[Page 1909]

HALIFAX, THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019

Sixty-third General Assembly

Second Session

1:00 P.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Kevin Murphy

DEPUTY SPEAKERS

Suzanne Lohnes-Croft, Brendan Maguire

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

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

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

TIM HALMAN « » : Mr. Speaker, permission to make an introduction?

THE SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

TIM HALMAN « » : Mr. Speaker, in the West Gallery, we have Dartmouth East resident Wayne Polem. Wayne has been an advocate for raising awareness regarding noise pollution off Highway No. 111.

I'd ask Wayne to please stand and receive the warm welcome of the House of Assembly. (Applause)

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

TIM HALMAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table a petition, the operative clause reading:

[Page 1910]

"We, the undersigned, are concerned citizens who urge our leaders of the Province of Nova Scotia to act now to undertake an analysis of the noise pollution from Highway 111 with the goal of remedying as expeditiously as is possible for the many affected residents."

Mr. Speaker, there are 79 signatures and I have affixed my signature as per the Rules of the House.

THE SPEAKER « » : The petition is tabled.

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

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

KEITH IRVING « » : Mr. Speaker, as Chair of the Standing Committee on Community Services, I wish to table the 2008 report from the Standing Committee on Community Services.

THE SPEAKER « » : Just for a point of clarity, is it 2008 or 2018?

KEITH IRVING « » : I'm stuck in the past, Mr. Speaker, but today for you, it'll be the 2018 report.

THE SPEAKER « » : Thank you for the clarification.

The report is tabled.

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

THE SPEAKER « » : As Speaker of the House of Assembly, and pursuant to Section 163 of the Elections Act, I am pleased to table the Report of the Chief Electoral Officer on the Proceedings of the Cumberland South By-Election, held June 19, 2018, entitled Statement of Votes, Financial Information & Statistics.

The report is tabled.

STATEMENTS BY MINSTERS

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Internal Services.

HON. PATRICIA ARAB « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction.

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THE SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

PATRICIA ARAB « » : Joining us in the East Gallery today is Emad Aziz, our Business Continuity Manager at the Department of Internal Services, and his family. I'd ask my colleagues to join me in giving him a warm welcome. (Applause)

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Internal Services.

RESOLUTION NO. 744

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

Whereas Emad Aziz, the Business Continuity Manager at the Department of Internal Services was, like many of us, deeply affected by the Barho family tragedy; and

Whereas using his professional background in risk prevention, Emad recognized the need for a free fire safety program for newcomers; and

Whereas Emad's initiative, 7 Bears, has been well-received at the Ummah mosque in Halifax, and that the Ummah mosque in Halifax will soon be offering free fire detectors and fire safety training in English and Arabic;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Emad and his group of volunteers for this important, potentially life-saving program for new immigrants.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

RESOLUTION NO. 745

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

Whereas during the 21^st Annual Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister's Conference, Cedar Bay Grilling Company received the Minister's Award of Excellence; and

Whereas Cedar Bay Grilling Company received this award in recognition of their ongoing commitment to producing high-value, superior-quality products; and

Whereas Cedar Bay Grilling Company's focus on unique value-added specialty products has gained the company numerous awards and worldwide recognition since opening in 2009 - their active participation in trade shows has given them a better understanding of customers' needs and has helped them adapt and expand their product lines to become highly successful international seafood exporters;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank Cedar Bay Grilling Company and their staff for their commitment to their customers and to their community.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

RESOLUTION NO. 746

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

Whereas during the 21^st Annual Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister's Conference, Jim Kennedy received the Minister's Award of Excellence; and

Whereas Jim Kennedy received this award in recognition of his service and dedication to the growth and advancement of Nova Scotia's seafood industry - in 1984 Jim established Louisbourg Seafoods of Louisbourg, Cape Breton, with a focus on hard work and making the most of fisheries' resources that our rural communities rely upon; and

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Whereas Jim Kennedy has built some of the most diversified seafood companies in the province, employing more than 500 people throughout rural Cape Breton and eastern Nova Scotia, yet his original commitment to bringing prosperity to coastal rural Nova Scotia remains the same;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank Jim Kennedy for his determination and leadership as an industry builder of the seafood industry of Nova Scotia.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

[1:15 p.m.]

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 99 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 23 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Assessment Act. (Hon. Chuck Porter)

Bill No. 100 - Entitled an Act to Maintain and Preserve Voluntary Blood Donations in Nova Scotia. (Tammy Martin)

Bill No. 101 - Entitled an Act Respecting the Registration of Tourist Accommodations. (Hon. Geoff MacLellan)

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

NOTICES OF MOTION

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

PICTOU HBR. GOLF CLUB: NEW OWNERS - WELCOME

[Page 1914]

KARLA MACFARLANE « » : One of Pictou West's longstanding real estate properties has finally been sold.

This is exciting news for the area, as the former Pictou Harbour Golf Club has been on the market for many years, and the future of the property was uncertain. However, the new owners, who are from the United States, plan to revitalize the once-popular golf course. Their extensive plans include turning the property into a hotel with a banquet hall, an RV park, and a cottage area.

This important development will bring jobs and investment and enhance our strong and growing tourism industry in the Town of Pictou and surrounding areas. I want to welcome the new owners to Pictou and wish them many years of prosperity and success.

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

FUNSCAD STRIKE: QUICK RESOLUTION - SOLIDARITY

TAMMY MARTIN « » : Mr. Speaker, if anyone has strolled down Hollis Street in the past week, they may have found themselves caught walking on sidewalks narrowed by snowbanks alongside faculty members of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, NSCAD. They are a hard group to miss.

Since last Friday, the faculty of NSCAD, or FUNSCAD, has been on strike since 97.5 per cent of its members voted in favour of action after an impasse was reached between faculty and the administration. The teachers' and librarians' protest can be heard down Hollis and up Duke, not just because of the chants and cowbells, but because every other driver that passes them at rush hour signifies their support by adhering to the protesters' signs that read, honk if you love art.

These teachers, who are joined by their students, are hoping for a quick resolution and that agreeable terms will be found in negotiations which have been ongoing and tumultuous since July. Mr. Speaker, I stand today in solidarity, like many of those Halifax drivers and NSCAD students with my brothers and sisters of FUNSCAD. I hope they are successful in their endeavours.

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

RAFAH DICOSTANZO « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction.

THE SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

RAFAH DICOSTANZO « » : We have with us in the East Gallery Mr. George Crocker, a neighbour, a friend, and somebody I admire with great respect for what he's doing now. He's a great advocate for brain injury, and I will read his member's statement. Please welcome him in the House.

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

CROCKER, GEORGE: BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT - COMMEND

RAFAH DICOSTANZO « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a constituent and a neighbour who devotes his time to bringing awareness to a cause that has affected his own life.

George Crocker is serving his second year with the Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia. In his role on the board, he develops policies to help people cope while suffering from brain injury. George himself is someone who has endured brain injury after experiencing a stroke. He finds volunteer work so satisfying because he can relate to what these individuals are going through and can provide them with the necessary resources and knows how essential the recovery process is. Mr. Crocker also works with a group called Head On at the Veterans Memorial Hospital, which is a discussion group for people who have suffered brain injury.

Would this House of Assembly join me in applauding George for rising above his difficulties in order to help those around him? (Applause)

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

WATTON, RICHARD - MUSICIAN: DEDICATION - CONGRATS.

BARBARA ADAMS « » : Today I rise to acknowledge Richard Watton's exceptional musical achievements.

Richard began his musical endeavours at Caldwell Road Elementary playing the trumpet and French horn in the Grade 6 band program. Richard has enjoyed mentoring elementary students coming into the band. Cole Harbour High School recently nominated Richard to attend an honours band weekend at Mount Allison University, and he gladly accepted. Richard also auditioned and was accepted immediately into the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra, managed by Symphony Nova Scotia. In addition, Flight Sergeant Richard Watton is also the recipient of the Outstanding Air Cadet Military Band Musician.

As a member of the Nova Scotia Tri-Service Band, he performed at the 2017-18 Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo.

I ask everyone in the Legislature to join me in acknowledging Richard Watton for his profound dedication to music.

[Page 1916]

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

LEBLANC, SUSAN - MLA: BLUE TOES FOR BLUE NOSE - GOOD LUCK

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : I rise today to wish my dear friend and colleague, the member for Dartmouth North, the best of luck this weekend as she braves the ice-cold waters of our shared Lake Banook in the Blue Toes for Blue Nose fundraiser.

Alongside other celebrity dippers, the MLA for Dartmouth North will be jumping into the freezing, paralyzingly cold waters of Lake Banook, which may need to be cleared with icepicks, to help raise money for the amazing Dartmouth Family Centre in the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre.

It's a truly awesome and fun event, although I have to say I am happy it's happening on her side of Lake Banook, thereby sparing me from doing the same.

As the event takes place in Dartmouth North, I'll be happy to cheer her on and hold the towel when she emerges from the icy lake.

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

DOW, TODD - RECIPIENT: CMHF AWARD - CONGRATS.

KEITH IRVING « » : Mr. Speaker, four years ago I shared with this House the winner of the Acadia University Student Volunteer of the Year award. Today I am proud to acknowledge that same individual for another remarkable achievement.

Todd Dow from Coldbrook is a third-year medical student at Dalhousie University and has been named one of 17 recipients of the 2018 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame award.

This special award is given to a medical student with an established track record of community leadership, superior communication skills, and demonstrated interest in advancing knowledge. This award includes a cash prize of $5,000 and a travel subsidy to attend the 2019 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Montreal this May where he will have the opportunity to meet with Canadian Medical Hall of Fame laureates and interact with health leaders from across the country.

I ask the members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly to join me in congratulating Todd Dow on this award and recognizing his outstanding academic, volunteer, and leadership achievements.

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

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MACLELLAN, LOREL & ELLA: MUS. LEGACY - RECOG.

KEITH BAIN « » : Mr. Speaker, the sudden loss of a loved one can be devastating. But the love of music can be both healing and inspirational, as two amazing young ladies have demonstrated.

Lorel and Ella MacLellan lost their father Brian suddenly on September 22, 2018. Brian had a great passion for music and was a remarkable guitarist. He always encouraged his girls to strive for greatness with their own musical ability and the trio was seen many times playing at church functions and community events.

On December 1, 2018 Lorel and Ella showcased their growing talent by performing an amazing concert with friends and family in dedication of the musical legacy of their father. They successfully raised $2,125 for the Cape Breton Cancer Patient Care Fund.

I rise today to recognize the amazing contribution of both Lorel and Ella to their family, friends, and community at large.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Yarmouth.

YARMOUTH BIG BOUNCE RENTALS: BUS. OF THE YR. - CONGRATS.

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Mr. Speaker, the Yarmouth and Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated our local business community at its 2018 Business Awards and the winner for 1-10 employees was Yarmouth Big Bounce Rentals.

Yarmouth Big Bounce Rentals provides rental and party services for birthdays, festivals, exhibitions, fundraisers, community events, and school fairs in Yarmouth, South West Nova, and beyond.

I ask this House to join me in congratulating Yarmouth Big Bounce Rentals on being named the Yarmouth and Area Chamber of Commerce 2018 Business of the Year and wish them continued success in our community.

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

CLARKS HRB.: 100^th ANNIV. - CONGRATS.

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : Mr. Speaker, on March 4, 2019 the Town of Clark's Harbour celebrated the centennial anniversary of its incorporation.

Located on the southernmost tip of Nova Scotia, the island town was once a bustling town with busy shops, restaurants, and hotels and boasted a thriving waterfront with numerous wharves and rich fishing grounds.

[Page 1918]

With a strong sense of community pride, Clark's Harbour continues to prosper and is known worldwide for its famous Cape Island-style boat.

The town celebrates its milestone throughout the year with special events scheduled every month.

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish the Town of Clark's Harbour a happy 100^th birthday and hope it will continue to thrive over the next 100 years and beyond.

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

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB: ACTS OF KINDNESS, FLOWER BOMBING - THANKS

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the youth at the Dartmouth North Boys and Girls Club who, during the week of Valentine's Day, brought joy, smiles, and laughter to total strangers at the Alderney Ferry Terminal by flowerbombing them.

In February, the club was gifted a huge quantity of cut flowers by Bloomex Canada, and with the help of volunteers from RBC, the youth and staff individually wrapped over 500 roses and tulips and then hit the ferry terminal to spread some love. Standing with buckets of flowers as people got on and off the ferry, the group simply handed them out to people in an effort to brighten their day and put a smile on their face.

In a world where so many can be suspicious of strangers, it is simply wonderful to know that random acts of kindness can still bring people together in love and community. I ask the members of this House to join me in thanking the youth and staff of the Dartmouth North Boys and Girls Club for their generous act toward their Dartmouth neighbours.

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

WAMBOLDT, TIA - MEDALLIST: CAN. WINTER GAMES - CONGRATS.

HON. MARK FUREY « » : I rise today to recognize Tia Wamboldt of Bridgewater. Tia and her partner, Jordyn Henderson of Truro, won a silver medal in the female trampoline synchro competition at the recent 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, Alberta. This was impressive, considering that the duo practised together only two times before their medal-winning performance. It was the first time that synchro was offered at the Games.

Tia is a member of the Dartmouth Titans Gymnastics & Trampoline Club, and has trained in trampoline for almost 10 years. She says she had an absolutely amazing experience at the Winter Games and really enjoyed the chance to cheer on and support other Nova Scotian athletes competing in the sports they love.

[Page 1919]

I ask all members of the Nova Scotia Legislature to join me in wishing Tia Wamboldt all the best as she graduates from Mount Saint Vincent University this Spring with a degree in Child and Youth Study and continues to compete in Elite Canada and Nationals later this year.

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

CURLING IN NEW GLASGOW: 166^th ANNIV. - CONGRATS.

HON. PAT DUNN « » : Mr. Speaker, 30 of the best curling clubs in the world will arrive in Pictou County between November 5^th - 10^th for the largest Grand Slam curling event ever to be held at the Pictou County Wellness Centre.

It was 166 years ago today - March 7, 1853 - that the first curling occurred in New Glasgow. Curling was played outdoors for the first 20 years, prior to the first indoor facility, which was opened in 1874. However, it was 63 years later, in 1937, that the first artificial ice was used at the Bluenose Curling Club.

Today, the Bluenose Curling Club is the 3^rd-oldest in Nova Scotia and the 11^th-oldest in Canada. It officially took the name Bluenose Curling Club on January 12, 1869. Today, the club operates from its location on Park Street, where a four-sheet rink was constructed in 1990.

I'd like to ask all members of this Legislature to recognize the commitment and diligent work of the executive in New Glasgow on this historic day.

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

SOC. WORKERS MO.: REAL PEOPLE/CHANGE - RECOG.

LISA ROBERTS « » : Mr. Speaker, March is Social Work Month, and this year's theme is Real People, Real Impact. It is a time to think about the contributions of social workers across this province in schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities, the Department of Community Services, and in community agencies.

The social work profession has helped to shape our province. Social workers engage with clients with empathy and solidarity, and are often joined with them in the struggle for social justice. Social workers identify changes needed, and they resist and propose alternatives to the systems that continue to oppress many historically-marginalized people.

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I recognize their work and the College of Social Workers, and I am grateful for them.

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

GRIFFIN, DONNA - TEACHER: INSPIRING STUDENTS - RECOG.

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise today to recognize West Kings District High School administrator and teacher Donna Griffin. Described by her students as an extraordinary human who has the biggest heart, Donna has deeply impacted the lives of her students. Donna always sees the best in her pupils and goes above and beyond to help them see and realize their potential. She has contributed to the academic success of many, and to some, having her in their lives has been lifesaving.

Donna has been a driving force for the West Kings student council and has served as a leader with the Legion Leadership Training Camp. Furthermore, each year Donna is an inspiration behind the remarkable student-led West Kings Remembrance Day service.

Mr. Speaker, I request that the House join me in recognizing Donna Griffin of West Kings District High School, whose legacy and presence will be forever an influential impact on the lives of the young people she meets.

[1:30 p.m.]

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

COLLINS, NORM - PRES.: CROSSWALK SAFETY - COMMEND

TIM HALMAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Norm Collins, a Dartmouth East resident, and president of the Crosswalk Safety Society. Norm has worked tirelessly for the installation of crosswalk flags in Dartmouth East and all over Halifax. His model has sparked other crosswalk safety societies all over Nova Scotia with similar safety goals.

As a parent in a constituency with so many schools, I understand the important role crosswalk flags play in our safety. I wish to commend Norm Collins and the Crosswalk Safety Society for his contributions to Dartmouth East, and the province as a whole.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Antigonish.

Theatre Antigonish: The Shoe Project - Congrats.

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HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, my community of Antigonish is fortunate to enjoy a diverse and varied population. This was celebrated on February 8^th and 9^th, through a special Theatre Antigonish production called The Shoe Project.

The Shoe Project brought to the stage eight immigrant women who had worked since last Fall to write and develop their story for presentation. The production was led by local writer, Anne Simpson and local actor, Laura Teasdale.

Novelist Katherine Govier launched The Shoe Project six years ago in Toronto and since then, immigrant women in many communities in Canada have had the opportunity to go through a 10-week writing workshop, and then work with a theatre professional to bring their piece to the stage.

The Shoe Project was a collaborative effort, including funding by Nova Scotia's Culture Innovation Fund, along with local sponsorship from Arts Health Antigonish and formed in partnership with Theatre Antigonish and the Antigonish County Adult Learning Association (ACALA).

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate all involved, including the eight women who shared their stories, Karen Bissonette, Renée Romero Brown, Willie Duykers, Almudena Garcia-Garcia, Anu Joshi, Jyotsna Jain, Soo Kyeong Lee and Yen Ngoc Nguyen, and all the work behind the scenes to bring The Shoe Project to the stage.

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

Hunter, Maura - Swim Coach:

Special Olympics Worlds - Best Wishes

LARRY HARRISON « » : Mr. Speaker, involved with the Special Olympics for almost 20 years, Maura Hunter of Lower Harmony will be heading to the World Games in the United Arab Emirates as a coach with the Canadian Swim Team. Maura has attended the World Games in previous years, first as a mother to Special Olympic swimmer Matthew Hunter during the games in Greece, then as a family liaison at the Los Angeles Games. Focused on helping to make this the best possible experience for the athletes, this will be her first time attending as a coach.

I'd like to thank Maura Hunter for her guidance and devotion to the Special Olympics Swim Team.

I'd also like to wish the Canadian Swim Team the best of luck at the upcoming 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games March 14^th to 21^st in Abu Dhabi.

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

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Smith, Micah: Oncology Massage Therapy - Congrats.

HON. KEITH COLWELL « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Micah Smith of North Preston, a musical talent who is occasionally a backup singer for Reeny Smith, but also a highly trained massage therapist.

She always wanted to help people, which led Micah to actively pursue a career in massage therapy. She graduated in 2014 and began working as an independent contractor at Massage Addict. She continued her studies, focused on oncology massage therapy at a prestigious institute in Boston, to acquire the skills to help relieve pain in cancer patients.

I recognize and congratulate Micah Smith for achieving this high level of professionalism and wish her every success in opening an at-home practice.

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

MACINTOSH, DAN - JOURNALIST: CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS - RECOG.

BRAD JOHNS « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Dan MacIntosh, an award-winning journalist for CTV Atlantic News. Dan grew up in Stellarton and graduated from St. Francis Xavier University where he worked on the campus newspaper, radio station and on stage at Bauer Theatre.

After graduating, Dan joined CKEC in New Glasgow before transitioning to television. Over his career Dan has logged close to 2 million kilometres covering the Westray mine disaster, Royal Visits and interviews with almost every Prime Minister from Pierre Elliott Trudeau to Justin Trudeau.

In 2019, Dan MacIntosh will have worked in television and radio for 37 years. I'd like to thank Dan for his dedication and look forward to listening to his signature "I'm Dan MacIntosh" for years to come.

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

WOMEN RACERS: CROSSING GENDER BARRIERS - CONGRATS.

HON. MARGARET MILLER « » : Mr. Speaker, the iconic phrase, "Gentlemen, start your engines" will have to be revised due in part to three daring young women who suit up to compete against the men in the thrilling sport of car racing. East Hants is proud of Emily Meehan of Rawdon who, along with Emma MacMillan of Glenholme, and Megan Parrott of Beaver Bank made history on the night of August 3^rd at Scotia Speedworld. It was the first time that the track ever checker-flagged females in all three of the feature races the same night. It was an exciting evening at the track. The victories of Emily, Emma, and Megan in a male-dominated sport will inspire many females young and old to step bravely into an arena of competition knowing the barriers that have stood between them and entrance into a male-dominated field are crumbling one by one. So it will be "Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines."

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I would like to offer congratulations to our own Emily Meehan and her two colleagues for their bravery and historic victories.

THE SPEAKER « » : The member for Kings North.

SHAFFELBURG, JACOB - SOCCER PLAYER: TORONTO FC - CONGRATS.

JOHN LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, Jacob Schaffelburg is a young soccer player from Port Williams, Nova Scotia. He has now become a professional soccer player with Toronto FC. While he was signing with the second-tier club, he has actually been playing with the big-league team. Toronto FC coach, Michael Bradley states, "He's a kid who is not afraid, has speed, the ability to run with the ball; when he gets into position with the ball on his left-foot he knows how to put [it] into dangerous areas. And he's a great kid."

Congratulations to Jacob on his great accomplishment and best wishes on his future career. Congratulations also to his parents, Mike and Linda Schaffleberg.

THE SPEAKER « » : Just a quick reminder, there's a lot of chatter, it's getting hard to hear the member statements. I ask that everybody just keep their chatter down to a dull roar please.

The honourable member for Clare-Digby.

MARITIME NHL'ERS FOR KIDS: ACCESSIBILITY - RECOG.

GORDON WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, I'll speak loudly here. Last July I participated in the Maritime NHL'ers for Kids Golf Tournament at the Digby Pines, along with such hockey sports personnel as Ron MacLean, Brad Marchand, Jillian Saulnier, and Ryan Graves. In addition to the tournament, the event included a gala dinner, auction and a question-and-answer session for our young hockey players with the sports celebrities.

The two-day event is part of the Maritime NHL'ers for Kids efforts to ensure hockey is accessible to all children who want to play. Since the tournament started, it has donated $7,500 to the Annapolis/Digby Jumpstart program and in the last four years the total to our local programs has reached $23,000 and over $250,000 to Jumpstart programs across the Maritimes.

The Clare-Digby Minor Hockey Association also received 25 full sets of hockey outfits, which it used in the program funded by Hockey Nova Scotia to encourage young girls to play hockey. Over 25 little girls had a great time learning hockey this year. As the costs associated with playing hockey continues to rise, I want to recognize the Maritime NHL'ers for Kids and their efforts for hockey to be accessible for all young players.

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

PEACH, LEROY: BOOK, RHYMES OF A GRATEFUL CAPER - THANKS

HON. ALFIE MACLEOD « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. LeRoy Peach of Port Morien on his 8^th book titled Rhymes of a Grateful Caper. LeRoy is a retired English teacher whose poetry is about place and belonging with an emphasis on the singing landscapes and seascapes of Cape Breton. Most poems also reflect his love of nature. LeRoy Peach has never lost his love for Cape Breton and was very grateful he was able to retire in Port Morien in 1989.

I stand here today to acknowledge and thank LeRoy and state that Port Morien is very fortunate to have him as he is a tireless volunteer in that community.

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

MACKAY, FRANK: DEATH OF - TRIBUTE

LENORE ZANN « » : Mr. Speaker, it's with great sadness that we must bid farewell to a dear friend, Truro's Frank MacKay, a genuine, kind-hearted, positive soul with an indomitable spirit and a voice to match as he died last night in Halifax after triple bypass surgery. Frank was a legend in his own time, lead singer of The Lincolns, Soma, and many theatrical shows, including John Gray's Rock and Roll, an original Canadian musical based on the true story of The Lincolns, which Frank performed across Canada to great acclaim.

Many of us who have performed with Frank and known him over the years will mourn the loss of this great friend and truly incredible performer. Oh, Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling, from glen to glen and down the mountainside. The summer's gone and all the roses falling. Tis you must go, my love, while we must bide.

RIP, dear Frank. You will not be forgotten. (Applause)

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

COOKE, NORMA: PRESERVING HISTORY - THANKS

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HON. LLOYD HINES « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the life's work of historian Norma Cooke, of Isaac's Harbour. She has brought to life the history of Guysborough County through her charmingly handwritten notes and extensive collection of newspaper clippings, memorabilia, and artifacts.

Norma served as the postmaster in the Isaac's Harbour Post Office for almost 28 years where she gathered and shared stories with tourists and locals alike, even providing a few key genealogical connections for those on the hunt of their own family ancestry. Numerous other Nova Scotia historians have called on Norma Cooke's rendition of history for their own research and published works.

It's not a reach to say that the treasured local history of Isaac's Harbour could very well have been forgotten had Norma not taken it upon herself to have it recorded and saved. I want to thank Norma for her important contribution to the preservation of Isaac's Harbour's rich history through her thoughtful archiving and appeal to her curiosity and enthusiasm to continue her much-appreciated handiwork.

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

OLIVER'S BENCH: OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE AWARD - CONGRATS.

KIM MASLAND « » : Mr. Speaker, in October 2018, the 14^th Biennial Liverpool International Theatre Festival opened with Oliver's Bench, an original play by Liverpool playwright, Greg Tutty. Skillfully directed by the playwright himself, this dramatic piece had no dialogue, its story told to a full house at the Astor Theatre through the acting of cast members Al Steele, Annette Burke, and Teresa Clarke.

I would like to congratulate and applaud the writer, cast, and crew of this Winds of Change Dramatic Society production which was awarded the Outstanding Ensemble Production at the festival. In addition, it was nominated in every award category for which it was eligible. Oliver's Bench was truly a memorable event at the Astor Theatre.

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

METLEGE, HOUDA FRANCES: A WOMAN OF STRENGTH

HON. LENA METLEGE DIAB « » : Mr. Speaker, in recognition of International Women's Day, وم المرأة العالمي, I stand as an elected member of this historic Legislature in its 200^th year to pay tribute to the most amazing, remarkable woman that has made a lasting mark on my life - Houda Frances Metlege, my mother.

Houda is the one who has guided me along the right path in life and has devoted her energy to caring for our family. She left her parents and her home in Lebanon at a very young age to join her husband-to-be, my father, Steven, to begin a new life together in what was uncharted territory. Today, over 54 years later and with the passing of my father, she continues to show us her strength, courage, resilience, and love in spite of the great loss of her lifelong partner.

[Page 1926]

Today, I want to honour her remarkable contribution and celebrate International Women's Day to commemorate the inspiring role of women around the world.

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

CAMPBELL, KERRY: BOOK, BLOOD BONDS - CONGRATS.

EDDIE ORRELL « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Kerry Campbell of Florence on the release of her book, Blood Bonds: Stories from the Lily and Quinn Series.

Kerry has always had an addiction for reading and writing. She has taken part in National Novel Writing Month and has written several novels in rough draft form and has completed four anthologies that were traditionally published.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish Kerry success with all her present and future endeavours.

THE SPEAKER « » : I just want to give a quick reminder that for Statements by Members, we are not to repeat songs, recite songs, poems, et cetera. Just a quick reminder for the future.

The honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect.

HIGGINS, DANIEL - COACH: GUIDING YOUTH - THANKS

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Daniel Higgins, a resident of Timberlea and a coach of the Sir John A. Macdonald High School men's varsity basketball team.

In addition to coaching the Sir John A. Macdonald High School Flames, Daniel has been an active coach with the St. Margaret's Bay Fury and has travelled with basketball teams to Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Montreal, for example. He has assisted Basketball Nova Scotia with clinics and initiatives to help grow the sport in Nova Scotia and devotes at least five days per week, to coaching.

Dan's passion for basketball and talent as a coach has helped to build strong, confident athletes both physically and mentally. Through Dan's guidance, he has succeeded in encouraging his players to work hard, be persistent, and always have a positive attitude. His sound advice and the special connection he shares with players have resulted in successful athletes both on and off the court.

[Page 1927]

I ask the members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly to join me in congratulating Dan his achievement of becoming a well-respected coach in the basketball community throughout the province and thank him for sharing his talent and guiding our youth to be happy, healthy members of the community.

[1:45 p.m.]

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

LANDRY, EVA: BOOK, JUST A FARM GIRL - CONGRATS.

ALANA PAON « » : Mr. Speaker, on the eve of International Women's Day, I rise today to acknowledge and congratulate Eva Landry of Sampsonville on the publication of her non-fiction book entitled Just a Farm Girl.

Eva is one of Richmond County's most avid volunteers and well-known educators. Eva was a teacher as well as one of the first female principals in Richmond County and was the first woman to become Superintendent of Schools in the county. In 1980, she became the first female inspector of schools in Nova Scotia. Eva has been honoured with the Order of Nova Scotia, the Order of Canada, and the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal.

I would like to thank Eva for her service, her guidance, and to offer my congratulations on her latest in a long list of impressive accomplishments.

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

MEMBERTOU DEV. CORP.: TOP MANAGED CO. AWARD - CONGRATS.

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Membertou Development Corporation, which has been named one of Canada's best-managed companies by Deloitte for 2019. This marks the first Mi'kmaq-owned and led corporation to receive the designation.

It includes many different entities: the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre, Membertou Gaming Commission, Membertou Sport and Wellness Centre, the Lanes at Membertou, Kiju's Restaurant, Membertou Real Estate, Membertou Market, Membertou Data Centre, Membertou Entertainment Centre, and the Health Park property, just to name a few.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in my place today and I ask all members to congratulate Chief Terry Paul and all the leadership with Membertou Development Corporation for the amazing economic story that is not only transforming Membertou but transforming our entire community. (Applause)

[Page 1928]

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

MCLEOD, TYLER/WESTON FOODS:

HEALTH CARE FUNDRAISING - THANKS

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Mr. Speaker, Today I would like to recognize plant manager Tyler McLeod and his staff at Weston Foods in Amherst. Together, from payroll deductions and other fundraisers, they have raised over $75,000 for the Cumberland Regional Healthcare Centre for the maternal childcare unit.

This money will be matched by Weston's Seeding Stronger Communities Initiative. The money will help purchase a new transport incubator, a portable ultrasound unit, and a biliblanket. Tyler and his staff have worked hard and give freely to give generously back to their communities.

They recognize the need and have worked hard through labour and volunteer work to make this happen. Today I would like to thank them for being so generous to our community.

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

MSVU WOMEN'S SPORTS: ACAA CHAMPS. - CONGRATS.

HON. PATRICIA ARAB « » : Mr. Speaker, as a Mount Saint Vincent alumnus and neighbour, I'm always proud to hear about other student's accomplishments.

Earlier this week, the Mount Mystics women's basketball team defeated the St. Thomas University Tommies. In an undefeated 23 games, the basketball team claimed the ACAA/AASC championship title. The team also ranked second nationally and will compete at the national championships next week in Quebec.

In addition to the basketball team's success, the Mount's women's volleyball and soccer teams also won their ACAA championships. I ask the members of the House of Assembly to join me in celebrating the Mounts women's sports teams on their incredible accomplishments this year.

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

BACON, ROGER: BOOK, FROM FARMER TO PREMIER - CONGRATS.

[Page 1929]

TORY RUSHTON « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Roger Bacon, the 21st Premier of Nova Scotia, on his first published book.

Premier Bacon, along with his long-time friend Morris Haugg, authored this book called Me and My Team: From Farmer to Premier, sold out of the first printing within 90 minutes of hitting the shelves. The book covers Bacon's life before, during and after politics, starting on a small farm in the 30s during the depression.

Whether Roger Bacon was a farmer, a county councillor, a cabinet minister, or the premier, he changed the way he saw himself and the way he treated others.

Please join me in congratulating Premier Bacon and Morris Haugg on this outstanding book and I can personally attest to myself, thank you to the member from Cumberland North, that this book is a valued read. In the words of Premier Bacon: that a boy, Farmer.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Waverly-Fall River-Beaver Bank.

HOLLAND RD. ELEM.: FRIENDSHIP TREE - CONGRATS.

BILL HORNE « » : Mr. Speaker, I recognize a group of students from the Holland Road Elementary School in the community of Fletcher's Lake who had a goal to make everyone in their school feel welcome. The Friendship Tree project was the idea of Ellen Rudderham, and she was then joined by her two friends, Gabby Allen and Nate Hollett.

After approval from the principal, the three students designed and created a tree, which now hangs in the hallway of the school. Students post a heart-shaped note on the tree for each act of kindness done by other students. The students are amazed to see the many notes and are inspired to think up ways they can perform more acts of kindness.

I thank Ellen, Gabby, and Nate for leading this project that spreads generosity and kindness among their fellow students.

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

EMMETT, ANNE: SENATE 150 MEDAL - CONGRATS.

KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, I stand today to congratulate and mention a dear friend of mine, Anne Emmett, of Braeshore, Pictou County. Anne, who is most deserving, was recently awarded the Senate 150 Medal. Anne and her husband Mike have been residents of Pictou West since 1993. She is a person who does not enjoy the limelight but is always busy behind the scenes.

She has been a board member for the Ship Hector Foundation and was chair of the Hector Quay Society for five years; she was instrumental as the founding chair of DEANS, Destination Eastern and Northumberland Shores; the final chair of the Pictou County Tourism Association; and Anne is an active CARMA volunteer, an organization which helps the local feline population - you will see her at different venues promoting and raising awareness of the organization.

[Page 1930]

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

NS ATHLS.: CAN. WINTER GAMES VICTORIES - CONGRATS.

HUGH MACKAY « » : Our province has reason to be very proud of all of our young athletes who recently returned from the 2019 Canada Games in Red Deer, Alberta. I want to particularly congratulate some of the members of Team Nova Scotia who live in the constituency of Chester-St. Margaret's.

Bridget MacLean, a Grade 10 student and snowboard racer from Glen Haven, qualified this year in the giant slalom and the border cross events. This was Bridget's first experience at the Canada Games, and she placed a very respectable 4^th overall in her snowboard event.

Kate MacKinnon from East Chester, named by the Provincial Snowboarding Association as the 2016 Female Snowboarder of the Year, was also a member of Team Nova Scotia and took 6^th place against a tough field in the female parallel giant slalom event.

Taylour Stevens, from Chester, was a member of skip Cally Moore's curling team which defeated Team New Brunswick, bringing home bronze for Nova Scotia. Team Moore defeated B.C., Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan en route to the bronze.

I ask the members of this Assembly to join me in congratulating these young athletes.

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

BYRNE, KEVIN - CAPT.: RCSU COMMENDATION - THANKS

BARBARA ADAMS « » : I rise today to acknowledge Captain Kevin Byrne upon receiving the RCSU Commanding Officer's commendation.

Captain Byrne was presented the award for his outstanding professionalism and leadership as Commanding Officer of 18 Dartmouth Lions Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron.

The squadron unexpectedly lost their usual meeting spot, and Captain Byrne made the transition to a temporary meeting place smooth and seamless for everyone involved during this difficult time with little to no interruption to cadet activities. The cadets are extremely thankful for his planning and communication abilities. Captain Byrne accepted this award on behalf of officers/staff, parents, cadets, and the Shearwater Military Family Resource Centre.

[Page 1931]

I ask all members of the Nova Scotia Legislature to join me in thanking Captain Kevin Byrne for his dedication and time giving back to our community once again.

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

CAMPBELL, EMMA & MYA: PROV. BASKETBALL TEAM - CONGRATS.

BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : I rise today to speak of two amazing young girls from Spryfield, Emma and Mya Campbell.

Emma and Mya have been named to the Nova Scotia Provincial Basketball Team U14 Division. They began playing basketball at the age of 11 with our local basketball club, Express Basketball. They now play for the Halifax Hurricanes Division 1 U14 and they also play for Elizabeth Sutherland School. This Spring, they will join the provincial team. Emma and Mya have been nicknamed the "twin towers" by their teammates and coaches.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Emma and Mya for their outstanding performance in the sport, and wish them the best of luck as they move on to the next level playing on the provincial team. Our community is so proud of these young ladies, and we wish them continued success in their sport.

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

BURGESS FAM.: AWARD, CURLING CONTRIBS. - CONGRATS.

LARRY HARRISON « » : Mr. Speaker, on March 3^rd, the Truro Sport Heritage Society honoured the athletic accomplishments of local athletes and volunteers from 2018 during its 35^th annual awards dinner.

The Burgess family was awarded the Armstrong Family Award for five generations' worth of family contributions to local curling. Their contribution began back in 1952, when a Burgess relative represented Nova Scotia at the Brier on three occasions 1952, 1955, and 1956. Generations of the Burgess family have represented Nova Scotia at the Brier, National Senior's Championships, Nova Scotia Johnson Cup, the Canada Games, just to name a few. The fifth and newest generation are definitely making their family proud with well-known athletes such as Andrew, Chris, Lindsay, and Karlee Burgess.

Congratulations to the entire Burgess family on receiving this well-deserved honour.

[Page 1932]

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

LANGLEY, BRIAN - INDUCTEE: SPORT WALL OF FAME - CONGRATS.

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, Brian Langley of Bridgewater was inducted into the Lunenburg County Sport Heritage Society Wall of Fame in November of 2018. He was honoured for his strong ties to Lunenburg County, his contribution to track and field, and his commitment and dedication to sport.

Beginning in 1986, he was chef de mission for the Canadian team for the World Championships held in New York, Rome, Tokyo, Stuttgart and Gothenburg. He served on the board of Athletics Nova Scotia and Athletics Canada for more than a decade and received the Hugh Noble Award from the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation for contribution for school sport.

He was team leader for the Canadian track team at the 1992 Olympic Games and the former president of the Pacific Conference Federation. He officiated at numerous national championships, Commonwealth Games, Pan American Games, World Student Games and World Championships. Brian received the Queen's Jubilee Medal for his contribution to Canadian culture and he was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame in 2000.

I ask all members to join me in congratulating Brian Langley for his outstanding contribution to Nova Scotian and Canadian sport.

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

WILLIMENT, KEN: LIBRARY TEEN ZONE - THANKS

BRAD JOHNS « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize branch manager Ken Williment and the staff at the Sackville Public Library. Their roles go well beyond providing books and quiet spaces to read. With the help of a grant from the Cobequid Community Health Board for youth-based programs, the library has started Teen Zone.

Mr. Speaker, the program reaches up to 60 participants a week and teaches them how to prepare recipes. Sometimes, the participants go to the grocery store with the staff to purchase the food and also learn additional life skills like budgeting. The library will soon get a new teaching kitchen - that they're installing as we speak - where these programs will be taught.

I would like to thank Ken and other staff at the Sackville Library for becoming a cornerstone of our community.

[Page 1933]

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Antigonish.

ANTIGONISH - HOST: 55+ SUMMER GAMES - WELCOME

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, this summer from July 31^st to August 3^rd Antigonish will host Nova Scotia's 55+ Summer Games. Our community is excited to be welcoming the athletes and their families from across the province and look forward to offering the same level of hospitality offered to participants at last year's national Special Olympics Summer Games.

Our community is getting ready; town and county councils have come together, each naming a co-councillor as co-chair - Diane Roberts for the town, and Vaughan Chisholm for the county.

Most events will take place around St. FX University, taking advantage of its many upgraded sporting facilities, but others will be held at Keppoch Mountain and Lochaber Lake. Activities will include geocaching, disc golf, mountain biking, tennis, rowing and more.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to invite all Nova Scotians to come to Antigonish to cheer on the athletes competing in Nova Scotia's 55+ Games.

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

COXHEATH HILLS TRAIL ASSOC.: REMODELLING - THANKS

HON. ALFIE MACLEOD « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the Coxheath Hills Wilderness Trail Association which recently received $67,000 from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. These funds will be used to remodel the downstairs kitchen in the community hall located at the entrance to the Coxheath Hills Wilderness Trail. As part of the project, the CBRM has also contributed $15,000.

Offering a panoramic view of the greater Sydney area, Coxheath Hills offers a year-round hiking destination and, hopefully, this new kitchen will draw crowds of tourists for a hike-and-lunch program.

Mr. Speaker, I stand today to thank everyone who has spent many hours volunteering their time to help the Coxheath Hills Wilderness Association become a main activity for locals and tourists alike.

[2:00 p.m.]

[Page 1934]

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS TO MINISTERS

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

PREM.: CHIEF JUDGE APPOINT. - POLITICAL INFLUENCE

TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, we're all watching as events play out in Ottawa with respect to the alleged interference by various members of the federal government in the SNC-Lavalin affair.

The discussion in Ottawa underpins one of the fundamental tenets of western democracy, and that is that the court should be free from influence or interference from legislators. My question for the Premier is, does the Premier agree that it is a key principle of our democracy to ensure a separation of the judicial, the legislative, and the executive branches of government?

THE PREMIER » : Mr. Speaker, yes.

TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, some agreement. In 2018, the term of the Chief Judge of the Provincial Court expired. The Chief Judge was appointed to the role. My question to the Premier is: What role or influence did the Premier or his office play in the decision to appoint Chief Judge Williams?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, as he would know, Chief Judge Williams was actually in that post. She had been there for five years, she was back successively. They would have seen a number of people who would have gone for another five years. I believe there was a recommendation with two potential candidates, and Chief Judge Williams was one of them.

I want to congratulate her for her outstanding work with us and the work she's been doing ensuring that we have the first Wellness Court, the first of its kind in Canada. We look forward to continuing to work with her. I also want to thank her for the work that she's been doing on the inquiry around the Home for Colored Children to understand how all branches of what we expect, who should work independently, how they've all broken down for minorities in this province.

TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, the Premier is correct, it was a reappointment, and there was a process. I'd like to ask the Premier: Is the Premier confident that the proper process was followed in reappointing the Chief Judge?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I have all the confidence in the judiciary who made the recommendations, they weren't recommendations, they came to us; I believe the process they used was the one that has been used for quite some time. I do also want to congratulate and thank the Chief Judge for her tremendous work on the Provincial Court.

[Page 1935]

Chief Justice MacDonald is also retiring. He has done exemplary service for the people of our province and I'm very proud, quite frankly, that this judiciary reflects the reality of Nova Scotia today. Half of our judges are women, we have more minorities than ever in our history.

I want to thank all those who continue to make sure that the independent branch of the judiciary reflects the reality of this province, and I'm very proud to be part of a government that continues to provide equal access to justice in this province.

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

PREM.: ER NURSES - INVEST.

GARY BURRILL « » : Mr. Speaker, Cheryl Burbidge is an LPN at the ER at the Valley Regional and she says that conditions on the floor at her emergency department are so overcrowded now that they're actually dangerous. Nurses there are having to look after so many patients that it amounts to being in violation of their standards of practice. Staff in that ER are working at 200 per cent capacity many days. I want to ask the Premier: Wouldn't it be better to make the investments in health care that would take the pressure off ERs rather than run a generation of nurses into the ground?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. That's why we continue to invest in the collaborative care model to ensure that people have access to primary health care in communities. As he would know, the model of health care delivery is changing rapidly.

He would also know family practice nurses are becoming an important part of that, that's why we continue to hire more family practice nurses to become part of that team, nurse practitioners as well. He's heard me say many times that in some of our communities, social workers should be part of that whole health care team model.

That's how we continue to believe that we can lessen the pressure on our emergency rooms across the province by continuing to build the model of health care that health care professionals want to work in today.

GARY BURRILL « » : Mr. Speaker, in Lower Sackville, the Cobequid Community Health Centre is keeping patients overnight because the other ERs are so overcrowded there's no place to make the transfer that they're supposed to. Staff are working overtime in order for this to happen. Last year, the NSHAs nurse overtime budget was exceeded by a factor of more than four. I want to ask the Premier: Wouldn't it be a better use of our resources to make the investments that would take the pressure off ERs in the first place, rather than continuing to spend endlessly on overtime?

[Page 1936]

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, that's exactly what we're doing. You have heard me talk about the redevelopment of the health care infrastructure we have in the capital region and the redevelopment of the infrastructure in Cape Breton. We're talking about building collaborative care centres across the province. That's exactly what we are doing, building the infrastructure that had not been invested in for decades. We need to make sure we make those investments because that is how we will attract and retain health care providers and build the appropriate health care environment where all of our health care professionals want to work.

GARY BURRILL « » : But the question of emergency room staffing across the province is not becoming less of an issue. It is becoming more of an issue all the time. We have learned just lately that the QEII is having a hard time filling nursing shifts at the rapid assessment unit following changes in what the hospital counts or doesn't count as overtime. While emergency RNs are meant to staff that unit, the department is now asking LPNs without emergency training to fill those shifts.

I want to ask the Premier: Wouldn't we be better to make the investment in more nurses and lessen the pressure on ERs in the first place, rather than leaving our emergency rooms understaffed?

THE PREMIER « » : I want to remind the honourable member - I'm sure he paid close attention to this fact that when the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board tabled her capital plan this morning - that there is a significant investment in health care infrastructure to deal with the very issues that the honourable member is talking about. Mr. Speaker, I, like him, would prefer to have that infrastructure in place today, but the honourable member, when his government was in power, did not address the issues that were facing Nova Scotians. The reality of it is, we are taking this issue seriously, head on, making the investments and ensuring that the infrastructure reflects today's reality and will be there for the next 50 to 60 years.

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

JUSTICE - CHIEF JUDGE APPOINT.: PROCESS - OUTLINE

TIM HOUSTON « » : My question is for the Minister of Justice. The Chief Judge is a position of considerable influence. The Chief Judge of the Provincial Court has a variety of important roles within the court system. The Chief Judge schedules which judges hear which cases, keeping in mind that the province is one of the biggest litigators in Provincial Court. The Chief Judge will decide which judges will hear each and every case that involves the provincial government. It's a position of considerable influence.

Can the Minister of Justice outline the process he used for appointing the Chief Judge?

[Page 1937]

HON. MARK FUREY « » : There is an established committee that presides over that process. That process is totally independent of government. That process also provides names to government of those who have met the criteria. Judge Williams' name was one of those presented to government that met that criteria. Chief Judge Williams was the sitting incumbent of that position, and I, too, want to take the opportunity to communicate to this legislature and to all Nova Scotians the valuable work that she does in that role.

TIM HOUSTON « » : I appreciate the minister's comments about the importance of the selection committee. I would just like to ask the minister one more time if he can talk to this House about the importance and the significance of the selection committee in terms of the history of appointing a Chief Judge.

MARK FUREY « » : The process that I have just explained is the process that has been followed by consecutive governments appointing consecutive Chief Judges over a number of years. If you look at the history of the appointment of past Chief Judges, each of them has fulfilled subsequent terms. That's based on the performance of their work and the selection of those candidates who come forward, the presentation of names of those that come forward. In these circumstances, Chief Judge Williams was one of those names advanced, and given her experience and role and consistent with past practices of reappointing sitting Chief Judges, Judge Williams was reappointed to that position.

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

H&W - HOSP. REDEV. PLANS: P3 CONTRACTS - COST DETAILS

TAMMY MARTIN « » : My question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. The capital plan released today outlines $156.9 million for health care redevelopment projects in Halifax and Cape Breton. The plan provides no breakdown of exactly what that will cover and no indication of how much of that money will be spent through a P3 project.

Can the minister tell this House exactly how much of that $156.9 million Nova Scotians should expect to pay for the profits of the corporation that gets the very lucrative P3 deal for these hospital redevelopment plans?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, at this point there has not been a decision as to who's completing the overall work with either the Cape Breton or QEII New Generation redevelopment projects.

Mr. Speaker, as part of the overarching QEII redevelopment project, as the member would know, we've been taking steps and for each step of the way, when there has been a project step, whether for design work being done or the actual capital work and construction step being done, they go through the RFP process, the provider is selected, and all that information is made public at that time.

[Page 1938]

TAMMY MARTIN « » : Mr. Speaker, looking through the capital plan, I see many worthwhile investments under Health and Wellness, and I'm glad the minister is attending to them now rather than deferring them to the next generation. However, he doesn't seem to be taking this approach when it comes to the QEII redevelopment.

Unless the minister decides to disclose them, we won't know the true costs of using a P3 contract for 30 years. Mr. Speaker, will the minister admit there is a hospital-sized hole in this capital plan?

RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to advise you and my colleague, the member opposite, that, in fact, this is a once-in-a-generation investment in health care infrastructure.

This is an investment in establishing health care infrastructure that's modernized, has been reviewed and assessed by clinicians for their input as to how to build for the future, both in Cape Breton and in the Halifax region on the mainland. This is listening to Nova Scotians, this is listening to health care providers, and this is investing in our health care system for our children, as well as those people here today.

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

JUSTICE - CHIEF JUDGE APPOINT.: SELECTION COM. - MEMBERSHIP

TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Justice. The Minister of Justice has outlined that he struck a committee to find the next Chief Judge. I wonder if the minister can share with the House, who was on the Chief Judge selection committee?

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd have to go back to the department to confirm the actual individuals who sit on that committee. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court would chair that committee. There is representation from the Nova Scotia Provincial Judges' Association. There would be, I believe, Nova Scotia Barristers' Society representation, as well as a representative of government through the Department of Justice, but I can confirm those representatives.

TIM HOUSTON « » : That committee is indeed made up of the Chief Justice of the Court of Appeal, the Associate Chief Judge of the Family Court, the President of the Nova Scotia Provincial Judges' Association, and a layperson appointed by government.

This is a very important committee, doing very important work on behalf of the province. Mr. Speaker, I wonder if the minister can confirm that he provided a terms of reference to the selection committee, and will he table those terms for the benefit of this House?

[Page 1939]

MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, the terms of reference have been in existence for some time. One of the responsibilities of the Minister of Justice is to provide those terms of reference to the selection committee. They were available to the selection committee and those are the terms of reference that the committee used in advancing the names they did to government.

[2:15 p.m.]

THE SPEAKER « » : On a new question, the honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

JUSTICE: CHIEF JUDGE SELECT. COM. - RECOMMENDATION CONFIRM

TIM HOUSTON « » : Can the minister confirm that the minister asked for and received a recommendation from the Chief Judge selection committee for the next Chief Judge? Did he receive a recommendation from the committee?

HON. MARK FUREY « » : I'd have to go back into the file itself, Mr. Speaker. We received names from the committee specific to candidates and from that list of names, it was Chief Judge Williams who was reappointed to that position. But I can confirm the specifics of what my colleague is asking.

TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, the recommendation of that committee is something that would have been of critical importance to the minister for sure.

I would like to ask the minister: Can the minister tell this House how many candidates were put forward by the selection committee?

MARK FUREY « » : There were two candidates.

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

JUSTICE - CHIEF JUDGE SELECT.: COM. RECOMMENDATION - ACCEPT

TIM HOUSTON « » : Can the minister confirm that he accepted and acted upon the recommendation of the selection committee? Did you accept the recommendation, and did you act on it?

HON. MARK FUREY « » : The names that were submitted for consideration - it was, in fact, as the policies and procedures allow, a decision of the Minister of Justice to advance a candidate. In these circumstances, Mr. Speaker, it was Chief Judge Williams' name that was advanced.

[Page 1940]

TIM HOUSTON « » : I have a copy of the terms of reference that would have been provided to the committee. Under the minister's terms of reference, it says that when appointing the Chief Judge of the Provincial and Family Courts, the Governor in Council will act on the advice of the recruitment committee - that they will act on the advice. I'll table that for the benefit of the House.

I would like to ask the minister: Isn't it true that, rather than accept the name that was put forward by the selection committee, the minister directed the Chief Justice of this province to add another name to the short list of names put forward?

MARK FUREY « » : That's not correct, Mr. Speaker. There were two names advanced from the committee. The terms of reference that my colleague refers to were reviewed in detail by our most senior legal officials in the Department of Justice. As a result of that process, those procedures, and those terms of reference, Chief Judge Williams was reappointed to the position.

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

ENVIRON. - ALTON GAS: LACK OF CONSULTATION - EXPLAIN

LENORE ZANN « » : My question is for the Minister of Environment. Two years ago, the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia made clear that this government has not adequately consulted Sipekne'katik First Nation on the Alton Gas project, but the minister has done nothing about that. The minister has refused to pause the project's approvals or begin consultations. In the meantime, Alton Gas is moving forward with the project.

When will the minister finally put a pause on the industrial approval and consult?

HON. MARGARET MILLER « » : The province has had a very active role with the Alton Gas project. We have been involved with the environmental assessment. The application was brought forward, and that was granted. We have also approved an industrial approval, and that has terms and conditions associated with it.

LENORE ZANN « » : Mr. Speaker, the only thing stopping the project from moving forward while this government remains in violation of treaty obligations is the Treaty Truck House, which is set up by Mi'kmaq water protectors in keeping with their traditional rights.

Now Alton Gas from Calgary has filed for an injunction to remove those water protectors from their own traditional lands. As I said yesterday, the minister's actions are leading to injunctions instead of consultations - hardly the path to reconciliation.

Let's just be clear: Is the minister planning to allow this project to move forward without fulfilling government's obligation to consult with Sipekne'katik First Nation?

[Page 1941]

MARGARET MILLER « » : I can say that the industrial approval is still valid, and we are monitoring the terms and conditions to make sure that they do stay compliant. As for the issues with Alton Gas and the First Nations that are on the site, that is a matter between law enforcement and Alton Gas. The province is not involved in that.

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

JUSTICE: CHIEF JUDGE SELECT. COM. - POLITICAL INTERFERENCE

TIM HOUSTON « » : The minister indicated that the committee put forward two names, but in fact, I have the letter from the chair of the selection committee dated June 13^th - I'll table that for the benefit of the House.

The letter says to the minister that there were two candidates, but the committee made one recommendation to fill the position. That's the letter that was sent to the minister - with one recommendation. The minster rejected that recommendation, and instead directed the selection committee to include another name, even though the selection committee had already made it clear who they thought the best choice was. I can table a letter from the minister to the selection committee on July 19^th instructing them to add another name to their list, despite what they wanted.

Mr. Speaker, that's called political interference. That's what's happening in Ottawa. That's what shouldn't happen here, but it has happened here. I'd like to ask the minister: Was the minister acting alone when he decided to undermine the selection process and force them to add another name to the list?

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, My colleague has referred to the terms of reference. We have applied the process in these circumstances as is required. There is interpretation within the legislation and within the terms of reference; that's what was applied here. We looked at all of the factors and the reappointment of previous Provincial Court Judges and fulfilling their role and their mandate in these circumstances. The Chief Judge, who was the incumbent, was reappointed consistent with the process and the terms of reference.

TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, the terms of reference the minister refers to require the minister to act on the recommendation of the committee. The minister did not act on the recommendation of the committee. The minister instructed the committee to add another name despite what they thought was best for the court system of this province.

So I'd like to ask the minister again: Who did the minister consult with before deciding to throw out the name that was put forward by the selection committee and force his choice onto the shortlist as a Chief Judge?

[Page 1942]

MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to assure my colleague that no names were thrown out from the process that was applied. The two names that were provided were considered. We explored all of the options within the process that my colleague has outlined. We reviewed the terms of reference that were applicable in this case and have been in past cases where the Provincial Judge appointment has been vacant, and reappointments or appointments are required.

There was nobody else instructed or guided the Department of Justice from my office in this process. This process was fulfilled with direct legal input and advice from the most senior legal officials in the Department of Justice. I came to a decision based on all of those factors. I brought that decision forward to my cabinet colleagues as the process requires and Chief Judge Williams was reappointed.

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

JUSTICE: CHIEF JUDGE SELECT. COM. - DIRECTION FROM PREMIER

TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, the minister called for a selection committee to be struck. We know that that was a committee of very, very distinguished judicial minds. I've said the positions of the people that were on there. The problem was they didn't pick the candidate that the minister wanted; they didn't choose the candidate that the minister wanted. That was the problem, but the minister then instructed them to add another name to the list.

My question for the minister: Is that a decision that the minister made on his own, or did the minster receive any direction from the Premier or the Premier's Office on how to handle the situation where the selection committee didn't select the candidate that they wanted selected?

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, within the process that my colleague has outlined, there are policies and procedures, there are terms of reference. There is an opportunity in the process that we went through in reviewing all of those elements of the selection process.

As I alluded to further, I consulted with and engaged the most senior legal minds in the Department of Justice in our Legal Services Division, the law firm for government, and it was the direct advice and input of only those senior officials that contributed to my decision - my decision - in recommending the reappointment of Chief Judge Williams.

TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, the process is well established. It's been in place for decades. It's only this government that has chosen to override that process because they didn't get the answer they wanted from the process that worked.

[Page 1943]

The minister had the opportunity at the onset to directly reappoint, but instead the minister chose to strike a selection committee. Possibly for political cover, for a decision that he might have already made. The minister overruled the selection of the committee. And earlier today, and last Fall when my colleague asked the question, the premier stated again, the importance of judicial independence to our democracy.

So, I'd like to ask the minister again: Were there conversations between senior staff in the minister's office and staff in the premier's office, as to how to come up with a way to overrule the selection committee's candidate and undermine the entire process?

MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for the question because he has outlined, quite frankly, the transparency I applied to this process.

He is absolutely right, Mr. Speaker. I had the unique opportunity to reappoint Chief Judge Williams without any consideration of any other candidates. I was not required to strike the committee or ask the Chief Justice to bring that committee forward for purposes of a selection process. It was because of my commitment in the Department of Justice, to the transparency of these processes, that we actually opened that process to another opportunity.

It was the collective outcome, Mr. Speaker, of all the information, it was the transparent application of that process that resulted in the reappointment of a very competent chief judge.

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

JUSTICE - CHIEF JUSTICE RESIGNATION:

SYSTEM UNDERMINED - RESPOND

TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, the Premier and the minister spoke with a glowing pride of the process, and it is a nice process - except when it doesn't get the result they want, and they have to override it.

Destroying the Public Accounts Committee is very dangerous, but seizing control of the justice system is an entirely other matter. Even the Chief Justice has made a statement about it. After the minister rejected the recommendation of the selection committee, Chief Justice MacDonald resigned rather than participate in this farce…

THE SPEAKER « » : Order please. The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition has the floor.

TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, the Chief Justice has made a statement about what happened here. The Chief Justice resigned rather than participate in such a farce again. Will the minister confirm that Chief Justice MacDonald resigned after feeling the justice system had been undermined by the minister during this process?

[Page 1944]

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I'll go back to the point of my colleague's question. He's trying to determine, he's trying to make a connection of a decision outside of my office, where I may have been influenced by direction or someone else, guiding me as to how and who should be selected.

I want to assure my colleagues in this Legislature and those Nova Scotians that at no time did anyone give me direction on the selection process. It was a discussion internally within the department, with my deputy minister and the most senior legal officials within the department, Mr. Speaker, that resulted in a transparent application of that process.

I can't speak to why Chief Justice MacDonald resigned, other than to say that I have worked on multiple files and had multiple discussions about enhancing the access to justice in the Province of Nova Scotia and I have had nothing but the highest level of cooperation and support through Chief Justice MacDonald and his colleagues.

TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, the minister may not be able to speak for Chief Justice MacDonald, or the reasoning behind his resignation, but the Chief Justice speaks for himself in his resignation letter.

The Chief Justice says "representing the common interests of each and every judge in the province is fundamental to my role as Chief Justice of Nova Scotia. The recent recruitment committee process for the appointment of the Chief Judge of the Provincial and Family courts has undermined that role."

Those are the words from the Chief Justice in his resignation letter. He says he can't participate in that type of a process anymore. The minister might not be able to speak for the Chief Justice, but he doesn't have to because the Chief Justice spoke for himself.

[2:30 p.m.]

Will the minister confirm that the Chief Justice resigned after feeling undermined by the minister in this process?

MARK FUREY « » : Again, I can't speak for the reasons for Chief Justice MacDonald resigning. My colleague is referring to a piece of correspondence. I have had ongoing interactions with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court as well as the Chief Justice of the Family Court and the Chief Justice of our Trial Division. I meet twice a year with the chief justices and judges of the province to build a relationship.

Over extensive discussions, we have established what we believe to be the independence of the judiciary and the independence of the Executive Council. We also speak about the interdependence of those two bodies and our collective efforts to work together. We have continued on that journey. We will continue on that journey with the new Chief Justice of the Province of Nova Scotia, and I look forward to that appointment.

[Page 1945]

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

JUSTICE: CHIEF JUDGE SELECT. COM. - OVERRULED

TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, it sounds nice. It sounds nice, but the issue is that the Chief Justice of this province felt undermined by the actions of this minister, who rejected the recommendation of the selection committee and essentially said, we don't care what you're saying; put my name on the list so I can choose it. That's political interference, and that's wrong. It should never happen. This Cabinet should never be dabbling in the workings of the court.

I would like to ask the minister one more time: Can the minister confirm that the Chief Justice resigned because he felt undermined, as he stated in his letter?

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I can only repeat that I can't speak for the Chief Justice. My colleague is referring to a piece of correspondence.

What I can say is that we continued, up until his retirement on February 1^st, to maintain an open door policy of discussion with the judiciary which we recognize to be independent of government. We spoke about the independence of the Executive Council. We may not have always agreed on those factors, but where we did land is at the importance of the judiciary and government working with each other to enhance access to justice. We have done that.

I want to assure my colleague and everyone in this House, we applied the process that exists for the selection of the Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Nova Scotia. We did that with senior legal advice and interpretation of policies in Legislatures and procedures within the process that my colleague has referred to. We have appointed a competent Chief Judge.

TIM HOUSTON « » : The process was not followed, Mr. Speaker. The committee made a recommendation. That recommendation was not the choice of the minister, so the minister instructed the committee to add another name to the list. There's nothing in the procedure that says that if the minister doesn't like the recommendation, they can put another name on the list. The process was not followed. The process required that the minister will act on the results and the recommendations of the committee. This is political interference at its worst.

It is offensive to Nova Scotians, and the minister needs to give an explanation as to why he felt it was okay to overrule the committee and do so to an extent that forced the Chief Justice of this province to resign and say, I don't want to be part of this; you have undermined me. Why did the minister take that action?

[Page 1946]

MARK FUREY « » : One thing I do want to clarify with my colleague: at no time did I instruct the committee to add names. The committee advanced two names. Based on my direction, the department went back in to look at the policies and procedures and processes as laid out in the terms of reference. It was the legal advice and interpretation that was provided to me - the guidance that I receive on a daily basis - from the most senior legal officials in this province. As a result of that, we believe, and I fundamentally believe, that we have applied the process as transparently as possible.

I want to remind my colleague that, as he outlined, I didn't have to strike a committee or ask the committee. We chose to because we wanted to be transparent. As a result of those interpretations and that application, we have appointed a competent Chief Judge of our Provincial Court.

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

EDUC.: TEACHER RETENTION PLAN - IDENTIFY

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, we'll take a break now and turn to education.

My question is for the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. Last month, Educators for Social Justice released a report on their survey of hundreds of teachers in the province. One of the things confirmed by the report is that many of them are actively thinking about leaving the profession and/or leaving the province.

There is already a shortage of teachers and substitutes. The province needs more, not fewer, educators. What is the minister's plan to retain qualified teachers in Nova Scotia?

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Mr. Speaker, Just to remind the member, we've hired 1,300 new people into our education system, over 1,000 of whom were teachers - teachers who I believe were excited to be engaged in a meaningful profession here in Nova Scotia - and hundreds of non-teaching supports as well. We've actually gone through a period of the greatest hiring that this province has seen in a long time.

We now have the highest ratio of teachers to students that we've ever had in the Province of Nova Scotia, at least on record. We now have the most amount of non-teaching supports in the province that we've ever had.

That's not to say that it's an easy job or that it's without challenges, which is why we're doing our very best to increase investment in education. We've done that by about 30 per cent and ensure that all of our great teachers in the system have the supports that they need to give the best education possible to our students.

[Page 1947]

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, those are new positions, not new hires, and the experience on the ground is anything but what the minister tells us. (Interruption) They're new hires, but they're not necessarily new people - my mistake. People are moving laterally and the experience on the ground is that there are not enough teachers, there are not enough substitutes, and there are not enough specialists.

Teachers love what they are doing, but this government's approach to education has left teachers feeling disrespected and demoralized. There's no one who can argue with that. Teacher shortages are a problem across the country. The government here needs to be focused on recruitment and retention soon or teachers will be as scarce as family doctors.

More than half of the teachers who responded to the survey I mentioned before said that the government's legislated contract had not improved their situation or had in fact made things worse, and the public seems to agree. Almost 60 per cent of Nova Scotians believe the government's actions have had a negative impact on the quality of public education.

Will the minister admit that his heavy-handed approach on this file has made the problems in our education system worse?

ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Mr. Speaker, we did go through a difficult contract negotiation that led to a legislated contract, but that's not to say our government hasn't actually acted in the interest of teachers and our students in the system. We have increased investments in education by over $300 million at a time when enrolment has declined. We have implemented class caps. We have hired new positions into the system, 1,300 in total, and we've brought in non-teaching supports for the first time. The feedback we're getting from our regions, from the front lines, is positive.

What's interesting is these increased investments that we've seen, the budgets to hire these new people, have been voted against by the New Democrats. Do you know what budgets they did vote for? Budgets that cut $65 million out of the education system, cut Reading Recovery, and cut 1,100 teaching positions from the system.

Perhaps the member can explain in her next preamble the discrepancy between her voting record in this House and her words in this Chamber.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Inverness.

JUSTICE: CHIEF JUDGE SELECT. - NUMBER OF CANDIDATES

[Page 1948]

ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, a question for the Minister of Justice, I heard the Minister of Justice say that my colleague was not correct, that there were two names advanced by the committee but that's not the case, not originally. Why would the minister suggest that?

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I referenced two names because it was in fact two names that I recalled being part of this discussion and this process. That's why I referenced two names.

ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Perhaps that's not what the minister recalls, but we've tabled information today that proves that there was one name that came forward - just one name, the recommendation by the committee.

Why did the minister not accept the recommendation of the committee for that judge, as was prescribed by the process?

MARK FUREY « » : I take exception to the way my colleague has presented that statement, "as prescribed by the process." The process is much broader, as is outlined in all of the policies and procedures and the terms of reference that outline that appointment process.

Internally within the Department of Justice, this process necessitated me engaging the most senior legal officials in the department to interpret that process and apply it appropriately. That's what we did.

There were two names that were initially advanced. When we looked at the collective circumstances and the incumbent being one of those two names, and the past reappointment of Chief Judges of the Provincial Court, I made a decision, independent of anyone else, to reappoint a competent Chief Judge.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Inverness.

JUSTICE: CHIEF JUDGE SELECT. COM. - TERMS OF REFERENCE

ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, we have the Chief Justice's resignation from the committee as proof that the Chief Justice himself did not feel that the process was followed. Don't look to us in the Opposition to answer this question. The Chief Justice answered it.

The minister said that nobody was instructed by his office as part of the process, but is it not the case that his office instructed the committee to go back and give them another name so that he could appoint the judge he wanted to appoint?

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Actually, Mr. Speaker, that's not correct. In advancing the portfolios of the two candidates, which are required by the terms of reference, the committee did not advance the portfolio of a second candidate. I simply asked for the portfolio of the second name that was part of the process.

[Page 1949]

ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, the committee made a recommendation. The committee was struck to make the recommendation. The minister did not want to take the recommendation, so he instructed the committee to come back to him with another name that he preferred. That undermines the whole process. That is why the Chief Justice resigned from the committee.

That is why the minister has a question to answer that he hasn't answered yet: Why did he interfere in this process?

MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I know how my colleague chooses to frame these questions, and I know exactly what my colleague is trying to achieve. But I need to reassure my colleague that I did not ask for another name. I asked for the portfolio of the second name that was part of the process. I asked, consistent with the terms of reference and the names that were being advanced, for a portfolio. I needed to know that background information in assessing the candidates. I didn't have it. It was my intention to make an informed decision.

I want to remind my colleagues that I didn't have to go through that selection process. I could have arbitrarily reappointed the Chief Judge. (Interruption) I hear heckling from my colleagues at the back. If they understood the process, they would clearly understand what I'm sharing with them. We appointed a competent Chief Judge to head our Provincial Courts.

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

JUSTICE: CHIEF JUDGE SELECT. - RANKING CANDIDATES

TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, the minister tried to be transparent with the selection of the committee, but the problem was, the committee didn't play along. It's a bit of a giggle for the minister to say he wanted the portfolio of the other candidate, who was already the Chief Judge, but apparently the minister needed to see the resumé of that person.

The reality is, two candidates applied. The selection committee picked one and advanced the name. How laughable is it that the minister went back and asked if they could please rank all the applicants? They were ranked. One name was put forward. He wanted the other name on the list so that he could choose from it.

I'd like to ask the minister: Had the minister made up his mind before he struck the selection committee? Was this just a farce to give him some cover that didn't exactly work, or did he consider the recommendation at all.

[Page 1950]

[2:45 p.m.]

HON. MARK FUREY « » : So, Mr. Speaker, why would I advance the work of a committee if I had already made my decision specific to the presiding Judge? Why would I do that? There's a process to follow.

I indicated earlier that it was my intention, and the intention of the Department of Justice, to be transparent in the application of that process, because I recognize how important that position is, Mr. Speaker, to the rule of law and the Province of Nova Scotia.

The committee is incumbent to follow those policies, procedures and terms of reference. The committee was required to provide a portfolio of both candidates and they did not. What I did is, I asked the committee for the portfolio of the second candidate. That is a transparent application of the process and at the end of the process we appointed a competent Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Nova Scotia.

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

PREM. - CHIEF JUSTICE SELECT.: KNOWLEDGE OF - CONFIRM

TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. I want to circle back to what's happening in Ottawa. There has been mounting evidence that the Prime Minister and his office have interfered, or may have interfered, in the judicial system and I think that right here, with the appointment of this Chief Judge, we're trending on very similar ground.

Mr. Speaker, there shouldn't be one second, one second in this province where any judge thinks for a minute, I wonder what the Premier would want? What the minister has done with this process is kind of, sowed that doubt, and that's a shame. We're closer to that situation than ever.

I'd like to ask the Premier: Did the Premier or other members of Cabinet, realize that the minister was undermining the entire process and overruling the recommendation of the selection committee?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. At no time was I involved in this process. I want to commend the Minister of Justice who laid out the process that has been followed by successive governments.

In the terms of reference that the honourable member tabled in this House:

The committee shall submit to the Minister of Justice, a short list of recommended candidates with précis of information about each. The short list will normally contain not fewer than three and no more than six candidates.

[Page 1951]

That's exactly what the Minister of Justice asked for and the only interference this government has ever had in the judiciary, is we tore apart the old boy's club that was put in there by the Tories and NDP, and made it gender equal in Nova Scotia.

TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, two candidates applied, and the Premier would have you believe that the selection committee couldn't report a recommendation unless they put three names forward. Only two people applied. You can't get a list any shorter than two people applied, and this is our recommendation. If the minister needed to see a resume to know who the number two ranking was, then there's bigger problems in this province than what we're talking about right here.

The applicants were ranked. The committee made their selection and the government didn't like it, so in the vein of this government and creating their own old boys' club and back room, they overruled the selection committee and appointed somebody who wasn't on the list.

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank the honourable member for the question. I want to read it to him again, it says that the short list will normally contain. We did not expect people to add names that don't exist.

The fact of the matter is, we appointed Chief Judge Williams to this position under the guidance of the Minister of Justice, who's followed the process and I will put that Minister of Justice's integrity against any member in this House. Let me tell you, he's had a career of applying the law in this province and he's done a tremendous job being Attorney General of the Province of Nova Scotia.

TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, it's not the members of this House that are weighing in on this - it's the Chief Justice of this province that resigned. The Chief Justice made a statement by resigning just two months before he was retiring, saying that that minister undermined the process. That's not us - that's the Chief Justice of the province.

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

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Government House Leader.

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

[Page 1952]

PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 97.

Bill No. 97 - Credit Union Act.

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

HON. KAREN CASEY « » : Mr. Speaker, I move Bill No. 97 be now read for a second time.

Nova Scotians can be confident in the continued safety and stability of the credit union system with the amendments to the Credit Union Act. As full-service financial institutions, credit unions operate under an ownership structure of individual members. We appreciate their unique contributions to the financial sector. These amendments will help maintain strong regulation and oversight of credit unions while strengthening the safety and stability of the system. A regular review and an update is required every seven years to ensure that oversight of the credit union sector remains current and relevant. Changes are intended to modernize and streamline operations and governance.

The review identified changes necessary to update membership rules, improve efficiencies, and align Nova Scotia legislation with the other Atlantic provinces. Since the last review, the federal government changed its legislation and its regulatory framework. Oversight of Atlantic Central, which is a Nova Scotia Incorporated Company, becomes a provincial responsibility. These amendments can clarify provincial oversight of Atlantic Central and membership in Atlantic Central includes 23 credit unions from Nova Scotia for a total of 40 members in Atlantic Central.

Atlantic Central provides the region's credit unions with liquidity, payment, and trade services. In addition, it acts as a trade association for marketing and networking with other provinces and international affiliations. Other changes in this legislation include introducing electronic voting, lowering the membership to age 18 to put credit unions in a more competitive space with our banks, creating the ability to share information across jurisdictions, and enabling permanent residents of Canada to become directors.

We believe updating the Credit Union Act will encourage the spirit of the financial co-op movement and to stimulate greater collaboration of business opportunities. Credit unions have been the backbone of our province, both in rural and urban communities.

I move second reading for Bill No. 97.

[Page 1953]

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable House Leader for the Official Opposition.

ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, we thank the minister for her comments and as I understand, what precipitated this bill was the federal government has chosen to exit this to some degree. The provincial government had to come up with a bill in legislation to backstop, to ensure that all of the regulations were being followed for the credit union as a financial institution.

We're certainly in favour of that because we want to protect consumers and we want to ensure the credit union has the base from which to continue its operations, operations that have a lot of integrity in the province. As the minister said, there are many consumers, many customers around the province both in urban and rural settings. I know in the constituency of Inverness, the credit unions have traditionally played a strong role for consumers who are trying to save money, people who are buying their first home, people needing loans for cars and other assets and, of course, for the small business loan program of the province backstops.

We look forward to this bill passing on to the Law Amendments Committee and hearing any comments the public may have there and we'll revisit it again when it comes back after that.

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

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : I want to thank the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board for bringing forward this bill. We in the NDP love credit unions. They're a great thing and have been an important part of the Canadian community for over 100 years. We've got over 1059 individual credit unions and caisse populaires and we have the highest per capita membership in credit unions here in Canada.

Without getting into detail in all the reasons we love them, we recognize they are under regulation and that regulation needs to be revisited and renewed. We are particularly pleased to hear that managers of credit unions were consulted on this bill and we do look forward to more feedback and consultation when the bill goes to Law Amendments. We were particularly pleased to see both that the age was lowered for membership to allow more people to become part of credit unions, particularly students, and also that permanent residents will be able to participate more fully in these unions in their communities.

With that, we do look forward to hearing from more presenters at Law Amendments, and I'll take my seat.

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

The honourable Minister of Finance and Treasury Board.

[Page 1954]

HON. KAREN CASEY « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker and I do want to say thank you to the members of both the Official Opposition and the NDP for their comments and the support, not only for the credit union movement and establishment in our province, but for this piece of legislation, which provides improvement to the membership and maintains that part of our financial institutions across Nova Scotia that reach out into many rural communities. I appreciate the comments, I appreciate the support. I, too, look forward to this coming back from Law Amendments where people have had a chance to express any concerns or support that they may have. I now close debate on Bill No. 97.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 97. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

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

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 92.

Bill No. 92 - Municipal Government Act and Halifax Regional Municipality Charter.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Municipal Affairs.

HON. CHUCK PORTER « » : Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 92 - an Act to Amend Chapter 18 of the Acts of 1998, the Municipal Government Act, and Chapter 39 of the Acts of 2008, the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter - be now read a second time.

Mr. Speaker, these amendments to the Municipal Government Act and the HRM Charter will mean municipalities will no longer require legislative change to approve spending for a new municipal purpose. They will provide greater flexibility for municipalities to respond to citizens' needs.

Under the current legislation, municipalities can only spend on a list contained in the Municipal Government Act and the HRM Charter. If they wish to spend on goods and services that are not on this list, a legislative amendment is required. This can restrict the services the municipality can offer, or activities they can be involved in, and prevent them from making decisions in a timely manner.

Proposing changes to the legislation can be a lengthy process and only occurs twice per year. For example, in 2012 the list was expanded to allow municipalities to spend on energy efficiency equipment. In 2004, municipalities were allowed to spend on culverts, retaining walls, sidewalks, and curbs associated with private roads. In 2001, a legislation was changed to allow spending on trails. Mr. Speaker, we want to ensure municipalities are able to seize and leverage opportunities without having to come back to the provincial government for approval through a legislative change.

[Page 1955]

With these amendments, municipalities will be able to spend for municipal purposes, and within their approved budgets without the delay of having to seek legislative changes. For example, with these amendments, municipalities can choose to become involved in broadband projects. This will, in turn, enable municipal leaders to act in a timelier manner. It will also create administrative efficiencies. These changes will not impact municipalities' accountability nor the requirement to be transparent. Municipalities remain fully accountable to their citizens for how their budgets are spent and we will still be required to spend within the budget approved by council.

All other legislative requirements for municipal spending also remain in place to ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability are maintained at the municipal level. In other words, rather than limiting what municipalities can spend on, as we do now, we will move to only prescribing the things they are not permitted to spend on. For example, municipalities will not be permitted to provide a tax grant or other form of direct financial assistance to a business or an industry as outlined in the MGA.

[3:00 p.m.]

Mr. Speaker, our mandate at Municipal Affairs is to ensure Nova Scotians have a strong, vibrant, and sustainable local government, municipalities that are ready to seize social and economic opportunities. To help us achieve this vision, we must continue to modernize our legislation.

The amendments bring Nova Scotia in line with other Canadian jurisdictions such as Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island, where broad powers are granted with respect to expenditures. Through collaboration with our partners at the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities and the Association of Municipal Administrators Nova Scotia, we're implementing sound legislation and programs that support good governance, accountability, and effective planning.

These amendments are another step forward in our work to modernize the legislation governing municipalities. In doing so, we are creating more empowered and autonomous local governments that have more freedom to consider new and innovative ways to provide programs and services to Nova Scotians.

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

LISA ROBERTS « » : Mr. Speaker, it's a pleasure to rise and speak briefly to Bill No. 92. I welcome and support this legislation and will be looking forward to hearing any concerns that are flagged at Law Amendments Committee, but I certainly think that this bill is a step in the right direction. I know, as I'm sure many members of this House are aware, that municipalities and the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities have been advocating for this sort of change and this flexibility in spending for quite some time.

[Page 1956]

While I'm supportive of the bill and I'm supportive of the province really evolving into a more, I think, respectful and more equal and more collaborative approach to our relationship with municipalities, I just want to recognize that this bill is only one step in that direction. While this will allow municipalities to engage in spending without having to ask permission each time it wants to add sort of a different category of expenditures, the province is still absurdly restrictive in areas, for example, related to the new Traffic Safety Act. That is something that was not changed when it was modified from the old Motor Vehicle Act.

Municipalities can still not set speed limits on municipal roads, for example, and certainly in my constituency and in many others, many others sort of primarily urban and town constituencies, there have been citizens clamoring, you know, can we post that this road is 30 kilometres an hour? Well, no, you can't, and it doesn't matter if your whole municipal council is in agreement. Effectively, the province does not allow municipalities to have that power, and we know that municipalities are the closest level of government to citizens and, really, they are so fundamental to creating livable and especially walkable communities.

I welcome - really, truly, welcome - this change and hope that it is the first of many steps. I think also in terms of places where the province still has to go and I think of the recent announcement which by and large is positive of the province's decision to give some greater funding to provincial libraries, to libraries across the province, but that announcement came with sort of an announcement, not negotiation and apparently not even notice given to municipalities that, oh yes, and you're also expected to pony up to almost the same amount of money as the province is putting in.

You know, the province is putting in $2 million and saying municipalities "shall" give more than $1.5 million, if I'm recalling the numbers correctly, and we know the municipalities have fewer mechanisms for raising funds and to do that, to saddle them with that late in the year, just at the beginning of a new budget process or a new fiscal year, is very, for me, almost disrespectful - disrespectful of the challenges that many Nova Scotia municipalities are facing.

I will never miss an opportunity to repeat the province needs to be listening more and needs to be in real dialogue with the folks who are showing leadership in many different locations across this province, be it non-profit agencies, be it citizens' groups, and in this case, municipalities.

In particular, our rural municipalities are facing funding and viability challenges that the province needs to do a lot more to address, but particularly when it comes to this bill - Bill No. 92 ­- I'm in support. I'll look forward to maybe having more to say on third reading and certainly to hearing comments at Law Amendments Committee.

[Page 1957]

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

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Thank you for the opportunity to speak on an Act to Amend Chapter 18 of the Acts of 1998, the Municipal Government Act, and Chapter 39 of the Acts of 2008, the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter, which was introduced on March 5^th by the Minister of Municipal Affairs.

The MGA and HRM Charters allow each municipal government to manage their own budget, both operating expenses and long-term capital planning. The amendments will provide greater autonomy for each of the 50 municipalities in Nova Scotia.

The Act restates the purposes of a municipality, which are to "(a) provide good government; (b) provide services, facilities and other things that, in the opinion of the council, are necessary or desirable for all or part of the municipality; and (c) develop and maintain safe and viable communities."

The Act is amended by adding "this Act must be interpreted broadly in accordance with the purpose of this Act" to Section 14. This additional wording does make one ponder what is being considered.

The minister spoke in the news briefing about broadband Internet during the release. Improving broadband Internet is an urgent need for both businesses and residential use throughout Nova Scotia. Residents will certainly support this work being done; however, I can guarantee that municipal councils do not have money budgeted for this expense.

The lack of broadband Internet is hurting economic development throughout Nova Scotia, but will the costs of Internet infrastructure be downloaded to municipal governments? What will the expectation be? What are the plans of the minister?

The bill is also amended in Subsection 31 by striking out "budget is" and substituting "operating and capital budgets are." Why was this necessary to amend? Are there hidden capital projects being proposed in the forthcoming future - hidden projects like broadband, a CFL stadium, perhaps, or a port in Sydney? Just questions I would like the minister to answer in the future.

The bill repeals Section 65. New content is added which includes "the municipality may only spend money for municipal purposes if . . . the expenditure is included in the municipality's operating budget or capital budget or is otherwise authorized by the municipality," and more additions allowing municipalities to have monies from operating budgets to capital budgets, providing the expenditure does not affect the total amounts estimated for the operating budget and the capital budget.

[Page 1958]

These changes to the Act certainly open municipalities to less oversight and less accountability by the Department of Municipal Affairs.

A news release from the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities applauds the new level of autonomy. In fact, feedback from some counsellors said this bill does not go far enough, citing natural person powers and mentioning that this is the direction that many municipalities would like to see the government go toward.

There are many provincial governments in Canada that have actually gone that route, including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Quebec, to name a few. I am wondering if that's the direction our Minister of Municipal Affairs is heading toward. Is that what they mean when they talk about municipal modernization? Should the municipalities expect natural person powers in the future?

The bill has also changed Subsection 66(4) by adding, under the title "Power to borrow money," municipalities may contribute to a capital grant to a hospital, to which the Hospital Act applies. The bill has changed Section 75, titled "Area rates and uniform charges," by adding, "For greater certainty, an expenditure under subsection (1) may include a contribution to a hospital to which the Hospital Act applies."

My question to the minister is: Why is this included in the bill? Will municipal governments be expected to pay for capital costs of hospitals in Nova Scotia? Will municipal governments be adding area rates for new hospitals? Will the provincial government be downloading health care capital costs to municipalities? If yes, which hospitals in the province? In my own constituency of Cumberland North, the Pugwash hospital? The new QEII in HRM? I think we would like to have some answers on the reason for that amendment in the bill.

The bill changes Subsection 81, "Bylaw regarding payment of charges," by repealing (a) and (b), which includes removing "wastewater facilities or stormwater systems, the use of wastewater facilities or stormwater systems and connecting to wastewater facilities or stormwater systems," and "(b) expenditures incurred for the wastewater management system in a wastewater management district." It substitutes with "(a) energy-efficiency equipment; (b) renewable energy equipment; and (c) equipment for the supply, use, storage or conservation of water."

Can the minister provide examples of these three types of equipment? Does it include biomass heat energy for municipal buildings, or is it only pertaining to waste water management?

The bill also repeals Subsection 172A "Acquisition of vacant buildings . . . (6) The council may spend money under Section 65 to acquire the property and improve it." I assume this is repealed only because Section 65 has also been repealed, but it would be nice to have confirmation of that.

[Page 1959]

The remainder of the bill has similar changes applicable to the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter. There is one additional change with Subsection 104A in respect to the Cogswell District Energy Boundary. If the Minister of Municipal Affairs had an opportunity, it would be interesting to know more about this item. It is encouraging to see this bill endorsed by the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities. It is interesting, as a former businesswoman, the speed of government, the slow speed of government.

The news release by the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities referenced that they identified the need for broadband initiatives as a top priority in 2016. Three years later, we have a change to the MGA and HRM charter, which will enable municipalities to engage in the financial business of making these needed improvements. It's no wonder that citizens sometimes get discouraged with our government, with our slowness, and lack of efficiency.

I appreciate having the opportunity to speak to this bill. Our caucus would like to learn more about the purposes of the changes and look forward to hearing that in future discussions.

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

The honourable Minister of Municipal Affairs.

HON. CHUCK PORTER « » : I thank my honourable colleagues for their comments this afternoon, and with that, I move to close debate on second reading of Bill No. 92.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 92. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

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

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 95.

Bill No. 95 - Emergency "911" Act.

[3:15 p.m.]

[Page 1960]

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Municipal Affairs.

HON. CHUCK PORTER « » : Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 95 be now read for a second time.

I introduced amendments to the Legislature on March 5^th. Nova Scotia was the first province in Canada to implement a province-wide 911 system. The Act establishes the 911 as the primary emergency telephone number for use in the province and implements a province-wide system for the reporting of emergencies to emergency service agencies.

The 911 number helps Nova Scotians who are experiencing an emergency to connect to the most appropriate services closest to them. A modern and effective 911 service works with first responder partners to provide timely help to Nova Scotians when they need it - whether it be police, fire or ambulance.

Under the Emergency 911 Cost Recovery Fee Regulations, a fund was created in 2001 to support the operation of the 911 system. Nova Scotians have paid into the 911 cost recovery fund and they should benefit from it by having a strengthened 911 system. In Nova Scotia we pay a fee of 43 cents per month on our telephone bills which goes directly into this fund. Let me be clear, we will not be increasing the 43 cent fee. Most provinces charge telephone subscribers a small monthly fee to maintain and enhance 911 systems.

The changes we are proposing to the Emergency 911 Act will help make more services available to Nova Scotians during emergencies and severe weather events. The changes will expand the mandate of the fund to complement the 911 service and will be outlined in amendments to the regulations. Similar changes were made in New Brunswick in 2011.

With more frequent and significant weather events impacting Nova Scotia, the Emergency Management Office is working with the municipalities to prepare more comprehensive approaches to planning and coordinating of emergency services. We will work with our municipal partners to identify ways to strengthen emergency preparedness activities. We will also be able to use a portion of the fund to make sure comfort centres are equipped to meet the needs of Nova Scotians during emergency events.

Comfort centres provide services to citizens during prolonged weather events, power outages and/or an emergency. For example, this may include providing satellite phones or helping provide enhanced cellphone charging services for citizens during prolonged weather events or emergencies in comfort centres.

Once we have amended the legislation and regulations, we will work with stakeholders and department staff to develop programming around the delivery of this initiative. First and foremost, the primary purpose of the fund will continue to be to support the 911 service in Nova Scotia.

[Page 1961]

Our most recent upgrade to the 911 service was completed last March. The fee paid by Nova Scotians on their telephone bills was used to make these upgrades to the 911 service. I assure Nova Scotians there will always be sufficient resources in the fund to address equipment upgrades and maintenance of the 911 technology and service centres. We will continue to ensure the system responds to the needs of Nova Scotians when they need it during emergencies.

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

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Thank you for the opportunity to speak on Bill No. 95, An Act to Amend Chapter 4 of the Acts of 1992, the Emergency "911" Act which was introduced on March 5^th by the Minister of Municipal Affairs.

The Minister of Municipal Affairs stated that Bill No. 95 will help make more services available to Nova Scotians during emergencies and severe weather events. The Act is amended by adding the coordination of emergency services. Why was this addition needed? The Act currently states the purpose is to implement a province-wide system, would this not also include coordination of the system. Were there problems that led to this amendment needing to be made?

The Act also was amended by changing the Act to fall under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Municipal Affairs, removing the responsibility of the Minister of Justice. What was the reason for this change? How long has this been under the jurisdiction of Municipal Affairs before making this formal change.

There was also an addition to Section 3, Nova Scotia 911 service means a province-wide system for the coordination of emergency services including emergency preparedness activities and the reporting of emergencies to an emergency service agency through a public safety answering point.

During the news briefing for this bill, the Minister of Municipal Affairs stated this "will help make more services available to Nova Scotians during emergencies and severe weather events. This may include providing comfort centres with satellite phones or helping provide enhanced cell phone charging services for citizens during prolonged weather events or emergencies."

In studying this Act, along with the Emergency Management Act, there now appears to be some duplication. The Emergency Management Act is an Act to Provide for Prompt and Co-ordinated Response to a State of Emergency. In this Act, in Section 8, it states the purpose is "procure food, clothing, medicines, equipment and goods of any nature or kind for the purposes of emergencies;" This Act, the Emergency Management Act, is also under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Justice yet managed under the Minister of Municipal Affairs and that department.

[Page 1962]

May I ask the Minister of Municipal Affairs: Is there duplication between these two Acts and does that create some challenges for staff? What other services will the minister be bringing forth other than comfort centres? Will the money be provided to municipalities to provide the comfort centres and what other emergency services are being planned?

The Act is also amended by striking out "and implementation in a reasonable and timely manner of a Province-wide '911' emergency telephone system" replacing with the words "establishment and implementation of an NS 911 service". I'm wondering why we're removing the words "reasonable and timely manner."

The Act also under Regulations, Section 14 was repealed. It states "The Governor in Council may make regulations (ea) respecting any matter necessary or advisable for the establishment of fees to recover costs for any services or materials provided in the course of the administration of this Act or the regulations;" and is replaced with the Governor in Council may make regulations respecting any matter necessary or advisable for the establishment of fees to - and this is the new part - support the development, establishment, implementation, and maintenance of a 911 service. Why was the addition of these words, development, establishment, implementation, and maintenance of a 911 service needed?

During the news briefing, the Minister of Municipal Affairs says that there is a significant surplus in the emergency 911 cost recovery fund. I believe it was stated that the surplus sits around $8 million, which is basically having approximately $500,000, a year, in surplus. Currently, the department charges 43 cents to every phone line in Nova Scotia. One can assume that the changes over the years from having one traditional phone line in your home to having multiple phones per family, have led to the surplus.

Mr. Speaker, I am confident that most Nova Scotians feel overtaxed. And since there is a surplus, I'm wondering did the minister and his department consider reducing the fees, which would reduce taxes on Nova Scotians. In discussing this situation with my colleagues, we would like the minister to consider lowering the fees and also ask the minister to consider using the surplus to enhance cellphone service across the province.

The 911 service is supposed to be province-wide as stated in the Act in Section 2. Yet, we know there are too many areas of this province that do not have 911 service on their cellphone. Yet, each cellphone line is being charged a fee to pay for the 911 service. My colleague from Pictou West had a citizen call 911 in an emergency and the call went to a cellphone tower in P.E.I. This lack of 911 service to this man in Pictou led to a significant delay in him receiving emergency services. I ask the Minister of Municipal Affairs to consider using the money collected on phone lines to increase cellphone coverage by adding infrastructure of cellphone towers throughout rural Nova Scotia - $8 million would make a significant impact.

During the news briefing, the Minister of Municipal Affairs did state he is planning to strengthen emergency preparedness activities. I encourage the minister to speak with his counterparts in municipalities about current deficiencies in availability and emergency management training. The training is not always available based on the needs of municipalities. Having an effective and efficient 911 emergency service includes emergency preparedness activities and this is essential for the people of Nova Scotia.

[Page 1963]

I do want to thank the Minister of Municipal Affairs and the staff in his department for their work on this Act and our caucus looks forward to hearing the responses to our questions and to our suggestions of Bill No. 95. Thank you.

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

LISA ROBERTS « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the government for bringing forward this bill. I am interested and I'm sure that the opportunity to understand this better will present itself through Law Amendments, and maybe also in some more conversations in the halls about why these changes and why now.

I think it's interesting, the context that the Minister of Municipal Affairs has given because frankly it's the closest I've heard to this government talk about preparation for the real impacts of climate change and the increase in severe weather events. In the time that I have been in this Chamber we've had the drought in southwestern Nova Scotia, which has required a lot of response from municipalities certainly in terms of providing drinking water, and we've had the floods in Cape Breton.

So, certainly I think this is the right time to be looking at our systems and thinking about how we're going to make sure that those systems are ready to respond to the eventualities that we cannot envision in this moment, but which we should anticipate will arrive. I'll say on a sort of personal, citizen level, I'm looking forward to this opportunity to understand better the interplay between 911, EMO and EHS. Maybe I'll get to see my former colleague from Sackville-Cobequid appear at Law Amendments Committee, I don't know. But I remember when Dave Wilson announced that he was moving to a job at 911, I thought it was directly related to his previous work as a paramedic, only to discover that no, 911 and EHS are quite separate.

That to me is interesting and I think that there's going to be a bit of a learning process through the Law Amendments process and through the debate on this bill. Again, I welcome this as an indication that certainly within the Public Service and within the Department of Municipal Affairs there's recognition that this is the time to be ensuring that our systems are ready. So, I look forward to further discussion as this bill moves forward.

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

The honourable Minister of Municipal Affairs.

HON. CHUCK PORTER « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my honourable colleagues opposite for their comments on today's debate. With that, I would move to close debate on second reading of Bill No. 95.

[Page 1964]

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 95. 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.

KEITH IRVING « » : Mr. Speaker, this concludes government business for today.

I move that the House do now rise to sit again tomorrow, Friday, March 8, 2019, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Business will include second reading of Bill Nos. 99 and 101, and with time permitting we will move to Address in Reply.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is for the House to adjourn to rise again tomorrow, Friday, March 8, 2019, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

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

The motion is carried.

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

[The House rose at 3:29 p.m.]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

[Page 1965]

RESOLUTION NO. 747

By: Hon. Iain Rankin (Timberlea-Prospect)

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

Whereas this past Thanksgiving, instead of giving thanks vandals dumped buckets of white paint and wrote vulgar messages on the memorial in Point Pleasant Park that honours the 3,267 service men and women who died in the First World War; and

Whereas Ben Hovinga, a member of the Armed Forces, couldn't bear the thought of seeing names of Canada's dead war heroes covered in graffiti, at his own initiative, stepped forward himself and called on others to help remove the paint; and

Whereas this is not an isolated instance of Mr. Hovinga's service to the community, as a former resident of Timberlea, he also serves as a director of both the BLT Rails to Trails and the BLT Today organization.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Ben Hovinga for his participation in creating a better community.

RESOLUTION NO. 748

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Rosemary Marshall of Potlotek deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Rosemary Marshall, having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 749

[Page 1966]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Joseph Frederick Mombourquette of Rockdale deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Joseph Frederick Mombourquette, having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 750

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Joseph Roger Boudreau of Arichat deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Joseph Roger Boudreau, having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 751

[Page 1967]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Kenneth Joseph Fougere of Arichat deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Kenneth Joseph Fougere, having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 752

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Lorna Lucy George of Arichat deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Lorna Lucy George, having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 753

[Page 1968]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Mabel Louise MacDonald of Port Hawkesbury deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Mabel Louise MacDonald, having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 754

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Maizie Ann Matheson of Petit de Grat deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Maizie Ann Matheson, having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 755

[Page 1969]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Margaret Rose Bona of L'Ardoise deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Margaret Rose Bona, having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 756

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Mary Bernice LaRade of Sampsonville deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Mary Bernice LaRade, having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 757

[Page 1970]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Mary Catheline Samson of Little Anse deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Mary Catheline Samson, having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 758

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Mary Catherine Laben of West L'Ardoise deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Mary Catherine Laben, having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 759

[Page 1971]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Mary Doris MacDougall of Port Hawkesbury deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Mary Doris MacDougall, having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 760

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Mary Irene Boudreau of Port Hawkesbury/Petit de Grat deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Mary Irene Boudreau, having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 761

[Page 1972]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Mary Joan Landry of Little Anse deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Mary Joan Landry, having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 762

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Mary Lorraine Richard of Arichat deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Mary Lorraine Richard, having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 763

[Page 1973]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Mary Priscilla Samson of Petit de Grat deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Mary Priscilla Samson, having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 764

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Michael Gerard Cooper of Kempt Road deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Michael Gerard Cooper, having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 765

[Page 1974]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Michael Joseph "Mike" Davenport of Port Hawkesbury deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Michael Joseph "Mike" Davenport, having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 766

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Peter Gaston Gaudet of Arichat deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Peter Gaston Gaudet, having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 767

[Page 1975]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Peter Gordon Boudreau of Petit-de-Grat deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Peter Gordon Boudreau, having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 768

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas R. Lionel Pottie of River Bourgeois deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of R. Lionel Pottie, having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 769

[Page 1976]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Rodney Gregory Wall of St. George's Channel deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Rodney Gregory Wall, having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 770

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Ronald "Alfred" Martell of Rockdale deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Ronald "Alfred" Martell, having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 771

[Page 1977]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Stella Marie Pellerine of Arichat deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Stella Marie Pellerine, having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 772

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Susan Lavandier of Arichat deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Susan Lavandier, having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 773

[Page 1978]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Thomas Stanley MacLean of The Points deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Thomas Stanley MacLean, having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 774

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Violet (Groom) Chisholm of Grand Greve deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Violet (Groom) Chisholm, having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 775

[Page 1979]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Vivian Marie Sampson of Louisdale deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Vivian Marie Sampson, having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 776

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Wanda Elizabeth Burke of River Bourgeois deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Wanda Elizabeth Burke, having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 777

[Page 1980]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas William "Bill" Adie of West Arichat deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of William "Bill" Adie, having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 778

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Albenie Alex Boudreau of Louisdale deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Albenie Alex Boudreau, having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 779

[Page 1981]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Alfred Remie Boudreau of Martnique deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Alfred Remie Boudreau, having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 780

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Angus Alexander MacEachern of Port Hawkesbury deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Angus Alexander MacEachern, having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 781

[Page 1982]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Ann Marie MacNeil-Landry of River Bourgeois deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Ann Marie MacNeil-Landry, having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 782

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Audrey Mary McNamara of Port Hawkesbury deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Audrey Mary McNamara, having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 783

[Page 1983]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Blanche Arthanse Sampson of Louisdale deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Blanche Arthanse Sampson, having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 784

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Camilla Ann 'Millie' (MacCormack) MacDonald of Port Hawkesbury deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Camilla Ann 'Millie' (MacCormack) MacDonald, having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 785

[Page 1984]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Carmella Diane Clannon of Petit-de-Grat deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Carmella Diane Clannon, having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 786

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Cecil Alexander Landry of Louisdale deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Cecil Alexander Landry, having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 787

[Page 1985]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Charles Peter McManus of L'Ardoise deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Charles Peter McManus, having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 788

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Daniel Bartholomew "Danny Boy" Sampson of Louisdale/St Peter's deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Daniel Bartholomew "Danny Boy" Sampson, having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 789

[Page 1986]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas David Burton "Buddy" Hull of St. George's Channel deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of David Burton "Buddy" Hull, having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 790

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas David Willard Boudreau of West Arichat deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of David Willard Boudreau, having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 791

[Page 1987]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Don Cornell of Louisdale deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Don Cornell, having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 792

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Donald Ivan 'Donnie' MacKay of St. George's Channel deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Donald Ivan 'Donnie' MacKay, having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 793

[Page 1988]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Dorothy Mary Sampson of St. Peter's deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Dorothy Mary Sampson, having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 794

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Ellen Jane Samson of Louisdale deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Ellen Jane Samson, having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 795

[Page 1989]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Gerald Thomas Casey of River Bourgeois deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Gerald Thomas Casey, having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 796

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Gordon Hill Paterson of Port Hawkesbury deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Gordon Hill Paterson, having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 797

[Page 1990]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Gregory Bernard Buckley of River Bourgeois deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Gregory Bernard Buckley, having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 798

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Harriet Christine MacNeil of St. Peter's deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Harriet Christine MacNeil, having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 799

[Page 1991]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Hazel Violet MacDonald of Port Hawkesbury deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Hazel Violet MacDonald, having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 800

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Helen Blanche Boudreau of Port Royal deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on her family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Helen Blanche Boudreau, having her name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 801

[Page 1992]

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas Herman Angus Burke of Port Hawkesbury deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of Herman Angus Burke, having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 802

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas John Earl "Jackie" Hopkins of Louisdale deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of John Earl "Jackie" Hopkins, having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 803

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas John 'Jack' Mercer of Port Hawkesbury deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of John 'Jack' Mercer, having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

RESOLUTION NO. 804

By: Alana Paon (Cape Breton-Richmond)

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

Whereas any loss of life is tragic and imparts upon family and friends feelings of emptiness and loneliness; and

Whereas John Louis Gaudet of Janvrin's Island deserves all the respect and honour we have to give for a life that touched so many people and left a lasting impression on his family and community; and

Whereas as we mourn, we also celebrate the contributions of the life, love and memory of all residents, past and present, of Cape Breton-Richmond.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly honour and commemorate the life of John Louis Gaudet, having his name forever written as historical record in the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.

[Page 1993]