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HALIFAX, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018

Sixty-third General Assembly

Second Session

1:00 P.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Kevin Murphy

 

DEPUTY SPEAKERS

Ms. Suzanne Lohnes-Croft, Mr. Brendan Maguire

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

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

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

MR. GORDON WILSON « » : As Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Law Amendments, I am directed to report that the committee has met and considered the following bills:

Bill No. 2 - Develop Nova Scotia Act.

Bill No. 4 - Corporations Registration Act.

Bill No. 10 - Liquor Control Act.

Bill No. 13 - Day Care Act.

Bill No. 16 - Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Protection Act.

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Bill No. 23 - Canadian Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act.

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

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

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs.

HON. TONY INCE « » : I beg leave to table a report, Land Titles Initiative - an initiative to support clarification of land ownership.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The report is tabled.

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 38 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 401 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Residential Tenancies Act. (Hon. Geoff MacLellan)

Bill No. 39 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 62 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Cemetery and Funeral Services Act, and Chapter 144 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Embalmers and Funeral Directors Act. (Hon. Geoff MacLellan)

Bill No. 40 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 246 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Labour Standards Code, to Protect Against Wage Theft. (Ms. Tammy Martin)

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

NOTICES OF MOTION

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

MACLEAN, LLOYD - CYCLIST: FUNDRAISING - CONGRATS.

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MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, Lloyd MacLean of Lyons Brook is a cycling enthusiast who recently accomplished his goal of completing the entire 273.9-kilometre Confederation Trail in just under 12 hours.

Lloyd undertook this trek to raise awareness and funds for the P.E.I. Humane Society after having done similar events for the SPCA in Nova Scotia.

Poor cellphone service caused Lloyd to lose contact with his support vehicle, and consequently he went without water for 60 minutes on a 30-degree day. He also suffered a flat tire. However, Lloyd pushed through the adversity to finish his journey with a sprint.

We are so proud of Lloyd's tremendous accomplishment, as well as the funds and awareness his journey has realized.

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

TORRENS, JACKIE: FILM, MY WEEK ON WELFARE - ATTEND

MS. SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to talk about an excellent documentary film, called My Week on Welfare, by Halifax filmmaker Jackie Torrens and her Peep Media producing partner, Jessica Brown.

The film follows Jackie, a former ESIA client, as she lives for a week with current welfare recipients. She spends her week following two individuals as they go through their daily routines, and talks with them about the challenges of living on welfare in Nova Scotia. It's an eye-opening and moving movie and does not place blame, but rather focuses the audience on the real people involved with the system.

When I saw the film, I thought that everyone should see it, especially my colleagues in the Legislature. Well, as it happens, Mr. Speaker, now my colleagues have a chance. There's a special screening tomorrow night at the Art Gallery, just across the street, for MLAs. My colleagues in the House will get a chance to see the film, hear from a few people who are clients of DCS, and hear from Jackie herself and ask her questions.

I encourage all members of this House to join me and the filmmakers and others for this special opportunity tomorrow night. If you haven't RSVP'd, please do so.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Preston-Dartmouth.

CRANDLEMIRE, ALLAN: COM. SERV. - CONGRATS.

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HON. KEITH COLWELL « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Al Crandlemire, a community-minded resident of Mineville who performs a positive service for the community by picking up litter on the Mineville Road as well as at Exit 17 off Highway No. 107.

He completes this task on his daily walks in the community. He is also very active in supporting the work of the Orenda Canoe Club in Lake Echo. His volunteer efforts make a tangible difference in the ambiance of the community.

I applaud and congratulate Al Crandlemire for serving as an example for others and making a difference in the communities of Mineville and Lake Echo.

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

NEW H.S., ISLAND VIEW HIGH - RECOG.

MS. BARBARA ADAMS « » : Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize the new Island View High School in Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia.

The new high school opened its doors for the first time on September 7^th to a group of eager students, happy parents, and motivated teachers. Island View High hosts Grades 9 through 11 for the first year and will include Grade 12 next year. From sports team sign-ups to student council applicants, Island View High is building a strong foundation for the future.

Principal Pat Savage will be there right alongside the students, building bright futures each step of the way. We look forward to hearing and learning more about it at the high school's open house on September 25^th. The Island View High School Enhancement Committee includes two former MLAs and myself, showing a spirit of co-operation that benefits everyone.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to seeing all the first-year milestones that are ahead for our school in which students and staff and a productive parent involvement will bring us a successful school year.

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

SEX. ASSAULT TREATMENT: 2^nd COMPLAINT - NEED SANE

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : Mr. Speaker, a second woman has come forward complaining how she was treated after she went to the emergency department at the Truro hospital to report a sexual assault. Although the assault occurred four years ago, she came forward after reading about the young woman who was recently turned away with only pamphlets.

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After going to the RCMP and saying she felt interrogated there, she was sent to the hospital to have a rape kit done. This woman recalls the disturbing treatment by a male staff member in the emergency department and further degradation by a physician who refused to complete a rape kit because of the time that had elapsed, instead telling her to contact the Avalon Sexual Assault Centre in Halifax.

A spokeswoman there said there is an on-call sexual assault nurse examiner to speak to directly, who administers the sexual assault kit, but this is unfortunately not the case in Truro.

I'd like to ask the Minister of Health and Wellness, yet again: When can the citizens of Colchester County and Truro expect a sexual assault nurse examiner?

MR. SPEAKER. The honourable member for Hants East.

ANTHONY, AMBER: BASEBALL ATHL. - CONGRATS.

HON. MARGARET MILLER « » : Mr. Speaker, excelling in sport is an accomplishment to be noted, but to excel as the only female on an all male Pee Wee A baseball team takes a bit more grit than usual, and Amber Anthony has what it takes.

Amber has an impressive record on the ball field. She picked up a second-place finish at the Atlantics with the Nova Scotia Youth 14 girls' team before being chosen as one of only four 14-year-olds to play on the Youth 16 provincial baseball team to compete at the Nationals in Ontario. She is one of the top pitchers in her league and batted a substantial 304, leading her team in triples and home runs.

Recently, Amber was honoured as a finalist in the Youth 14 Female for the East Hants Sports Awards. I ask all members of this House to join me in congratulating Amber Anthony for her determination and athletic accomplishments and wish her well in all future endeavours.

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

ABORIG. WELLNESS & GLADUE CT.: NEW INITIATIVE - CONGRATS.

MR. KEITH BAIN « » : Mr. Speaker, Nova Scotia's first Aboriginal Wellness and Gladue Court was officially opened and celebrated in Wagmatcook First Nation on June 21^st, marking National Indigenous Peoples Day.

A wellness court attempts to identify and address the root cause of the offending behaviour and develop a recovery support plan that links people to services. The Wagmatcook court will also accommodate provincial and Supreme Court sittings. It will serve residents of Wagmatcook, Waycobah, and Victoria County.

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I ask all members of the House to join me in congratulating and thanking Chief Norman Bernard, Chief Rod Googoo, Warden Bruce Morrison, Deputy Warden Larry Dauphinee, Victoria County Council, and all other partners in the successful establishment of the first Aboriginal Wellness and Gladue Court in Nova Scotia.

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

MYERS BROOK, NICOLE/BROOK, BRIAN:

NOOK CAFÉ TOKEN PROG. - RECOG.

MS. LISA ROBERTS « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to commend a local business and its owners for using creativity and kindness to serve the whole community, not just those with lots of disposable income.

Nicole Myles Brook and Brian Brook took over The Nook on Gottingen Street after its last owners filed for bankruptcy. They now own and manage not just two successful cafes, one in Halifax Needham and one in Bedford, but through their token program they have created a welcoming, nourishing space for the whole community.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. I am finding it very difficult to hear the members. I know the fans are on because of the temperature in the building here, so I am going to ask all members to keep your chatter down below so that we can all hear what's going on, on the floor.

The honourable member for Halifax Needham.

MS. ROBERTS « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Customers and sometimes donors buy tokens worth either two dollars or five dollars that are redeemable for either a coffee and a muffin or a light meal.

Through relationships that Nicole and Brian have built with service agencies throughout Halifax Needham, the tokens are distributed to people who otherwise cannot patronize many of the new food businesses that have sprung up on Gottingen Street and elsewhere in the North End.

The back of the token says, "Kindness is Currency," and I have witnessed Nicole and Brian showing great kindness and true welcoming and caring for individuals who visit their space for the same reason that any of use would go for a coffee – to sit, to read, to be with friends, to relax, and to enjoy a moment of ease.

They support their staff to meet people where they are at, and to ensure that everyone who comes through the door is treated with dignity and often greeted by name.

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

E. COAST KITE FEST.: NEW EVENT - CONGRATS.

HON. LABI KOUSOULIS « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to acknowledge the East Coast Kite Festival which took place this last July at Citadel Hill.

It was only its second year, but drew thousands of kite enthusiasts and onlookers. The event was created by the Indian Festivals Club of Nova Scotia. This club was formed by a group of international students at Dalhousie University with the goal of recreating traditional events that they grew up with in Southeast Asia. It started as a way to help them transition to life here in Canada, but it is destined to become one of Halifax's signature festivals.

I want to congratulate club members on organizing this spectacular festival and encourage residents and tourists alike to attend next year. You won't be disappointed.

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

PICTOU CO. FUEL FUND: COMBATTING COLD WINTERS - RECOG.

HON. PAT DUNN « » : Mr. Speaker, the Province of Nova Scotia has experienced its share of cold winters. Many people have been very grateful for the Pictou County Fuel Fund, which was registered officially in 2009. The fuel fund originally was founded by the Pictou County Council of Churches. The founding chairman, Danny MacGillivray witnessed the first fuel delivered during the season of 2007-2008. Their objective each year is that no child should go cold in Pictou County.

This past heating season, the fund assisted 198 individuals and families in the county who were in urgent need of heating assistance. The Pictou County Fuel Fund is a charitable organization that is supported by individuals, organizations, and businesses in the local area.

It is an honour to have this opportunity to thank Danny and the great number of volunteers who have made this initiative very successful.

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

FAMILY DOCS.: INSUFFICIENT ACCESS - UNEASE

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MS. CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the thousands of people from Dartmouth who are still without a family doctor.

According to the Nova Scotia Health Authority's Need a Family Practice Registry report, released on September 1^st of this year, 10,209 registrants are still waiting for access to a family doctor in the Dartmouth/Southeastern zone. That means 8.8 per cent of the population are without primary care, which is the second-highest rate in the province - and let's not forget that only accounts for those who have registered.

More doctors are retiring than setting up practices in Nova Scotia at a time when a large portion of our population is reaching its elder years and experiencing complex health needs. No one must feel more nervous about the current situation than those patients and their families.

I'd like to take a moment and recognize the uncertainty and fear that my constituents are facing, feeling, and expressing to me at this time.

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

GUPTILL, MARY/COMEAU, DELBE:

DONATION, N.S. NAT. TRUST - COMMEND

MR. GORDON WILSON. Mr. Speaker, at a time when people want immediate results from their efforts, one must admire Mary Guptill and Delbe Comeau from Meteghan River. Recently, the two donated 90 per cent of the 44-acre island at Belliveau Lake to the Nova Scotia Nature Trust.

The island is one of only six places in Nova Scotia and in Canada where the sweet pepper bush, a shrub on Canada's endangered species list, grows. Realizing the need to protect the land, the two set out to buy lots on the island, starting to approach landowners in the 1980s.This Spring, they were able to donate their part of this relatively untouched island to the Trust. Because of their gift, there are now two protected areas in the province where the sweet pepper bush is found.

I want to thank Mary and Delbe for this generous gift to the Trust, as well as the time and effort they spent convincing the landowners to sell their lots on the island. They epitomize the idea that we borrow the land from the future and should be good caretakers for the short time we are here.

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

MR. TIM HALMAN « » : I beg leave to make an introduction.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

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MR. HALMAN « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the west gallery, we have two amazing Dartmouth East residents. I would like to introduce Liz Bignell and her daughter Jordan Bignell. I ask my colleagues to offer a warm welcome to Jordan and Liz. (Applause)

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

BIGNELL, JORDAN: NEUROSURGERY FDN. FUNDRAISING - INSPIRING

MR. TIM HALMAN « » : Mr. Speaker, shortly before Jordan Bignell's third birthday, she started experiencing terrible head pain. Jordan was diagnosed with Chiari malformation and craniosynostosis.

After many scary months, doctors' visits, surgeries and tests, most people would walk away exhausted but Jordan walked away energized and motivated to continue helping the people who had helped her so much at the Neurosurgery Kids Foundation. She has become an honorary guest at the NSKF fundraising barbecue and even hosted a lemonade stand on her own this summer in Dartmouth East to donate to a cause that means so much to her.

I am so proud to have such an inspiring young woman living in Dartmouth East. She has overcome so much at such a young age, but she hasn't missed a beat. I can't wait to see what greatness Jordan is able to achieve next.

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

WILCOX, JOS. SOLOMON: DEATH OF - TRIBUTE

MS. TAMMY MARTIN « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a resident of New Waterford, Joseph Solomon Wilcox, who passed away on November 10^th, 2007.

A veteran of the Second World War, he was a member of All Saints Church. Joe worked for 48 years in Dominion Coal Company and Devco at No. 12 Colliery, and the mechanical shop in Glace Bay. After retiring in 1988, Joe spent most of his time supporting the New Waterford Hospital Auxiliary. He was known throughout New Waterford and surrounding area for his relentless selling of even-split tickets door to door. He was tireless in the campaign to keep New Waterford Hospital and its emergency room open to the residents of the town.

A community activist of the best kind, he had a keen sense of what was right and what was fair. Small in size, huge in heart, his biggest cause was New Waterford Hospital. He rallied the troops against its closure in the early 1990s and the closure of the emergency department later. At one gathering of 600 residents, Joe went toe to toe with officials of the Cape Breton District Health Authority, and as his daughter said, he gave it to them straight.

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I'll continue my next time.

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

SPARKS, NATHAN - CST.: DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT - THANKS

HON. LLOYD HINES « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today in gratitude for the actions of Constable Nathan Sparks of the RCMP detachments in both Guysborough and Canso for bringing the Disney and Air Canada Dreams Take Flight Program to our youth through his work with the Boys and Girls Club.

Because Nathan took the initiative to contact the charity, four children in our community were able to go on a whirlwind all-expenses-paid trip to Disney's Magic Kingdom. All four children nominated were delighted, to say the least, and have expressed deep gratitude to Constable Sparks for taking them on a trip they could not have otherwise imagined or ever being able to experience.

Constable Nathan Sparks has been loved by the locals because he goes above and beyond the expectations of his job title and volunteerism. The greater community of Guysborough is bettered by his compassionate example, and for that, I would like to extend my profound gratitude.

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

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

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MR. LOHR « » : I would like to the members' attention to Gary Bennett in the west gallery, here for the second time from the Annapolis Valley. We extend our welcome and appreciation for his being here. (Applause)

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

ROVERS, STEPHEN: SCHOOL GREENHOUSE PROG. - RECOG.

MR. JOHN LOHR « » : A group of volunteer students from Evangeline Middle School, under the direction of vice-principal and teacher Stephen Rovers, has donated 70 tomato and 20 squash plants to gardens involved in the sharing our unappreciated produce program.

Mr. Rovers has headed a volunteer program for students who are interested in giving their time to tending the plants. The students assembled a greenhouse inside the school in October and began growing plant shoots in winter until they were able to move the greenhouse outside. They arrived at school each morning to care for the plants and took pride that a portion of their produce goes back to the community.

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Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Stephen Rovers, who has provided and invaluable experience to his students.

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

ZANN, PAUL/JAN: 60^th ANNIV. - CONGRATS.

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate a wonderful couple in Truro, Nova Scotia, who are celebrating their 60^th wedding anniversary. Sixty loving and adventurous years that saw them immigrate to Canada, to Regina, in 1968 then move to Truro, driving across Canada, in 1969. They have two children: one born in Sydney, Australia, and the other born in Truro. Tamara, their second daughter, and their wonderful son-in-law, Timothy Roland, gave them three beautiful and talented grandchildren, Aiden Vincent, Lochlan Alexander, and Mayalee Hazel.

Paul and Jan Zann, their grandchildren, their daughters, their son-in-law, families in Australia, and many friends in the community and many countries, we send them love and congratulations on this happy occasion.

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

CHARTRAND, MARIE-CLAIRE: GREYWAVES - SUCCESS

HON. LENA METLEGE DIAB: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the business of a constituent of Halifax Armdale, Greywaves Senior Care Consulting.

Greywaves was started by Marie-Claire Chartrand, a licensed social worker whose health care experience includes 30 years with Nova Scotia's continuing care program and previous work in hospital and community settings with both palliative and geriatric clients. Through her practice, Marie-Claire develops care plans customized to the needs of clients and families and helps them navigate the private and public health care system with great compassion, understanding, and expertise.

Ce n'est pas toujours simple de naviguer les services de soins de fin de vie, mais Marie-Claire est là pour aider les familles en français et anglais.

She is also an elder mediator certified by Family Mediation Canada. I want to thank Marie-Claire for the valuable service she provides and congratulate her on the success of her business.

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

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT » : I'm wondering if, with the approval of everyone, we could revert to Introduction of Bills.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

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

MR. TIM HALMAN « » : I beg leave to make an introduction.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MR. HALMAN « » : In the west gallery, we have Brody Clee-Boudreau, a Grade 12 student from Prince Andrew High School. Brody is accompanied today by his principal, Mr. Brad McGowan. Also joining Brody today are his parents, Paul Boudreau, a teacher at Lockview High School, and we have Shelley Clee, who works at the Woodlawn United Church in Dartmouth East and does a lot in my community to help the community.

[1:30 p.m.]

Mr. Speaker, Brody, Shelley, and Paul have spent the last seven years advocating for trauma-informed schools. Because of the advocacy of Brody in advocating for his learning needs, Brody has left a legacy that educational needs of every child who struggles with early childhood trauma are met.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all members of this House to welcome and commend Brody, Shelley, and Paul for their work in trauma-informed schools. (Applause)

Bill No. 41 - Entitled an Act to Amend Schedule A of Chapter 1 of the Acts of 2018. The Education Act, and Chapter 1 of the Acts of 1995-96. The Education (CSAP) Act. (Mr. Tim Halman)

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

We'll now return to the order of business, Statements by Members.

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

MORASH, GARRY - PHYSICIAN: RETIREMENT - CONGRATS.

MS. KIM MASLAND « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Garry Morash from Liverpool, who finally hung up his stethoscope in June after 40 years practising medicine in Queens County. With seemingly endless energy, Garry managed a huge caseload and always seemed to be working in the ER at Queens General any time you went there. A doctor who genuinely cared for the well-being of his patients, he went above and beyond to ensure their care and he was always not slow to make a witty or amusing comment to lighten the mood when tensions were high.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Morash was one of a kind and will be sorely missed at his practice. I ask all members of this House to join me in wishing Doc Morash a long, happy, healthy retirement.

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

POON, JOS.: LUPINE - REQUEST FOR OFFICIAL RECOG.

MS. LISA ROBERTS « » : It's a pleasure to stand here today and share a message from a constituent, Joseph Poon, who wrote me a delightful letter. I wanted to share just a very brief part of it with other members. He wrote me about lupines and expressed that: "These colourful and uniquely shaped flowers . . . which some consider weeds, have come to represent Nova Scotia to me and every time I see lupines, it brings a sense of joy and a reminder of home."

Mr. Poon would very much like it if the lupine could be named the official weed of Nova Scotia, as Nova Scotia already has an official flower. He did say - he was very realistic - he realized there were probably more important affairs of state that needed to be addressed ahead of this request, but he did hope that it could be considered.

I'm sharing that message with you in the hopes that it will perhaps fall on your ears like the seeds of the lupine and germinate.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Portland Valley.

THOMAS, OWEN: NSCC FIELD PLACEMENT - RECOG.

HON. TONY INCE « » : Mr. Speaker, this year my office had the pleasure of supervising the field placement of a marketing student from NSCC on behalf of the Cole Harbour and Area Business Association, otherwise known as CHABA.

This young man, Owen Thomas, worked hard to develop a list of 180 Cole Harbour-Portland Valley businesses and over 30 non-profits, as well as community organizations. He helped create a full marketing plan for the association. This work placement was important for CHABA to acquire the tools it needed to grow, for our office's asset mapping purposes and, most importantly, for Owen's personal and professional growth and development.

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I'm looking forward to another NSCC field placement student to come aboard next year to help further develop our plans for local small businesses and our community as a whole. Well done, Owen.

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

ANDREA, KORI: VANIER SCHOLARSHIP - CONGRATS.

MR. EDDIE ORRELL « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize Kori Andrea, a rather remarkable young North Sydney woman who is presently working on her doctorate at Memorial University, and was recently awarded a Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship.

This is one of Canada's most prestigious academic scholarships. Recipients receive $50,000 a year for three years. This allows Kori to throw herself into her research without the worry of monetary pressures. Kori is on her way to becoming one of the best scientific thinkers of her generation. Her present research focuses on biodegradable plastics.

I'd like to take this opportunity to recognize the success of Kori Andrea as her career is just beginning to unfold.

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

WILCOX, JOSEPH SOLOMON: COM. SERV. - COMMEND

MS. TAMMY MARTIN « » : As I was saying, Mr. Speaker, Joe Wilcox was known for the selling of even splits. He raised thousands of dollars for the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital Auxiliary. By going door to door, he averaged about $900 a month. The money went to buy equipment for the hospital and, for those efforts, Joe was presented in 1994 with the Maritimer of the Week by ATV. He walked thousands of miles to thousands of homes.

Joe Wilcox was a champion who hated injustice and hypocrisy. He was no fence sitter. He led the way for all these people in our society who still believe that one person can make a difference. After he passed, his sneakers were bronzed and they now hang in the main entrance of New Waterford Consolidated Hospital.

Joe represented the wishes of our community, about our hospital, and I will continue on his behalf and residents of Cape Breton Centre and all of Nova Scotia to make sure these wishes are not unheard.

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

TOULANEY, IBRAHIM: BASKETBALL ACADEMY - THANKS

MR. IAIN RANKIN « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Ibrahim Toulaney. Ibrahim is a Lebanese-born Canadian who has maintained a strong tie with his hometown village, Minaria, while establishing a new life in Canada. To honour his cultural roots and provide a positive, healthy structure to young children in Lebanon, Ibrahim has donated a basketball academy in his home village. An accomplished basketball player in his own right, Ibrahim played five years at Mount Saint Vincent University, winning four championships, in addition to professional ball in Lebanon and Canada.

Ibrahim's basketball academy not only teaches the basics of passing, dribbling, rebounding, shooting, defence, sportsmanship, but also gives local kids a passion and vision for the game, while at the same time providing life skills that will help make the children productive members of the community. Ibrahim is hoping to establish a similar basketball academy in Halifax, Nova Scotia, as well.

I would like the members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly to join me in thanking Ibrahim for his work in building stronger communities through the love of sport.

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

CLARKE, CECIL/PETERSON, KYLE: WEDDING - CONGRATS.

MS. ALANA PAON « » : Mr. Speaker, love conquers all, even leadership politics. On Saturday, together with loving family and friends, Cecil Clarke and Kyle Peterson were joined in matrimony in North Sydney on beautiful Cape Breton Island.

Mr. Clarke is well-known to members of the House, having served in the Executive Council of Nova Scotia as Minister of Economic Development, Minister of Energy, Attorney General, Minister of Justice, and Speaker of this House of Assembly. As members also know, he now serves as the mayor of Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to send my heartfelt congratulations to Mayor Clarke and his husband partner, Mr. Kyle Peterson on the occasion of their wedding, and wish them many joyous years of marriage.

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

DAUGHTER, EMILY - BIRTHDAY WISHES

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HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today because it was this day four years ago that Emily Sarah Mombourquette was born into the world. For the last four years, Emily has grown into a beautiful young girl who enjoys art, dancing, drama, and hanging out with her family. Emily has a very busy birthday ahead of her starting off with daycare, spending the day with her grandparents, and then of course a video chat with her dad later tonight.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in my place to wish my baby a happy birthday.

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

BEED, SHERRI - PRINCIPAL: TD TREE DAYS - CONGRATS.

MS. ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Principal Sherri Beed and her students at E.B. Chandler Junior High School in Amherst. The school took part in the TD Tree Days this Fall and will be planting a tree in their community. For nine years, TD Tree Days has been helping build healthy and vibrant communities by facilitating the planting of over 300,000 trees across the country. It's wonderful that these students are considering the future of their environment and taking action.

I'm pleased to thank the staff and students of E.B. Chandler Junior High School for participating in this important program.

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

DEMETRIUS LANE COM. GARDEN: EDUC. - THANKS

MS. SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, as one travels through Dartmouth North on Victoria Road, one may come across a sign that reads "Welcome to North Dartmouth, where families and friendships grow" - and growing we are.

This summer the Demetreous Lane Community Garden was created with the help of many community organizations and the love and labour of many who live in the neighbourhood. The garden's construction was described as rapid-fire, taking just three weeks of intense work in equally-intense summer heat to complete. The garden features several pergolas for planting vegetables and flowers, and it also features one in the back that will be used as an outdoor classroom.

This past weekend, I was happy to see the beginning of the work on a beautiful big greenhouse to be erected behind Harbour View Elementary. A project of the Take Action Society, the greenhouse will ensure that healthy food will be grown in Dartmouth North all year round, and it will be a place of learning and business for students from Harbour View and John Martin Junior High.

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In a community where food insecurity is a major issue, I want to extend thanks to all who are working so hard to provide growing opportunities, who are doing the physical labour of planting and growing and enhance literacy around food in Dartmouth North.

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

WILLIAMS, EMILY: MOOT COURT ORALIST - CONGRATS.

HON. PATRICIA ARAB « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Emily Williams, an amazing Fairview-Clayton Park constituent who is one-half of a team from St. Thomas University that recently placed second at the 10^th Annual Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition in Geneva, Switzerland, this past July.

Emily, a graduate of Halifax West in 2015, and her teammate, Camille Xavier, had to submit two legal briefs on the right to life, prohibition of torture, the right to found a family, and related rights, earning them a place in the top 10 of our UN region. After a strong semi-final round, Emily and Camille fell to the University of Buenos Aires, but not without a strong, solid fight, earning Emily the distinction of being named one of the top oralists at the event.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that the members of this House join me in recognizing Emily and thanking her for doing herself and our community very proud.

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

LEGERE, DARA: CENOTAPH REPAIRS - COMMEND

MR. TORY RUSHTON « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the hard work of Dara Legere, vice-president of the Joggins Branch Royal Canadian Legion. The cenotaph was in desperate need of repair and restoration. Dara and the members of the Legion took on this job, a labour of love, out of respect for the veterans. Many upgrades and improvements were done, including new flagpoles and a professional cleaning of the monument, as well as repairs to the walkway to make it wheelchair accessible.

Dara Legere discovered that there were 10 soldiers' names missing from the cenotaph, and a new plaque has been placed displaying these names.

I commend Dara Legere and the members of the Joggins Branch Legion on their outstanding show of respect for our veterans, and I wish them much success in the future.

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

PLEASANT ST.-WOODSIDE ASSOC.:

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COM. BEAUTIFICATION - CONGRATS.

MS. CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Pleasant-Woodside Neighbourhood Association. This group of active individuals in Dartmouth South have been working together to bring a sense of community and civic pride to the Pleasant Street-Woodside corridor.

Made up entirely of volunteers, the association has been hard at work hosting meet-and-greets, community cleanups, and bake sales, and amplifying the work of other community organizations. They are active in plans to beautify the area, support local businesses, monitor and maintain community assets, and develop a vibrant future for the Pleasant-Woodside community.

A community thrives when its members are engaged and feel a sense of ownership for the future of where they live. Please join me in congratulating the fine work this young organization has already done to further the amazing community of Dartmouth. I can't wait to see how the work of the Pleasant-Woodside Neighbourhood Association will grow in the coming years.

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

BURCHINSAW, BETH - CHIROPRACTOR: BUS. EXPANSION - CONGRATS.

MR. BILL HORNE « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to congratulate Dr. Beth Burchinshaw on the expansion of her Fall River Chiropractic clinic. This added space for her and her staff will allow extra service to be available to the clients in our community and surrounding areas. Even though it's only a few doors down, the new expansion space will accommodate new services and includes more store frontage and more natural light.

I'd like to congratulate Beth and her staff on the expansion.

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

SCA: WAR CAMP - CONGRATS.

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, for nearly a decade, the beautiful LORDA Park in Lansdowne has been host to the annual war camp. Members of the Society for Creative Anachronism from both Nova Scotia and P.E.I. gather and encourage their members to recreate a medieval and pre-1600s lifestyle at LORDA. Participants take part in activities such a fencing, sewing, making scrolls, and archery.

This unique event showcases the respect and understanding of history and allows them to experience history in the physical world instead of from a textbook. Participants are well known for their welcoming of new members and for their camaraderie.

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[1:45 p.m.]

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank everyone who organizes and participates in the Barony of Ruantallan War Camp each year for bringing history to life.

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

MARTIN, CATHERINE: ORDER OF CAN. - CONGRATS.

MR. HUGH MACKAY « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Catherine Anne Martin of Blind Bay in the constituency of Chester-St. Margaret's, who was recently appointed to the Order of Canada. Catherine was recognized for her award-winning documentaries and for her commitment to promoting education among the members of the Mi'kmaq, Maliseet, Innu, and Inuit communities, particularly among women and children.

Catherine is a member of the Millbrook Mi'kmaq First Nation community and is a past chairperson of the Aboriginal People's Television Network. Her contribution to Canadian culture and arts policy to advance First Nations artists in their respective disciplines has been remarkable. She was appointed as the 14^th Nancy's Chair in Women's Studies at Mount Saint Vincent University, to the Board of Governors at King's College, and she is also the Chair of the Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network.

I ask the members of the House to join me in congratulating Catherine Martin on her appointment as a Member of the Order of Canada and to recognize her outstanding achievements, dedication to her community, and to the nation.

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

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

MR. SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

MS. ADAMS « » : I would like to draw everyone's attention to the north gallery where we have Dr. Lisa Bonang in the House and I would like to thank her for her willingness to come down to the Legislature to help guide us politicians in issues related to health care. (Applause)

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

BONANG, LISA - PHYSICIAN: COM. LEADER - THANKS

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MS. BARBARA ADAMS « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Dr. Lisa Bonang for all her work on behalf of all Nova Scotians. In fact, in 2017, Dr. Bonang was named, by the Dalhousie Medical Alumni Association, the Family Physician of the Year. Lisa is a rural family physician in Musquodoboit Harbour and she excels in combining the clinical and business side of family practice with the art of family medicine.

She's also the leader of the Musquodoboit Harbour Medical Clinic where she makes a difference in lives of the many people that she touches. She's involved in primary health care research, she lectures at Dalhousie University, and she's known for mentoring both students and politicians who are willing to listen to her. She also participates in many numerous professional organizations including Doctors Nova Scotia and the Provincial Drug and Therapeutic Committee. In addition, she finds time to care for her young family and enjoys many activities such as golfing and bowling.

Dr. Bonang mentions that family medicine can be summed up in one word: family.

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

SPRYFIELD COM. ASSOC.: OUTDOOR MOVIE THEATRE - CONGRATS.

MR. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Mr. Speaker, today I wish to share the news of the exciting launch of the Spryfield Community Association's outdoor movie theatre. The Spryfield Community Association is a group of energized community builders who are truly making things happen in Spryfield.

Over a year ago, they applied to HRM's Neighbourhood Placemaking Program with their idea to build an outdoor movie theatre where community members could come together, socialize, and enjoy movies. They were successful in their application and have just finished building their outdoor theatre at the Urban Farm Museum of Spryfield. The screen and seating are under the stars.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the members of the House to join me in congratulating Krista, Abe, Veronica, Emily, Marjorie, Melissa, Gilbert, Karen, Dave, and everyone else for their successful efforts in bringing our community closer. They are connecting neighbourhoods through their many events and now doing it one movie at a time.

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

HORNE, DONALD: CHILDREN'S HEALTH ENDOWMENT - RECOG.

MR. TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, today I want to acknowledge an outstanding resident of Pictou East, and to share a little information about Donald Horne.

He recently created the Donald Horne Endowment for Children's Health. I am delighted to say proceeds from this fund will go directly to patient care for children in Pictou County. Prior to this endowment, Don's donations have been used for equipment and enhancements for the new Emergency Departments, the Palliative Care Unit, and the Women and Children's Care Unit at the Aberdeen Hospital.

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Through the timelessness of his generosity, Don is witnessing his legacy at work and loving every minute of it. I am proud to call Donnie a friend and along with my thanks, I am looking forward to our kitchen table chats.

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

LUNENBURG LIBRARY: NEW LOCATION - CONGRATS.

MS. SUZANNE LOHNES-CROFT « » : On July 28^th the Lunenburg Library opened its doors to the public at its new location on the first floor of the Lunenburg Academy but, before that, 18,000 books located at the library's former location had to be moved up one of the steepest hills in Lunenburg.

Deputy Chief Librarian Jeff Mercer allowed community members to take out as many books as they wanted on June 29^th, but everyone was to return the books on July 28^th, at the library's new location.

A symbolic book brigade was also held. This included the flow of 500 books handed from person to person, in a human chain, reaching from Kaulbach Street all the way through to the Lunenburg Academy doors.

On July 28^th my colleagues Minister Glavine, Mayor Rachel Bailey, MP Bernadette Jordan and I, along with 300 others, celebrated the opening of the library at its new location at the Lunenburg Academy with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and all members congratulate the new library location.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Just a reminder for all members to not refer to other members by their proper name.

The honourable member for Kings North.

CANETE, ANDREW: EXCELLENCE IN MUSIC AWARD - CONGRATS.

MR. JOHN LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, across Canada there are approximately 18,000 army cadets, many of whom are involved in musical programming. On May 23^rd one young man from Kings-Edgehill School came out on top. Andrew Canete won the Lieutenant General J.W. Quinn Annual Award for Excellence in Music, a national award from the Canadian Cadet organization.

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Andrew has been part of the 245 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps at Kings-Edgehill School for approximately six years. Andrew is one of the most respected drum majors Captain Keith Hynes has ever worked with.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Andrew Canete on receiving this national award.

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

HILL, CAROL: ESL VOL. - COMMEND

MS. RAFAH DICOSTANZO « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to introduce a woman in my riding who has a natural gift for teaching others. Carol Hill was a dean and a professor at Mount Saint Vincent University, a guidance counsellor at Nelson Whynder Elementary School, and worked as a psychologist in Edmonton. Now at the Keshen Goodman Library, she helps those who are new to the English language reach their full potential.

Carol volunteers for the English language learners' group and has also volunteered for the library's literacy program to help students get their GED. Carol loves to teach, but says she is the one learning, by meeting new people and hearing all the different cultural experiences they share with her.

Mr. Speaker, would this House of Assembly join me in thanking Carol Hill for sharing her knowledge with those who seek it from her. Our community is a better place because of people like Ms. Hill. Thank you, Carol.

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

MILTON DAYS FEST.: HIST. EVENT - CONGRATS.

MS. KIM MASLAND « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the work of the Milton Community Association and everything they do throughout the year, culminating in the Milton Days Festival each July. This community favourite dates back many years and includes fun events for all the family, like the pageant and talent show, the great Milton Garden Party, kids and pets on parade, dances, variety shows, and show and shines and much more.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend President Billy Joudrey, his board of directors, and all the volunteers for once again putting on a spectacular Milton Days 2018. You make your community proud.

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

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FERRIS, ROBERT: LIFE-SAVING COURAGE - COMMEND

MR. KEITH IRVING « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Robert Ferris of New Minas as he was able to rescue a man in Gaspereau Lake this summer. Robert witnessed a canoeist who tipped and was unable to get back in his canoe, due to exhaustion. Robert was able to rig a rope under the man's arms and waist and slowly tow him back to shore.

The canoeist was so grateful that he had a flask engraved with the words, Saint Bob Water Rescue. Even more impressive is that in February 2018 Bob received double bypass surgery and fought a severe strain of pneumonia while recovering into the Spring.

I would like all members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly to join me in thanking Robert Ferris on his ability to think fast, react quickly, and come to a stranger's aid. Nova Scotia is a better place because of citizens like Bob.

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

VOL. FIRE DEPTS.: COM. SERV. - THANKS

MR. EDDIE ORRELL « » : I rise today to thank all volunteer fire departments for their dedication and service. The North Sydney Volunteer Fire Department has 35 volunteers who answer 500 to 600 calls per year and have more than $1.5 million of equipment that has been purchased primarily through fundraising.

The countless hours of training and sleepless nights the department volunteers spend serving our community are worthy of our gratitude.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the North Sydney Volunteer Fire Department for being a cornerstone of community life in their community.

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

HYATT, ANITA: LIFE OF COM. SERV. - THANKS

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, Anita Hyatt received the Memorial Cross for the loss of her son, a member of the United Nations Emergency Force, who died in 1966 while serving in Egypt.

This amazing lady, who turned 95 this past May, has shown a strong commitment and passion to help those in need, with a special place in her heart for children.

She lovingly knitted and donated preemie caps to the South Shore Regional Hospital and made hats, mittens, and scarves for Family and Children's Services, bringing joy to many children. She also knitted pneumonia vests for overseas and made hundreds of dolls for children in Africa, in addition to baking pies for church and community fundraisers and wrapping gifts for the Children's Wish Foundation.

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Anita has a pleasant personality, sharp wit, and a great sense of humour. She's still going strong and although she had to give up some of her beloved hobbies and volunteer work due to sight and hearing impairments, she is well known for giving her time generously to her community.

Thank you to Anita for her incredible services.

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

PLUTA, SARA: REMEM. DAY CONTEST - CONGRATS.

MS. ALANA PAON « » : Mr. Speaker, every year the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43 Port Hawkesbury hosts a Remembrance Day Poster and Literary contest.

This year's winner was Tamarac Education Centre Grade 8 student Sara Pluta, now a Grade 9 student at SAERC. Sara won at several levels for her entry in the intermediate poetry category.

Her poem, My PTSD, took first place for the Nova Scotia/Nunavit Command and took first place at the Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command. Sara is the daughter of Dr. Paul Pluta and Karen Pluta, of Port Hawkesbury.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer congratulations to Sara on receiving this significant award and to the Royal Canadian Legion for continuing to involve our youth in its programs and events.

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

HARPER, ABIGAIL: YOUTH VOL. OF THE YR. - THANKS

HON. KELLY REGAN « » : Mr. Speaker, back in May, Abigail Harper was named Bedford's Youth Volunteer of the Year, and I can tell you that she is a very impressive young woman.

Abigail started volunteering in a Spark unit when she was in third grade and now she has been volunteering for 7 years. She is the longest-serving and most dedicated youth volunteer in the Bedford District Girl Guides. Her unit performs a lot of service to the community, all of which Abigail says has taught her patience, organization, planning, leadership, tolerance, and compassion.

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Abigail plays ringette and referees games, as well. She volunteers with the Bedford Beavers swim team where she has been a member for the past nine years and last year she received the Best Buddy Award for mentoring younger swimmers and has earned her Level I official pin.

She also assists with the Bedford Lions Club activities and events, including seniors' dinners and the New Year's levee. She is also involved in a number of school activities. She plays the tuba and the trombone in a number of different bands and ensembles, and also has been involved in her school's cultural club and student leadership.

We are lucky to have such an inspiring young woman in our midst. Thank you, Abigail, for making Bedford a special place.

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

BROWNELL, DREW: COM. CLEANUP - COMMEND

MS. ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Drew Brownell of Amherst. Drew is a young man who took it upon himself to pick up garbage in one of the local parks. Drew's initiative and community mindedness shows his character. It is remarkable that someone at such a young age would have so much pride in the areas where he plays that he would launch the cleanup.

Drew is a great example to his peers and it is a pleasure today to salute him.

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

FLIGHT EDUC. PROG.: AVIATION MUS. - CONGRATS.

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Grade 6 Flight Education program at the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum which recently welcomed its 8,000^th participant.

The Flight Education program has been in operation for over 16 years, teaching Grade 6 students about the history of aviation and the science of flight, as well as inspiring participants to pursue career paths that lead them to the skies.

As the MLA for Kings West, I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to Lloyd Graham, the Flight Education program coordinator and the rest of the team at the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum for providing a long-standing and unique educational opportunity to thousands of students in our community.

[2:00 p.m.]

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ORDERS OF THE DAY

ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS TO MINISTERS

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

H&W - DIGBY DOCTOR LOSS: REPLACEMENT - TIMELINE

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : My question is to the Minister of Health and Wellness. Last September, residents of the Digby area were relieved when Dr. Genna Bourget and Dr. Jennifer Chang joined the Digby and Area Health Services Centre. At the time, the MLA for Clare-Digby said that the new doctors would help ". . . area residents better manage their health concerns and hopefully live longer, healthier lives." I will table that.

However, area residents recently learned that Dr. Chang and Dr. Bourget are leaving Digby to practise here in Halifax. The move will leave thousands in the Digby area right back where they started a year ago, Mr. Speaker. How many months will the constituents of the Digby area have to wait to replace these two doctors?

HON. RANDY DELOREY » : I thank the member for raising the concerns of the residents of Digby. The fact of the matter is the work is ongoing for recruitment in communities across the province. It hasn't stopped.

In fact, nearby to Digby, in Weymouth, there's a physician slated to start later in October, I believe. It does show that recruitment efforts are working. There are additional services with nurse practitioners and other health care providers supporting the community in Digby and the surrounding areas as well.

MS. MACFARLANE « » : So lose two and get one, Mr. Speaker.

Like many areas of Nova Scotia, the Digby area has faced doctor recruitment and retainment issues over the years. There is a constant challenge to make practising in rural areas as attractive as practising in the city, other parts of Canada, or the U.S.

To overcome those challenges, the government must understand exactly why doctors are reluctant to set up practice and eager to leave these areas. Only when we understand the reasons why they leave will we be able to fix the problem.

My question to the minister is: Can he confirm that Dr. Bourget and Dr. Chang were actually interviewed about their reasons for leaving Digby and share with the House what those reasons are?

MR. DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I hope the member opposite can appreciate that disclosing personal information about why individuals make decisions about their work environments would be relevant to them, Mr. Speaker, and not something that would be appropriate to be disclosed on the floor of the Legislature.

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MS. MACFARLANE « » : I just wanted to know if there was an actual exit interview.

In recent weeks, there has been jarring upheaval in the ranks of the Health Authority's doctor recruitment unit. Specifically, there have been two high level departures of people in leadership roles. To compound that void, a recruiting website has been months and months in the making.

The senior director of medical affairs at the Health Authority recently told CBC that the NSHA did not inherit a working recruitment strategy from the Department of Health and Wellness. When is this government going to get serious about physician recruitment and start putting in place the fundamental tools required to bring doctors to our province and keep them?

MR. DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to advise the member opposite that, in fact, we take it very seriously, along with our partners at the Nova Scotia Health Authority. That's why we have made changes listening to front-line health care workers and physicians, why we have brought and allowed flexibility for physicians on where they choose to work within the province.

We have increased compensation to target towards attaching patients to comprehensive family practice services. We have expanded the training opportunities through our residency program for both specialists and family physicians, as well as the training programs and opportunities for nurse practitioners, Mr. Speaker. The recruitment efforts and the supports to enhance recruitment and retention are well under way.

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

PREM.: UNIFIED HEALTH COM. TRIAGE CTR. - FOR-PROFIT

MR. GARY BURRILL « » : Last month, a private, for-profit health care clinic opened up in the city on Joseph Howe Drive. It calls itself the Unified Health Community Triage Centre, and its basic business model appears to be based on customers being able to have a 15-minute appointment with a nurse practitioner in exchange for paying a $35 fee.

I want to ask the Premier clearly: In his opinion is it right that a person in our province should have to pay $35 for a medical appointment?

HON. STEPHEN MCNEIL » : The health care system is publicly funded in this province, and we expect all of the institutions that are providing health care services to meet the Canada Health Act.

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MR. BURRILL « » : This for-profit clinic is deeply troubling to many people who are concerned about public health care. One of the things most troubling about it is that this private for-profit clinic has listed amongst its investors, partners, sponsors, the Province of Nova Scotia and the province's innoviCares.

Here we are with a public health care system strapped at so many levels for financing, so I want to ask the Premier « » : What in the world is the government doing using public resources to fund a private money-making health care project?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm not sure of the organization he is referring to. If he is referring to Innovacorp, it's an arm's length organization from the government.

MR. BURRILL « » : This may not be an abiding concern for the Premier but it was an abiding concern this weekend for Doctors Nova Scotia, which met to discuss this issue. Kevin Chapman of DNS said after the meeting, and I will table his words that the private clinic seems to create a two-tiered system at a time when ". . . our focus would be on strengthening the public system rather than trying to concurrently put a private system in place."

A person could fairly conclude that the emergence of a private for-profit clinic providing a service that is supposed to be provided in Nova Scotia free, indicates that the job the government is doing on providing health care is missing the mark at a pretty basic level.

What other conclusion does the Premier think the public of Nova Scotia ought to come to?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. What the people of Nova Scotia should conclude is that we've received 160 family doctors, and we know there's more work to do. They should all recognize in September there are 19,000 Nova Scotians who found themselves attached to a family practice in this province.

They should also come to the conclusion that we opened up 10 residency seats to ensure that we are training more young doctors in this province to be able to continue to work in this province; also recognize and come to the conclusion that those 15 specialty residency seats were put in place to ensure that we deal with the issue and making sure we have specialists in our province - and we're going to continue to make sure that we reach out and provide primary health care services to all Nova Scotians.

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

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H&W: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET - INCREASE

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : My question through you is to the Minister of Health and Wellness. It's no secret that this government continues to underfund mental health care in this province. We have a health care budget of approximately $4.4 billion. Only 7 per cent of that budget is allocated to mental health services.

Every day the stigma attached to mental health gets weaker. This will surely result in more and more Nova Scotians coming forward to get help. However, this Health and Wellness Minister and Premier continue to turn a blind eye to those who require mental health services and have yet to inject a healthy dollar amount into our underfunded mental health services.

What efforts are being made by the Health and Wellness Minister to increase mental health funding in the overall core health budget?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, the fact of the matter is that we, as a government, have taken concerns and the need to invest in mental health services very seriously. We've been investing millions of dollars over the last number of years to continue to expand mental health services.

It has been no secret, Mr. Speaker, I know because I've stood in my place here on several occasions to highlight how our investments are particularly focused towards youth and community-based services. We'll continue those efforts because we do know that earlier identification, bringing the treatment to patients in need, individuals in need, will provide better outcomes in the long term, and that's where our efforts are predominantly focused.

MS. MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, there has definitely been no expansion of those services in Cape Breton, Pictou County, and other places across this province. We have watched access to mental health care decline under this government. It's obvious and it's a simple fact. The Aberdeen Unit was closed, the psychiatrists who remained there were overworked and soon left.

When we raise these questions here on the floor, the government thanks a bunch of people and then announces fancy-sounding programs like the practice-ready physician stream.

Mr. Speaker, my question to the minister is: If this programming is the answer to the government's plan to alleviate suffering and wait-lists for physicians, why does he deny the funding that it needs?

MR. DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, again I am pleased to remind the member opposite that we do provide the funding for our programs and services that we commit to, that we continue to invest and expand services.

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The member cited no expansion in Cape Breton when in fact we've committed and expanded services through the CaperBase Program, providing youth community health services within the community. That's something that was recommended last year and we took it to heart and provided the funding to provide that opportunity; indeed, those services expanding then to other parts of the province as well.

These are steps that we're taking because we do recognize the need, Mr. Speaker, and that's why we invest and we work with our partners through the Heath Authority and other community-based organizations to provide care to those who need it.

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

H&W: RURAL DOCTORS - RETENTION

MS. TAMMY MARTIN « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. Last week we heard that two Digby area family doctors will finish practising at the end of November - just one year into their three-year contracts at the local collaborative practice clinic. While the Health Authority says they're leaving to practise elsewhere in Nova Scotia, that's cold comfort to the residents of Digby where those doctors were serving a clinic with nearly 10,000 patients.

Mr. Speaker, will the minister acknowledge that collaborative practice teams alone aren't enough to keep doctors in rural Nova Scotia?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the question. I want to remind the member that we're taking numerous steps to support the recruitment and retention of physicians and other primary health care providers in our province. We're expanding the opportunities for training.

We know that when residents train in a particular community - I believe it was last Fall that MarDocs, the association for medical residents for the Maritimes, released that about 75 per cent of physicians who trained and completed their residency in the province stayed in the province. So, by extending family physician residencies to 10, we can expect seven to eight of those physicians to stay and practise in Nova Scotia on an ongoing basis.

We've done a similar imitative with the nurse practitioner program. We've expanded the seats at Dalhousie for training and we've also provided a program to help support, financially, a number of those nurse practitioners.

MS. MARTIN « » : Mr. Speaker, Diane Allen of Cornwallis often waits 60 days for a routine appointment with her nurse practitioner in Digby. That wait time was typical back in January of this year when she spoke to the press about her experience. Imagine how long people will have to wait now that their community is losing two out of three doctors - and now, without these physicians, people are worried that the Digby emergency room will not be able to keep its doors open.

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Mr. Speaker, what guarantee can the minister provide that the Digby emergency room won't close as these doctors leave?

MR. DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, the NSHA continues its recruitment efforts throughout the province when vacancies come up. They continue to provide and make use of the incentive programs that are provided by the province to encourage physicians to practise in areas most in need. That work will continue.

The support and the compensation opportunities are there and I'm pleased to highlight that the community in and around Digby has come together, working together with a collaborative group of individuals to welcome new physicians and health care providers to their community which I believe - from what I've heard from physicians on the ground - have been well received. I think that's an important step that will help with recruitment efforts in that community.

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

H&W: MINISTER - TRUST

MR. EDDIE ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is also to the Minister of Health and Wellness. On Sunday, a constituent and a friend of mine, Mr. Jack Penney, was experiencing some chest pains. He went to the emergency room at the Northside General. He arrived at 7:50 in the morning but the sign on the door said the ER wouldn't open until 8 a.m., and at 8 a.m. he was told that the Northside ER was in fact not open that day. Again, the sign on the door said Open; staff on the other side of the door said Closed.

My question to the minister: If Nova Scotians can't trust the sign on the ER door, how can they trust anything from this minister?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, we listen to physicians on the front line; Doctors Nova Scotia. We brought in a new compensation program, a number of incentives, as well as commitment for increased funding for comprehensive family practice. This is what we heard from front-line physicians, the organization representing them, that this was a means to help with both recruitment and retention. We took the steps and invested almost $40 million earlier this year on an ongoing basis to provide those services and supports.

We continue to listen to the doctors and the front-line health care professionals to create an environment that will both help retain and recruit new health care professionals to our front lines.

[Page 452]

[2:15 p.m.]

MR. ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm sure Mr. Penny is going to be happy to hear what they're doing, but they're not doing in Cape Breton.

Mr. Speaker, two nurses in the emergency room in the Northside sat with Mr. Penny while he waited for an ambulance to transfer him to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Once he arrived at the Regional, he was seen by a nurse, who was from British Columbia.

There are two nurses in a closed emergency room in the Northside while the government pays for an ambulance transfer and a travel nurse, literally brought in from the other side of the country. All the while the Nova Scotia Health Authority sits in Halifax and thinks it knows how to run health care in Sydney.

Mr. Speaker, will the minister admit that this government isn't even penny-wise and pound-foolish, it's just plain foolish when it comes to health care in Cape Breton.

MR. DELOREY « » : I think the member opposite knows full well our commitment to investing in health care in Cape Breton. He knows we'll be creating new primary health care facilities in North Sydney as well as New Waterford. We'll be expanding the emergency room services at both the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney and in Glace Bay. We'll be doubling the size of the cancer facility at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. We're investing in the health care of Cape Bretoners and they know that full well.

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

H&W: LONG-TERM CARE WAIT - LEADERSHIP

MS. ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN; Mr. Speaker, last week at Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, 20 of the 39 medical acute care beds were filled with people waiting for long-term care, 50 per cent of the beds. Meanwhile, the emergency department is lined up with people who need one of those hospital beds but are forced to stay in the hallway on a stretcher. Last week one of the women was 103, the week before somebody who is 97 spent five days on a stretcher in the hallway.

It makes me angry as a nurse to know that my fellow nurses are working in these conditions, but mostly for our elderly whose privacy and dignity have been removed.

Mr. Speaker, when will the minister start looking at the data and looking at the realities, especially that our seniors are going through, who are negatively impacted by the poor leadership through the Department of Health and Wellness and the Nova Scotia Health Authority?

[Page 453]

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : I am happy to advise the member opposite that we certainly do take the concerns and the care of our aging population seriously. It's one of the reasons why we struck a long-term care panel, Mr. Speaker, to look into the services provided in our long-term care facilities.

This is one step that we are taking to ensure that the environment and the care services we provide are appropriate for our aging population. We do share the member's concern, we want to make sure that our aging population is getting the care they deserve.

MS. SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Mr. Speaker, while 20 people lay in the acute care medical beds, awaiting long-term care, there were 18 empty beds in local residential care homes, that are being paid for by this government. While we're paying for empty residential care beds, while acute care beds are being tied up with people awaiting long-term care.

The government can't point the finger elsewhere, on external factors or international trends, this is simply resource mismanagement, plain and simple.

My question: When will the Premier and the Minister of Health and Wellness admit that the government has failed the people of this province and needs new leadership at the Department of Health and Wellness and the Nova Scotia Health Authority?

MR. DELOREY « » : As the member would know, the work we take very seriously, the concerns of the services being provided. As the member may know, she cited her experience in the health care profession that residential care facility and the services being offered there are not the same as in a long-term care facility or a hospital, Mr. Speaker.

When looking at the needs of the population, or the people who would be in those beds, I'm quite confident that if a residential care facility was the appropriate location for them to receive that level of care provided in that facility, that would have been made available to them.

Mr. Speaker, where that wasn't made available to them, I'd have to conclude that it wasn't the appropriate clinical or environment for the care they needed.

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

H&W: MOTOR WHEELCHAIR REQUEST - COMMIT

MS. BARBARA ADAMS « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. Last week I wrote the minister requesting that he help an elderly, immobile constituent of mine to obtain a motorized wheelchair. This constituent's occupational therapist, doctors and nurses stressed that a motorized wheelchair is mandatory for her before she can be discharged from the Nova Scotia Rehab Centre, which could be as early as October 1^st.

[Page 454]

My constituent meets all of the requirements for the government's continuing care senior community wheelchair loan program. Unfortunately, the wait time for a wheelchair through this program is over a year. The demand for this program has far exceeded the funding. I can only assume that the cost of the recommended chair would be far less than a year-long stay at the Nova Scotia Rehab Centre.

Will the minister explain to me the thinking behind underfunding a critical mobility aid program that will keep an elderly woman apart from her husband and family for over a year? Will he commit to helping this constituent gain access to a wheelchair so that she can go home?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I can confirm that the member did leave a piece of correspondence on my desk that I've got here. I did take a look at it just as the House session was getting started. I can commit to the member that I'll certainly look into the situation for her constituent, as requested in the correspondence.

MS. ADAMS « » : Mr. Speaker, again, my question is to the Minister of Health and Wellness. I appreciate that. I will relay that to her this afternoon.

I understand that not everybody is going to qualify for the senior wheelchair program. If you're an outpatient and not lucky enough to be in a hospital, you are going to have to wait two years to get admitted to the wheelchair assessment and prescription program. Then you'll have to wait another year to get a wheelchair. Those not in a hospital bed are going to wait three years without being able to get around their home. To make matters worse, Easter Seals Nova Scotia has had to move to Dartmouth and can no longer have a facility large enough to house wheelchair donations.

My question to the Minister of Health and Wellness: Can he explain to me why programs designed to help the elderly and disabled return home are being increasingly underfunded and understaffed?

MR. DELOREY « » :. As the member noted in the remarks, Mr. Speaker, part of the program does work with partners in the community sector.

The member cited some wait times that are not consistent with the information that I have. I'll have to double-check that, Mr. Speaker, as far as what she's suggesting here on the floor are the wait times in the program. The last time I was briefed, they were not noted to be that long.

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

EECD - SCHOOL BUSING: MINISTER'S REVIEW - CLARIFY

[Page 455]

MS. CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : My question is for the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. One morning last week, Darla Haverstock watched her child get on a school bus. An hour later, she received notification that her child was absent due to an apparent glitch in the parent notification system. In the days before that, the bus routes assigned for both of her children were getting them to school 15 to 30 minutes late each day.

Mr. Speaker, the minister has told this House that he is working with Stock Transportation in the regional centres but has not been at all clear about how he's working with parents. Again, I would like to ask the minister: How are parents being included in the department-led review of school busing?

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL » : Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the member's question. There are a number of unacceptable situations that are happening in our busing system, particularly here in HRM, ones that we have indicated to Stock Transportation need to be addressed immediately. More broadly, we know we have some work to do as a province to make sure we have the best practices so that each and every parent and student can rely on safe and timely service.

We will be engaging parents in these conversations through our SACs and their new enhanced role in the system. We'll have a survey that's available through the website of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development so that they can provide us with direct feedback. We'll also be reaching out directly to principals through the newly established principals' association.

Those folks have invaluable information on the challenges that we experience in our schools, and this will be the first order of business for the provincial advisory council on education as well.

MS. CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, Nova Scotia's democratically elected school boards were not perfect, but they did hold public meetings that parents could attend. It's now two weeks into the school year, and the provincial advisory council on education - which the minister just referenced and has been talking about for many months now - still doesn't exist. When it does, the minister has said he has no plans for it to hold public meetings.

The minister's review of busing is happening inside the department without any consultation so far or indication that the findings will be shared. Parents are feeling frustrated and ignored. How does the minister expect parents to have confidence in decisions that are being made behind closed doors?

MR. CHURCHILL « » : In fact, we've been reviewing all the information that has been coming into the department and into our regions and being shared by our MLAs. These challenges date back four years, particularly in HRM when it comes to the challenges that parents have been experiencing, and I think that what parents' expectations are is that government address these situations so that we find results in achieving the changes that we want.

[Page 456]

There are too many unacceptable situations where parents do not even know where their kids are. We need to change that. We are committed to fixing it and, with parents' help through the School Advisory Councils, through public consultation, through work with the principals and the Provincial Advisory Council, we are going to have answers to these questions and we are going to have a better system as a result.

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

H&W: VETERANS CARE: WALK-IN CLINIC - COMMIT

HON. ALFIE MACLEOD « » : Mr. Speaker, my question through you is for the Minister of Health and Wellness.

A note from the Centre for International Defence Policy at Queens University shows that Nova Scotia has the highest rate of veterans per capita in Canada. There are 4,500 veterans per 100,000 residents. That means that there are almost 48,000 veterans living here in Nova Scotia and our veterans deserve and have earned the very best of medical care. If it wasn't for those very veterans, we wouldn't be standing in this Chamber.

My question to the minister: Will the minister concede that our health care system's struggles makes it very difficult to adequately address the needs of the veterans of this province?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to advise the member opposite that we provide, in partnership with Veterans Affairs, some specific services like the OSI clinic, specifically for veterans and the needs that they have.

I've met with the Minister of Veterans Affairs on multiple occasions to discuss a proposal for additional services that may be able to come together and work together. The minister has been responsive to the inquiry and we continue to work on that file.

So, to the member's request: No, I don't agree with his assessment.

MR. MACLEOD « » : Well, Mr. Speaker, the veterans of this province have been asking for a walk-in clinic for a number of years now, and over the weekend a news report revealed that the federal Liberal Government left more than $372 million that was meant to help veterans and their families unspent.

It's shocking news coming several months after the Prime Minister said in Edmonton that veterans were asking for more than this government could provide. Since Nova Scotia is the home of the highest rate of veterans per capita in Canada, when are we going to see the walk-in clinic?

[Page 457]

My question to the minister is: Will the minister commit today to doing the right thing by our veterans and demanding his federal cousins give Nova Scotia a walk-in clinic that means it will help those who have sacrificed so much for us?

MR. DELOREY « » : As I'd mentioned previously, I have had the opportunity on a couple of occasions - most recently this summer - to meet with the Minister of Veterans Affairs. I believe it was a very productive meeting. He continues to be open to the proposal and we have staff working together to see what we can come up with based upon the requests that have been brought forward by some veterans here in the province of Nova Scotia.

We will continue to work with our partners, the federal government, to see this through to completion.

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

H&W - CUMBERLAND SOUTH: ER CLOSURES - CONCERN

MR. TORY RUSHTON « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. The people of Cumberland South have watched with great interest the cuts that the government has made to health care in the Sydney area, and they are starting to worry because they recognize a pattern.

The emergency rooms at All Saints Hospital have been closed 202 hours since August 1^st; and South Cumberland Community Care Centre ER was closed 252 hours since July 29^th. That's more than one quarter of the time for All Saints and a third of the time for South Cumberland, and we hear there are more closures coming this week.

My question to the minister is: Is the minister content to let ER closures go, or should the people of Cumberland South get ready for a visit from the Premier?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to clarify the member's opening remarks suggesting that there have been cuts. There haven't been any cuts.

It is well known that ER closures and the impacts across the country, relate to staffing on the front lines. That's why we have been listening to our front-line health care providers. We've been changing our incentive programs and compensation because that is what we are being told by physicians. That's what we're hearing from nurses is how we define these programs, how we provide additional training opportunities.

This is what we've been asking for, Mr. Speaker, and that's what we've been moving forward on.

[Page 458]

[2:30 p.m.]

MR. RUSHTON « » : Mr. Speaker, I'll stand corrected. The closures at Northside General and New Waterford sent shock waves throughout rural Nova Scotia. Everybody is looking around wondering who is next. There are many who don't want me to ask this question to see what happens through the Nova Scotia Health Authority.

Will the minister give us his word that the All Saints Springhill Hospital and South Cumberland Community Care Centre will remain open as long as he is minister?

MR. DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for his question. As the member would know, when closures do take place it is as a last resort. It is done when the NSHA is unable to fill shifts. I think the member would appreciate that it's critical that when an emergency department is open it is open with the appropriate staffing levels to provide the care that's needed.

The work that is ongoing for recruitment initiatives in communities like Cumberland, Cape Breton, and across the province are being supported underneath with investments by the province to increase compensation, as well as modifications to our incentive programs, Mr. Speaker. We're listening to the front-line health care professionals and making the changes they are looking for.

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

H&W: FAM. PRAC. WAIT-LIST - EXPLAIN

MR. JOHN LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. Yesterday I met with two constituents of mine who lost their family doctor in October, 2017. They immediately went on a list to receive a family doctor, joining 56,000 other Nova Scotians, but have yet to have a replacement. In fact, they have called twice to confirm that they are still on the list and they've been on the list almost a year now.

However, they have a neighbour who went on the list long after they did and has already been connected with a doctor. My question for the minister is: Can the minister explain why some people on the waiting list are left languishing while others, who have registered later, received a family doctor?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : The way the 811 family practice list works, when individuals register, then when a primary care provider makes it known that they are looking to extend or expand their practice, take on new patients, then they do an evaluation, a search of the list based upon roughly the geography around the clinic and then that list is provided to the physician or nurse practitioner who is looking to attach unattached patients.

[Page 459]

Mr. Speaker, that's the way the process works. Individuals in the primary care office then follow up with the patients and take people off the list as they attach that way.

MR. LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, my constituent, who asked not to be identified, but shared with me that they both have a variety of serious conditions that have them travelling to clinics in Wolfville and Berwick and to an ER in Kentville on a constant cycle.

The main problem they face is a lack of follow-up on their health concerns. For example, one of them had blood work done in July, it showed a number of concerning results, but they have had no follow-up since then.

My question for the minister is: Will the minister explain how people who are trapped in a never-ending cycle of visiting clinics, how they are supposed to get proper follow-up health care since the walk-in clinics are not permitted to do this service?

MR. DELOREY « » : Just a quick point of clarification for the member, there's nothing that prevents individuals operating in a walk-in clinic from providing this type of care. As far as what we've done to help enhance and strengthen the care to help support front-line health care providers and encourage them to provide that level of care is we've made adjustments based on feedback and input from Doctors Nova Scotia, by strengthening and increasing the fees provided for comprehensive family care, providing that level of care that was referenced by the member opposite. That is what we've done.

We've invested almost $40 million to do so, Mr. Speaker. That's a step we've taken by listening to the front-line health care workers, as well as the people of Nova Scotia who recognize the need for comprehensive family care services.

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

ENV. – TUFTS COVE: OIL SPILL CLEANUP - TIMELINE

MS. SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Environment. It has been almost a month and a half since the Nova Scotia Power oil spill at Tufts Cove in Dartmouth North. The last we heard, the cleanup was supposed to be completely by mid-September. It is now mid-September and the cleanup appears to be ongoing and no one is getting any updates from either Nova Scotia Power or the Department of Environment.

Department staff have said that Nova Scotia Power is keeping them informed and so since no one is volunteering the information, I have to ask: Can the minister tell us why the cleanup is not yet complete and when it will be complete?

HON. MARGARET MILLER « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank the honourable member for the question. Tufts Cove has certainly been top of mind and has been newsworthy the last few weeks.

[Page 460]

We do still have a site professional on board - the company has hired a site professional. They report to the Department of Environment on a regular basis. We do know where this stands. We know it's a long, tedious process to remove some of the oil that's on the coastline, but it is proceeding - at a slower pace than we had hoped.

MS. LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, Nova Scotians rely on the Environment Department to act as a watchdog so we can trust that Nova Scotia Power is acting safely and responsibly, but for many of my constituents, this has been another example of the department acting more like a public relations firm for the industry.

The minister's comments have prioritized applauding the company's efforts and minimizing public concerns. It's troubling that the minister has said that her department has no plans to investigate the state of the pipe at the time it burst or why it had deteriorated. I can table that.

My question is: How can the minister assure the public that a spill like this will not happen again?

MS. MILLER « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank the honourable member for that rebuttal and question. The Nova Scotian environment is my first concern, and will always be my first concern. We know that this spill has happened in Tufts Cove. We know that the site professional is duty bound to make sure that this is remediated and cleaned up as much as possible. Of course, nobody - when you start looking at the company themselves, or any company that has a spill - it's very expensive to have a spill.

We expect companies to maintain their equipment and make sure that this doesn't happen, but when it does happen, we make sure that we do have the people on the ground and reporting to our department to let us know how the cleanup is going.

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

H&W: QEII OFFLOAD PROG. DISCONT'D. - WHY?

MR. EDDIE ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, ambulances wait at the emergency room to offload patients because of overcrowding in those departments. When ambulances are waiting to offload patients at the emergency departments, coverage around the HRM suffers, and it can affect other areas of the province as well.

When the minister was asked about a plan last week, he referenced the great work that the Dartmouth General is doing to improve offload times. I'm happy to hear that they're having success, but the offload program he referenced was also a trial at the QEII and discontinued, for whatever reason. Maybe it's staff shortages, or maybe it's a shortage of offload beds. We don't know.

[Page 461]

My question to the Minister of Health and Wellness: Why was the program discontinued at the QEII when it has been showing some success at the Dartmouth General?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a similar but different program than the member opposite referenced. It's my understanding that several years ago, a program like this had been piloted at the QEII HI site as well as the Dartmouth General, and was discontinued at both sites at that time.

What transpired, as I referenced in previous remarks, was that, about Fall of last year - so just under a year ago - the Dartmouth General did a revamp. They took some lessons learned from the first go-around and they've rolled it out again. From all accounts that I've heard, the feedback has been positive. The rollout's been going well, and they're looking at the information from this pilot at the Dartmouth General to see how it can be rolled out at other sites as well.

MR. ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, the ambulance system is in disarray and the paramedics are waiting for the minister's help, because their members are starting to fatigue. Paramedics are becoming more stressed with each passing day because the health care system is in such disarray. Families are upset with delayed responses and take it out on paramedics because they're usually the first point of contact with this broken health care system.

The minister claimed last week that he's listening, and referenced the ride-along he had with Nova Scotia paramedics. My question to the minister: Can he confirm that he did a full 12-hour shift with paramedics, or did he just take a drive-along with a supervisor?

MR. DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, as the member would know, I think there are some concerns about the privacy of individuals being in the active ambulance with the acute-care paramedics. But we did go around and we met with paramedics in hospitals, as well as at their branches.

I had the opportunity here, directly from the front-line paramedics and acute paramedics - the feedback that they provided was very helpful to me. One of the first things I heard was about the success of the offload at the Dartmouth General. It's one of the reasons I made sure that we got over to that hospital's emergency department to see first-hand how that offload program was operating.

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

H&W - SENIORS: SPECIALIZED CARE - ACCESS

[Page 462]

HON. PAT DUNN « » : My question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. I'll cut the preamble and get to the point, which is a situation that's pretty ridiculous, in my mind. We have a senior in my area who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He does not have a family doctor. Because he does not have a primary health provider, he has been denied access to the Nova Scotia Health Authority's seniors' clinic. He received a referral from a doctor in a walk-in clinic. He was still denied because he doesn't have a family physician.

My question to the minister: Does the minister agree that, when our most vulnerable Nova Scotians do not have a family doctor, measures should be put in place to give them access to specialized care like the services at a seniors' clinic?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : I'm not aware of the situation or the response the member brought forward. As the member would know, I would be happy to get the information so I can look into it further.

Again, I've stood in this place on many occasions to highlight that every effort is being made, and the expectations are that we do so to provide the care that Nova Scotians need and deserve. Again, this is the first I've heard of the situation the member has raised. If he passes along the information, we'll work to figure it out.

MR. DUNN « » : The province has failed to provide each Nova Scotian with a family doctor, even after promising to do so. To make matters worse, not only are Nova Scotians denied the primary care of a family physician, they are denied other services as well because their means of referral is cut off. It's a double whammy for these Nova Scotians. It forces Nova Scotians to go without care. It forces Nova Scotians to suffer because their government can't provide a doctor and can't figure out a solution.

My question: Does the minister recognize the disservice to these Nova Scotians? If so, why are these practices not corrected and new policies put in place to prevent this type of outrageous situation from continuing to happen?

MR. DELOREY « » : The member knows we do recognize the need to build upon access to primary care for Nova Scotians who don't have access to a family physician or nurse practitioner to provide those services. That's why we continue to enhance and respond, based upon feedback that we're receiving from the front line.

We've invested and expanded training opportunities for both nurse practitioners and family residents. We have also expanded the opportunities for specialist residents. We continue to invest based upon input and feedback from Doctors Nova Scotia, representing front-line physicians, to provide compensation that will both help retain and recruit more physicians for our front lines.

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

[Page 463]

H&W: SACKVILLE-BEAVER BANK - DOCTOR SHORTAGE

MR. BRAD JOHNS « » : I don't want to break the trend, so my question today is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. My constituency of Sackville-Beaver Bank is considered one of the fastest-growing areas of the province, according to an advertisement that is posted now on the NSHA website.

My office has recently learned that there are three community physicians who are all planning to retire within the next two years, which will mean thousands of people will be without a doctor in my area. In addition, there is currently an unfilled physician vacancy at St. Luke's Medical Clinic in Beaver Bank. While the general population in my community continues to grow, the number of doctors is falling.

Can the minister please explain what actions have been taken to attract doctors to an area that will soon have thousands of additional people without a family doctor?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : The member raises a concern that we've heard from other members of the Legislature, which is, what are we doing to recruit family physicians, nurse practitioners, and primary health care providers to communities. Mr. Speaker, the efforts that are ongoing are increasing compensation and training opportunities for incentivizing individuals to practise in a comprehensive way, to provide the care that Nova Scotians need and deserve.

That's an approach that we've taken, investing almost $40 million for physicians to provide that level of care, as well as expanding the opportunity for non-face-to-face service and making use of technology to enhance the care and services they provide. We're taking a multi-pronged approach because there's no single silver bullet.

[2:45 p.m.]

MR. JOHNS « » : You know, Mr. Speaker, I want to be proactive in this case and not reactive. Over two years ago, there was a Pharmasave store that opened in the Middle Sackville area and there was a clinic constructed next to the store. The intention, of course, was for the clinic to add a new physician or two for an area that is growing and is currently not serviced by a physician. The NSHA currently does not have an advertisement for physicians in the Sackville area, so, I can only assume that the clinic and the Pharmasave complex was not approved for a physician that it was intended for.

Now that those key positions responsible for doctor recruitment at the NSHA are vacant, does the minister have a plan for health care for the residents of Middle Sackville to add another physician clinic to the area that is already built and sitting there waiting for a doctor and patients?

MR. DELOREY « » : As the member would know, the Nova Scotia Health Authority recruitment efforts are ongoing throughout the province. They take every effort to secure and identify prospective recruits whether they be new trainees in residency programs that may be looking to locate or relocate to Nova Scotia after they finish their training or if they're established health care professionals looking for an opportunity and new challenges to come to Nova Scotia to practise.

[Page 464]

That work is complemented or supported by the investments that the province makes through incentive programs and that work is continuing right across the province.

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

TIR - CRESCENT BEACH: REPAVING PLAN - RISK

MS. SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. The Friends of Crescent Beach and residents of Lunenburg County have had to mobilize to make their voices heard regarding the minister's plans to repave the road along Crescent Beach. They report that Chris Trider, the retired beach and dune expert employed by the department for 21 years, says the proposed plan demonstrates a concerning level of ignorance. If the project goes ahead as planned, it risks destabilizing the dune, potentially causing it to wash away and the beach with it. Can the minister tell us why his department has advanced the project to this stage without input from anyone with specific expertise in beach management?

HON. LLOYD HINES « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank the member opposite for the question. In Nova Scotia as I've said before, in the evolution of our highway system, many of them are at sea level. Many of them provide a wonderful scenic view as we drive along, but they also come with sometimes some hidden considerations. In this instance, it is the highway that has existed there for quite a long time and its interaction with the existing dune system.

MR. LEBLANC: Silver Sands Beach in Cow Bay used to be one of our most popular sandy beaches until the 1960s when sand removal destabilized the system and it transformed into the rocky beach it is today. That experience is why we have a Beaches Act and why there used to be a beach expert position in the minister's department. But the department no longer has a beaches expert and there has been no environmental assessment or special consultation for the Crescent Beach road maintenance.

My question is: How can the minister be confident that he's not risking losing Crescent Beach like we lost Silver Sands Beach?

MR. HINES « » : Thank you very much for the question. In the evolution of the process, of course, some of the positions were changed. We do have a very, very competent and expert group in our Department of Lands and Forestry that help us out. We also have the Department of Environment these days, which advises us on many of these considerations but, for the member's information, we are very aware of what was originally proposed at that particular site and we're looking at mitigative measures to reduce the amount of material that would be removed from that area.

[Page 465]

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

TIR: LENNOX PASSAGE BRIDGE - TENDER UPDATE

MS. ALANA PAON « » : In the absence of not having very much time left, I'll forgo my question and just ask directly of the Minister for Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal if he could please provide me with an update because I know he had a meeting on Friday regarding the tender for Lennox Passage Bridge.

HON. LLOYD HINES « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the question. Yes, the Lennox Passage Bridge was put out to tender. It actually came in significantly above what we had hoped that it would. In the due process that follows such an overrun on the estimate, we're evaluating our options and looking at ways that we can reduce the cost of the process and still maintain the integrity of the structure.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Thank you very much. The time allotted for Oral Questions Put by Members to Ministers has expired.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

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

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Public Bills for Second Reading.

PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING

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

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

Bill No. 32 - Body Armour Control Act

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

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 32 be read a second time.

It's my pleasure to stand and speak to this bill today. This legislation is intended to better protect the safety of police and the public in this province. It's not unusual for people involved in criminal activity to wear body armour or bullet-and stab-proof vests to protect themselves while engaging in criminal activities.

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Mr. Speaker, this is simply not acceptable. Its use facilitates their illegal and often dangerous behaviours. These behaviours put officers and innocent bystanders at risk. Our policing partners have told us that this practice is becoming increasing common. This is troubling, so it's important that our legislation is up to date and effective.

Police will tell you that body armour is frequently found in the seats of vehicles at routine traffic stops, when searching properties under legal warrants, and even found in second-hand stores like Frenchy's. The fact is, Mr. Speaker, they are more readily available than they were intended to be. We must ensure public safety and the safety of police as well as other professions that sometimes come into contact with criminal activity.

Our legislation will go a long way to keeping our communities safe. When criminals have access to body armour, the risks are elevated when police are apprehending dangerous offenders. The bill we are proposing, Mr. Speaker, will regulate the possession and sale of body armour. It will also create offenses and provide authority for police to seize unauthorized body armour and only those who justifiably require body armour due to the nature of their work will be able to possess it. That list includes police officers, sheriffs, correctional officers, special constables, conservation officers, by-law enforcement officers, security guards, paramedics, and several others.

As some in this Chamber will remember, the former government had passed the body armour legislation in 2011 but it was never brought into force. This has given us the opportunity to enhance and improve upon that bill. The new legislation expands the exempted groups and creates a more comprehensive list of professions. Mr. Speaker, this will ensure those who legitimately need body armour are those who can use it. It also eliminates what would have resulted in an undue regulatory burden on business and employers.

It's important to point out that the issues associated with the unlawful use of body armour are not unique to Nova Scotia nor is this legislation. British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba have all introduced similar pieces of legislation to address this concern. Mr. Speaker, adopting this amended legislation is the responsible thing to do. Our colleagues in law enforcement welcome this legislation.

Peter McIsaac, who is the Chief of Cape Breton Regional Police and the former President of the Nova Scotia Chiefs of Police Association, called this ". . . an extremely important piece of legislation . . . We know that body armour is being used to advance criminal activity. Controlling its use - keeping it out of the hands it's not intended for, and in the hands of those it's meant to protect - will improve the safety of both first responders and the public."

Mr. Speaker, this legislation is just one more tool we can use to make our streets safer and with those few comments, I welcome the comments of my colleagues.

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

MS. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise to say a few words about Bill No. 32 and I want to begin to address the minister that this is a great bill to see come forward and the PC caucus does support this bill. We support law enforcement and other first responders in Nova Scotia and always have and we respect that they put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. We have long argued, as a Party, that our first responders should be given the tools they need to be safe to do their jobs.

As the minister noted, I will as well note that Chief McIsaac supports this bill and says that body armour is being used by people other than police officers and first responders to advance criminal activity. Being a long-time dedicated public servant and a much-respected individual, we appreciate his endorsement of this bill. The safety of those that he certainly has served and those with whom he serves are always his priority and we appreciate that. We agree that restricting the possession of sale of body armour to police officers, sheriffs, corrections officers, special constables, conservation officers, bylaw enforcement officers, security guards, paramedics, and others who legitimately require it, due to the nature of their work.

Mr. Speaker, I also understand that this legislation is needed to regulate body armour. Mentioned as well in the minister's notes was that there was a bill in 2011 that was passed, but it was never proclaimed. Bill 32, when passed, will bring clarity and the force of law to the session and sale of body armour.

I just want to say to the minister before I wrap up here, Mr. Speaker, that some Nova Scotians have contacted our office with concerns about the bill. They are worried that in this bill the government is perhaps overreaching and will prevent them from using protective equipment for sports or if they own a business, paintball. They are a little bit skeptical of the overall language in the bill.

As we've seen sometimes with this government when they introduce bills, the best intentions are there, but sometimes there are unintended consequences. In this, I understand that these kinds of equipment that are not covered in the bill will be set out in regulations. I urge the minister in his closing comments perhaps he can ease the minds of sports people and others who own businesses that would require armour, put it at rest to so we can understand that it will be laid out in the regulations and they can continue to use protective equipment as well.

With those few words I will say that we think this is a great bill, a good step forward, and we look forward to hearing presenters at Law Amendments Committee.

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

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MS. CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : I want to thank the minister for bringing this bill forward. As he mentioned in his comments, a very similar bill was passed by the NDP Government but unfortunately not proclaimed, due to its dependence on another piece of legislation that got stalled. Of course, our caucus supports the goal of protecting law enforcement and first responders of making communities safer.

We're pleased to see the Act come back and look forward to hearing from folks during Law Amendments Committee. With that I'll take my seat.

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

The honourable Minister of Justice.

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the comments from my colleagues from both Pictou West and Dartmouth South. I will take the comments of my colleague from Pictou West back to the department and ask that we speak specifically to her concerns and respond directly to her, but at the same time certainly welcome what input and feedback we may also receive from Law Amendments Committee.

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

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

The motion is carried.

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

The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. KEITH IRVING « » : Mr. Speaker, that concludes government business for today. I move that we do now rise and meet again on Wednesday, September 19^th, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. After daily routine and Question Period, I will then turn it over to the NDP House Leader for business for tomorrow.

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

HON. DAVID WILSON » : Mr. Speaker, tomorrow we will be calling Bill No. 22, Care and Dignity Act; Bill No. 25, Ombudsman Act; and Bill No. 36, Police Street Checks Act.

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

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MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for the House to rise and meet again tomorrow, Wednesday, September 19^th between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

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

The motion is carried.

[The House adjourned at 3:00 p.m.]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

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RESOLUTION NO. 125

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

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

Whereas Joseph Asselstine, 15, from Valley, Colchester North, and his friend Calem McAndrew, 16, from Brookfield, were given the opportunity to showcase their talents together when they were both selected as members of the Nova Scotia team competing at the Canadian midget box lacrosse championship in August in Calgary, Alberta; and

Whereas the two teens have been friends and teammates for years, playing lacrosse on the same Truro team for seven years, and they both attended the open tryouts for the 20-man provincial team in Halifax, and both were selected; and

Whereas at the tune-up tournament in Nepean, Ontario, in July, the Nova Scotia team went undefeated in four games against Ontario club teams and won the gold; however, the team was defeated at the national championship in August, with the Alberta team repeating as national champions;

Therefore be it resolved that that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Joseph and Calem, along with the provincial team, for their athletic ability and professional attitude in representing the province.

RESOLUTION NO. 126

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

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

Whereas the 10^th anniversary of the Not Since Moses Race took place in Five Islands, Colchester North, on July 15th - a race that has been likened to the parting of the Red Sea, which allowed Moses and the Israelites to flee Egypt; and

Whereas this run is made possible by the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy, and at low tide the exposed ocean floor becomes the racetrack for the run; and

Whereas the members of the planning team are all people who have grown up, lived, and worked along this particular area of the Bay of Fundy, who are proud of their shore and want to share its beauty with others;

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Therefore be it resolved that that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the organizers on the 10^th anniversary of the run, along with the over 100 local volunteers who assist every year with what is considered by many to be the most unique running event in the world.

RESOLUTION NO. 127

By: Hon. Keith Colwell « » (Fisheries and Aquaculture)

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

Whereas Allan Crandlemire is a community-minded resident of Mineville; and

Whereas he performs a positive service for the community by picking up litter on the Mineville Road as well as Exit 17 off Highway No. 107; and

Whereas he is very active in supporting the work of the Orenda Canoe club in Lake Echo;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly recognize and congratulate Allan Crandlemire for serving as an example to others and making a difference in the communities of Mineville and Lake Echo.

RESOLUTION NO. 128

By: Ms. Alana Paon « » (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas too many Nova Scotians live their final days without the dignity and respect they deserve; and

Whereas every life should be valued, treated with respect, and provided with access to programs and services that help to improve quality of life; and

Whereas many palliative care patients lived, worked, and invested in our province, and when they urgently needed help, the system failed them;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Legislature agree that Nova Scotians in their final days should be afforded the respect of dying with dignity and urge the government to do more to support Nova Scotians in palliative care.

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RESOLUTION NO. 129

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

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

Whereas the Eastern Shore Breakers Novice Lacrosse team is comprised of 12 players and four coaches, all from the Eastern Shore area; and

Whereas the Eastern Shore Breakers Novice Lacrosse team had an amazing season, finishing 21-0 and winning the Novice Division in the Metro Minor Lacrosse League; and

Whereas coaches and volunteers of amateur sports are to be congratulated on their dedication to our youth, our community, and the sport of lacrosse;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating John Fry for contributing his time and talents to develop area youth and their role in the 2018 lacrosse season, and wish them the best of luck in all their future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 130

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

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

Whereas the Eastern Shore Breakers Novice Lacrosse team is comprised of 12 players and four coaches, all from the Eastern Shore area; and

Whereas the Eastern Shore Breakers Novice Lacrosse team had an amazing season, finishing 21-0 and winning the Novice Division in the Metro Minor Lacrosse League; and

Whereas coaches and volunteers of amateur sports are to be congratulated on their dedication to our youth, our community, and the sport of lacrosse;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Dave Peddle for contributing his time and talents to develop area youth and their role in the 2018 lacrosse season, and wish them the best of luck in all their future endeavours.

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RESOLUTION NO. 131

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

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

Whereas the Eastern Shore Breakers Novice Lacrosse team is comprised of 12 players and four coaches, all from the Eastern Shore area; and

Whereas the Eastern Shore Breakers Novice Lacrosse team had an amazing season, finishing 21-0 and winning the Novice Division in the Metro Minor Lacrosse League; and

Whereas coaches and volunteers of amateur sports are to be congratulated on their dedication to our youth, our community, and the sport of lacrosse;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Jeff Lovell for contributing his time and talents to develop area youth and their role in the 2018 lacrosse season, and wish them the best of luck in all their future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 132

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

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

Whereas the Eastern Shore Breakers Novice Lacrosse team is comprised of 12 players and four coaches, all from the Eastern Shore area; and

Whereas the Eastern Shore Breakers Novice Lacrosse team had an amazing season, finishing 21-0 and winning the Novice Division in the Metro Minor Lacrosse League; and

Whereas coaches and volunteers of amateur sports are to be congratulated on their dedication to our youth, our community, and the sport of lacrosse;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Joe Nowlan for contributing his time and talents to develop area youth and their role in the 2018 lacrosse season, and wish them the best of luck in all their future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 133

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

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

Whereas the Town of Digby annually recognizes exceptional contributions of volunteer work in the Digby area with the Joe Casey Humanitarian Award; and

Whereas the Joe Casey Humanitarian Award is presented to a person who has made a significant contribution to the betterment of the Town of Digby: and

Whereas Greg Turner is the recipient of the 2018 Joe Casey Humanitarian Award, presented at a ceremony on June 22, 2018, by Mayor Ben Cleveland;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Greg Turner for receiving the 2018 Joe Casey Humanitarian Award for his outstanding contributions to his town.

RESOLUTION NO. 134

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

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

Whereas 86 Emergency Health Services staff members were recognized for their years of service; and

Whereas the Long-Service Awards were presented during a ceremony and reception in Halifax on May 29, 2018; and

Whereas Brian Thibodeau of Saulnierville received his Paramedic Long-Service Award for 25 years of service;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Brian Thibodeau on receiving his Paramedic Long-Service Award and thank him for his service, dedication, and commitment to his community.

RESOLUTION NO. 135

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By: Ms. Lisa Roberts « » (Halifax Needham)

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

Whereas Makiko Chiasson has served St. Stephen's School as principal for the last five years; has united the school community through her generous spirit, kind heart, and hard work; and has demonstrated dedication and an authentic interest in the welfare of the children and community at large; and

Whereas Makiko Chiasson is always ready for any situation, whether it be Halloween, crazy-hair day, running club, or a concert, and brings enthusiasm and spirit to every event; and

Whereas Makiko Chiasson is sympathetic to students' sadness, rejoices in their happiness, and pushes them to reach goals they may not have known they could achieve;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly acknowledge and commend Makiko Chiasson for her 35 years of service as an outstanding educator and principal.

RESOLUTION NO. 136

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

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

Whereas Vince Norris was an active volunteer in Terence Bay and surrounding area for many years; and

Whereas Vince was involved with the volunteer fire department and was an active participant in community planning, served on a number of community boards, and in more recent years, has delighted many youngsters when he would don his red suit and act as Santa at the local community centre; and

Whereas Vince always went out of his way to take care of the local seniors, running errands for some and checking in on others, and he will be sadly missed in the Terence Bay community;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly join me in recognizing the passing of Vince Norris, a tremendous community champion.

RESOLUTION NO. 137

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

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

Whereas the board of directors of the SS Atlantic Heritage Park Society in Terence Bay have graciously been involved in, and co-hosted, the annual Blessing of the Boats ceremony; and

Whereas this annual event is in recognition of all of the passengers aboard the SS Atlantic who lost their lives when the vessel sank off the coast in 1873 to commemorate those who lost their lives, to bless local fishing and recreational boats, and to uphold a tradition that has taken place annually for 35 years; and

Whereas the SS Heritage Park has provided a reception in the local community hall following the service;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking co-chairs of the board Lynette Richards, Kathy Kaulback, and John Corbett, as well as board members Valda Kemp, Margaret Sagar, Rose Caisse, and Kelly Campbell of the SS Heritage Park for hosting this great event.

RESOLUTION NO. 138

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

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

Whereas Keith Budgell is a resident of Beechville and an account manager with FMAV, an audiovisual and event technology company that provides equipment and services in our community; and

Whereas communication technology has become very complex and an essential component when planning a gala, special event, corporate meeting, or outdoor garden party; and

Whereas FMAV works with people who plan meetings and live events to help them achieve their business objectives and connect with their clients and audience;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Keith Budgell for supplying the audio-visual equipment for the community event hosted in the Timberlea-Prospect riding and for proving that FMAV not only offers excellent services, but is also a good corporate citizen.

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