make sure we clean up Boat Harbour to ensure that we continue to work with that community.

As far as when it comes to Northern Pulp, it is a private entity and it will have to meet the obligations. It will have to go through the commitment of ensuring that it meets the environmental obligations to this province. They'll determine when they put it in, but let me tell you, we are keeping our commitment to closing Boat Harbour.

MS. MACFARLANE « » : My question wasn't really about Boat Harbour. It was about what timeline to install the pipe. We all know this is a very delicate issue, not just for Pictou County but for all over Nova Scotia. We know that there are thousands and thousands of jobs on both sides of the issue. I realize the challenge of jobs over environment, environment over jobs, and jobs over jobs in this situation. We have two different industries at odds, and they both matter.

I understand that the government is confident in the timeline. The Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal says that it will be installed. But we've reached a point in the calendar where prudent planning would insist that there should be a contingency plan.

In the event that the Strait pipe is not operational by January 31, 2020, when Boat Harbour closes, has the Premier come up with any type of contingency plan and worked with Northern Pulp to ensure that they continue operation?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, Northern Pulp will make a decision about the viability of that mill. They'll continue to go through the process. We know we have an obligation. We're closing Boat Harbour 10 years earlier. There's a liability on our side. We'll continue to move that forward, but she should go to the board of directors of Northern Pulp and ask one of them when they're going to put it in.

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

TIR - ROUTE 19/PORT HASTINGS ROTARY:

PAVING SCHEDULE - UPDATE

MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, a question for the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. When discussing Route No. 19 access at the Port Hastings rotary, the minister stated how important the golf courses are to the economy in Inverness. We are certainly in agreement on that.

[Page 1351]

I think about Route No. 19 through Strathlorne, approaching Inverness from the south. I think about how important this road is, the traffic volumes for people who are accessing those courses and all the other tourism assets we find in Inverness County.

Would that minister agree that while this section is on the capital plan, it should be moved up so that it is paved next summer?

HON. LLOYD HINES « » : Mr. Speaker, as I reflect back on the importance of Route No. 19 and the wonderful County of Inverness and how important it is to the mosaic of Nova Scotia, I think back to a previous Progressive Conservative Government many years ago, when the honourable Fisher Hudson was the member for Victoria, and a discussion abounded around where the Cabot Trail should actually be located. A decision was taken at that point in time to move the Cabot Trail out of Inverness and have it coming out at the intersection of Highway No. 104 at Middle River.

Despite receiving that probably-bad news for the people in that area, Route No. 19 remains very important. We have an ambitious plan for repaving in the area. We will continue with that plan.

MR. MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, if the minister would see to it that it gets repaved next summer, I may be able to point him in the direction of some moonshine, and I would ensure that it would fall within the amounts of the Conflict of Interest Act. (Laughter) While I've never witnessed its production, I did see it coming out of a trunk at a dance in Glencoe Mills a number of years ago, and a gentleman shared with me - he compared it to homemade cheese. He said it had much more taste than that which you'd find in the store. (Laughter)

I don't know if it's appropriate, Mr. Speaker, but if the minister would take that into account, the traffic volumes on the road, the fact that there are joints on the road from the last time it was paved - and not those kinds of joints, but actual joints that were left there when it was paved that shouldn't have been - would the minister consider these points, and consider moving that paving up for next summer?

MR. HINES « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank the member opposite for the question. There was a time I would have taken him up on the invitation for his imbibements there, but I'm not in that league anymore. (Laughter)

All the roads in that area are important. I would suggest to the member that he take advantage of the consultation that we're currently in with the department, talking to all members of the House as to what their priorities might be for the upcoming year before we set the budget. We listen intently to that. We've got the paving program, and we also have the gravel road program. The members are very important to influencing where that money is spent.

[Page 1352]

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

PREM. - NEW QEII FUNDRAISING: C.B. CONTRIBUTE - FAIR

MS. TAMMY MARTIN « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. Yesterday during his announcement about the new hospital in Halifax, the Premier said that the QEII Foundation wouldn't be alone in fundraising to chip into the cost of the redevelopment. In fact, he said that all the regional hospital foundations are working together to raise money to support the new QEII.

Will the Premier confirm that Cape Bretoners are being asked to raise money to fund the hospital in Halifax while their own hospitals are being permanently closed?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. What I said is that it is not just up to the foundation here in Halifax. It will require all Nova Scotians and Atlantic Canadians to ensure that we have a world-class tertiary care centre here in Halifax to provide the services not only to the citizens of this great province but, indeed, the region.

There are people coming into this province every day to get care. We're going to ensure that we provide them the appropriate infrastructure so the great health care professionals that we have can continue to deliver the high-quality care they've been doing.

MS. MARTIN « » : Mr. Speaker, I don't think Cape Bretoners would mind fundraising if they could guarantee that they would have the services they need in their own communities and knew their donations weren't simply subsidizing the profits for the private corporations.

Right now, families in Cape Breton are forced to send their children hundreds of kilometers away for mental health services and we're still without the doctors we need. Cape Bretoners are only too happy to fundraise but we'd like to keep our money in our communities for our own hospitals.

Can the Premier clarify why he can find money for profits for the private sector but can't find money to keep services available to Cape Bretoners?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. She should have heard at the announcement we continue to make investments to the regional hospital in Cape Breton, continue to provide and enhance the cancer care on the island, continue to improve and to widen it.

The honourable member is talking about New Waterford. The fact of the matter is that hospital needs to be replaced. Only the New Democratic Party would believe that we should replace it with something that was built 60 years ago and not modernize the health care facilities to deliver to our seniors in the province. The reality of it is we're making major investments in Cape Breton Island. We're grateful for those Cape Bretoners who continue to work with us so that we can provide them the care.

[Page 1353]

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

H&W - FAMILY DOCTOR: BETTER CARE - ACKNOWLEDGE

MR. EDDIE ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Health and Wellness. Family doctors used their repeated contracts with patients to build on the patient-doctor relationship and ensure continuity of care. Patients then have the peace of mind that in their time of sickness there is somebody they can see and trust to both advocate and navigate them through the system. You can imagine the stress that one of my constituents felt when she read in the Cape Breton Post that her family doctor was closing her practice. The number of people in my constituency without a family doctor is growing and all the assurances we hear from the government is doing nothing to address this issue.

So my question to the minister: Is he satisfied with the status quo of the patients who have a family doctor receive better care as those who rely on walk-in clinics or emergency rooms for their care?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I find it interesting the member suggests that this is a government relying on the status quo. I remind the member and all members of this Legislature that, in fact, we listen to the front-line health care workers and the clinicians who provide the care and provide advice into how to revamp and revitalize health care delivery of services throughout the province.

We had a huge announcement just yesterday on the next progress with the QEII redevelopment for all Nova Scotians. We're investing in infrastructure in Cape Breton and we're changing the way we provide compensation and work with our incentives and technology for frontline health care workers as well. We are committed to the next generation of health care for all Nova Scotians.

MR. ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, the exact people he said they consulted with were on a radio talk show in Cape Breton and she said she wasn't consulted although he said they were or the minister said they were.

I've been getting a lot of calls in my constituency office in the last few days from constituents angry with the recent reports of excessive indulgence at the Nova Scotia Health Authority. They're outraged at over $8,000 were spent on a Christmas party. They're disgusted that a farewell party for 35 people cost over $800 and they're floored when they hear about a senior executive dinner costing taxpayers over $300. I'm glad there are new policies in place to address this issue but these situations show a severe lack of judgment and disregard for the constituent taxpayers' money.

[Page 1354]

My question to the Minister of Health and Wellness: Will you stand up and accept responsibility and apologize to the many Nova Scotians who have been left behind by this government's constant mismanagement of our health care system?

MR. DELOREY « » : As previously advised, both government and the executive of the Health Authority recognized the information brought forward by the Auditor General as well as his recommendations, and took the steps to update and enhance the controls, clarified the policies with respect to hospitality. Those steps have been taken and those are the results I think that Nova Scotians would expect in how the government should respond when the Auditor General makes recommendations.

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

EECD - RESOURCE NURSES: WAIT TIME - ACCEPTABLE

MS. BARBARA ADAMS « » : My first question is to the Minister of Health and Wellness. The wonderful teachers in our schools are expected to do much more than teach. We are now increasingly asking them to be health care providers, as well. Until very recently, there was only one resource nurse for all of our 136 schools in HRM. Even with a second nurse recently added, there is a one- to two-month lag between when a nurse is called in by a teacher or EPA and she can actually show up at the school to help.

These are needs that the students have that the teachers are now being required to provide. Does the Minister of Health and Wellness believe that it is acceptable for students to wait for one- to two-months for their teacher or EPA to learn how to manage tube feeding and other medical needs?

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : We recognize the challenge that our front-line teachers have faced with the lack of supports. That's why we have moved in the direction, working with the Department of Health and Wellness, to provide wrap-around services in our schools. We've done that through SchoolsPlus program which links our students to a variety of supports within all government departments whether it's Health and Wellness, Justice, Community Services, or any other departments where that might work.

We're in the process of bringing new nurses into the system with the help of the Health Authority - we'll have four new nurses to help us prepare for these particular cases that the member has brought up. We're also bringing in child and youth care practitioners, autism supports, and behavioural supports. We know we have a lot more work to do and we're not going to stop until those kids get the service that they need.

MS. ADAMS « » : Thank you, although the Minister of Health and Wellness has changed his look.

[Page 1355]

The problem with the system as it stands is the EPAs in our schools do not get any real significant training, so they're being required to do a lot of health care provision. These resource nurses teach EPAs and teachers how to care for students, which includes catheterization, feeding tubes, wheelchair transfers to toileting, ventilators, insulin pumps, just to name a few of the complex health care skills that it takes nurses and physiotherapists six years to learn how to do.

My question to the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development: On World Teachers' Day, does he accept that families, teachers, EPAs, are not getting the proper training that they need and is it acceptable for them to wait one- to two-months and will he commit to doubling the number of nurses in our school system?

MR. SPEAKER « » : Before we move over to the minister, I'll remind the honourable member that it's the prerogative of government to determine who answers the question.

MR. CHURCHILL « » : We haven't had some of these services. We heard, loud and clear, through the Commission on Inclusive Education reporting that two-thirds of our teachers told us they do not feel adequately prepared to handle the complexities of the classroom and that there were not adequate non-teaching supports to assist them in delivering their work, which is why we have hired more nurses.

We've also put a lot of money into professional development and training to help all of our professionals in the education system in terms of supporting them and doing better for our kids, and I'll table all the inclusive educations supports that we have brought in. I'll remind the member that she and her party did vote against all these when it came to budget time.

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

PREM. - QEII DEVELOPMENT: COBEQUID NOT INCLUDED - EXPLAIN

MR. BRAD JOHNS « » : I was going to ask this to the Minister of Health and Wellness, but I noticed that the Premier answered the member from Sackville-Cobequid, so I'm going to address this to the Premier and hopefully he'll answer this for me, as well.

The long-awaited QEII development plan yesterday - a 30- to 50-year plan - Cobequid was not even mentioned in that plan. Numerous times I've stood up here of the past year politely bringing issues around Cobequid, very patiently waiting for answers to see the QEII redevelopment plan, and I'm disappointed that the Cobequid Community Health Centre is not mentioned in the future developments of this plan.

My question is: Mr. Premier, why is Cobequid Community Health Plan not even mentioned as part of the redevelopment of the QEII complex for the next 30 to 50 years?

[Page 1356]

MR. SPEAKER « » : I just want to remind the honourable member to keep his questions directed through the Chair.

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to welcome him to the party late. As I responded to the honourable member for Sackville-Cobequid, it was part of an ongoing look at how we redistribute the capital plan in greater HRM. We looked at where the population growth is.

I want to assure the honourable member, as I did to his colleague from the neighbouring constituency, that the Cobequid Community Health Centre is an important part of delivering primary health care across our region. Many people from my constituency across the Valley continue to come in.

Yesterday we announced where we would be moving services that were now currently at the QEII. We didn't mention all the hospitals in the province. We mentioned those that would be impacted directly by these changes. I want to assure the honourable member that the Cobequid Community Health Centre is an important part of delivering primary care to our citizens, and we'll continue to make those investments when required.

MR. JOHNS « » : Mr. Speaker, thank you to the Premier.

This is to the Minister of Health and Wellness. The Sackville-Beaver Bank area is one of the fastest growing areas. I've mentioned numerous times my concerns now with this 30- to 50-year plan, and those concerns are even higher. I will say I'm at the party but obviously I'm the wallflower.

I've noted many times clinic hours at Cobequid are limited. They are only from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for services. The ER is open only from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight. People in Sackville, Bedford, Beaver Bank, Lucasville - this is not adequate. They deserve, they want 24-hour services for the ER at Cobequid.

My question to the minister is: Could you please confirm to me whether or not the new outpatient constructed centre in Bayer's Lake is going to have a 24-hour ER there, or are these residents going to have to drive downtown, after midnight, for these services as well?

MR. SPEAKER « » : I'd like to once again remind the honourable member to keep his questions directed through the Chair.

THE PREMIER « » : I want to assure the honourable member that the current Minister of Health and Wellness, the former Minister of Health and Wellness, the former Minister of Health and Wellness, the former Minister of Health and Wellness, all recognize the important part of Cobequid when it comes to delivering services not only to the constituents that he represents, but indeed to the broader population across the province.

[Page 1357]

He would also know that under successive governments that those in charge of the Cobequid have laid out what they believe is the best model for them to be able to deliver services. We're going to continue to work with them to ensure that Cobequid continues to be an important part of the delivery of health care services in our province.

What we also need to understand, Mr. Speaker, is that it requires other primary care centres to be able to deliver services in other communities. That's why we made the decision, based on looking at the amount of traffic that's coming in, why we continue to make those investments, to modernize the health care system for the needs of our citizens today.

We're going to continue to work with those citizens across our province to ensure that not only will their families be satisfied today, but their grandchildren will be 50 years from now.

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

PREM. - QEII REDEV. PROJ.: P3 CONTRACT - LOCAL BUILD ENSURE

MS. CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. The Premier has finally announced a $2 billion investment in the province, one that is very welcome and long overdue. That's $2 billion of stimulus spending that we should be leveraging to produce the highest local economic multipliers possible. We've seen some of that in Dartmouth with the traditional build at the Dartmouth General. But now, by taking the P3 approach, we can be almost certain that millions of dollars in profits will flow out of province instead of paying for more doctors, nurses, local engineers, or tradespeople.

My question to the Premier is: Can you tell Nova Scotians that this contract, possibly the most lucrative contract in our history, will go to a Nova Scotia company?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the bidding process. We'll be pre-qualifying people to make investments to ensure that they build this hospital on time, on budget. It's certainly my hope that we'll continue to see the activity inside our province. We're going to see that when it comes to the capital building we're doing and highways. We're going to continue to see it in the health care infrastructure.

The private sector is excited about the opportunities they see before them to continue to grow their businesses, invest in Nova Scotia families, and invest in the economy of this great province.

MS. CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, compared to normal procurement, P3 has reduced the positive job impacts created by developments. P3 schools are a great example. Developers line their pockets to the tune of $52 million for maintenance contracts to the P3 schools. How will the Premier ensure that . . . .

[Page 1358]

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

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

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

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. As I was looking through it, I understand that government can make a decision on who answers their question, but we'd appreciate an answer sometimes.

MR. SPEAKER « » : That is not a point of order.

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 while it resolves itself into the Committee of the Whole House on Bills.

[10:50 a.m. The House recessed.]

[11:00 a.m. The House resolved into a CWH on Bills with Deputy Speaker Ms. Suzanne Lohnes-Croft in the Chair.]

[11:21 a.m. CWH on Bills rose and the House reconvened. Mr. Speaker, Hon. Kevin Murphy resumed the Chair.]

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

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

Bill No. 29 - Labour Standards Code.

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

[Page 1359]

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 Government House Leader.

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, that concludes the government's business for today. I move that the House do now rise to meet again Tuesday, October 9, 2018, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Following the daily routine and QP, business will include third reading of Bill Nos. 29, 39, 49, 51, 55, 58, 63, and 67. I would also note that on Tuesday, October 9^th, the Committee on Private and Local Bills will meet at 9:00 a.m. and the Committee on Law Amendments will meet at 10:00 a.m.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for the House to rise, to meet again on Tuesday, October 9^th, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

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

The motion is carried.

The House now stands adjourned until Tuesday, October 9^th, at 1:00 p.m.

[The House rose at 11:22 a.m.]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

[Page 1360]

RESOLUTION NO. 508

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

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

Whereas the health care crisis in Nova Scotia is having a significant negative impact on thousands of Nova Scotians; and

Whereas this Liberal Government refuses to acknowledge the problem, with some blaming problems in health on the lifestyle choices of Nova Scotians; and

Whereas 100,000 people without a family doctor, deaths from pressure sores, growing wait times, and frequent emergency room closures are all evidence that the health care system in Nova Scotia is in crisis and needs urgent attention;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly urge the Liberal Government to admit our health care system is broken, acknowledge the fear and frustration of Nova Scotians, and make fixing the system a priority.